SSC CGL Certificate Format 2026 for OBC, EWS and More

The Staff Selection Commission has released the SSC CGL 2026 notification with 12,256 vacancies. Aspirants filling out the SSC CGL online form must do so carefully and upload the required certificates according to their category and eligibility. SSC has issued a clear advisory asking applicants not to wait until the last date, as no extra time will be provided in case of server issues. It is important to submit documents such as OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwBD, or Ex-Servicemen certificates in the correct format and within the specified date range mentioned in the official notification.

In this blog, we have provided all the essential information regarding the SSC CGL certificate format to help you avoid any errors during the application process.

SSC CGL Certificate Formats- Complete List

Formats of all certificates required by candidates for various categories include :

SC/ST Certificates

Candidates belonging to the SC/ST category must submit the caste certificate in the format prescribed under Annexure-IX of the SSC CGL 2026 notification. The certificate is required to claim reservation and age relaxation benefits during the recruitment process.

• The certificate must clearly mention the candidate’s name, parentage, village/town, district/division, and State/UT.
• It should specify the exact caste or tribe recognized under the Constitution (Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes) Order.
• The certificate must contain the relevant Constitution Order reference under which the caste/tribe is notified.
• It should be issued by a competent authority such as District Magistrate, Additional District Magistrate, Collector, or Sub-Divisional Officer.
• Candidates belonging to the ST category from Tamil Nadu must obtain the certificate only from the Revenue Divisional Officer.
• The original certificate must be produced during Document Verification (DV).

OBC Certificate Format

Candidates applying under the OBC category must submit the certificate in the prescribed Annexure-X format mentioned in the SSC CGL 2026 notification. The certificate is necessary to claim OBC reservation and age relaxation benefits.

• The certificate must clearly state that the candidate does not belong to the Creamy Layer as on the closing date of applications, i.e., 22 June 2026.
• The candidate’s caste/community must be listed in the Central OBC List issued by the Government of India.
• The certificate should mention the relevant Government of India Resolution number and date identifying the community as a backward class.
• It must be issued by a competent authority such as District Magistrate, Tehsildar, or Sub-Divisional Officer.
• SSC may accept recently issued certificates even if issued after the application date, but the candidature will remain provisional until verification by the Appointing Authority.
• Candidates must carry the original certificate during Document Verification.

Defence Personnel Certificate

Serving Defence Personnel applying for SSC CGL 2026 under the Defence category must submit the certificate in the format prescribed under Annexure-VII.

• The certificate must clearly mention the Service Number, Rank, and Name of the candidate.
• It should specify the exact date of completion of engagement, which must be on or before 22 June 2027.
• The certificate must be signed and sealed by the Commanding Officer.
• Only the prescribed SSC format should be used.
• Candidates must present the original certificate during Document Verification.

Ex-Servicemen Certificate

Candidates applying under the Ex-Servicemen (ESM) category must submit the prescribed undertaking and certificate as mentioned in Annexure-VIII of the SSC CGL notification.

• The certificate/undertaking must mention the date of appointment and discharge from the Armed Forces.
• It should include details of the last Unit/Corps served.
• Candidates must declare whether they have already secured a Government job using ESM reservation benefits earlier.
• Candidates who have already joined a regular civil Government job using ESM reservation are generally eligible only for age relaxation and not reservation in Group “C” posts.
• The certificate must be issued by the competent military authority.
• Original documents must be produced during Document Verification.

Central Government Department Certificate

Central Government Civilian Employees seeking age relaxation in SSC CGL 2026 must submit the certificate in the prescribed Annexure-VI format.

• The certificate must clearly mention the candidate’s current designation and pay scale.
• It should certify that the candidate has completed at least 3 years of regular and continuous service as on the closing date of applications.
• The certificate must be issued by the Head of Office or Department where the candidate is currently employed.
• It should be signed and stamped on official letterhead.
• Candidates must produce the original certificate during Document Verification.

