Good news has landed for every 12th-pass candidate dreaming of a stable Central Government job the Staff Selection Commission released the SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026 on 7th September 2026, opening up 2536 tentative vacancies for Lower Division Clerk, Junior Secretariat Assistant, Data Entry Operator, and Data Entry Operator Grade ‘A’ posts. This is the Combined Higher Secondary Level Examination, popularly known as SSC CHSL, and it remains one of the most sought-after entry points into Government of India ministries and departments for school-leaving candidates.
The online application process began on 7th September 2026 and will continue until 7th October 2026 at 11:00 PM. Candidates then get one additional day, until 8th October 2026, to complete their fee payment. Anyone who has passed Class 12 and falls within the 18 to 27 years age bracket can apply, subject to the specific educational conditions attached to certain DEO posts.
few structural changes have been introduced this year that every aspirant must note. Both Tier 1 and Tier 2 will now carry strict sectional timing, meaning you can no longer borrow extra minutes from one section to finish another. The correction window has also been extended slightly, from two days in earlier cycles to three days this year, giving candidates a bit more breathing room to fix genuine errors.
Selection runs through two computer-based tiers, followed by a mandatory Computer Knowledge Test and a Skill Test or Typing Test depending on the post applied for. There is no interview in this recruitment. Once selected, candidates step into Central Government service on pay scales ranging from Level 2 to Level 5, with long-term stability, allowances, and promotional avenues that make this exam worth serious preparation.
With lakhs of applicants expected nationwide and only a month-long window to apply, candidates who understand the notification thoroughly and start preparing early will hold a clear advantage over those who wait until the exam dates are announced.
SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Higher Secondary Level (10+2) Examination, 2026 |
| Posts | LDC/JSA, DEO, DEO Grade ‘A’ |
| Total Vacancies | 2536 (Tentative) |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Registration Period | 7th September 2026 to 7th October 2026 (11 PM) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 8th October 2026 (11 PM) |
| Correction Window | 14th to 16th October 2026 |
| Tier 1 Exam Date | To Be Notified |
| Tier 2 Exam Date | To Be Notified |
| Selection Stages | Tier 1 → Tier 2 → Computer Knowledge Test → Skill/Typing Test → Document Verification |
| Qualification | Class 12 Pass (Science with Maths for select DEO posts) |
| Age Limit | 18 to 27 years (as on 01.08.2026) |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
Important Dates for SSC CHSL 2026
The application window runs for exactly one month, so candidates should not leave registration for the last few days when server traffic is at its peak.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 7th September 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | 7th September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 7th October 2026 (11:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 8th October 2026 (11:00 PM) |
| Application Correction Window | 14th to 16th October 2026 |
| Correction Window Closing Time | 16th October 2026 (11:00 PM) |
| Tier 1 Exam | To Be Notified |
| Tier 2 Exam | To Be Notified |
| Exam City Intimation | Approx. 10 Days Before Exam |
| Admit Card Release | Approx. 2–3 Days Before Exam |
SSC CHSL Vacancy Details 2026
SSC has announced 2536 tentative vacancies this year for recruitment to LDC, JSA, DEO, and DEO Grade ‘A’ posts across various Ministries, Departments, Constitutional Bodies, and Tribunals of the Government of India. It is important to understand that this figure is provisional the Commission typically revises the final vacancy count upward or downward once individual departments confirm their exact requirements.
• SSC does not publish state-wise or zone-wise vacancy splits for CHSL; the recruitment is conducted at the all-India level.
• Post-wise and category-wise vacancy distribution will be released separately in due course.
• Reservation will be extended to SC, ST, OBC, EWS, Ex-Servicemen, and PwBD candidates as per applicable government norms.
Year-Wise Vacancy Trend (For Reference)
| Year | Total Vacancies |
| 2026 | 2536 (Tentative) |
| 2025 | 3131 |
| 2024 | 3712 |
| 2023 | 1600 |
| 2022 | 4726 |
| 2021 | 4893 |
| 2020 | 5789 |
| 2019 | 6789 |
| 2018 | 3259 |
Posts covered under SSC CHSL 2026: Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO), and Data Entry Operator Grade ‘A’.
SSC CHSL Apply Online 2026
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official SSC portal, the SSC Apply Online system, or the official mySSC Android app. Forms submitted through any other channel will not be accepted.
How to Apply for SSC CHSL 2026
1. Visit the official SSC website at ssc.gov.in.
2. Complete the new SSC One-Time Registration (OTR) if you haven’t already. Candidates who registered on the old ssc.nic.in portal must create a fresh OTR on the new ssc.gov.in site.
