SSC CGL age limit 2026 at a glance
| Age band | Born between (both inclusive) | Posts |
|---|---|---|
| 18–27 | 02-08-1999 – 01-08-2008 | Group C: Auditor, Accountant/Junior Accountant, Postal/Sorting Assistant, SSA/UDC, Tax Assistant (CBDT/CBIC), SI CBN |
| 18–30 | 02-08-1996 – 01-08-2008 | AAO/AAcO, ASO in IB & MeitY, Inspectors (Income Tax, CBIC, Posts, CBN), AEO, Assistant, Research Assistant, Divisional Accountant, SI NIA, SI/JIO NCB |
| 20–30 | 02-08-1996 – 01-08-2006 | ASO in CSS, Railways, MEA, AFHQ; Sub Inspector in CBI |
| 18–32 | 02-08-1994 – 01-08-2008 | Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) only |
Crucial date: 1 August 2026 (DoP&T OM No. 14017/70/87-Estt.(RR) dated 14.07.1988). Relaxation: OBC +3 · SC/ST +5 · PwBD +10 (stacks on top) · EWS none · Ex-Servicemen: 3 years after deducting military service. Source: SSC CGL 2026 Notice, Para 5.
Why the crucial date matters more than your age today
Commissions do not measure your age when you fill the form or sit the paper. They measure it on one fixed day — the crucial date printed in the notification. A birthday two weeks after the crucial date belongs to the next cycle, not this one. And they count completed years: turning the limit age on the crucial date itself puts you out unless the notification states the limit is inclusive.
How to check your eligibility
- Enter the date of birth printed on your Class 10 / Matriculation certificate — that is the only document commissions accept.
- Keep the crucial date as shown (change it only if you are testing a different notification cycle).
- Pick your category so the relaxation is added to the upper limit correctly.
- Read the verdict, then confirm it against the official notification before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
What is the SSC CGL 2026 age limit?
It depends on the post: 18–27, 18–30, 20–30 or 18–32, all counted as on 1 August 2026.
Which SSC CGL posts am I eligible for?
Enter your date of birth and category; each of the four post bands is checked separately, so you can clear some posts and not others.
Does EWS get age relaxation in SSC CGL?
No. EWS is an economic category and carries no additional age relaxation in the CGL notice.
How is PwBD relaxation applied?
10 years on top of the upper limit, and it stacks with the OBC (+3) or SC/ST (+5) relaxation.
What is the crucial date for SSC CGL 2026?
1 August 2026, as fixed in the notice under the DoP&T OM cited above.
Can I change my date of birth later?
No. The DOB in the online form and in your Matriculation/Secondary certificate is final; no change request is entertained.