SSC CHSL 2026 Recruitment – Combined Higher Secondary Level Exam
- Last Date
- 07 Oct 2026 (Expired)
- Total Posts
- 2536
- Apply Mode
- Online
- Job Type
- Permanent (Government)
SSC CHSL 2026 Recruitment – Combined Higher Secondary Level Exam
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the notification for the Combined Higher Secondary Level (10+2) Examination 2026 (SSC CHSL 2026), inviting online applications for recruitment to Lower Division Clerk (LDC)/Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO), and Data Entry Operator Grade ‘A’ posts in various Ministries/Departments/Offices of the Government of India.
SSC CHSL 2026 – Overview
Post-wise Details
| Post | Pay Level | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| LDC/JSA | Level-2 | Rs. 19,900 – Rs. 63,200 |
| DEO | Level-4 / Level-5 | Rs. 25,500 – Rs. 81,100 (Level-4) / Rs. 29,200 – Rs. 92,300 (Level-5) |
| DEO Grade ‘A’ | Level-4 | Rs. 25,500 – Rs. 81,100 |
Note: Tier-I and Tier-II CBE schedules will be notified later on ssc.gov.in.
Eligibility Criteria
Note: Open/Distance Learning (ODL) degrees must comply with the UGC 2020 Regulations.
Application Fee
- General/OBC/EWS Male candidates: Rs. 100.
- Exempted: Women, SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen (ESM) candidates.
- Payable via BHIM UPI, Net Banking, Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, or RuPay by 08 October 2026, 23:00 hrs.
Scheme of Examination
Tier-I (Computer Based Examination)
| Part | Subject | Questions/Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Part I | English Language | 25 Questions / 50 Marks |
| Part II | General Intelligence | 25 Questions / 50 Marks |
| Part III | Quantitative Aptitude | 25 Questions / 50 Marks |
| Part IV | General Awareness | 25 Questions / 50 Marks |
Total duration: 60 minutes, with 15-minute sectional timers for each part (extended for scribe-eligible candidates). Negative marking of 0.50 marks per wrong answer. Questions are objective, multiple-choice type, set in English/Hindi/opted regional language.
Tier-II (Computer Based Examination)
| Session | Section | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Session-I (2 hrs 15 min) | Section-I: Mathematical Abilities + Reasoning & General Intelligence | 60 Questions total, 180 Marks (60 x 3) |
| Session-II | Section-II: English Language & Comprehension + General Awareness | 60 Questions total, 180 Marks |
| Session-II | Section-III: Computer Knowledge Test | 15 Questions, 45 Marks, 15 minutes |
| Session-II | Section-IV: Skill Test/Typing Test | Part A: Skill Test for DEOs (Para-8.1 Depts); Part B: Skill Test for other DEOs; Part C: Typing Test for LDC/JSA |
There is no provision for re-evaluation or re-checking at any stage of the examination. Tentative Answer Keys will be published, and representations against them can be made at Rs. 50 per question (non-refundable), online only.
How to Apply
- Visit the official SSC website: ssc.gov.in.
- Register and complete the online application between 07 September 2026 and 07 October 2026 (23:00 hrs).
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) by 08 October 2026, 23:00 hrs.
- Use the correction window from 14 to 16 October 2026 (23:00 hrs) to make any necessary corrections to the submitted application.
- Await notification of the Tier-I CBE schedule on the SSC website.
Terms and Conditions
- Vacancy numbers are tentative and will be updated post-wise/category-wise later on ssc.gov.in.
- Tier-I and Tier-II examination schedules will be notified separately.
- Each paper is of two hours duration, with additional compensatory time for candidates with certain benchmark disabilities.
- Only Male candidates are eligible to apply for BRO vacancies.
- Candidates must possess valid category/disability certificates, where applicable, in the prescribed format.
About the SSC CHSL Examination
The SSC CHSL examination is one of the most widely attempted government recruitment exams in India, offering entry into central government clerical and data entry roles across ministries, departments, and offices, making it a highly sought-after opportunity for 12th-pass candidates nationwide. With tentative vacancies of around 2,536 posts spread across LDC/JSA, DEO, and DEO Grade ‘A’ categories, this year’s recruitment cycle offers a substantial number of opportunities, though the final vacancy count will be updated closer to the examination.
