SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026 notification has been released for 2536 LDC, JSA and DEO posts. Eligible candidates can apply online for the Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination 2026 through the official website. Check the complete details including eligibility, age limit, application fee, selection process, important dates and how to apply online.
SSC CHSL, MTS & DEO Solved Question Papers PDF (2016-2025)
Introduction (SSC CHSL 2026: 2536 Vacancies for LDC, JSA & DEO Posts)
The Staff Selection Commission has officially released the much-awaited SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026 notification, opening doors to approximately 2536 tentative Group C vacancies across Lower Divisional Clerk, Junior Secretariat Assistant, Data Entry Operator and Data Entry Operator Grade ‘A’ posts. This Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination stands as one of the most significant entry points for 12th-pass candidates seeking stable, prestigious careers in various Ministries, Departments and Offices of the Government of India. For thousands of aspirants who dream of government service with job security, regular salary increments, pension benefits under the National Pension System, medical facilities, and the dignity associated with central government employment, this recruitment drive represents a golden opportunity.
In an era where private sector jobs often come with uncertainty, the structural advantages of SSC CHSL posts remain unmatched. Successful candidates gain access to a structured career progression path, dearness allowance, house rent allowance, transport allowance and other perks that ensure long-term financial stability. With the online application window already open since 7 September 2026 and closing on 7 October 2026, the urgency cannot be overstated. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria must act promptly to avoid last-minute technical glitches or server congestion on the official portal. This comprehensive guide covers every essential detail of the SSC CHSL 2026 notification so that aspirants can prepare and apply with complete clarity and confidence.
SSC CHSL 2026 Overview Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Post Names | Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO), DEO Grade ‘A’ |
| Total Vacancies | 2536 (Tentative) |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Online Registration Dates | 7 September 2026 to 7 October 2026 (up to 11:00 PM) |
| Selection Process | Tier-I Computer Based Examination, Tier-II Computer Based Examination, Skill/Typing Test (as applicable), Document Verification |
| Official Website | https://ssc.gov.in |
SSC CHSL Previous Year Question Paper PDFs Download
SSC CHSL Post-wise Vacancy Details
The SSC CHSL 2026 notification has announced approximately 2536 tentative vacancies for Group C posts. These vacancies are distributed among Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO) and Data Entry Operator Grade ‘A’ across numerous central government ministries, departments, offices and constitutional or statutory bodies. It is important to note that the figure of 2536 is tentative. The final vacancy position will be determined after the user departments complete scrutiny of their requirements and submit verified data to the Commission. Updated post-wise, category-wise and department-wise vacancy details will be published on the SSC website under the Candidate’s Corner – Tentative Vacancy section in due course.
Historically, LDC and JSA posts form the bulk of CHSL vacancies and are placed in Pay Level-2. DEO posts are generally notified in Pay Level-4, while a limited number of DEO Grade ‘A’ posts fall under Pay Level-5. Reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, Economically Weaker Sections, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities and Ex-Servicemen will be applied as per the Government of India rules once the final vacancy matrix is released. Candidates belonging to reserved categories should carefully monitor the official updates because the category-wise distribution directly influences cut-off trends and selection probabilities.
Since the detailed post-wise and state-wise breakup has not yet been finalised in the initial notification, aspirants are advised to treat the current total of 2536 as an indicative figure only. Previous years have witnessed upward or downward revisions after the initial announcement, and the same practice is expected this year. Candidates should regularly visit the official SSC portal to stay informed about any increase or decrease in vacancies and the corresponding category-wise allocation.
SSC CHSL Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
The essential educational qualification for SSC CHSL 2026 is a pass in the 12th Standard or an equivalent examination from a recognised Board or University. For the majority of LDC, JSA and DEO posts, any stream is acceptable. However, for Data Entry Operator and DEO Grade ‘A’ posts specifically in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Staff Selection Commission and Ministry of Culture, candidates must have passed Class 12 in the Science stream with Mathematics as a subject from a recognised Board or equivalent.
Candidates who are appearing in their Class 12 examination are also eligible to apply, provided they possess the essential qualification on or before the cut-off date of 7 October 2026. The result of the qualifying examination must have been declared by the Board or University by this date. Mere appearance or a result that is still under processing will not satisfy the eligibility requirement. Candidates must ensure that their educational certificates clearly mention the required subjects and the date of result declaration to avoid rejection at the document verification stage.
Age Limit and Relaxations
The age limit for SSC CHSL 2026 is 18 to 27 years as on 1 August 2026. This means candidates must have been born not earlier than 2 August 1999 and not later than 1 August 2008 (both dates inclusive). The crucial date for determining age is 1 August 2026.
