SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026: 2536 Vacancies, Eligibility, Salary, Exam Pattern & Apply Online
1. SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026 – Introduction
The Staff Selection Commission has announced the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 for recruitment to various Group C positions in Government of India departments, ministries, offices and other participating organizations. The examination covers posts such as Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO) and Data Entry Operator Grade 'A'.
For candidates searching for SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026, SSC CHSL vacancy 2026, SSC CHSL eligibility, SSC CHSL age limit, SSC CHSL salary, SSC CHSL exam pattern and SSC CHSL apply online, this page brings the important conditions together in a practical format. The application process is scheduled from 7 September 2026 to 7 October 2026, while the Tier-I and Tier-II examination dates are to be announced separately.
The recruitment is particularly relevant for candidates who have completed Class 12 and want to enter central government service through a national-level competitive examination. The notification currently reports approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies. These vacancies are not final and may be updated after the participating departments complete their vacancy-related scrutiny.
Before applying, candidates should also check the Government Job Age Calculator to independently verify their age against the recruitment's cut-off date.
2. SSC CHSL 2026 Recruitment Overview
The most useful way to understand SSC CHSL is to first look at the recruitment as a whole. The table below summarizes the core information that a candidate should know before starting the application.
| Recruitment Particular | SSC CHSL 2026 Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Examination | Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 |
| Posts | LDC/JSA, DEO and DEO Grade 'A' |
| Job Category | Group C Government Posts |
| Tentative Vacancies | Approximately 2,536 |
| Educational Qualification | 12th Standard / equivalent; specific DEO posts require Science stream with Mathematics |
| Age Limit | 18 to 27 years as on 01 August 2026, subject to applicable relaxation |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Dates | 07 September 2026 to 07 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 08 October 2026 up to 11:00 PM |
| Correction Window | 14 October 2026 to 16 October 2026 |
| Tier-I | Computer Based Examination |
| Tier-II | Computer Based Examination + Skill/Typing Test |
| Exam Dates | To be notified by SSC |
Posts Covered Under SSC CHSL 2026
SSC CHSL Salary / Pay Scale
SSC CHSL offers different pay levels depending on the post. LDC/JSA is placed in Pay Level-2 with a pay scale of ₹19,900–₹63,200. DEO posts may fall under Pay Level-4 (₹25,500–₹81,100) or Pay Level-5 (₹29,200–₹92,300), depending on the post and department. DEO Grade 'A' is listed at Pay Level-4 (₹25,500–₹81,100).
Why the Vacancy Figure Should Be Read Carefully
The figure of 2,536 vacancies is tentative. SSC has stated that final vacancies will be determined later after scrutiny of vacancy information supplied by the participating departments. Updated post-wise and category-wise vacancy information is expected to be placed on the SSC website when available.
This means candidates should avoid treating 2,536 as an immutable final number. Vacancy figures can change before the final allocation stage, so applicants should check the latest SSC vacancy information whenever the Commission publishes an update.
For aspirants comparing government recruitment opportunities after Class 12, our guide on career options after 12th can also help in understanding alternative career pathways.
3. SSC CHSL 2026 Eligibility Criteria
SSC CHSL eligibility is primarily based on nationality, age and educational qualification. However, candidates should not assume that passing Class 12 alone makes them eligible for every post. Some DEO positions have an additional subject requirement.
Educational Qualification
For LDC/JSA and most DEO/DEO Grade 'A' posts, the candidate must have passed the 12th Standard or an equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University.
There is an important exception. For DEO/DEO Grade 'A' positions in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Staff Selection Commission and Ministry of Culture, the notification requires the candidate to have passed Class 12 in the Science stream with Mathematics as a subject.
Can Class 12 Appearing Candidates Apply?
Yes, candidates who have appeared in their Class 12/equivalent examination can apply. However, the required educational qualification must be acquired by the cut-off date of 7 October 2026.
A result merely being under processing is not enough. The result of the qualifying examination must have been declared by the concerned Board/University by the specified cut-off date, and the candidate must have been declared successful.
