The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released its tentative Annual Calendar for the year 2026-27. The calendar, published on January 8, 2026, provides a confirmed roadmap for major national-level exams like CGL, CHSL, MTS, and GD Constable.
For students, this is the most critical document of the year. It confirms that the commission is operating in “Mission Mode,” with very short gaps between notifications and exams. If you are aiming for a central government job this year, your preparation timeline starts today.
SSC Exam Calendar 2026: Key Highlights
The new schedule reveals that the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) and Junior Engineer (JE) exams will kickstart the recruitment cycle in March.
Here is the month-wise breakdown of the biggest exams:
| Exam Name | Notification Date (Tentative) | Exam Month (Tentative) |
| SSC CGL 2026 | March 2026 | May – June 2026 |
| SSC JE (Civil/Mech/Elect) 2026 | March 2026 | May – June 2026 |
| SSC CHSL (10+2) 2026 | April 2026 | July – September 2026 |
| SSC Stenographer (C & D) 2026 | April 2026 | August – September 2026 |
| SSC CPO (Delhi Police SI) 2026 | May 2026 | October – November 2026 |
| SSC MTS (Non-Tech) 2026 | June 2026 | September – November 2026 |
| SSC GD Constable 2027 | September 2026 | January – March 2027 |
Analysis: What This Means for Aspirants
1. CGL Aspirants Have Less Time
Usually, students expect the CGL exam later in the year. However, with the notification coming in March and the exam in May/June, you only have about 4-5 months from now.
- Strategy: Finish your syllabus by March end. Use April and May strictly for mock tests.
2. The “Double” GD Dhamaka
This calendar clarifies a major confusion regarding the SSC GD Constable exam. There are essentially two cycles active right now:
- Cycle 1 (GD 2025): The exam for the previous notification starts on February 23, 2026.
- Cycle 2 (GD 2027): The new notification listed in this calendar will come in September 2026.
- Good News: If you miss the mark in the February exam, you have a second chance coming in September.
3. Consistency in CHSL and MTS
The schedule for CHSL (April) and MTS (June) follows the traditional pattern. This allows 12th-pass and 10th-pass candidates to plan a sequential study strategy, focusing on CGL/CHSL first and then moving to MTS.
Important Steps to Take Now
- Download the Official PDF: Do not rely on screenshots. Visit ssc.gov.in and download the “Tentative Calendar of Examinations 2026-27” PDF.
- Complete OTR: The SSC has moved to a new website (
ssc.gov.in). If you haven’t done your One Time Registration (OTR) yet, do it immediately. You cannot apply for any exam without it. - Check Eligibility: Age limits and educational qualifications are usually calculated as of August 1st or January 1st of the exam year. Keep your documents ready.
Why Is This Calendar Important?
In the past, SSC exams were often delayed by months or even years. The release of this calendar in early January signals that the government intends to fill vacancies rapidly before the next fiscal year ends. It brings predictability to the life of a student, allowing them to book coaching, buy books, and plan their year effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When will the SSC CGL 2026 notification be released?
The notification for SSC CGL 2026 is tentatively scheduled for March 2026.
Q2. Is the SSC GD Constable exam postponed?
No. The ongoing SSC GD exam (2025 cycle) begins on February 23, 2026. The next SSC GD notification (2027 cycle) will be released in September 2026.
Q3. Where can I download the new SSC Calendar 2026?
You can download the official calendar PDF from the “Latest News” section of the SSC website: ssc.gov.in.
Q4. When is the SSC MTS 2026 exam?
The SSC MTS 2026 exam is scheduled to be held between September and November 2026.
Q5. Has the exam pattern changed for 2026?
The calendar only provides dates. Detailed exam patterns will be available in the individual notifications released for each exam (e.g., in March for CGL).