The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) holds the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) exam every year to hire candidates for Group B and Group C jobs in central government departments. One of the most preferred posts under this exam is Tax Assistant, which comes under the Income Tax Department (CBDT) and Customs & GST Department (CBIC). People like this job because it offers job security, a fixed work routine, and good career growth.
As of December 2025, SSC has not yet released the official notification for SSC CGL 2026. However, looking at past years, the notification is expected to come out around June 2026. This article explains the expected details of Tax Assistant recruitment through SSC CGL 2026 based on previous trends.
SSC CGL Tax Assistant Recruitment 2026
SSC usually follows almost the same schedule every year. In 2025, the notification was released in June, applications were accepted till early July, and Tier 1 exams were held in September. Following this pattern, the SSC CGL 2026 notification is likely to be released in June 2026.
Online applications may close by early July 2026. Tier 1 exam is expected in August or September 2026, and Tier 2 exam may be held in December 2026. The official exam calendar for 2026–27 will likely be released by SSC in May or June 2026. Candidates should regularly check ssc.gov.in for updates.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for Tax Assistant through SSC CGL 2026:
- Education: You must have a Bachelor’s degree in any subject from a recognized university. Final-year students can also apply if they complete their degree before the given date.
- Age Limit: 18 to 27 years (as on August 1, 2026).
Age relaxation is available:- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- PwD: up to 10 years
- Nationality: Indian citizens or eligible candidates from Nepal, Bhutan, or approved migrant categories.
No prior knowledge of tax laws is required. Basic computer knowledge is enough.
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Selection Process
The selection process follows the standard SSC CGL pattern:
- Tier 1: Online exam with questions from Reasoning, General Awareness, Maths, and English.
- Tier 2: Main exam covering the same subjects in more detail.
- DEST (Skill Test): Mandatory for Tax Assistant. You need to type 8,000 key depressions per hour in English. This is only a qualifying test.
Final selection is based on Tier 2 marks, while DEST is qualifying only.
SSC CGL Tax Assistant Salary
Tax Assistants are paid under Pay Level 4 of the 7th Pay Commission.
- Basic Pay: ₹25,500 per month
- In-hand Salary: Around ₹35,000 to ₹45,000 (depending on city)
The job mainly includes office work like data entry, file handling, assisting officers, and basic tax-related tasks.
- In CBDT, work is related to income tax
- In CBIC, work is related to GST and customs
With experience and departmental exams, promotions to posts like Tax Inspector are possible.
SSC CGL Tax Assistant Vacancy 2026 Details
The exact number of vacancies will be announced with the notification. In SSC CGL 2025, a total of 14,582 posts were announced across all departments. Out of these, around 2,020 posts were for Tax Assistant in CBDT and CBIC combined.
Since vacancies have increased every year, experts believe that Tax Assistant vacancies in 2026 could be more than 2,000. These posts come under Group C and Pay Level 4. State-wise or zone-wise vacancy details will be shared in the official notice.
Preparation Tips
Since the notification is still some time away, this is the best time to prepare:
- Focus more on Maths and English
- Practice previous year question papers
- Take online mock tests
- Stay updated with current affairs, especially government and tax news
Most recruitment in the Income Tax Department happens through SSC CGL, so serious aspirants should focus mainly on this exam.