Understanding the Two-Tier Examination Structure
Since Tier-I serves as a screening-cum-qualifying stage covering English, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness within a strict 60-minute window with sectional timers, candidates should practice time management across all four sections rather than focusing disproportionately on any one area. Tier-II, which carries a more detailed and heavily weighted syllabus across Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English Comprehension, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, and a Skill/Typing Test, determines the candidate’s final merit and the specific post allotted.
Why the Skill/Typing Test Matters for Post Allocation
Since Tier-II Section-IV differentiates candidates by post through separate Skill Tests for DEOs and a Typing Test for LDC/JSA aspirants, candidates should identify early on which post category they are targeting and practice the corresponding test format, whether that is data entry speed and accuracy for DEO posts or typing speed for LDC/JSA posts, since this section is directly tied to eligibility for specific post categories rather than being a generic bonus component.
Why Early Application Matters Despite the Month-Long Window
Although the online application window runs for a full month, from 07 September to 07 October 2026, candidates are advised not to wait until the closing days to register, since server load on the SSC website typically increases sharply in the final days before the deadline, sometimes causing slow response times or payment failures. Registering and completing the fee payment early also leaves more buffer time to use the correction window in October for fixing any genuine errors, rather than treating it as a substitute for careful initial submission.
Preparing for the Sectional Time Limits in Tier-I
Since each of the four parts in Tier-I carries its own 15-minute sectional timer rather than one composite 60-minute limit for the whole paper, candidates cannot borrow extra time from a section they finish early to spend on a section they find difficult. This structure rewards candidates who practice each subject, English, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness, to a consistent level of speed and accuracy, rather than those who are exceptionally strong in only one or two areas.
Reviewing Age Relaxation Rules Carefully
Candidates should carefully cross-check which age relaxation category, if any, applies to them before assuming eligibility, since the relaxation slabs differ significantly across SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), and the various PwBD sub-categories (10 to 15 years), and combining relaxations incorrectly can lead to an application being rejected at a later verification stage even after clearing the written examination.
Final Word
Eligible 12th-pass candidates aged 18-27 years interested in the SSC CHSL 2026 examination for LDC/JSA, DEO, or DEO Grade ‘A’ posts should complete their online application at ssc.gov.in between 07 September 2026 and 07 October 2026, pay the requisite fee by 08 October 2026, and use the correction window from 14-16 October 2026 if needed.
Difference Between LDC/JSA and DEO Career Tracks
While both LDC/JSA and DEO posts fall under SSC CHSL, they lead to distinct day-to-day roles: LDC/JSA positions primarily involve general clerical and secretarial support work in government offices, whereas DEO posts focus specifically on data entry and computer-based tasks, often carrying a higher pay level (Level-4 or Level-5) compared to the Level-2 pay of LDC/JSA. Candidates should factor in their typing speed, computer proficiency, and career preference for clerical versus technical work when strategizing which post to prioritize during the Tier-II Skill/Typing Test.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is SSC CHSL 2026?
The Combined Higher Secondary Level (10+2) Examination 2026 conducted by the Staff Selection Commission for LDC/JSA, DEO, and DEO Grade ‘A’ posts.
2. What is the online application window?
07 September 2026 to 07 October 2026, 23:00 hrs.
3. How many tentative vacancies are there?
Approximately 2,536, subject to final update on ssc.gov.in.
4. What is the age limit?
18-27 years, as on 01 August 2026.
5. What is the application fee?
Rs. 100, exempted for Women/SC/ST/PwBD/ESM candidates.
6. What is the essential qualification?
12th pass or equivalent; 12th with Science and Maths for DEO posts in specific ministries.
7. What is the exam pattern?
Two-tier Computer Based Examination: Tier-I (screening) and Tier-II (Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, Skill/Typing Test).
8. Is there negative marking?
Yes, 0.50 marks deducted per wrong answer in Tier-I.
9. When is the correction window?
14 October 2026 to 16 October 2026, 23:00 hrs.
10. Are BRO vacancies open to all genders?
No, only Male candidates are eligible for BRO vacancies.
11. Can candidates awaiting 12th results apply?
Yes, subject to possessing the qualification by the cut-off date.
12. Is re-evaluation of answer sheets allowed?
No, there is no provision for re-evaluation or re-checking at any stage.
13. What is the pay level for LDC/JSA?
Level-2, Rs. 19,900 – Rs. 63,200.
14. When will the Tier-I exam be held?
The Tier-I CBE schedule will be notified later on ssc.gov.in.
15. Is there a helpline for queries?
Yes, toll-free number 18003093063.
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