Last updated: September 11, 2026 at 12:03 AM
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the Notice of the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 for recruitment to Group C posts of Lower Division Clerk (LDC)/ Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO) and Data Entry Operator Grade ‘A’ in various Ministries, Departments, Offices, Constitutional Bodies, Statutory Bodies and Tribunals of the Government of India. There are approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies, and candidates who have passed the 12th Standard can apply online at ssc.gov.in from 07.09.2026 to 07.10.2026 (23:00 Hours).
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Recruitment Overview
| Post Name | Lower Division Clerk (LDC)/ Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO), Data Entry Operator Grade ‘A’ |
| Organization | Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India |
| Notification / Advertisement No. | F. No. HQ-C1102/5/2026-C-1 — Notice of Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026, dated 07.09.2026 |
| Location | All India / Central Govt — posts in Ministries, Departments and Offices across India; exam centres in all 9 SSC Regions |
| Total Vacancies | Approx. 2,536 (tentative). Post-wise and category-wise breakup will be published later by SSC under Candidate’s Corner > Tentative Vacancy |
| Qualification | 12th Standard pass or equivalent from a recognized Board/University as on 07.10.2026. For DEO/ DEO Grade ‘A’ in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, SSC and the Ministry of Culture: 12th pass in Science stream with Mathematics |
| Age Limit | 18 to 27 years as on 01.08.2026 (born not before 02.08.1999 and not later than 01.08.2008) Check your age eligibility → |
| Selection Process | Tier-I (Computer Based Exam) → Tier-II (Computer Based Exam + Skill Test/ Typing Test) → Document Verification by User Departments |
| Pay Scale | LDC/JSA about Rs. 19,900 starting (Level-2); DEO about Rs. 25,500 to 29,200 starting (Level-4/ Level-5), plus DA, HRA and other central government allowances |
| How to Apply | Online only at ssc.gov.in or the MySSC mobile app, after completing One-Time Registration (OTR) on the new website |
| Official Notification | Download Official Notification (PDF) |
| Official Website / Apply Online | ssc.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification release date | 07.09.2026 |
| Online application starts | 07.09.2026 |
| Last date and time for online application | 07.10.2026 (23:00 Hours) |
| Last date and time for online fee payment | 08.10.2026 (23:00 Hours) |
| Application Form Correction Window | 14.10.2026 to 16.10.2026 (23:00 Hours) |
| Tier-I Computer Based Examination | To be notified later |
| Tier-II Computer Based Examination | To be notified later |
| Cut-off date for age reckoning | 01.08.2026 |
| Cut-off date for educational qualification | 07.10.2026 |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All candidates (General/ OBC/ EWS and others) | Rs. 100/- |
| Women candidates (all categories) | Nil (exempted) |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | Nil (exempted) |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | Nil (exempted) |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | Nil (exempted) |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) eligible for reservation | Nil (exempted) |
| Correction charges — first correction | Rs. 200/- (all candidates, irrespective of gender/ category) |
| Correction charges — second correction | Rs. 500/- (all candidates, irrespective of gender/ category) |
| Mode of payment | Online only — BHIM UPI, Net Banking, Visa, MasterCard, Maestro or RuPay Debit Card |
Note: Fee once paid is not refunded under any circumstances and is not adjusted against any other examination or selection.
Vacancy Details
| Post | Pay Level | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC)/ Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) | Pay Level-2 | To be notified by SSC |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Pay Level-4 and Pay Level-5 | To be notified by SSC |
| Data Entry Operator, Grade ‘A’ | Pay Level-4 | To be notified by SSC |
| Total (tentative) | — | Approx. 2,536 |
SSC has stated that final vacancies will be determined after scrutiny of the documents provided by the User Departments. Updated vacancies along with post-wise and category-wise breakup will be published on ssc.gov.in under Candidate’s Corner > Tentative Vacancy. The Commission does not collect State-wise or Zone-wise vacancies, so candidates seeking that information must approach the concerned User Departments.