3. Log in using your registration credentials.
4. Open the “Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026” application link.
5. Enter your personal, educational, and category details carefully.
6. Select three examination centres in order of preference, all within the same SSC region.
7. Capture a live photograph as per SSC’s instructions — no caps, masks, or spectacles, and no photographing an existing printed photo.
8. Upload your scanned signature in JPEG/JPG format (10–20 KB, approximately 6 cm × 2 cm).
9. Upload your disability certificate if claiming PwBD, scribe, or compensatory-time benefits.
10. Preview the complete application carefully before proceeding.
11. Pay the applicable fee online.
12. Submit the form and save a copy of the confirmation for your records.
SSC CHSL Application Fee 2026
| Category | Application Fee |
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | Rs. 100/- |
| Women Candidates | Exempted |
| SC / ST Candidates | Exempted |
| Eligible PwBD Candidates | Exempted |
| Eligible Ex-Servicemen | Exempted |
The fee can be paid through BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, and RuPay debit cards. The payment window closes on 8th October 2026 at 11:00 PM.
Application Correction Charges
| Correction Attempt | Charge |
| First Correction and Resubmission | Rs. 200/- |
| Second Correction and Resubmission | Rs. 500/- |
These correction charges apply uniformly to every candidate, irrespective of category or gender, and are nonrefundable once paid.
SSC CHSL Eligibility Criteria 2026
Educational Qualification (As on 07.10.2026)
| Post / Department | Educational Qualification |
| LDC / JSA | Class 12 or equivalent from a recognised Board or University |
| General DEO / DEO Grade ‘A’ Posts | Class 12 or equivalent from a recognised Board or University |
| DEO / DEO Grade ‘A’ in Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, SSC, and Ministry of Culture | Class 12 in Science stream with Mathematics as a subject |
Candidates currently appearing in their Class 12 examination may apply, but their qualifying result must be officially declared on or before 7th October 2026. Merely sitting for the exam or awaiting the result does not satisfy this eligibility condition.
Age Limit (As on 01.08.2026)
• Minimum Age: 18 years
• Maximum Age: 27 years
• Candidates must be born not before 2nd August 1999 and not later than 1st August 2008.
Age Relaxation
| Category | Upper Age Relaxation |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD (Unreserved) | 10 years |
| PwBD + OBC | 13 years |
| PwBD + SC/ST | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years after deduction of military service from actual age |
| Disabled Defence Personnel (in operations) | 3 years |
| Disabled Defence Personnel (SC/ST) | 8 years |
| Central Govt. Civilian Employees (3+ years service) | Up to 40 years of age |
| Central Govt. Civilian Employees, SC/ST (3+ years service) | Up to 45 years of age |
| Widows/Divorced/Judicially Separated Women (Not Remarried) | Up to 35 years of age |
| Widows/Divorced/Judicially Separated Women, SC/ST (Not Remarried) | Up to 40 years of age |
Nationality
A candidate must be an Indian citizen, or a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who arrived in India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling, or a Person of Indian Origin who migrated from an eligible country to settle permanently in India. Candidates from non-Indian citizenship categories must hold an eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India. Only male candidates are eligible for LDC vacancies reported in the Border Roads Organisation, subject to prescribed physical and medical standards.
How Many Attempts Are Allowed?
There is no fixed cap on the number of attempts for SSC CHSL. Candidates may reapply every year as long as they remain within the applicable age limit for their category — up to 27 years for General, 30 years for OBC, and 32 years for SC/ST, inclusive of relaxation.
SSC CHSL Selection Process 2026
Tier 1 (Computer-Based Exam) → Tier 2 (Computer-Based Exam) → Computer Knowledge Test → Skill Test / Typing Test → Document Verification Tier 1 functions purely as a screening round used to shortlist candidates for Tier 2 — it does not contribute to the final merit list. Your actual rank is decided by your combined score in Section-I and Section-II of Tier 2, provided you also clear the qualifying Computer Knowledge Test and the relevant Skill Test or Typing Test.
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026
Tier 1 Exam Pattern (100 Questions, 200 Marks, 60 Minutes)
| Subject | Questions | Max. Marks | Sectional Time |
| English Language | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| General Intelligence | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 60 minutes |
• Every subject carries its own strict 15-minute sectional timer; unused time cannot be shifted to another section.
• A penalty of 0.50 marks applies for each incorrect answer.
• Eligible scribe candidates receive 80 minutes in total, with 20 minutes allotted per subject.
• English Language questions appear only in English; other sections are available in English, Hindi, and the language opted for in the application, where applicable.