Age Limit
For SSC CHSL 2026, the prescribed age range is 18 to 27 years as on 1 August 2026. According to the notification, candidates should have been born not earlier than 2 August 1999 and not later than 1 August 2008.
| Category | Permissible Upper-Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD | 10 years |
| PwBD – OBC | 13 years |
| PwBD – SC/ST | 15 years |
| Eligible Ex-Servicemen | 3 years after deduction of military service from actual age, as per rules |
| Specified Defence Personnel | As prescribed in the notification, including applicable enhanced relaxation for SC/ST candidates |
| Eligible Central Government Civilian Employees | Up to 40 years; up to 45 years for SC/ST, subject to conditions |
| Eligible Widows / Divorced Women / Judicially Separated Women | Up to 35 years; up to 40 years for SC/ST, subject to conditions |
Nationality / Citizenship
The notification permits candidates who satisfy the specified citizenship conditions, including Indian citizens and certain categories of subjects of Nepal or Bhutan and persons of Indian origin who have migrated from the countries listed in the notification with the intention of permanently settling in India. In cases where an eligibility certificate from the Government of India is required, appointment is subject to production of that certificate.
Category Certificates Matter
Candidates claiming reservation or age relaxation should ensure that their category claim can be supported by the required certificate when demanded during document verification. A candidate who enters a reserved category in the application but cannot substantiate the claim may have the candidature cancelled.
The notification specifically states that an EWS candidate must have the appropriate Income & Asset Certificate applicable to the relevant financial year, while OBC candidates claiming reservation must satisfy the non-creamy-layer requirement on the crucial date.
4. SSC CHSL 2026 Application Fee
The application fee for candidates who are required to pay it is ₹100. Payment can be made through online methods such as BHIM UPI, Net Banking and eligible debit card options.
| Candidate Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General candidates who are not exempted | ₹100 |
| Women candidates | Fee Exempted |
| SC candidates | Fee Exempted |
| ST candidates | Fee Exempted |
| PwBD candidates eligible for reservation | Fee Exempted |
| Eligible Ex-Servicemen | Fee Exempted |
The last date for online fee payment is 8 October 2026 up to 11:00 PM. Candidates who are required to pay the fee should verify their payment status rather than assuming that a submitted form automatically means successful fee payment.
Application Correction Charges
SSC will provide a short correction window after the application deadline. A candidate can correct and resubmit the application up to two times during this window.
- First correction: ₹200
- Second correction: ₹500
- The correction charge applies irrespective of category or gender.
- After the correction window closes, further changes will not be permitted.
If your photograph or signature needs resizing before an online application, you may use the site's online image compression tool to prepare an appropriately sized image.
5. SSC CHSL 2026 Selection Process
SSC CHSL 2026 follows a multi-stage computer-based selection structure. Candidates first face Tier-I. Those shortlisted on the basis of Tier-I performance proceed to Tier-II. Tier-II is particularly important because the final merit calculation is based on performance in its first two sections, subject to qualifying the remaining required components.
Objective multiple-choice examination used for shortlisting candidates for Tier-II.
Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning & General Intelligence, English Language & Comprehension, General Awareness and Computer Knowledge Test.
Skill Test for DEO candidates or Typing Test for LDC/JSA candidates.
Final selection is linked to Tier-II performance and the candidate's post/department preferences, subject to qualifying the mandatory sections and satisfying post-specific conditions.
Minimum Qualifying Standards
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Percentage |
|---|---|
| UR | 30% |
| OBC / EWS | 25% |
| All Other Categories | 20% |
These minimum qualifying standards apply to Tier-I and the specified qualifying sections of Tier-II as laid down by SSC. The Commission may also establish separate category-wise cut-offs for different groups of posts.
The Most Important Selection Rule
This makes Tier-II the strategic centre of the examination. Tier-I is critical for reaching the next stage, but candidates should not prepare Tier-II as an afterthought.