Eligibility Criteria
| Criterion | Detail |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification (LDC/JSA and most DEO posts) | Passed 12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University, on or before 07.10.2026. Candidates who have appeared in the 12th Standard examination may also apply, provided they possess the essential qualification on or before 07.10.2026 |
| Educational Qualification (DEO/ DEO Grade ‘A’ in specific Ministries) | For DEO/ DEO Grade ‘A’ in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Staff Selection Commission and Ministry of Culture: 12th Standard pass in Science stream with Mathematics as a subject from a recognized Board or equivalent |
| Age Limit | 18 to 27 years as on 01.08.2026 — candidates born not before 02.08.1999 and not later than 01.08.2008 are eligible Check your age eligibility → |
| Nationality/ Citizenship | A citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India |
| Gender restriction | Only male candidates are eligible for the vacancies, if any reported, in the Border Roads Organization (BRO) |
| Date of birth proof | Only the date of birth recorded in the Matriculation/ Secondary Examination Certificate is accepted; no subsequent change request will be considered |
Age Relaxation (beyond the upper age limit of 27 years)
| Code | Category | Relaxation permissible |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | SC/ ST | 5 years |
| 02 | OBC | 3 years |
| 03 | PwBD | 10 years |
| 04 | PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| 05 | PwBD (SC/ ST) | 15 years |
| 06 | Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 3 years after deduction of the military service rendered from the actual age as on 01.08.2026 |
| 08 | Defence Personnel disabled in operation during hostilities with any foreign country or in a disturbed area and released as a consequence thereof | 3 years |
| 09 | Defence Personnel disabled in operation during hostilities with any foreign country or in a disturbed area and released as a consequence thereof (SC/ ST) | 8 years |
| 10 | Central Government Civilian Employees with not less than 3 years regular and continuous service as on the closing date | Up to 40 years of age |
| 11 | Central Government Civilian Employees with not less than 3 years regular and continuous service as on the closing date (SC/ ST) | Up to 45 years of age |
| 12 | Widows/ Divorced Women/ Women judicially separated and not remarried | Up to 35 years of age |
| 13 | Widows/ Divorced Women/ Women judicially separated and not remarried (SC/ ST) | Up to 40 years of age |
Selection Process
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Tier-I — Computer Based Examination | Objective type, multiple choice. Four parts of 25 questions/ 50 marks each: English Language (Basic Knowledge), General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill) and General Awareness — total 100 questions and 200 marks. Duration 60 minutes with a sectional timer of 15 minutes per subject (80 minutes, with a 15+5=20 minute sectional timer, for candidates eligible for scribe). Negative marking of 0.50 marks per wrong answer. Questions set in English, Hindi and any language opted by the candidate for Parts II, III and IV. Qualifying only — used to shortlist candidates for Tier-II |
| Minimum qualifying marks (Tier-I and Sections I, II, III of Tier-II) | UR — 30%; OBC/ EWS — 25%; all other categories — 20% |
| Tier-II, Session-I, Section-I | Mathematical Abilities (30 questions) and Reasoning and General Intelligence (30 questions) — 60 questions, 180 marks (60×3). 1 hour, with a sectional timer of 30 minutes for each subject (1 hour 20 minutes with a 30+10=40 minute sectional timer for scribe-eligible candidates). Negative marking of 1 mark per wrong answer. Section closes automatically at the end of the hour |
| Tier-II, Session-I, Section-II | English Language and Comprehension (40 questions) and General Awareness (20 questions) — 60 questions, 180 marks (60×3). 1 hour, with a sectional timer of 40 minutes for English and 20 minutes for General Awareness (1 hour 20 minutes with 40+15=55 and 20+5=25 minute timers for scribe-eligible candidates). Negative marking of 1 mark per wrong answer |
