The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the notification for the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 (SSC CHSL 2026). The examination is being conducted for recruitment to Group C posts including Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO) and Data Entry Operator Grade ‘A’ in various Ministries, Departments, Offices and other Government organisations.

According to the official notification, there are approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies. The online application process started on 7 September 2026 and eligible candidates can submit their applications up to 7 October 2026, 11:00 PM. The Tier-I and Tier-II examination schedules will be notified later by the Commission.

SSC CHSL is an important Central Government recruitment examination for candidates who have completed their 12th Standard or equivalent examination. However, candidates applying for certain DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ posts need to fulfil an additional Science stream with Mathematics requirement.

SSC CHSL 2026: Overview

The following table gives a quick summary of the recruitment.

The notification specifies the application period as 7 September 2026 to 7 October 2026, with the last date for online fee payment being 8 October 2026. The correction window is scheduled from 14 October to 16 October 2026.

Vacancy Details

SSC has announced approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies under CHSL 2026.
The examination covers the following major posts:

Important: The figure of 2,536 is tentative, not final. SSC states that the final number of vacancies will be determined after scrutiny of vacancy details received from the User Departments. Updated post-wise and category-wise vacancies will be published later on the Commission’s website. SSC also does not collect state-wise/zone-wise vacancies.

Educational Qualification

The educational qualification for SSC CHSL 2026 depends on the post.

1. LDC / JSA

Candidates must have passed 12th Standard or an equivalent examination from a recognised Board or University.

2. DEO / DEO Grade ‘A’

For DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ posts in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Staff Selection Commission and Ministry of Culture, candidates must have passed 12th Standard in the Science stream with Mathematics as a subject from a recognized Board or equivalent.

For other DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ posts, candidates must have passed 12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognised Board or University.

Can 12th Appearing Candidates Apply?

Yes. Candidates who have appeared in their 12th Standard or equivalent examination can apply. However, they must possess the required educational qualification on or before 7 October 2026.

SSC has also clarified that the result of the qualifying examination must have been declared by the Board/University by the cut-off date. Merely having the result under processing on the cut-off date does not fulfil the educational qualification requirement.

Age Limit

The age limit for SSC CHSL 2026 is 18 to 27 years as on 1 August 2026. Candidates must have been born:

• Not before 2 August 1999
• Not later than 1 August 2008

to satisfy the normal age requirement.

Age Relaxation

The notification provides the following permissible upper-age relaxations:

The age-relaxation provisions are subject to the conditions and Government rules specified in the notification.

SSC CHSL 2026 Salary / Pay Scale

The pay level depends on the post allotted to the candidate.

These pay levels are directly specified in the SSC CHSL 2026 notification.

Application Fee

The application fee for SSC CHSL 2026 is ₹100 for candidates who are required to pay the fee.

Women candidates, SC, ST, PwBD and eligible Ex-Servicemen (ESM) candidates are exempted from payment of the application fee.

The fee can be paid online through BHIM UPI, Net Banking, Visa, MasterCard, Maestro or RuPay Debit Card. The last date for online fee payment is 8 October 2026, 11:00 PM.

Important Dates

These dates are taken from the first page of the official SSC CHSL 2026 notification.

Application Form Correction

SSC will provide a three-day correction window from 14 October to 16 October 2026, up to 11:00 PM. A candidate can correct and resubmit the application two times during this window.

The correction charges are:

• First correction: ₹200
• Second correction: ₹500

These correction charges apply to all candidates irrespective of gender or category. After the correction window expires, SSC will not accept further requests for modification or correction.

How to Apply for SSC CHSL 2026

Candidates have to submit the application online through the new SSC website or the mySSC mobile application.

An important point is that candidates who have not generated OTR on the new SSC website must complete a fresh OTR. The earlier OTR generated on the old SSC website ssc.nic.in will not be functional on the new website.

