The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination 2026, offering a great opportunity for candidates seeking a secure career in the central government. Through this recruitment drive, around 2,536 tentative vacancies are expected to be filled for posts such as Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO).
The online application process started on 07 September 2026 and will remain open until 07 October 2026. Candidates who have completed their Class 12 education are eligible to apply. Applicants must be between 18 and 27 years of age as of 01 August 2026. Candidates must also have obtained their required educational qualification and had their results declared on or before the application closing date, 07 October 2026.
SSC CHSL Notification 2026 Overview
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the CHSL exam every year to recruit candidates for Group C clerical and administrative posts in various central government ministries and departments. The table below provides an overview of the key details of the SSC CHSL 2026 recruitment process.
| Organization | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Examination Name | Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 |
| Notice Reference Number | HQ-C1102/5/2026-C-1 |
| Posts Recruited | Lower Division Clerk (LDC) / Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO / DEO Grade ‘A’) |
| Post Category | Group C |
| SSC CHSL Notification 2026 | 7th September |
| SSC CHSL Form Date | 7th September to 7th October 2026 |
| Age Limit | 18 to 27 years |
| Total Tentative Vacancies | 2,536 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online Mode Only |
| Official Web Portal | ssc.gov.in |
SSC CHSL Vacancy 2026
The Commission has announced around 2,536 tentative vacancies in various central government departments and offices. The table below shows the available posts and their pay levels under the 7th Central Pay Commission (7th CPC).
| Post Name | Total Vacancies |
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC) / Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) | Approx. 2,536 Posts (Combined Tentative Total) |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Included in total |
| Data Entry Operator, Grade ‘A’ | Included in total |
| Grand Total | 2,536 Posts |
Eligibility Criteria for SSC CHSL Recruitment
Before applying, candidates must meet the eligibility requirements set by the Commission, including educational qualifications, age limits, and nationality criteria. Reviewing all eligibility conditions carefully helps ensure a valid application throughout the recruitment process.
Educational Qualification
The required education qualification depends on the post chosen by the candidate. Students who are appearing for their Class 12 (Intermediate) exam can also apply, but their result must be declared on or before 07 October 2026. The table below shows the education requirements for different posts.
| Post Name | Minimum Prescribed Educational Qualification |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) / DEO Grade ‘A’ in Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, SSC, and Ministry of Culture | Must have passed 12th Standard in Science stream with Mathematics as a compulsory subject from a recognized Board or equivalent. |
| LDC / JSA and DEO / DEO Grade ‘A’ in all other Ministries / Departments | Must have passed 12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University. |
Age Limit
The age limit will be calculated as of 01 August 2026. Candidates must be between 18 and 27 years of age, which means they should be born between 02 August 1999 and 01 August 2008. The details are given in the table below.
| Category | Permissible Upper Age Relaxation |
| Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes (SC / ST) | 5 years |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC – Non Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD – Unreserved) | 10 years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD – OBC) | 13 years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD – SC / ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 3 years after deduction of military service from actual age |
| Central Government Civilian Employees (3+ years regular service) | Up to 40 years of age (45 years for SC / ST) |
| Widows, Divorced Women & Judicially Separated Women (not remarried) | Up to 35 years of age (40 years for SC / ST) |
SSC CHSL Salary 2026
Selected candidates receive a salary under the 7th Pay Commission along with various government allowances. The salary details and allowances are given below.
Salary Structure:
| Position | Pay Level | Basic Pay Scale (per month) |
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC) / Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) | Level-2 | ₹19,900 to ₹63,200 |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) & DEO Grade ‘A’ | Level-4 | ₹25,500 to ₹81,100 |
| Data Entry Operator (Level-5 Departments) | Level-5 | ₹29,200 to ₹92,300 |
Benefits and Allowances:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance (TA)
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) for employees and dependents.
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC), paid annual leaves, casual leaves, and medical leaves.
- Retirement security through the National Pension System (NPS) and government gratuity rules.
Selection Process of SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026
The selection process includes different stages to test a candidate’s knowledge and skills. Candidates must qualify at each stage to move forward in the recruitment process. The complete selection stages are given below.
Stage-Wise Selection Process:
Stage 1: Tier-I is Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Tier-I is with multiple-choice questions from four subjects. It is the first stage of the selection process and is used to shortlist candidates.
Stage 2: Tier-II Computer Based Examination (CBT)
- Tier-II is divided into two sessions.
- Session I includes Mathematics, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge.
- Session II consists of a Skill Test or Typing Test.
Stage 3: Document Verification (DV)
- Document verification is carried out by the concerned ministry or department after the final result is declared.
