The Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level Examination, universally known as the SSC CHSL Exam, stands as a premier national-level recruitment process. Conducted annually, it opens doors for 12th-pass candidates aiming to secure prestigious Group C posts across various Central Government departments, organizations, and ministries. With the upcoming recruitment cycle introducing over 3,000 vacancies, candidates are gearing up to secure stable central government roles.
As aspirants prepare for this competitive journey, utilizing robust preparation resources is critical. You can enhance your speed and accuracy by practicing through the SSC CHSL Mock Test 2026 (Tier I & II), Online Test Series. Additionally, strengthen your core subjects using dedicated resources such as the SSC Exams Vocab Pro Mock Test, the English Mock Test for SSC Exams (CGL, CHSL, GD, CPO, JE, Steno), the Reasoning Mock Test for SSC Exams (CGL, CHSL, GD, CPO, JE, Steno), and the GK & GA Mock Test for SSC Exams (CGL, CHSL, GD, CPO, JE, Steno). You can also directly Attempt SSC CHSL Mock Test 2026 to evaluate your preparedness.
Overview of SSC CHSL 2026 Recruitment
The Staff Selection Commission manages the entire lifecycle of the exam. Below is a concise breakdown of the recruitment program:
| 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 |
Important Dates & Schedule
Although the official notification was initially slated for release on 30th April 2026, administrative revisions mean the notification is now expected to be published in August 2026 on www.ssc.gov.in.
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | August 2026 |
| Application Form Fill-Up Starts | - |
| Last Date to Submit Form | - |
| Last Date to Pay the Fee | - |
| Window for Application Correction | - |
| Admit Card Release | - |
| Tier 1 Exam Date | - |
| Tier 1 Answer Key | - |
| Tier 2 Exam | - |
For reference regarding historical trends, you can review the previous notification file: SSC CHSL Notification PDF Download (2025).
Vacancies and Trend Analysis
The expected number of vacancies for the 2026 session is 3,000+. Looking back at previous years highlights consistent recruitment opportunities across ministries:
| Year | Total |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 3000+ |
| 2025 | 3522 (revised) |
| 2024 | 3712 |
| 2023 | 1600 |
| 2022 | 4726 |
| 2021 | 4893 |
| 2020 | 5789 |
| 2019 | 6789 |
| 2018 | 3259 |
Eligibility Criteria for SSC CHSL 2026
Candidates must fulfill specific age limits, educational qualifications, and nationality requirements to be eligible for the examination.
Age Limit & Relaxations
The standard age requirement for applicants is between 18 to 27 years. Age relaxations are applicable for reserved categories:
| 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 military service rendered. |
| J&K Domiciled (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+ 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 Women (Not remarried) | Up to 35 years of age |
| Widows/Divorced Women (SC/ST, Not remarried) | Up to 40 years of age |
Educational Qualifications
- For DEO / DEO Grade ‘A’ (Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Ministry of Culture, and SSC): Must have passed 12th Standard in Science stream with Mathematics.
- For LDC / JSA and other DEO / DEO Grade ‘A’ posts: Must have passed 12th Standard or equivalent from a recognized Board or University.
- Appearing Candidates: Students currently appearing in their 12th Standard exam can apply, provided they hold the certificate by the cut-off date.
Nationality Eligibility Checklist
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal, or
- A subject of Bhutan, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam to permanently settle in India.
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 application successfully, make sure to save your confirmation slip and log in periodically to check your application status.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The selection exam is conducted in two primary tiers:
Tier 1 Exam Pattern
Tier 1 consists of 100 objective-type questions for 200 marks, timed for 60 minutes. There is a negative marking of 0.5 marks for every incorrect answer.
| 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
Tier 2 is conducted across Sessions I and II, incorporating computer knowledge and skill tests. Note that negative marking in Tier 2 is 1 mark for each incorrect response.
| 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 | -- | -- | 10-15 mins |
Pay Scales and Salaries
| 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 Profiles and Responsibilities
| Posts | Job Profile |
|---|---|
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC)/Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) | Responsible for clerical work like data entry, maintaining files, handling mail, and 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. |
Is SSC CHSL a Good Career Option Ideal For:
- 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.