The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026 notification for the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026. The recruitment drive has announced approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies for Group C posts including Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO) and DEO Grade ‘A’. The notification was released on September 7, 2026.
The online application process is currently open on the official SSC website. Eligible candidates who have passed Class 12 can submit their applications up to October 7, 2026, while the last date for online fee payment is October 8. In this article, candidates can check the vacancy details, eligibility, age limit, salary, important dates, application fee, selection process, exam pattern and steps to apply online.
Overview: SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the notification for the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026, opening recruitment for approximately 2,536 tentative Group C vacancies in various Central Government ministries, departments and offices. The recruitment covers posts such as Lower Division Clerk/Junior Secretariat Assistant (LDC/JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO) and Data Entry Operator Grade ‘A’, making it an important opportunity for candidates who have completed Class 12.
The online application process started on September 7, 2026, and candidates can submit their forms until October 7, 2026, up to 11:00 PM. The fee payment deadline is October 8, 2026, while the application correction window is scheduled for October 14 to October 16, 2026. SSC has not yet announced the exact dates for Tier-I and Tier-II, so those examination dates will be provided separately when the schedule is released.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Examination Name | Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 |
| Notification Number | F. No. HQ-C1102/5/2026-C-1 |
| Total Vacancies | Approximately 2,536 Tentative |
| Posts | LDC/JSA, DEO & DEO Grade ‘A’ |
| Job Category | Group C |
| Minimum Qualification | Class 12th Pass |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | September 7, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | October 7, 2026, up to 11:00 PM |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
What is Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level Posts?
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level (SSC CHSL) examination is a recruitment route for Group C posts in various Central Government ministries, departments and offices. In the 2026 recruitment, the main posts include Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO) and DEO Grade ‘A’. These jobs are generally suitable for candidates who have completed Class 12 and involve clerical, administrative or computer-based work depending on the post and department.
The nature of work differs between the posts even though they are recruited through the same examination. LDC and JSA generally handle files, records, correspondence, registers and routine office assistance, while DEO posts are more focused on computer-based data entry, maintaining digital records, checking information and preparing or updating data. The actual duties can vary according to the ministry or office where a candidate is posted, so the day-to-day work may include a combination of administrative and computer-related responsibilities.
SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026 Official Notification
SSC CHSL Vacancy 2026
SSC has announced approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies for the CHSL 2026 examination. The vacancy figure is not a final fixed number at this stage, and the Commission has stated that the final vacancy position will be updated later after confirmation from the concerned user departments.
The recruitment covers LDC/JSA and DEO-related posts. The post-wise and category-wise vacancy break-up is to be published separately by SSC, so candidates should check the Commission’s Candidate’s Corner for subsequent vacancy updates rather than assuming that the entire 2,536 posts belong to one particular designation.
| Post | Approx. Vacancies |
|---|---|
| LDC / JSA, DEO and DEO Grade ‘A’ | 2,536 tentative |
| Total | 2,536 |
The posts are spread across different central government departments and offices, and the place of posting can be anywhere in India depending on the post and department allotted to the selected candidate.
SSC CHSL 2026 Eligibility
For SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026, candidates must generally have passed Class 12th or an equivalent examination from a recognised Board or University by the prescribed qualification date. This educational requirement applies to the main CHSL posts such as LDC/JSA and most DEO positions, making the examination accessible to candidates who have completed higher secondary education. Candidates appearing in Class 12 can also apply, but they must obtain the required qualification within the prescribed deadline to remain eligible for the recruitment.
For certain DEO and DEO Grade ‘A’ posts, the qualification is more specific than the general CHSL requirement. Candidates applying for the specified posts in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, SSC and Ministry of Culture must have passed Class 12 in the Science stream with Mathematics as a subject. Candidates should therefore consider the qualification attached to their preferred post while completing the application, particularly if they want to include these specific DEO positions in their preferences.
SSC CHSL Age Limit 2026
For SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026, the prescribed age limit is 18 to 27 years as on August 1, 2026. Candidates must have been born between August 2, 1999 and August 1, 2008, with both dates included. This age condition applies to the LDC/JSA, DEO and DEO Grade ‘A’ posts covered under the recruitment. Candidates should calculate their age using the prescribed date rather than their age on the day they submit the application.