| Tier-II, Session-I, Section-III | Computer Knowledge Test — 15 questions, 45 marks (15×3), 15 minutes (20 minutes for scribe-eligible candidates). Negative marking of 1 mark per wrong answer. Mandatory but qualifying in nature. Session-I total duration is 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Tier-II, Session-II, Section-IV — Skill Test (DEO) | Held on the same day after a break for re-registration. Part A — for DEO/ DEO Grade ‘A’ in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, SSC and Ministry of Culture: 15,000 key depressions per hour, passage of about 3,700-4,000 key depressions, 15 minutes. Part B — for all other DEO/ DEO Grade ‘A’ posts: 8,000 key depressions per hour, passage of about 2,000-2,200 key depressions, 15 minutes. Scribe-eligible candidates get 5 minutes compensatory time (20 minutes total). Skill Test is mandatory for all DEOs and qualifying in nature; errors calculated up to 2 decimal places |
| Tier-II, Session-II, Section-IV — Typing Test (LDC/JSA) | Part C — typing speed of 35 words per minute in English (about 10,500 key depressions per hour) or 30 words per minute in Hindi (about 9,000 key depressions per hour), judged on a passage of about 10 minutes. Scribe-eligible candidates get 15 minutes. Medium (Hindi or English) once chosen in the application form is final. Hindi candidates must type in Mangal font only. Qualifying in nature; PwD candidates certified as permanently unable to type may be exempted on producing the prescribed certificate |
| Merit list / Final Selection (FRTA) | Merit is prepared on the basis of overall performance in Tier-II only — the aggregate marks of Section-I and Section-II — subject to qualifying Section-III and Section-IV. Normalized scores are used where the exam is held in multiple shifts. Final allotment of post and department is made on merit-cum-preference, and preferences once exercised are FINAL and IRREVERSIBLE |
| Document Verification (DV) | Conducted by the User Ministries/ Departments/ Organizations after declaration of the final result. Candidates must produce original certificates of educational qualification, caste/ category, disability, age relaxation and other documents as sought |
Salary and Benefits
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC)/ Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) | Pay Level-2 — Rs. 19,900 to Rs. 63,200 |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Pay Level-4 — Rs. 25,500 to Rs. 81,100 and Pay Level-5 — Rs. 29,200 to Rs. 92,300 |
| Data Entry Operator, Grade ‘A’ | Pay Level-4 — Rs. 25,500 to Rs. 81,100 |
| Allowances and benefits | Not itemized in this Notice. As Group C central government posts under the 7th CPC pay matrix, the pay level shown above is the basic pay, over and above which the usual central government allowances are payable by the appointing Ministry/ Department |
How to Apply
- Go to the new SSC website at ssc.gov.in or open the MySSC mobile application (available on Google Play Store).
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) on the new website. An OTR generated earlier on the old website (ssc.nic.in) will not work — it must be created afresh. Candidates are advised to opt for Aadhaar Based Authentication during OTR.
- Log in with the OTR credentials and fill the online Application Form for the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026, choosing three examination centres in order of priority within the same Region, along with the medium of the Typing Test if applying for LDC/JSA.
- Capture a live photograph through the application module (a pre-existing photograph must not be used) and upload the scanned signature in JPEG/JPG format, 10 to 20 KB, sized about 6.0 cm width × 2.0 cm height. PwBD/PwD candidates must also upload the Certificate of Disability.
- Pay the fee of Rs. 100/- online (if not exempted) by 08.10.2026 (23:00 Hours), check every field through the Preview/ Print option, submit the form by 07.10.2026 (23:00 Hours) and keep a printout for at least 3 years.
Note: Applications are accepted in online mode only. Applications with a pre-existing captured photograph, a blurred photograph or a blurred/ miniature signature are liable to be rejected summarily (this does not apply to candidates who complete Aadhaar Based Authentication). Applications that remain incomplete due to non-receipt of fee will be summarily rejected. A toll-free helpline for difficulties in filling the form is available at 18003093063.