Upper age limit relaxations are available as per Government of India rules for various categories:
- SC/ST candidates: 5 years
- OBC candidates: 3 years
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) – Unreserved: 10 years
- PwBD + OBC: 13 years
- PwBD + SC/ST: 15 years
- Ex-Servicemen: 3 years after deduction of the military service rendered from the actual age as on the crucial date
- Defence Personnel disabled in operations during hostilities: 3 years (8 years for SC/ST)
- Central Government Civilian Employees with at least 3 years regular and continuous service: up to 40 years (45 years for SC/ST)
- Widows, divorced women and women judicially separated who are not remarried: up to 35 years (40 years for SC/ST)
No age relaxation is available for Economically Weaker Section candidates beyond the general upper age limit. Candidates claiming age relaxation must possess valid and latest category certificates in the prescribed format issued by the competent authority. The date of birth recorded in the Matriculation or equivalent certificate will be treated as final and no subsequent request for change will be entertained.
SSC CHSL Previous Year Question Papers with
Solutions PDF Download
Application Fee and Payment Mode
The application fee for SSC CHSL 2026 is Rs 100 for male candidates belonging to the Unreserved, OBC and EWS categories. Women candidates and candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities and eligible Ex-Servicemen are completely exempted from payment of the application fee.
The fee must be paid online only through BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, RuPay). No other mode of payment is accepted. The last date for online fee payment is 8 October 2026 up to 11:00 PM. Candidates should note that the application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances, including cancellation of candidature or withdrawal of application. Once the fee is successfully paid, a confirmation will appear on the portal and candidates are advised to take a printout of the fee receipt for future reference. Incomplete applications or those without successful fee payment (where applicable) will be summarily rejected.
SSC CHSL Salary, Stipend & Pay Scale Details
Selected candidates under SSC CHSL 2026 will be placed in the 7th Central Pay Commission pay matrix. Lower Divisional Clerk and Junior Secretariat Assistant posts carry Pay Level-2 with a basic pay ranging from Rs 19,900 to Rs 63,200. Data Entry Operator posts are generally notified in Pay Level-4 with a basic pay of Rs 25,500 to Rs 81,100, while certain DEO Grade ‘A’ posts fall under Pay Level-5 with a basic pay of Rs 29,200 to Rs 92,300.
In addition to basic pay, employees receive Dearness Allowance revised twice a year, House Rent Allowance based on the city of posting (X, Y or Z category), Transport Allowance, and other admissible allowances. Approximate in-hand salary for LDC/JSA in a metro city starts around Rs 30,000 to Rs 38,000 per month, while DEO posts offer higher take-home pay in the range of Rs 38,000 to Rs 50,000 depending on posting location and current DA rates. Long-term benefits include National Pension System contributions, medical facilities under CGHS, leave travel concession and career progression opportunities through departmental examinations.
SSC CHSL 2018 Ter 1 Sloved Paper Held 4 Jul
2019 A/N
SSC CHSL detailed Selection Process
The SSC CHSL 2026 selection process consists of two computer-based examination tiers followed by a qualifying skill or typing test and document verification. There is no interview stage.
Tier-I is a qualifying computer-based examination of objective multiple-choice questions. Candidates who clear the cut-off are shortlisted for Tier-II. Tier-II is the merit-determining stage and comprises objective modules on Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness, and a Computer Knowledge Test. Session-II of Tier-II includes the post-specific Skill Test for Data Entry Operators or Typing Test for LDC/JSA candidates. The skill and typing tests are qualifying in nature; failure to meet the prescribed speed standards leads to disqualification irrespective of Tier-II scores. Final merit is prepared on the basis of performance in the objective portions of Tier-II, subject to qualifying the skill/typing test and successful document verification along with medical fitness as required by the user department.
SSC CHSL Exam Syllabus & Exam Pattern
Tier-I Exam Pattern
Tier-I is a computer-based test of 60 minutes duration (80 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates) containing 100 questions for 200 marks. Each section has a dedicated 15-minute sectional timer.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English Language (Basic Knowledge) | 25 | 50 |
| General Intelligence | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill) | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Negative marking of 0.50 marks applies for every wrong answer. The syllabus covers basic English grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, arithmetic topics up to Class 10 level, and current affairs plus static general knowledge.
Tier-II Exam Pattern
Tier-II is conducted in two sessions on the same day. Session-I lasts 2 hours 15 minutes and contains 135 objective questions carrying 405 marks. Negative marking of 1 mark applies for each wrong answer in the objective sections.