Exam Pattern
Tier-I Online Examination
The Tier I exam is conducted online and includes 100 multiple-choice questions for a total of 200 marks. Candidates get 60 minutes to complete the exam, with 15 minutes allotted for each section. A deduction of 0.50 marks is made for every incorrect answer. The detailed exam pattern is given in the table below.
| Tier | Part | Subject | Questions / Max Marks | Sectional Duration |
| Tier-I | Part-I | English Language (Basic Knowledge) | 25 Questions / 50 Marks | 15 Minutes |
| Tier-I | Part-II | General Intelligence | 25 Questions / 50 Marks | 15 Minutes |
| Tier-I | Part-III | Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill) | 25 Questions / 50 Marks | 15 Minutes |
| Tier-I | Part-IV | General Awareness | 25 Questions / 50 Marks | 15 Minutes |
| Tier-I | Total | All Four Subjects Combined | 100 Questions / 200 Marks | 60 Minutes (80 mins for scribe candidates) |
Tier-II Online Examination
Tier II is held in two sessions on the same day. Session I includes objective-type subjects and the Computer Knowledge Test, while Session II includes the Typing Test or Skill Test. One mark is deducted for every wrong answer in the objective sections. The detailed exam pattern is given in the table below.
| Session | Section & Modules | Questions & Marks | Test Duration |
| Session-I | Section-I: Mathematical Abilities (30 Qs) & Reasoning and General Intelligence (30 Qs) | 60 Questions / 180 Marks (3 marks each) | 1 Hour (30 minutes sectional timer per subject) |
| Session-I | Section-II: English Language & Comprehension (40 Qs) & General Awareness (20 Qs) | 60 Questions / 180 Marks (3 marks each) | 1 Hour (40 mins English, 20 mins GA) |
| Session-I | Section-III: Computer Knowledge Test (Mandatory but Qualifying) | 15 Questions / 45 Marks (3 marks each) | 15 Minutes (20 mins for scribe candidates) |
| Session-II | Section-IV: Part A (Skill Test for DEO in specific Ministries) | Speed of 15,000 Key Depressions per hour | 15 Minutes (Qualifying) |
| Session-II | Section-IV: Part B (Skill Test for DEOs in other Departments) | Speed of 8,000 Key Depressions per hour | 15 Minutes (Qualifying) |
| Session-II | Section-IV: Part C (Typing Test for LDC / JSA) | 35 wpm in English OR 30 wpm in Hindi (Mangal Font) | 10 Minutes (Qualifying) |
SSC CHSL Minimum Qualifying Marks Paper-I (CBT)
| Category | Qualifying Marks (%) |
| UR (General) | 30% |
| OBC / EWS | 25% |
| All other Categories | 20% |
Application Fee of SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026
Candidates can pay the application fee online through UPI, Net Banking, or debit/credit cards. Applications submitted without the required fee will not be accepted. The application fee and correction charges are given in the table below.
| Candidate Category | Fee Payable |
| General / OBC / EWS Male Candidates | ₹100 |
| Women Candidates (All Categories) | Nil (Exempted) |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | Nil (Exempted) |
| First-Time Application Correction Window Fee | ₹200 (Applicable to all categories) |
| Second-Time Application Correction Window Fee | ₹500 (Applicable to all categories) |
How to Apply Online for SSC CHSL Recruitment
The SSC CHSL application process is completely online through the official SSC website and mobile app. Candidates must first complete the registration process to create their profile and then fill out the application form. Follow the steps below to apply successfully.
Steps to Apply Online:
Step 1: Visit the official SSC portal at ssc.gov.in and click on the ‘Login or Register’ option on the home screen.
Step 2: Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) by providing your personal details, matriculation roll number, year of passing, and board name.
Step 3: Authenticate your mobile number and email ID using OTPs, and complete your identity verification process.
Step 4: Log in to the dashboard using your auto-generated registration number and newly chosen password.
Step 5: Under the ‘Latest Notifications’ section, locate ‘Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination 2026’ and click ‘Apply’.
Step 6: Verify your details, select your three preferred examination cities within the same region, and designate your preferred language mediums for CBE and Typing Tests.
Step 7: Capture a live photograph using your webcam or the official mobile application, ensuring good lighting, a plain background, and no cap, spectacles, or mask.
Step 8: Upload your clear scanned signature in JPEG/JPG format with a file size between 10 KB and 20 KB.
Step 9: Review the application form carefully, confirm that all details are correct, accept the declaration, and pay the ₹100 application fee online, if required.
Step 10: Submit the form and download a printed copy of the final application receipt for your personal records.
Documents Required for SSC CHSL Recruitment
Candidates should keep all required personal and educational documents ready before filling out the application form. The list of required documents is given below.
- Live Webcam Photograph: Captured directly during application submission under adequate lighting with a plain background, without headgear, masks, or spectacles.
- Scanned Signature: Clear signature in running cursive hand in JPEG/JPG format (file size 10 KB to 20 KB, dimensions around 6.0 cm x 2.0 cm).
- Matriculation (10th) Certificate: Required for validating date of birth, candidate’s name, and parents’ names.
- Higher Secondary (12th) Mark Sheets and Certificates: Proof of passing the intermediate examination on or before the cut-off date.
- Valid Photo Identity Proof: Original ID such as Voter ID, Driving License, PAN Card, Passport, or government-issued identity cards.