Documents Required
| Document | Format / Notes |
|---|---|
| Photograph | Captured live through the application module at the time of filling the form — good light, plain background, camera at eye level, full frontal view, no cap, mask or spectacles. A pre-existing photograph must not be used Resize your photo and signature → |
| Signature | Scanned, JPEG/JPG format, 10 to 20 KB, image dimension about 6.0 cm (width) × 2.0 cm (height). Blurred or miniature signatures are rejected summarily |
| Certificate of Disability | Uploaded at the time of filling the online form by PwBD/ PwD candidates seeking reservation, scribe or compensatory time, as per Annexure-I, IA and XI to XII of the Notice |
| Matriculation/ Secondary Certificate | Required at Document Verification — it is the sole proof of date of birth accepted |
| Educational Qualification Certificate | 12th Standard mark sheet/ certificate, required at Document Verification; the result must have been declared by the Board/ University on or before 07.10.2026 |
| Caste/ Category Certificate | SC/ ST/ OBC/ EWS certificate in the prescribed format (Annexure-X for OBC, Annexure-XIV for EWS), if claiming reservation or age relaxation |
| Ex-Servicemen documents | Undertaking as per Annexure-VIII, Serving Defence Personnel Certificate as per Annexure-VII if applicable, and Discharge Certificate |
| Photo Identity Proof | Original valid photo ID with date of birth — Voter’s ID, Driving Licence, PAN Card, Passport, School/ College ID, Govt/ PSU Employer ID, ESM Discharge Book or any Central/ State Government photo ID — to be carried to the exam centre with two passport size photographs |
| No Objection Certificate | Required at Document Verification if already employed in Government or a Government undertaking |
Important Links
| Official Notification | Download Official Notification (PDF) |
| Apply Online / Official Website | Apply Online at ssc.gov.in |
| Telegram | Join Telegram Channel |
| Join WhatsApp Channel |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not reuse an old One-Time Registration from ssc.nic.in — the OTR must be created afresh on the new ssc.gov.in website, or the application cannot be filled.
- Do not photograph an existing printed photo during the application — SSC rejects applications where a pre-existing photograph has been captured, unless Aadhaar Based Authentication was completed.
- Do not submit the form and then forget the fee — an application whose fee has not reached SSC shows as ‘Incomplete’ and is summarily rejected, even if the form itself was submitted.
- Do not treat the correction window as free — SSC charges Rs. 200/- for the first correction and Rs. 500/- for the second, for every candidate regardless of gender or category, and only two corrections are ever allowed.
- Do not rush the post preferences — the option once exercised is FINAL and IRREVERSIBLE, and a candidate who does not submit preferences within the stipulated time is not considered for any post in the result.
- Do not type Hindi in any font other than Mangal in the Typing Test — using another font leads directly to non-qualification for LDC/JSA.
- Do not wait for the last day — SSC itself warns that heavy load on the website near the closing date can prevent login or submission, and the Commission accepts no responsibility for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the last date to apply for SSC CHSL 2026?
The last date and time for submission of online applications is 07.10.2026 (23:00 Hours), and online fee payment is accepted up to 08.10.2026 (23:00 Hours).
2. How many vacancies are there in SSC CHSL 2026?
There are approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies; SSC will publish the final post-wise and category-wise breakup later under Candidate’s Corner > Tentative Vacancy on ssc.gov.in.
3. What is the educational qualification required?
Candidates must have passed the 12th Standard or an equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University on or before 07.10.2026, and for DEO/ DEO Grade ‘A’ posts in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, SSC and the Ministry of Culture the 12th pass must be in the Science stream with Mathematics.
4. What is the age limit for SSC CHSL 2026?
The age limit is 18 to 27 years as on 01.08.2026, meaning candidates born not before 02.08.1999 and not later than 01.08.2008 are eligible, with relaxation of 3 years for OBC, 5 years for SC/ ST and 10 years for PwBD candidates.
5. What is the application fee and who is exempted?
The fee is Rs. 100/-, and women candidates as well as SC, ST, PwBD and reservation-eligible Ex-Servicemen candidates are fully exempted from paying it.
6. What is the selection process?
Selection is through a Tier-I Computer Based Examination, a Tier-II Computer Based Examination that includes a Skill Test for DEOs or a Typing Test for LDC/JSA, and Document Verification conducted by the User Departments after the final result.
7. What is the salary for LDC, JSA and DEO posts?
LDC/JSA is Pay Level-2 (Rs. 19,900 to Rs. 63,200), Data Entry Operator is Pay Level-4 (Rs. 25,500 to Rs. 81,100) or Pay Level-5 (Rs. 29,200 to Rs. 92,300), and DEO Grade ‘A’ is Pay Level-4.
8. Is Tier-I counted in the final merit list?
No — the merit list and final selection are prepared on the basis of overall performance in Tier-II only, using the aggregate marks of Section-I and Section-II, subject to qualifying Section-III and Section-IV.
Disclaimer: The information above has been compiled from the official notification for the convenience of job seekers. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official website before applying.