Tier 2 Exam Pattern (Held in Two Sessions on the Same Day)
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
| Session I, Section I – Part A | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 30 minutes |
| Session I, Section I – Part B | Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 30 minutes |
| Session I, Section II – Part A | English Language & Comprehension | 40 | 120 | 40 minutes |
| Session I, Section II – Part B | General Awareness | 20 | 60 | 20 minutes |
| Session I, Section III | Computer Knowledge Test | 15 | 45 | 15 minutes |
| Session II, Section IV | Skill Test / Typing Test | Post-Specific | Qualifying | 10–15 minutes |
• Session I runs for a total of 2 hours and 15 minutes. Qualifying 10–15 minutes.
• Sections I, II, and III are objective multiple-choice; each correct answer earns 3 marks, and 1 mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
• The Computer Knowledge Test is mandatory but only qualifying in nature.
• The Skill Test or Typing Test in Session II is also qualifying — every applicable candidate must clear it.
• Final merit is calculated solely from the combined marks of Section I and Section II of Tier 2.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
| UR | 30% |
| OBC / EWS | 25% |
| All Other Categories | 20% |
These are only the floor-level qualifying marks set by SSC. Actual cutoffs are typically much higher and depend on vacancy count, exam difficulty, normalization, and overall candidate performance.
SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026
The Tier 1 and Tier 2 syllabi overlap substantially, but Tier 2’s Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning sections go noticeably deeper. Here is the complete subject-wise breakdown.
English Language
• Spotting Errors, Fill in the Blanks
• Synonyms and Homonyms, Antonyms
• Spelling Correction, Idioms and Phrases
• One-Word Substitution, Sentence Improvement
• Active and Passive Voice, Direct and Indirect Narration
• Sentence Rearrangement, Cloze Test
• Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and Grammar
General Intelligence & Reasoning
• Semantic and Figural Analogy, Classification
• Symbolic and Numerical Operations
• Number and Figural Series, Coding-Decoding
• Venn Diagrams, Space Orientation
• Embedded Figures, Pattern Folding and Unfolding
• Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, Drawing Inferences
• Word Building, Emotional and Social Intelligence
Quantitative Aptitude
• Number System, Decimals and Fractions, Percentage
• Ratio and Proportion, Average
• Simple and Compound Interest, Profit, Loss and Discount
• Partnership, Mixture and Alligation
• Time and Work, Time, Speed and Distance
• Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry
• Heights and Distances, Tables and Graphs, Histogram, Bar Graph, Pie Chart
• Tier 2 Mathematical Abilities additionally covers Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation, and Basic Probability.
General Awareness
• Current Events, Indian History, Culture, Geography
• Economic Scene, General Policy, Scientific Research
• India and Neighbouring Countries, Everyday Scientific Awareness
Computer Knowledge (Tier 2)
• Computer Organisation and CPU, Input/Output Devices
• Computer Memory, Storage and Backup Devices, Ports
• Windows Explorer, Keyboard Shortcuts, Windows OS
• MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Internet and Email, Uploading and Downloading, E-Banking
• Networking Devices and Protocols, Cybersecurity Threats and Prevention
SSC CHSL Skill Test & Typing Test
DEO Skill Test
| DEO Category | Required Speed | Test Duration |
| DEO / DEO Grade ‘A’ in Specified Departments | 15,000 key depressions per hour | 15 minutes |
| Other DEO / DEO Grade ‘A’ Posts | 8,000 key depressions per hour | 15 minutes |
The DEO Skill Test is mandatory and qualifying — no candidate appointed to a DEO post is exempted from it.
LDC/JSA Typing Test
| Typing Medium | Required Speed | Duration |
| English | 35 words per minute | 10 minutes |
| Hindi | 30 words per minute | 10 minutes |
Candidates opting for Hindi must type using the Mangal font. The typing medium selected at the application stage is treated as final and cannot be changed later.
SSC CHSL Salary 2026
| Post | Pay Level | Pay Scale |
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC) / Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) | Level 2 | Rs. 19,900 – Rs. 63,200 |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Level 4 | Rs. 25,500 – Rs. 81,100 |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Level 5 | Rs. 29,200 – Rs. 92,300 |
| Data Entry Operator Grade ‘A’ | Level 4 | Rs. 25,500 – Rs. 81,100 |
On top of the basic pay shown above, selected candidates are entitled to Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance, and other benefits as applicable to their department and place of posting under prevailing Central Government norms.
Job Profile
LDC/JSA staff typically handle file movement, record maintenance, correspondence, and general clerical support within their allotted ministry or department. Data Entry Operators are responsible for high-speed, accurate data entry into government systems and databases, along with related documentation duties.
SSC CHSL Admit Card 2026
SSC will release exam city details approximately 10 days before the examination, followed by the actual admission certificate roughly 2–3 days before the exam date. No admit card is dispatched by post — candidates must download it from the official SSC portal using their registration credentials.
