The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) examination annually to recruit eligible candidates for diverse clerical, administrative, and data entry posts in various central ministries, departments, and organizations. Aspiring candidates looking to build a stable career in central government offices must keep track of updates regarding the upcoming cycle.
SSC CHSL 2026 Overview & Notification Status
The release of the SSC CHSL 2026 Notification has been delayed from its originally scheduled date of 30th April 2026 due to administrative issues. It is now expected to be released in August 2026. Candidates preparing for this national-level exam can refer to previous guidelines and resources, such as the SSC CHSL Notification PDF Download (2025) for detailed insights into format and exam conduct.
SSC CHSL 2026 Quick Highlights Table
| Particular | Details |
| Exam Name | SSC CHSL (Staff Selection Commission-Combined Higher Secondary Level) |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Vacancy | 3000+ |
| SSC CHSL Posts | Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Selection Process | Tier-I: Online (CBT) Tier-II: Online (CBT+ Skill Test) Document Verification |
| Exam Language | English and Hindi |
| Job Location | All over India |
| Official Website | www.ssc.gov.in |
Expected Vacancies and Trends
The SSC CHSL 2026 exam will offer 3,000+ vacancies. Reviewing past vacancy trends helps applicants understand the scale of recruitment opportunities offered by bodies associated with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and the Ministry of Culture.
| Year | Total |
| 2026 | 3000+ |
| 2025 | 3522 (revised) |
| 2024 | 3712 |
| 2023 | 1600 |
| 2022 | 4726 |
| 2021 | 4893 |
| 2020 | 5789 |
| 2019 | 6789 |
| 2018 | 3259 |
Eligibility Criteria & Age Relaxation
Candidates must satisfy specific age and educational parameters to apply:
- Candidates must be aged between 18 and 27 years to be eligible.
- The educational qualification is 12th Standard or equivalent from a recognized board/university, with Science stream and Mathematics required for certain DEO posts in specific ministries.
Category-wise Age Relaxations
| Category | Number of Years Relaxed |
| SC/ ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD-Unreserved) | 10 years |
| PwD + OBC | 13 years |
| PwD + SC/ ST | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 03 years after deduction of the military service rendered from the actual age as on the closing date. |
| Candidates domiciled in J&K (1980-1989) | 5 years |
| Defence Personnel disabled in operation | 3 years |
| Defence Personnel disabled in operation (SC/ST) | 8 years |
| Central Govt Civilian Employees (3+ yrs service) | Up to 40 years of age |
| Central Govt Civilian Employees (SC/ST) | Up to 45 years of age |
| Widows/Divorced Women | Up to 35 years of age |
| Widows/Divorced Women (SC/ST) | Up to 40 years of age |
Target Audience & Application Fee
This recruitment cycle is specifically designed for the following target groups:
- 12th-pass candidates looking for a government job without requiring a graduation degree.
- Students seeking job security and financial stability at a young age.
- Aspirants preparing for higher government exams while working in a stable job.
- Candidates interested in clerical, administrative, and office-based roles.
- Individuals looking for a balanced work environment with fixed working hours.
- Those who want to build a long-term career in Central Government departments.
Application Fee Structure
| Category | Fee Amount |
| General Category | Rs. 100/- |
| SC/ST/PwD/Ex-servicemen | NIL |
Documents and Details Required for SSC CHSL 2026 Online Form
- Live Photograph
- Scanned signature
- Aadhaar card (mandatory for registration)
- Any valid photo ID proof
- 10th and 12th mark sheets/certificates (for date of birth and eligibility proof)
- Category certificate (if applicable – SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD)
- Disability certificate (for PwBD candidates)
- Domicile certificate (if applicable)
- Valid email ID and mobile number for registration
How to Apply for SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026?
- Visit the official SSC website: SSC Official Website
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) if you are a new user.
- Log in using your Registration Number and Password.
- Click on the SSC CHSL 2026 Apply Online link.
- Fill in all the required details, including personal, educational, and communication information.
- Upload the scanned photograph, signature, and other required documents in the prescribed format.
- Select your preferred examination centres.
- Pay the application fee through the available online payment modes, if applicable.
- Review the application form carefully and submit it.
- Download and print the submitted application form for future reference.
After submitting your details and completing registration, candidates should immediately begin preparation by structuring a study plan and leveraging practice tools.
Selection Process Tiers
The selection process consists of Tier 1 (CBT), Tier 2 (CBT + Skill Test/Typing Test), and Document Verification.
- Tier-I: Online (CBT)
- Tier-II: Online (CBT+ Skill Test)
- Document Verification
Exam Pattern
Tier 1 Exam Pattern
SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam consists of 100 questions for 200 marks, with a duration of 60 minutes and a negative marking of 0.5 marks for wrong answers.
| Sections | No. of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Language | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Tier 2 Exam Pattern
SSC CHSL Tier 2 exam includes Session I (Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge) and Session II (Typing/Skill Test), with a negative marking of 1 mark for wrong answers.
| Session | Section | Modules | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
| Session I (2h 15m) | Section 1 | Module-1 | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 1 hour |
| Session I (2h 15m) | Section 1 | Module-2 | Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 1 hour |
| Session I (2h 15m) | Section 2 | Module-1 | English Language and Comprehension | 40 | 90 | 1 hour |
| Session I (2h 15m) | Section 2 | Module-2 | General Awareness | 20 | 90 | 1 hour |
| Session I (2h 15m) | Section 3 | Module-1 | Computer Knowledge Module | 15 | 45 | 15 minutes |
| Session II | Section 3 | Module-2 | Skill Test/ Typing Test Module | -- | -- | 15m / 15m / 10m |
Salary Structure & Job Profile
Salary scales range from Level-2 (Rs. 19,900 – 63,200) for LDC/JSA up to Level-5 (Rs. 29,200 – 92,300) for certain DEO posts under the 7th Pay Commission.
| Post Name | Pay Level | Pay Scale (Rs.) |
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC) / Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) | Level-2 | 19,900 – 63,200 |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Level-4 | 25,500 – 81,100 |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Level-5 | 29,200 – 92,300 |
| Data Entry Operator, Grade ‘A’ | Level-4 | 25,500 – 81,100 |
Job Profile Summary
| Posts | Job Profile |
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC)/Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) | Responsible for clerical work like data entry, maintaining files, handling mail, and other routine office tasks. |
| Postal Assistant (PA)/Sorting Assistant | Handles customer service, mail sorting, and managing postal records in post offices and mail departments. |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Focuses on data entry tasks, maintaining records, and updating databases using specialized software. |
| Court Clerk | Assists in legal departments and courts by maintaining court records, scheduling hearings, and performing administrative duties. |
Preparation Resources & Mock Tests
To clear competitive examinations successfully, regular practice through structured test series is essential. Candidates can enhance their preparation using dedicated mock tests and exam kits across various banking and government sectors:
- SSC CHSL Mock Test 2026 (Tier 1 & Tier 2), Online Test Series
- Attempt SSC CHSL Mock Test 2026
- SSC Exams Vocab Pro Mock Test
- English Mock Test for SSC Exams (CGL, CHSL, GD, CPO, JE, Steno)
- Reasoning Mock Test for SSC Exams (CGL, CHSL, GD, CPO, JE, Steno)
- GK & GA Mock Test for SSC Exams (CGL, CHSL, GD, CPO, JE, Steno)
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