Post Preference Is Final
Candidates will be asked to provide their preferences for posts and departments through an online option form. A candidate will not be considered for a post or department that has not been included in their preference list.
More importantly, the preference submitted by the candidate is treated as final and irreversible. Once a candidate receives the highest available preference according to merit, the Commission will not subsequently move the candidate to another preference merely because the candidate changes their mind.
6. SSC CHSL 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date / Schedule |
|---|---|
| Notification / Application Start | 07 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application | 07 October 2026 up to 11:00 PM |
| Last Date for Online Fee Payment | 08 October 2026 up to 11:00 PM |
| Application Correction Window | 14 October 2026 to 16 October 2026 up to 11:00 PM |
| Tier-I Examination | To be notified later |
| Tier-II Examination | To be notified later |
The notification also advises candidates not to wait until the final day to submit the form because heavy traffic or connectivity problems can interfere with online submission.
7. SSC CHSL 2026 Important Links
8. SSC CHSL 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The examination is divided into two computer-based tiers. Tier-I is a 100-question objective examination carrying 200 marks. Tier-II is more extensive and combines academic sections with computer knowledge and a post-specific skill/typing component.
SSC CHSL Tier-I Exam Pattern
| Part | Subject | Questions | Maximum Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | English Language (Basic Knowledge) | 25 | 50 | 60 minutes 15-minute sectional timer for each subject |
| II | General Intelligence | 25 | 50 | |
| III | Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill) | 25 | 50 | |
| IV | General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 60 Minutes | |
Tier-I carries 0.50 negative marking for every wrong answer. The examination is objective and computer based.
SSC CHSL Tier-II Exam Pattern
Tier-II is conducted in two sessions on the same day. Session-I contains Sections I, II and III. Session-II contains the Skill Test/Typing Test.
| Section | Components | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section-I | Mathematical Abilities + Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 + 30 = 60 | 180 | 60 minutes |
| Section-II | English Language & Comprehension + General Awareness | 40 + 20 = 60 | 180 | 60 minutes |
| Section-III | Computer Knowledge Test | 15 | 45 | 15 minutes |
| Section-IV | Skill Test / Typing Test | Post-specific | Qualifying | Post-specific |
There is 1 mark negative marking for each incorrect answer in Sections I, II and III of Tier-II. Section III is mandatory but qualifying in nature. Section IV is also qualifying in nature.
DEO Skill Test
Candidates applying for Data Entry Operator positions must qualify the Skill Test. There is no general exemption from appearing in the DEO Skill Test.
| DEO Category | Skill Requirement | Test Duration |
|---|---|---|
| DEO / DEO Grade 'A' in departments mentioned in the special qualification clause | 15,000 key depressions per hour | 15 minutes |
| Other DEO / DEO Grade 'A' posts | 8,000 key depressions per hour | 15 minutes |
Candidates eligible for the applicable scribe provisions receive compensatory time according to the rules in the notification.
LDC/JSA Typing Test
Candidates for LDC/JSA and equivalent non-DEO posts have to appear in the typing test unless specifically exempted under the notified provisions.
| Typing Medium | Required Speed | Approx. Key Depressions/Hour | Normal Test Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 35 words per minute | 10,500 | 10 minutes |
| Hindi | 30 words per minute | 9,000 | 10 minutes |
The typing speed is assessed through the candidate's accurate computer typing. Candidates selecting Hindi as the typing medium for LDC/JSA must use Mangal font.
SSC CHSL Tier-I Syllabus
English Language
Important areas include error detection, fill-in-the-blanks, synonyms and antonyms, spellings, idioms and phrases, one-word substitution, sentence improvement, active/passive voice, direct/indirect narration, sentence rearrangement, cloze passages and reading comprehension.
General Intelligence
The syllabus covers both verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Important areas include analogy, classification, series, coding-decoding, Venn diagrams, space orientation, figure-based questions, embedded figures, pattern folding, problem solving, critical thinking, numerical operations, emotional intelligence and social intelligence.
