SSC CHSL 2026 Overview

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026. Moreover, this recruitment aims to fill approximately 2536 Group C vacancies across various Ministries, Departments, and Offices of the Government of India. Furthermore, the posts include Lower Division Clerk (LDC)/ Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) and Data Entry Operator (DEO)/ DEO Grade ‘A’.

Additionally, candidates who have passed the 12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board are eligible to apply. Specifically, the online application window is open from 07 September 2026 to 07 October 2026. Furthermore, the examination will be conducted in two tiers – Tier-I (Computer Based Examination) and Tier-II (Computer Based Examination including Skill Test/Typing Test).

Important Dates

Candidates must carefully note the following important dates. Furthermore, it is strongly recommended to complete the application before the deadline. Specifically, heavy traffic near the deadline may cause issues with submission.

Vacancy Details

The SSC CHSL 2026 examination is being conducted for recruitment to Group C posts in various Ministries, Departments, and Offices of the Government of India. Moreover, the tentative number of vacancies is 2536. However, the final vacancies will be determined after scrutiny of documents provided by the User Departments.

Notably, the Commission makes final allotment of posts on the basis of merit-cum-preferences of Posts given by the candidates. Furthermore, once a post is allotted, no change of posts will be made by the Commission due to non-fulfilment of any post-specific requirements of physical/medical/educational standards.

SSC CHSL 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Nationality

A candidate must be either a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal, or a subject of Bhutan, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India. Furthermore, candidates belonging to categories (b), (c) and (d) shall be a person in whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.

Educational Qualification (As on 07-10-2026)

• For DEO/ DEO Grade ‘A’ in Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, SSC and Ministry of Culture: 12th Standard pass in Science stream with Mathematics as a subject from a recognized Board or equivalent.
• For LDC/JSA and DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ (except DEOs in Department/Ministry mentioned above): Candidates must have passed 12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University.
• Candidates who have appeared in their 12th Standard or equivalent examination can also apply; however, they must possess the essential qualification on or before the cut-off date i.e. 07-10-2026.
• Important: The result of required educational qualification must have been declared by the Board/University by the cut-off date i.e. 07-10-2026. Mere processing of the result by the Board/University by the cut-off date does not fulfill the EQ requirement.

Age Limit (As on 01-08-2026)

The age limit for the posts is 18-27 years. Specifically, candidates born not before 02-08-1999 and not later than 01-08-2008 are eligible to apply. Moreover, permissible relaxations in upper age limit for different categories are as follows:

Therefore, candidates must ensure they meet the age criteria. Furthermore, the date of birth filled in the online application and the same recorded in the Matriculation/Secondary Examination Certificate will be accepted by the Commission for determining the age.

Salary & Benefits

Pay Scale Structure

Furthermore, the SSC CHSL posts offer excellent pay scales along with Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance, and other benefits as per Central Government norms. Additionally, annual increments apply as per the 7th Central Pay Commission recommendations.

Allowances and Benefits

Moreover, these benefits enhance the compensation significantly. In addition to the basic pay, selected candidates will receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and other admissible allowances as per Central Government rules.

Application Fee

Fee Structure

The application fee for SSC CHSL 2026 is ₹100/-. Moreover, the fee is non-refundable and non-adjustable against any other examination or selection. Additionally, women candidates and candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), and Ex-Servicemen (ESM) eligible for reservation are exempted from payment of fee.

Payment Guidelines

Payment Mode: Fee can be paid online through BHIM UPI, Net Banking or by using Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, RuPay Debit cards. Additionally, online fee can be paid by candidates up to 08-10-2026 (23:00 Hours). Furthermore, candidates who are not exempted from fee payment must ensure that their fee has been deposited with SSC. If the fee is not received by SSC, status of the Application Form is shown as ‘Incomplete’ and such applications will be summarily rejected.

Selection Process & Exam Pattern

Selection Overview

The SSC CHSL 2026 examination will be conducted in two tiers as Computer Based Examinations. Moreover, candidates must qualify at every stage. Furthermore, Tier-II will include a Skill Test/Typing Test which is qualifying in nature. Specifically, the merit list will be prepared on the basis of overall performance in Tier-II Examination only.

Tier-I Examination Pattern

Notably, there will be negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer in Tier-I. Furthermore, the Tier-I Examination will consist of Objective Type, Multiple choice questions only. Additionally, the questions will be set in English, Hindi and any language opted by the candidate as per Annexure-XV for Part-II, III & IV.

Tier-II Examination Pattern

Furthermore, Tier-II will be conducted in two sessions on the same day. Session-I will include Section-I, Section-II, and Section-III. Session-II will include Section-IV (Skill Test/Typing Test). Additionally, there will be negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer in Section-I, Section-II, and Section-III. Moreover, Section-III (Computer Knowledge Test) and Section-IV (Skill Test/Typing Test) are qualifying in nature.