Step-by-step application process

1. Visit the official SSC website https://ssc.gov.in/
2. Complete One-Time Registration (OTR), if required.
3. Login using your Registration Number and password.
4. Open the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination 2026 application.
5. Enter the required educational and other details.
6. Select the required examination centres.
7. Capture the live photograph as instructed.
8. Upload the scanned signature in the prescribed format.
9. Pay the application fee, if applicable.
10. Carefully preview the complete application.
11. Submit the application form.
12. Save/print the submitted application for future reference.

SSC’s application module captures the candidate’s photograph during the application process. The photograph should be clear, frontal and captured against a plain background; candidates should not wear a cap, mask or spectacles while capturing the photograph.

The notification specifies the scanned signature in JPEG format with a file size of 10–20 KB and approximate dimensions of 4 cm × 2 cm.

SSC CHSL 2026 Exam Pattern

The SSC CHSL 2026 Computer Based Examination will be conducted in two tiers: Tier-I and Tier-II.

Tier-I Exam Pattern

Tier-I consists of four sections:

Tier-I consists of objective multiple-choice questions. There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for every wrong answer. The normal examination duration is 60 minutes with a 15-minute sectional timer for each subject.

Tier-II Exam Pattern

Tier-II is conducted in two sessions on the same day.

Session-I

Session-I includes:

• Section-I: Mathematical Abilities + Reasoning and General Intelligence
• Section-II: English Language & Comprehension + General Awareness
• Section-III: Computer Knowledge Test

Session-II

Session-II includes:

• Section-IV: Skill Test / Typing Test

Section-I carries 180 marks, Section-II carries 180 marks, and the Computer Knowledge Test carries 45 marks. The Computer Knowledge Test and Skill/Typing Test are qualifying in nature.

There is 1 mark negative marking for each wrong answer in Sections I, II and III of Tier-II.

SSC CHSL 2026 Skill Test / Typing Test

The Skill Test/Typing Test is conducted in Session-II of Tier-II and is qualifying in nature.

DEO Skill Test

For DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ posts covered under the departments specified in the educational qualification section, the required speed is:

15,000 key depressions per hour

The test duration is 15 minutes, with approximately 3,700–4,000 key depressions of printed English material.

For other DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ posts, the required data-entry speed is:

8,000 key depressions per hour

The test duration is again 15 minutes, with approximately 2,000–2,200 key depressions.

LDC / JSA Typing Test

Candidates can choose Hindi or English as the medium of the Typing Test while filling the application form.

• English: 35 words per minute
• Hindi: 30 words per minute

The typing speed is evaluated using a computer-based passage over 10 minutes.

Candidates selecting Hindi as the typing medium must use Mangal Font. The notification states that using another font can result in non-qualification in the typing/skill test.

SSC CHSL 2026 Syllabus

Tier-I English Language

The Tier-I English syllabus includes:

• Spot the Error
• Fill in the Blanks
• Synonyms / Homonyms
• Antonyms
• Spellings / Detecting mis-spelt words
• Idioms & Phrases
• One Word Substitution
• Improvement of Sentences
• Active / Passive Voice
• Direct / Indirect Narration
• Shuffling of Sentence Parts
• Shuffling of Sentences in a Passage
• Cloze Passage
• Comprehension Passage

General Intelligence

Important areas include:

• Semantic Analogy
• Symbolic Operations
• Number Analogy
• Figural Analogy
• Trends
• Space Orientation
• Semantic Classification
• Venn Diagrams
• Number Classification
• Drawing Inferences
• Figural Classification
• Punched Hole / Pattern Folding
• Number Series
• Embedded Figures
• Figural Series
• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Emotional Intelligence
• Word Building
• Social Intelligence
• Coding and Decoding
• Numerical Operations

Quantitative Aptitude

The syllabus covers:

• Number Systems
• Whole Numbers
• Decimals and Fractions
• Percentage
• Ratio and Proportion
• Square Roots
• Averages
• Simple and Compound Interest
• Profit and Loss
• Discount
• Partnership
• Mixture and Alligation
• Time and Distance
• Time and Work
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Mensuration
• Trigonometry

