SSC Eligibility Criteria 2026: Post-Wise Qualification, Age Limit & Relaxation Rules
To secure appointment to premier Central Civil Service posts recruited by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), candidates must strictly satisfy the statutory eligibility norms established under Government of India recruitment rules. SSC categorizes eligibility conditions across educational qualifications, age limits, nationality, and medical/physical standards. Before submitting online applications on https://ssc.gov.in/, review this authoritative guide, and check active vacancies on our SSC Recruitment 2026 Hub.
Educational Qualification Norms by Examination Cadre
| Examination | Minimum Educational Qualification | Special Requirements / Discipline | Crucial Cutoff Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) | Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University in any discipline. | For Junior Statistical Officer (JSO): Bachelor's Degree with at least 60% in Mathematics at 12th standard, or Bachelor's with Statistics as a subject. | Must possess degree certificate on or before the closing date. |
| SSC CHSL (10+2 Level) | Passed 12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board. | For DEO Grade A in C&AG: 12th Standard in Science stream with Mathematics as a subject. | As prescribed in notification. |
| SSC CPO (Sub-Inspector in DP & CAPFs) | Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University. | For Delhi Police SI (Male): Valid Driving License for LMV (Motorcycle and Car) on date of PET/PST. | Degree completed by cutoff date. |
| SSC JE (Junior Engineer) | Degree or 3-Year Diploma in Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering. | Diploma holders require 2 years of relevant experience for MES and BRO cadres. | Diploma/Degree verified at DV. |
| SSC MTS & Havaldar | Matriculation (10th Pass) from a recognized Board. | Havaldar post requires Physical Efficiency Test (Walking: 1600m in 15 mins for males, 1km in 20 mins for females). | 10th passing certificate date. |
| SSC GD Constable | Matriculation (10th Class Pass) from a recognized Board/University. | Must fulfill strict physical measurement and medical standards (Height: 170cm male, 157cm female). | Cutoff date as per gazette. |
Age Limits & Statutory Relaxations
Age requirements are measured as of the crucial date specified in each official advertisement (typically 1st January or 1st August):
- SSC CGL Age Brackets:
- 18 to 27 Years: Tax Assistant, Auditor, UDC, Junior Accountant.
- 18 to 30 Years: Inspector of Income Tax, Central Excise/GST Inspector, Preventive Officer, Examiner, ASO (CSS/IB/AFHQ).
- 20 to 30 Years: Assistant Section Officer (MEA).
- 18 to 32 Years: Junior Statistical Officer (JSO).
- SSC CHSL: 18 to 27 Years for all posts.
- SSC CPO: 20 to 25 Years for Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs.
- SSC MTS: 18 to 25 Years (General MTS) and 18 to 27 Years (Havaldar & select MTS cadres).
- SSC GD Constable: 18 to 23 Years.
Government of India Age Relaxations
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 Years upper age relaxation (Valid Central OBC Certificate required).
- SC / ST: 5 Years upper age relaxation.
- PwBD (General / EWS): 10 Years relaxation.
- PwBD (OBC): 13 Years relaxation.
- PwBD (SC / ST): 15 Years relaxation.
- Ex-Servicemen (ESM): 3 Years relaxation after deducting military service from actual age.
- Central Government Civilian Employees: Up to 40 years of age for Group C posts (45 years for SC/ST) with at least 3 years regular continuous service.
Review newly announced vacancies, age limit relaxation calculators, notification PDFs, and direct links to the official ssc.gov.in portal.
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