Disability Certificate

PwBD candidates applying for SSC CGL 2026 must submit the disability certificate in the prescribed format to claim reservation and relaxation benefits.

• Candidates with a single disability must use Annexure-XII.
• Candidates with multiple disabilities must use Annexure-XIII.
• The certificate must clearly mention the type and percentage of disability.
• It should be issued by an authorized medical authority such as a Chief Medical Officer, Civil Surgeon, or Medical Board.
• PwBD candidates claiming scribe assistance due to physical limitation in writing must submit Annexure-I.
• Candidates with less than 40% disability but having difficulty in writing must submit Annexure-IA.
• Original certificates must be produced during Document Verification.

Persons with Disabilities Certificate (For Typewriting Test/DEST Exemption)

PwBD-OH candidates seeking exemption from the Data Entry Skill Test (DEST) must submit Annexure-XIV issued by a competent medical authority.

• The certificate must clearly state that the candidate is permanently unfit for typing.
• It should be issued by a Civil Surgeon or competent Government medical authority.
• The exemption certificate must follow the prescribed SSC format only.
• Candidates must produce the original certificate during the Skill Test/Document Verification process.

Attestation Certificate

An Attestation Certificate is often required during the document verification stage of SSC CGL to confirm the candidate’s identity, character, and background. It must be filled out carefully and signed by a government authority who knows you personally.

• The certificate must be in the format prescribed by SSC or the department concerned.
• It should include your personal details such as name, date of birth, parent’s name, and permanent address.
• It must be signed by a Gazetted Officer of Central or State Government (Group A or B) who knows you or can verify your details.
• The officer must affix their official seal and signature with the date.
• A passport-size photograph of the candidate (attested by the officer) is often required.
• Submit the attestation certificate in original at the time of joining or document verification.

Category Codes & Upper Age Limit

While applying for SSC CGL, candidates must select the correct category code based on their community or reservation status. This category also determines the upper age limit relaxation you’re eligible for. Choosing the wrong code can lead to rejection during verification, so it’s important to get this right.

• Each reservation category, like SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, ESM, etc. has a specific numeric code you must enter while filling out the application.
• Your age relaxation depends on the category you select, so it must match your supporting documents (like caste certificate, disability certificate, etc.).
• For example:
  • SC/ST candidates get 5 years of relaxation.
  • OBC candidates get 3 years.
  • PwBD (UR) get 10 years, PwBD (OBC) get 13 years, and PwBD (SC/ST) get 15 years.
  • Ex-Servicemen also receive age relaxation based on the length of service.
• The category code list is available in the SSC CGL notification, and you should refer to it before final submission.
• Supporting documents must be issued by competent authorities and be valid as on the closing date of application submission.

Essential Educational Qualification Code

While filling the SSC CGL application form, candidates are required to enter the correct Educational Qualification Code based on the degree they hold. This code helps SSC verify if you meet the eligibility criteria for the post you’re applying for.

• The qualification code corresponds to the type of degree you’ve completed (e.g. B.A., B.Com, B.Sc., B.E., B.Tech, etc.).
• Make sure your degree is from a recognized university as per UGC/AICTE guidelines.
• If you are in the final year of graduation, you must have completed and obtained proof of your qualification before the cut-off date mentioned in the notification.
• Refer to the official SSC notification for the list of education codes, and choose the one that matches your degree type.
• Entering the wrong code or incomplete information can lead to rejection of your application during document verification.

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I’m Mahima Khurana, a writer with a strong passion for creating meaningful, learner-focused content especially in the field of competitive exam preparation. From authoring books and developing thousands of practice questions to crafting articles and study material, I specialize in transforming complex exam-related topics into clear, engaging, and accessible content. I have first hand experience of 5+ months in SSC Exams. Writing, for me, is not just a skill but a way to support and guide aspirants through their preparation journey one well-written explanation at a time.