General Awareness

General Awareness includes current events and matters of everyday observation, along with topics relating to India and neighbouring countries, particularly:

• History
• Culture
• Geography
• Economic Scene
• General Policy
• Scientific Research
• Current Events

Tier-II Computer Knowledge

The Computer Knowledge/Proficiency syllabus includes:

• Computer Basics
• CPU
• Input/Output Devices
• Computer Memory
• Memory Organisation
• Backup Devices
• Ports
• Windows Explorer
• Keyboard Shortcuts
• Windows Operating System
• MS Word
• MS Excel
• MS PowerPoint
• Web Browsing and Searching
• Downloading and Uploading
• Email Management
• E-Banking
• Networking Devices and Protocols
• Cyber Security
• Hacking, Virus, Worms, Trojan and preventive measures

Selection Process

The SSC CHSL 2026 selection process consists of Tier-I and Tier-II, followed by the applicable qualifying tests and document verification.

Step 1: Tier-I

Candidates appear in the Tier-I Computer Based Examination.

Step 2: Shortlisting for Tier-II

Candidates are shortlisted for Tier-II based on their performance in Tier-I. SSC uses normalized scores for determining merit and cut-off marks where applicable.

Step 3: Tier-II

Candidates qualifying Tier-I have to appear in all four sections of Tier-II.

Step 4: Qualifying Tests

The Computer Knowledge Test and Skill Test/Typing Test are qualifying in nature.

The DEO Skill Test is mandatory for qualified DEO candidates, while the Typing Test is mandatory for applicable LDC/JSA and other non-DEO posts, subject to the exemptions specified by SSC.

Step 5: Final Merit and Allocation

The final merit list is prepared on the basis of the aggregate marks scored in Section-I and Section-II of Tier-II, subject to qualifying Section-III and Section-IV.

Final allocation is made on the basis of overall Tier-II performance and post preference.

Minimum Qualifying Marks

SSC has specified the following minimum qualifying percentages for Tier-I and Sections I, II and III of Tier-II:

Important Things Candidates Should Check Before Applying

1. Check whether your 12th qualification matches the exact post

Most LDC/JSA and DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ posts require 12th Standard or equivalent. However, specified DEO posts require Science stream with Mathematics. Candidates should not assume that every DEO vacancy has exactly the same qualification.

2. Check the age carefully

The normal age limit is 18–27 years as on 1 August 2026. Candidates claiming relaxation should make sure they fulfil the applicable conditions.

3. Do not treat 2,536 as the final vacancy

The notification clearly describes the figure as tentative. Final post-wise and category-wise vacancies will be updated later.

4. Complete the new SSC OTR

The old OTR generated on ssc.nic.in will not work on the new SSC website. Candidates who need an OTR must generate it on the new website.

5. Choose the typing medium carefully

LDC/JSA candidates must choose Hindi or English typing medium in the application form. The choice is treated as final and cannot later be changed.

6. Be careful with post preferences

SSC will collect post and department preferences through an online option form. If a candidate does not select a particular post/department, they will not be considered for that preference.

Once submitted, the preference is final and irreversible.

7. Keep your documents ready

Candidates should ensure that their educational, category, age-relaxation and other claims can be supported by valid documents during Document Verification.

8. Do not wait until the last day

The application deadline is 7 October 2026 at 11:00 PM. Candidates should complete the application and payment well before the closing time.

Documents Required

Depending on the candidate’s category and claims, documents required during Document Verification may include:

• Matriculation / Secondary Certificate
• Educational Qualification Certificate
• Equivalent Qualification Certificate, wherever applicable
• SC/ST/OBC/EWS Category Certificate, wherever applicable
• PwBD Certificate, wherever applicable
• ESM-related documents, wherever applicable
• Age Relaxation Certificate, wherever applicable
• No Objection Certificate, if already employed in Government/Government undertakings
• Other documents specified by the concerned authority

SSC states that if any claim made in the application cannot be substantiated through the required documents during verification, the candidature can be cancelled.