Eligible candidates from reserved and other specified categories can receive relaxation in the upper age limit under the applicable Government rules. SC/ST candidates receive 5 years and OBC candidates receive 3 years of relaxation, while separate provisions are available for PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, eligible Central Government employees and certain widows, divorced women and judicially separated women. Candidates claiming relaxation must meet the conditions applicable to their category and possess the required supporting documents.
SSC CHSL Salary 2026
The salary for CHSL posts varies according to the designation and applicable pay level. LDC and JSA posts are placed in Pay Level-2, while DEO posts are placed in higher pay levels depending on the department and post.
| Post | Pay Level | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| LDC/JSA | Level-2 | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 |
| DEO | Level-4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 |
| DEO | Level-5 | ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 |
| DEO Grade ‘A’ | Level-4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 |
These are basic pay ranges under the 7th Central Pay Commission. The actual monthly salary also depends on applicable allowances and the place of posting.
SSC CHSL 2026 Selection Process
The selection process for SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026 is conducted in multiple stages so that candidates are assessed not only through written examinations but also through the practical skills required for different posts. The first stage is the Tier-I Computer Based Examination, which is used to shortlist candidates for the next stage. Candidates who meet the required shortlisting criteria move forward to Tier-II, where performance in different subjects and qualifying components is assessed. The stages are designed to test general academic ability as well as the computer and job-related skills needed for CHSL posts.
Tier-II is an important stage of the selection process and is conducted in different sections covering Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge. The applicable Skill Test or Typing Test is conducted as part of Tier-II in a separate session. For candidates applying for LDC/JSA posts, the Typing Test is relevant, while candidates shortlisted for DEO posts may have to qualify the prescribed Data Entry Speed Test. These skill-based requirements are qualifying in nature, but candidates must clear the applicable standard to remain eligible for further consideration.
After completing the required examination stages, candidates who are shortlisted have to go through Document Verification before appointment. At this stage, educational qualification, date of birth, category and other relevant details are checked against the information provided during the application process. Therefore, qualifying the written examination alone does not automatically mean final selection for a post. Candidates should keep their original certificates and other required documents properly arranged and be prepared to meet the specific typing or data-entry requirement applicable to the post they have selected.
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026
The SSC CHSL Tier-I examination is an objective-type Computer Based Examination consisting of 100 questions for a maximum of 200 marks. The paper is divided equally among English Language, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness, with 25 questions carrying 50 marks from each subject. Candidates get a total of 60 minutes, with a separate 15-minute sectional timer for each subject, so unused time from one section cannot be carried forward. There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for every incorrect answer, making accuracy important along with speed.
Tier-II is more detailed and is conducted in two sessions on the same day. Session-I includes Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness and the Computer Knowledge Test, while Session-II contains the applicable Skill Test or Typing Test. Section-I and Section-II carry 180 marks each, while the Computer Knowledge Test carries 45 marks, and one mark is deducted for each wrong answer in these objective sections. The Computer Knowledge Test and the applicable Skill Test/Typing Test are qualifying components, but candidates must qualify all required sections to remain eligible for further selection.
| Tier / Section | Subjects | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier-I | English Language | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| Tier-I | General Intelligence | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| Tier-I | Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| Tier-I | General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| Tier-II Section-I | Mathematical Abilities + Reasoning & General Intelligence | 60 | 180 | 1 hour |
| Tier-II Section-II | English Language & Comprehension + General Awareness | 60 | 180 | 1 hour |
| Tier-II Section-III | Computer Knowledge Test | 15 | 45 | 15 minutes |
| Tier-II Section-IV | Skill Test / Typing Test | — | Qualifying | Post-specific |
| Tier-II Session-I | Sections I, II & III combined | 135 | 405 | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Tier-II Session-II | Skill Test / Typing Test | — | Qualifying | Post-specific |
For DEO posts, the Skill Test is particularly important because candidates have to demonstrate the prescribed data-entry speed on a computer. For LDC/JSA posts, the applicable Typing Test is conducted instead. These practical tests do not add marks to the merit score in the same way as the scored objective sections, but qualifying the applicable test is mandatory for selection.
SSC CHSL 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | September 7, 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | September 7, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | October 7, 2026, up to 11:00 PM |
| Last Date for Online Fee Payment | October 8, 2026, up to 11:00 PM |
| Application Correction Window | October 14 to October 16, 2026, up to 11:00 PM |
| Tier-I Examination | To Be Notified Later |
| Tier-II Examination | To Be Notified Later |
The dates above are based on the current 2026 recruitment notice. Since the examination dates have not yet been officially announced, candidates should continue checking SSC’s website for the next update.