Quantitative Aptitude
Candidates should prepare number systems, decimals and fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion, averages, simple and compound interest, profit and loss, discount, partnership, mixture and allegation, time and distance, time and work, elementary algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry and statistical charts.
General Awareness
The General Awareness syllabus is designed around awareness of the environment, current events and everyday scientific understanding. Questions can also cover India and neighbouring countries, particularly history, culture, geography, economic developments, general policy and scientific research.
This is why consistent current-affairs revision is useful rather than trying to memorize a huge amount of information immediately before the examination.
Candidates can use the Weekly Current Affairs Quiz for regular practice and the Monthly Current Affairs Quiz for consolidated revision.
SSC CHSL Tier-II Syllabus
1. Mathematical Abilities
Tier-II mathematics covers number systems, arithmetic operations, percentage, ratio and proportion, square roots, averages, interest, profit and loss, discount, partnership, mixture and allegation, time and distance, time and work, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, statistics, graphs, measures of central tendency and basic probability.
2. Reasoning and General Intelligence
The reasoning syllabus continues the verbal and non-verbal areas found in Tier-I, including analogy, classification, series, coding-decoding, Venn diagrams, spatial orientation, figure-based reasoning, embedded figures, pattern folding, critical thinking, problem solving, emotional intelligence and social intelligence.
3. English Language and Comprehension
Candidates should prepare vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms, error detection, fill-in-the-blanks, spelling, idioms, one-word substitution, sentence improvement, active/passive voice, narration, rearrangement, cloze passages and comprehension.
The Tier-II comprehension component can include passages based on a book or story as well as passages connected with current affairs editorials or reports.
4. General Awareness
Tier-II General Awareness broadly tests current events, everyday observation and general knowledge relating to India and neighbouring countries. History, culture, geography, economic developments, general policy and scientific research are among the areas specifically indicated in the syllabus.
5. Computer Knowledge
The computer syllabus includes basic computer organization, CPU, input/output devices, memory, storage and backup devices, ports, Windows Explorer and keyboard shortcuts. Candidates should also understand basic Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Internet and email usage, web browsing, downloading and uploading, email management, e-banking, networking devices, protocols and basic cyber-security threats such as viruses, worms, Trojans and hacking are also included.
- Use Tier-I to build speed and accuracy across all four subjects.
- Begin Tier-II preparation early because final merit is linked to Tier-II Section-I and Section-II marks.
- Do not ignore Computer Knowledge merely because it is qualifying.
- LDC/JSA candidates should practise English/Hindi typing throughout preparation.
- DEO candidates should practise the required data-entry speed well before the Skill Test.
- Keep current affairs preparation continuous instead of relying only on last-minute revision.
How to Apply for SSC CHSL 2026?
The application process is online through the new SSC website. Candidates who have not created an OTR on the new SSC website need to complete the new One-Time Registration before filling the examination application. An OTR created on the old SSC website does not function as the OTR for the new website.
SSC CHSL Examination Centres
Candidates are required to select examination centres while submitting the application. The notification provides centres across the SSC regions, including cities in the Central, Eastern, Karnataka Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, North Eastern, Northern, North Western, Southern and Western regions.
Candidates have to give a preference for three examination centres within the same SSC region. The Commission will try to accommodate candidates according to their choices, but it retains the right to change, add or cancel examination centres when required.
Documents and Application Accuracy
Candidates should maintain their educational records, identity proof and category-related documents carefully. The information entered in the application can later be checked against original documents during document verification.
The Commission may cancel candidature if information claimed in the application cannot be established through the required documents. Therefore, candidates should never select a category, qualification or benefit merely because they believe they may qualify for it.
9. Conclusion and Disclaimer
SSC CHSL 2026 is an important opportunity for candidates who have completed Class 12 and are looking for central government employment. The present notification reports approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies across LDC/JSA, DEO and DEO Grade 'A' positions. However, candidates should remember that the vacancy number can be revised as participating departments finalize their requirements.