- Category / Caste Certificate: Valid SC, ST, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), or EWS certificate issued by a competent revenue authority in the prescribed format.
- PwBD Certificate: Candidates applying under the PwBD category must have a valid disability certificate if they want to claim reservation benefits, extra exam time, or scribe support.
- Ex-Servicemen Documentation: Candidates who are serving in the armed forces or are ex-servicemen should keep their service certificate or discharge book issued by the armed forces ready.
Important Links:
- Apply Now Portal: Click Now
- Official Notification PDF: Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination PDF
- Official Website: Click Here
Source: Official SSC CHSL Notification 2026.
Important Dates for SSC CHSL Recruitment
It is important to keep track of all important dates, such as registration, fee payment, and application correction deadlines. SSC has provided the complete schedule in its official notification. The important dates are listed in the table below.
| Event Activity | Scheduled Calendar Dates |
| Official Notification Release Date | 07 September 2026 |
| Opening Date for Online Applications | 07 September 2026 |
| Closing Date for Online Application Submission | 07 October 2026 (strictly up to 23:00 Hrs) |
| Last Date and Time for Online Fee Payment | 08 October 2026 (strictly up to 23:00 Hrs) |
| Application Form Correction Window Dates | 14 October 2026 to 16 October 2026 (up to 23:00 Hrs) |
| Schedule for Tier-I Computer Based Examination | To be notified later |
| Schedule for Tier-II Computer Based Examination | To be notified later |
SSC CHSL Exam Centres 2026
| Region | Exam Centres |
| Central Region (CR) | Bhagalpur, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Patna, Agra, Prayagraj, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Jhansi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Meerut, Varanasi, Darbhanga, Chapra, Purnea, Saharsa, Munger |
| Eastern Region (ER) | Sri Vijaya Puram, Ranchi, Dhanbad, Jamshedpur, Suri, Burdwan, Durgapur, Balasore, Berhampore, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Sambalpur, Rourkela, Dhenkanal, Gangtok, Kolkata, Siliguri, Kalyani |
| KKR Region | Bengaluru, Belagavi, Kalaburagi, Mangaluru, Mysuru, Shivamogga, Hubballi, Udupi, Kannur, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kollam, Thrissur, Kavaratti, Alappuzha, Malappuram |
| MPR Region | Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore, Jabalpur, Satna, Sagar, Ujjain, Bilaspur, Raipur, Durg Bhilai |
| NER Region | Itanagar, Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Imphal, Shillong, Aizawl, Kohima, Agartala, Churachandpur, Ukhrul, Jorhat, Dimapur |
| Northern Region (NR) | Delhi, Bikaner, Jaipur, Udaipur, Sikar, Dehradun, Haldwani, Roorkee |
| NWR Region | Chandigarh/Mohali, Hamirpur, Shimla, Jammu, Samba, Srinagar, Bathinda, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Patiala, Ludhiana |
| Southern Region (SR) | Guntur, Kakinada, Kurnool, Nellore, Ongole, Rajahmundry, Tirupati, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, Puducherry, Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Salem, Tiruchirappalli, Tirunelveli, Vellore, Hyderabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, Krishnagiri, Srikakulam, Eluru, Theni, Siddipet |
| Western Region (WR) | Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, Surat, Mehsana, Amravati, Kolhapur, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Mumbai, Nagpur, Nashik, Pune, Panaji, Jalgaon, Nanded |
Final Thought
Applying for SSC CHSL 2026 is a great opportunity to secure a central government job after completing Class 12. Candidates should complete their application carefully, verify all details during registration, and follow the photo guidelines.
Apply carefully and prepare daily by focusing on arithmetic, reasoning, general awareness, and typing practice.
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Note: The recruitment details on this page have been checked against the official SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026. Candidates are advised to verify the latest updates on the official SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026 website before applying.
SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026: FAQs
How many vacancies have been announced under SSC CHSL 2026?
The Staff Selection Commission has announced approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies across LDC, JSA, and DEO cadres.
What is the minimum educational qualification required to apply?
Candidates must have passed the 12th Standard or equivalent from a recognized board by 07 October 2026. Certain DEO posts require a 12th pass in the Science stream with Mathematics.
What is the age limit and crucial date for SSC CHSL 2026?
The age limit is 18 to 27 years calculated as on 01 August 2026, with applicable relaxations for reserved categories.
Is there negative marking in the Tier-I and Tier-II examinations?
Yes, Tier-I incurs a 0.50 mark deduction per wrong answer, while Tier-II deducts 1 mark for each incorrect response in Sections I, II, and III.
Are candidates appearing in their Class 12 exams eligible to apply?
Yes, appearing candidates may apply provided their qualifying examination result is officially declared on or before the cut-off date of 07 October 2026.
What is the application correction charge if a mistake needs to be rectified?
The Commission charges ₹200 for the first application correction and ₹500 for a second correction during the correction window.