SSC CHSL 2026 Cut Off — What Past Trends Suggest
Since the Tier 1 and Tier 2 exam dates for 2026 are yet to be announced, no cutoff figures exist for this cycle. However, last year’s Tier 1 cutoff gives a fair sense of the competition level candidates should prepare for.
| Category | LDC/JSA | DEO Grade ‘A’ |
| UR | 144.25 | 169.54 |
| SC | 125.40 | 157.72 |
| ST | 115.25 | 152.78 |
| OBC | 143.83 | 169.49 |
| EWS | 141.42 | 169.54 |
| ESM | 68.26 | 128.52 |
| OH | 112.15 | — |
| HH | 75.38 | 118.61 |
| VH | 82.72 | — |
| PwD – Other | 55.33 | — |
Remember that these are only minimum qualifying marks in the current notification’s rules — actual categorywise cutoffs depend heavily on the final vacancy count, exam difficulty, and normalization applied by SSC across shifts.
Documents & Details Required for SSC CHSL Application
• Class 12 mark sheet / certificate (or proof of appearance with declared result by 7th October 2026)
• Live-captured photograph as per SSC’s photograph guidelines (no cap, mask, or spectacles)
• Scanned signature in JPEG/JPG format, 10–20 KB, approx. 6 cm × 2 cm
• Valid ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, or Passport)
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), where applicable
• PwBD certificate, if claiming disability-related benefits or scribe assistance
• Active personal email ID and mobile number for all official communication
SSC CHSL Preparation Tips
13. Since Tier 1 now has a strict 15-minute timer per section, practice each subject separately under timed conditions rather than mixing sections in early practice.
14. Build calculation speed daily for Quantitative Aptitude — even short, focused sessions compound significantly over weeks.
15. Treat General Intelligence and Reasoning as a scoring section by practising pattern-based questions repeatedly until recognition becomes instinctive.
16. Read a financial or general newspaper daily to strengthen General Awareness organically instead of memorizing static lists alone.
17. Once Tier 1 basics are solid, shift focus to Tier 2 standard questions, since Tier 1 marks don’t count toward final merit.
18. Start typing practice early if you’re applying for LDC/JSA or DEO posts — typing speed takes weeks, not days, to build reliably.
19. Revise Computer Knowledge basics — MS Office, Internet, and Cybersecurity — since this section is qualifying but still needs genuine preparation.
20. Attempt full-length mock tests that replicate the sectional-timing format to build real exam-day comfort.
21. Maintain an error log after every mock test and revisit your weak areas weekly instead of only attempting fresh questions.
22. Prioritize accuracy over speed initially, since negative marking in both tiers can erode your score quickly.
23. Solve previous years’ Tier 1 and Tier 2 papers to understand the real difficulty level and question framing style used by SSC.
24. Keep your application, admit card, and identification documents organized well ahead of the exam city announcement.
25. Follow only the official SSC website and verified sources for exam date updates — avoid relying on unofficial forwarded messages.
Important Instructions for Candidates
• The 2536 vacancies announced are tentative; the final count may be revised upward or downward once departments confirm requirements.
• Tier 1 marks are used only for shortlisting — they carry no weight in the final merit list.
• You may choose three exam centres, but all three must fall within the same SSC region. • Photograph and signature specifications must be followed exactly; mismatched or unclear uploads risk application rejection.
• Application fee and correction charges, once paid, are non-refundable under any circumstance.
• Candidates with an old OTR on ssc.nic.in must complete a fresh registration on the new ssc.gov.in portal before applying.
• No admit card will be sent by post — download it directly from the official website closer to the exam.
Official Links
| Resource | Details |
| Official Notification PDF | Available on ssc.gov.in |
| Apply Online | SSC Apply Online Portal |
| One-Time Registration | SSC OTR Portal |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
| Official Helpline | 1800-309-3063 |
Conclusion
The SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026 is one of the biggest opportunities of the year for 12th-pass candidates aiming for a secure Central Government career. With 2536 tentative vacancies, a well-defined two-tier selection process, and no interview to worry about, your outcome depends entirely on how well you master the exam pattern and syllabus.
A month-long application window may feel generous, but document preparation, photograph and signature specifications, and centre selection all take time to get right. Candidates should register early, verify every detail carefully, and start preparation immediately especially given the new sectional timing rules that reward balanced, all-round readiness over strength in just one or two subjects.
Beyond the immediate posting, an SSC CHSL selection opens the door to a stable career within the Central Government system, along with future growth opportunities through departmental exams and promotions. For thousands of aspirants across India, this notification is worth taking seriously from day one.
Don’t wait for the exam dates to be announced before you start preparing. Register on the official website, organize your documents, and begin your SSC CHSL 2026 journey today.