How to Apply for SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the official SSC website or the mySSC mobile application. Candidates using the new SSC portal should ensure that they complete the required One-Time Registration before proceeding with the examination application.
- Visit ssc.gov.in and complete One-Time Registration if required.
- Log in to the SSC portal and select the CHSL Examination 2026.
- Enter personal, educational and other required information carefully.
- Select the applicable posts and preferences after checking their eligibility requirements.
- Upload or complete the required photograph, signature and other application details as instructed.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable.
- Preview the completed form and verify all details before final submission.
- Submit the application and save a copy of the completed form and payment details.
Candidates should not wait until October 7 to submit the application because heavy website traffic or technical issues near the deadline can create problems. SSC has also provided a correction window from October 14 to October 16 for candidates who need to make permitted corrections.
SSC CHSL Application Fee 2026
For SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026, the application fee for candidates who are required to pay it is ₹100. Women candidates and candidates belonging to SC, ST, PwBD and eligible Ex-Servicemen categories are exempt from paying the examination fee, subject to the applicable conditions. Candidates who are not covered under the exemption categories should complete the fee payment within the prescribed application schedule. The last date for online fee payment is October 8, 2026, up to 11:00 PM, so candidates should not leave the payment until the final hours.
The examination fee can be paid through the online payment options permitted during the SSC application process, including BHIM UPI, net banking and eligible debit cards. After making the payment, candidates should check the payment status and ensure that the transaction has been successfully recorded against their application. A payment attempt alone does not necessarily mean that the application has been completed, particularly if the transaction fails or remains pending. Keeping the payment confirmation or application details safely stored can also be useful if any payment-related issue arises later.
Important Documents
Before filling the SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026 application form, candidates should keep their educational, identity and category-related documents ready so that details can be entered correctly without relying on memory. The Class 10 certificate is particularly important for confirming personal and date-of-birth details, while the Class 12 certificate or marksheet is needed to support the required educational qualification. Candidates claiming reservation or age relaxation should also have the relevant certificates in the prescribed format. The application process also requires the prescribed signature file and, depending on the authentication route, specific identity documents.
- Class 10 / Matriculation Certificate or Marksheet
- Class 12 Certificate or Marksheet
- Aadhaar Card or other valid identity document, as applicable
- Recent live photograph as required during the online application
- Scanned signature in the prescribed format and size
- SC/ST/OBC/EWS category certificate, if applicable
- PwBD/Disability Certificate, if applicable
- Ex-Servicemen documents, if applicable
- Age-relaxation certificate, wherever applicable
- No Objection Certificate (NOC), if applicable for candidates employed in government service
- Name-change document, if the name differs between certificates
Important Points Before Applying
Before applying for SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026, candidates should carefully match their educational qualification with the post they intend to select rather than assuming that Class 12 qualification is identical for every position. While LDC/JSA and most DEO posts follow the general higher-secondary eligibility requirement, certain DEO and DEO Grade ‘A’ posts have an additional Science stream with Mathematics requirement. Candidates should also enter their personal, educational and category details exactly as they appear in the relevant documents, because these details may be checked at later stages of the recruitment process. Particular attention should be given to the post preferences selected in the application form.
The 2,536 vacancies announced for SSC CHSL 2026 are tentative, so the vacancy position and post-wise distribution can be revised during the recruitment process. Candidates should also keep in mind that the Tier-I and Tier-II examination dates have not been announced yet, and the schedule may be released separately after the application process. It is therefore important to keep the application number and login details safe and regularly check for new examination-related updates. Candidates should also complete the application and fee payment within the prescribed deadlines instead of waiting until the last day.
Conclusion
The SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026 notification has been released for approximately 2,536 tentative Group C vacancies for LDC, JSA, DEO and DEO Grade ‘A’ posts. Candidates who have passed Class 12 and meet the prescribed age and post-specific eligibility conditions can apply online by October 7, 2026.
Candidates should complete the application carefully, check their post preferences and keep a copy of the submitted form for future reference. Since the examination schedule and final vacancy details are yet to be announced, candidates should regularly check the official SSC website for the latest recruitment, exam and admit card updates.
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