Important Instructions for Applicants

Candidates should enter their information carefully because SSC verifies the information provided in the application against original documents.

Candidates are advised to:

• Use an active mobile number and email address.
• Check their educational qualification before applying.
• Enter the correct date of birth.
• Select the correct category and applicable reservation benefits.
• Check photograph and signature requirements.
• Select examination centres carefully.
• Check the application preview before final submission.
• Save a copy of the final application.

SSC also advises candidates to keep their application forms and other relevant examination documents for future reference.

Examination Centre Preference

Candidates have to select three examination centres within the same SSC Region, in order of preference.

SSC will try to accommodate candidates in their selected centres, but the Commission reserves the right to add, cancel or change examination centres depending on administrative requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How many vacancies are announced in SSC CHSL 2026?

Ans: SSC CHSL 2026 has approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies. The final post-wise and category-wise vacancy details will be updated later by SSC.

Q2. When did the SSC CHSL 2026 application process start?

Ans: The online application process started on 7 September 2026.

Q3. What is the last date to apply for SSC CHSL 2026?

Ans: The last date to submit the online application is 7 October 2026 up to 11:00 PM.

Q4. What is the SSC CHSL 2026 application fee?

Ans: The application fee is ₹100 for applicable candidates. Women candidates, SC, ST, PwBD and eligible ESM candidates are exempted from paying the fee.

Q5. What is the age limit for SSC CHSL 2026?

Ans: The normal age limit is 18 to 27 years as on 1 August 2026. Candidates must have been born between 2 August 1999 and 1 August 2008, subject to applicable age relaxation.

Q6. What qualification is required for SSC CHSL 2026?

Ans: Candidates generally need to have passed 12th Standard or equivalent. However, specified DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ posts require 12th Science with Mathematics.

Q7. Is there negative marking in SSC CHSL 2026?

Ans: Yes. Tier-I has 0.50 marks negative marking for every wrong answer. Tier-II Sections I, II and III have 1 mark negative marking for every wrong answer.

Q8. What is the typing speed required for LDC/JSA?

Ans: Candidates opting for English need a typing speed of 35 words per minute, while candidates opting for Hindi need 30 words per minute.

Q9. What is the DEO skill-test speed?

Ans: For specified DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ posts, the required speed is 15,000 key depressions per hour. For other DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ posts, the required speed is 8,000 key depressions per hour.

Q10. Can candidates change their typing-test language later?

Ans: No. The Hindi/English typing-test medium selected in the online application form is treated as final, and later changes are not entertained.

Q11. When will the SSC CHSL 2026 Tier-I examination be conducted?

Ans: The Tier-I examination schedule has not been notified yet in the notification. SSC will communicate the schedule later through its official website.

Q12. Can candidates apply using the old SSC OTR?

Ans: No. Candidates who have not generated OTR on the new SSC website need to complete OTR on the new website. The earlier OTR generated on ssc.nic.in will not function on the new website.

Final Words

The SSC CHSL 2026 recruitment is an important Central Government opportunity for candidates who have completed their 12th Standard. The examination covers LDC/JSA, DEO and DEO Grade ‘A’ posts across various Government Ministries, Departments and organisations.

SSC has announced approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies, but candidates should remember that this is not the final vacancy figure. The Commission will publish updated vacancy information later.

Before applying, candidates should carefully check their educational qualification, age, category requirements and post-specific conditions. Candidates interested in DEO posts should pay particular attention to the additional Science-with-Mathematics requirement applicable to specified departments.

Candidates should also complete the new SSC OTR carefully, select their examination centres and typing medium where applicable, and verify every detail before final submission.

The Tier-I and Tier-II examination dates are currently to be notified later, so candidates should regularly check the official SSC website for examination schedules, admit cards, vacancy updates, corrigenda and other important announcements.

For the latest information, candidates should always treat the official SSC notification, subsequent corrigenda and SSC website as the final authority.

Official Recruitment Links