Skill Test Details

• Part A – Skill Test for DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ in Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, SSC and Ministry of Culture: Speed of 15,000 key depressions per hour on computer. Duration: 15 minutes. Passage containing about 3700-4000 key-depressions.
• Part B – Skill Test for DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ except in the above departments: Data Entry Speed of 8,000 key depressions per hour on computer. Duration: 15 minutes. Passage containing about 2000-2200 key-depressions.
• Part C – Typing Test for LDC/JSA: English medium: 35 words per minute (w.p.m.). Hindi medium: 30 w.p.m. Duration: 10 minutes.

SSC CHSL 2026 Qualifying Marks

How to Apply Online

Application Overview

Applications must be submitted only in online mode at the new website of SSC Headquarter i.e. https://ssc.gov.in or through my SSC mobile application (which can be downloaded from Google Play Store). Furthermore, all candidates who wish to apply and have not generated their One-Time Registration (OTR) on the new website will be required to do so as the earlier OTR generated on the old website (https://ssc.nic.in) will not be functional for the new website.

Step-by-Step Guide

Firstly, gather all required documents before starting the application process. Additionally, ensure you have a stable internet connection and a valid mobile number and email ID.

Step 1: One-Time Registration (OTR)

Begin by completing the One-Time Registration on the new SSC website if not already done.

• 1 Visit ssc.gov.in – Click on “Login or Register” button and then click “Register Now” to begin OTR.
• 2 Enter Aadhaar Details – Provide Aadhaar Number for authentication. If not available, upload proof of Name, DOB, Address, Photograph, and Gender as specified.
• 3 Fill Personal Details – Enter Name, Father’s Name, Mother’s Name, Date of Birth exactly as in Matriculation Certificate. Complete Matriculation exam details (Board, Roll Number, Year of Passing).
• 4 Verify Mobile & Email – Confirm mobile number and email ID through OTP. Note down your Registration Number.
• 5 Set Password & Complete OTR – Change password on first login. Fill Additional Details (Category, Nationality, Address, Disability). Complete declaration and Final Submit with OTP.

Step 2: Fill Application Form

After completing OTR, proceed to fill the application form for SSC CHSL 2026.

• 6 Login & Click Apply – Login with Registration Number and password. Click “Apply” link in SSC CHSL 2026 section under Latest Notifications tab.
• 7 Fill Educational Details – Indicate highest educational qualification and qualifying educational qualification details. Select if you have passed 12th in Science stream with Mathematics (for DEO posts).
• 8 Select Examination Centres – Choose three centres in order of priority within the same SSC Region. Choice once submitted cannot be changed.
• 9 Capture Live Photograph – Stand/sit before camera when prompted. Ensure good lighting, plain background, no cap/spectacles, full frontal view. Upload scanned signature in JPEG format (10-20 KB).
• 10 Preview & Submit – Check all details carefully in preview. Complete declaration by clicking “I agree” and filling captcha. Click “Submit” to finalize application.

Step 3: Fee Payment

Finally, proceed to pay the application fee if you are not exempted.

• 11 Pay Fee Online – Pay ₹100/- through BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or Visa/MasterCard/Maestro/RuPay Debit cards. Fee can be paid up to 08-10-2026 (23:00 Hrs).

Why Apply for SSC CHSL 2026?

Key Benefits

Moreover, the SSC CHSL examination offers an excellent opportunity for 12th pass candidates to secure a Central Government job. Here are the key reasons to apply:

• Firstly, 2536 vacancies offer a high chance of selection for deserving candidates.
• Secondly, attractive pay scale ranging from ₹19,900 to ₹92,300 with regular increments.
• Additionally, comprehensive benefits including DA, HRA, TA, Pension, and Medical facilities.
• Furthermore, job security and career growth in various Central Government Ministries and Departments.
• Moreover, All India Service Liability means posting opportunities across the country.
• In addition, two-year probation followed by permanent appointment upon successful completion.
• Notably, no application fee for women, SC/ST, PwBD, and ESM candidates.
• Finally, no interview – selection purely based on written examination and skill/typing test.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Queries

Eligibility Queries

Selection & Salary Queries

⚠ Disclaimer: Please note this article is for informational purposes only and is based on the official SSC CHSL 2026 notification dated 07.09.2026. Furthermore, candidates are advised to read the official notification carefully before applying. Additionally, the information provided is based on official sources, however, the Staff Selection Commission reserves the right to modify the process. For the most accurate and updated information, always refer to https://ssc.gov.in.