- Section-I: Mathematical Abilities (30 questions, 90 marks) and Reasoning & General Intelligence (30 questions, 90 marks)
- Section-II: English Language and Comprehension (40 questions, 120 marks) and General Awareness (20 questions, 60 marks)
- Section-III: Computer Knowledge Test (15 questions, 45 marks) – qualifying in nature
Session-II comprises the Skill Test or Typing Test. For DEO posts, candidates must achieve 8,000 key depressions per hour (15,000 for certain Grade ‘A’ posts in specific departments) in 15 minutes. For LDC/JSA, the Typing Test requires 35 words per minute in English or 30 words per minute in Hindi (Mangal font mandatory for Hindi). The test is qualifying only.
SSC
CHSL Previous Year Question Papers PDF with Solutions Download
Step-by-Step How to Apply for SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026?
- Visit the official SSC website https://ssc.gov.in and complete One-Time Registration (OTR) if not already done. Use Aadhaar authentication or alternative documents as prompted.
- Log in with the registered credentials and click on the CHSL 2026 application link under the “Apply” section.
- Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, category information and preferred examination centres carefully.
- Upload a recent live photograph (as per new guidelines), signature in the prescribed size and format, and any required certificates.
- Select the medium of typing test (English or Hindi) if applying for LDC/JSA posts.
- Preview the entire form thoroughly to correct any errors before final submission.
- Pay the application fee of Rs 100 online through BHIM UPI, Net Banking or debit/credit cards if applicable. Exempted categories need not pay.
- Submit the form and download or print the confirmation page for future reference. Keep the registration number and password safe.
Applications can be submitted only online. Incomplete forms or those without successful fee payment (where required) will be rejected.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 7 September 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 7 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 7 October 2026 (up to 11:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Online Fee Payment | 8 October 2026 (up to 11:00 PM) |
| Application Correction Window | 14 October to 16 October 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | To be notified |
| Tier-I Examination | To be notified |
| Tier-II Examination | To be notified |
Candidates are strongly advised not to wait until the last date, as heavy traffic on the server may cause difficulties in form submission or fee payment.
Important Links
Apply Online: Apply here
Official Notification PDF: Download here
Official Website: Check here
Latest Govt Jobs Page: Latest Govt Jobs Notifications
FAQs
1. Can I correct mistakes in the SSC CHSL 2026 application form?
Yes, a correction window will be available from 14 to 16 October 2026. Candidates can modify certain fields and pay correction charges if applicable during this period only.
2. What is the age limit for SSC CHSL 2026?
Candidates must be between 18 and 27 years as on 1 August 2026. Category-wise upper age relaxations are available as per government rules.
3. Is Class 12 Mathematics compulsory for all posts?
No. Mathematics in Science stream is required only for specific DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ posts in certain ministries. For LDC, JSA and most DEO posts, any stream is acceptable.
4. Are 12th appearing candidates eligible?
Yes, provided they possess the essential qualification on or before 7 October 2026 and the result is declared by that date.
5. What is the application fee and who is exempted?
The fee is Rs 100 for UR/OBC/EWS male candidates. Women, SC, ST, PwBD and eligible Ex-Servicemen are fully exempted.
6. Is there negative marking in the exam?
Yes. Tier-I has 0.50 marks deducted for each wrong answer. Tier-II has 1 mark deducted for each wrong answer in the objective sections.
7. What is the typing speed required for LDC/JSA?
35 words per minute in English or 30 words per minute in Hindi. Hindi typing must be done in Mangal font only.
8. Will the exam centres be allotted as per preference?
Candidates can choose preferred centres while filling the form. Final allotment depends on availability and administrative convenience of the Commission.
9. Is the skill test mandatory for all candidates?
Yes. DEO candidates must qualify the Data Entry Skill Test and LDC/JSA candidates must qualify the Typing Test. These are qualifying in nature.
10. When will the Tier-I exam be conducted?
The exact dates for Tier-I and Tier-II will be notified later on the official SSC website. Candidates should regularly check for updates.
SSC CHSL 2018 Solved Question Paper Held 2
Jul 2019 A/N
Conclusion
The SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026 with 2536 tentative vacancies offers an excellent opportunity for 12th-pass candidates to secure a stable central government job with attractive pay, allowances and long-term career growth. With the application window open until 7 October 2026, eligible aspirants should complete the online registration process at the earliest to avoid last-minute technical issues. Thorough preparation for both Tier-I and Tier-II, along with practice of the required typing or data entry skills, will significantly improve selection chances.
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Disclaimer
This article has been prepared on the basis of the official notification and publicly available information for the benefit of candidates. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the details are subject to change as per the final decisions of the Staff Selection Commission. Candidates are strongly advised to verify all information, including eligibility, vacancies, dates and instructions, directly from the official website https://ssc.gov.in before applying. The author and publisher shall not be held responsible for any loss or inconvenience arising from reliance on this content.