The biggest preparation lesson from the 2026 examination structure is that candidates should not treat Tier-I as the entire examination. Tier-I determines progression to Tier-II, while Tier-II Section-I and Section-II play the central role in final merit, subject to qualifying the mandatory computer and skill/typing components. Post preference is another critical area because the choices submitted by candidates are treated as final.
Candidates should therefore prepare with three objectives: clear Tier-I efficiently, maximize Tier-II marks and qualify the post-specific skill/typing requirement. Alongside written preparation, candidates should keep their documents and application information accurate.
10. SSC CHSL 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions
What is SSC CHSL 2026?
SSC CHSL 2026 is the Staff Selection Commission's Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination for recruitment to Group C posts such as LDC/JSA, DEO and DEO Grade 'A' in participating Government of India departments and organizations.
How many vacancies are available in SSC CHSL 2026?
The current notification reports approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies. The number is subject to revision when final vacancy information is received and scrutinized.
What is the qualification for SSC CHSL 2026?
For LDC/JSA and most DEO/DEO Grade 'A' posts, candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination. Certain DEO/DEO Grade 'A' positions specifically require Class 12 in Science with Mathematics.
What is the age limit for SSC CHSL 2026?
The normal age limit is 18 to 27 years as on 1 August 2026. Applicable government rules provide relaxation for eligible reserved and other specified categories.
What is the SSC CHSL application fee?
The application fee is ₹100 for candidates who are not exempted. Women, SC, ST, eligible PwBD and eligible Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempted from the application fee as specified in the notification.
What is the last date to apply for SSC CHSL 2026?
The last date for submitting the online application is 7 October 2026 up to 11:00 PM.
When can SSC CHSL 2026 application fee be paid?
The last date for online fee payment is 8 October 2026 up to 11:00 PM.
Is there an application correction facility?
Yes. SSC has provided a correction window from 14 October 2026 to 16 October 2026 up to 11:00 PM. The first correction costs ₹200 and the second correction costs ₹500.
What is the SSC CHSL Tier-I exam pattern?
Tier-I has 100 objective questions carrying 200 marks: 25 questions each from English Language, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness. The normal examination duration is 60 minutes with a 15-minute sectional timer for each subject. There is 0.50 negative marking for each wrong answer.
What is the SSC CHSL Tier-II exam pattern?
Tier-II contains Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning in Section-I, English Language and Comprehension plus General Awareness in Section-II, Computer Knowledge in Section-III and Skill/Typing Test in Section-IV. Sections I and II carry 180 marks each, while the Computer Knowledge Test carries 45 marks and is qualifying.
Is the SSC CHSL typing test mandatory?
For LDC/JSA and other applicable non-DEO posts, the typing test is mandatory unless a candidate falls under the specific exemption provisions in the notification.
What typing speed is required for SSC CHSL LDC/JSA?
The prescribed speed is 35 words per minute for English and 30 words per minute for Hindi. Hindi typing for LDC/JSA is required to be performed in Mangal font.
What is the DEO skill test speed in SSC CHSL 2026?
For the specified DEO/DEO Grade 'A' posts, the requirement is 15,000 key depressions per hour. For other DEO/DEO Grade 'A' posts, the requirement is 8,000 key depressions per hour.
Does Tier-I determine final SSC CHSL merit?
Tier-I is used for shortlisting candidates for Tier-II. The final merit list is prepared using the aggregate marks of Tier-II Section-I and Section-II, subject to qualifying the mandatory qualifying components and other selection conditions.
Can I change my post preference later?
Candidates should assume that they cannot. The notification states that post and department preferences submitted through the prescribed option form are final and irreversible.
Are SSC CHSL 2026 Tier-I and Tier-II exam dates announced?
No. The current notification states that the schedules for both Tier-I and Tier-II will be notified later by SSC.
Where should I apply for SSC CHSL 2026?
Candidates should submit the application through the official Staff Selection Commission website at ssc.gov.in and follow the instructions issued by SSC.
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