The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the notification for the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 (CHSL). The recruitment is being conducted for approximately 2,536 tentative Group C vacancies for posts including Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO) and DEO Grade ‘A’ in various Ministries, Departments and Offices of the Government of India.
The SSC CHSL 2026 notification was released on 7 September 2026. The online application process has started from 7 September 2026, and eligible candidates can submit their applications up to 7 October 2026, 11:00 PM. The last date for online fee payment is 8 October 2026, while the application correction window will be available from 14 October to 16 October 2026.
Candidates who have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognized Board can apply for the applicable posts, subject to the specific educational requirements mentioned for certain DEO positions.
SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Examination Name | Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 |
| Advertisement No. | HQ-C1102/5/2026-C-1 |
| Post Names | LDC/JSA, DEO, DEO Grade ‘A’ |
| Total Vacancies | Approximately 2,536 |
| Vacancy Status | Tentative |
| Job Category | Group C |
| Educational Qualification | 12th Standard / equivalent |
| Age Limit | 18 to 27 years |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 7 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 7 October 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 8 October 2026 |
| Correction Window | 14 to 16 October 2026 |
| Selection Process | Tier-I, Tier-II, Skill/Typing Test as applicable, Document Verification |
| Job Location | Various Central Government offices across India |
| Official Website | SSC |
The final post-wise and category-wise vacancy details will be published by SSC separately after receiving and scrutinizing vacancy information from the concerned user departments.
SSC CHSL Vacancy 2026
SSC has announced approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies under CHSL 2026.
The recruitment covers the following posts:
| Post | Vacancy |
|---|---|
| Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC) / Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) | Included in total |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Included in total |
| Data Entry Operator, Grade ‘A’ | Included in total |
| Total | Approx. 2,536 |
SSC has clarified that 2,536 is a tentative vacancy figure. The final vacancies, including post-wise and category-wise details, will be updated on the Commission’s website when finalized.
SSC CHSL 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 7 September 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | 7 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 7 October 2026, up to 11:00 PM |
| Last Date for Online Fee Payment | 8 October 2026, up to 11:00 PM |
| Application Correction Window | 14 October to 16 October 2026 |
| Tier-I Examination | To be notified |
| Tier-II Examination | To be notified |
Candidates should complete their applications well before the closing date instead of waiting until the final hours.
SSC CHSL Eligibility Criteria 2026
Educational Qualification
The minimum educational qualification for most SSC CHSL posts is 12th Standard or an equivalent examination passed from a recognized Board or University.
For LDC/JSA
Candidates applying for LDC/JSA posts should have passed:
- 12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University.
For DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’
For most DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ posts, candidates should have passed:
- 12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University.
However, certain specified DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ posts require candidates to have passed 12th Standard in the Science stream with Mathematics as a subject. This additional requirement applies to specified departments mentioned in the SSC notification.
Candidates appearing in their Class 12 examination may also be permitted to apply, provided they obtain the required qualification on or before 7 October 2026, as prescribed in the notification.
SSC CHSL Age Limit 2026
The prescribed age limit is:
18 to 27 years as on 1 August 2026.
Candidates should have been born:
- Not before 2 August 1999
- Not later than 1 August 2008
Applicable relaxation in the upper age limit is available to eligible reserved and special categories according to Government of India rules.
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per applicable Government rules |
Candidates claiming age relaxation should ensure that they possess the required supporting documents.
SSC CHSL Salary 2026
The pay level varies according to the post.
LDC / JSA
LDC and JSA posts are generally placed in:
- Pay Level 2
- Pay Scale: ₹19,900 – ₹63,200
DEO
Depending on the post and department, DEO positions are placed in:
- Pay Level 4: ₹25,500 – ₹81,100
- Pay Level 5: ₹29,200 – ₹92,300
The exact pay level depends on the particular post and department to which the candidate is allocated.
Apart from basic pay, employees receive admissible allowances and benefits according to the applicable Government rules.
SSC CHSL Application Fee 2026
The examination fee is generally:
- ₹100 for candidates required to pay the fee.
- Women candidates are exempt from payment of the examination fee.
- SC, ST, PwBD and eligible Ex-Servicemen candidates are also exempt according to the applicable rules.
The fee should be paid within the prescribed deadline. The last date for online fee payment is 8 October 2026, up to 11:00 PM.
SSC CHSL Selection Process 2026
The SSC CHSL recruitment process consists of multiple stages.
Stage 1 – Tier-I Examination
Tier-I is a computer-based examination consisting of objective-type questions.
The examination covers subjects such as:
- General Intelligence
- English Language
- Quantitative Aptitude
- General Awareness
Candidates who qualify the applicable requirements proceed to the subsequent stage.
Stage 2 – Tier-II Examination
Tier-II is also conducted through the computer-based examination system and includes the prescribed sections and modules specified by SSC.
The Tier-II stage also includes the applicable Skill Test or Typing Test, depending on the post.
Stage 3 – Skill Test / Typing Test
Candidates shortlisted for posts requiring a skill or typing test must qualify in the relevant test.
For example, the applicable typing or data-entry requirements vary according to the post.
Stage 4 – Document Verification
Candidates who qualify the required stages are required to undergo document verification.
Candidates should produce the original documents along with the required copies whenever called for verification.
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern
Tier-I
The Tier-I examination is conducted as a computer-based objective examination.
The major subjects are:
| Subject | Questions |
|---|---|
| General Intelligence | 25 |
| English Language | 25 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 |
| General Awareness | 25 |
| Total | 100 |
The detailed marks, duration, negative marking and other examination conditions should be checked carefully in the official SSC notification.
Tier-II
Tier-II contains the prescribed computer-based examination components and the applicable skill/typing assessment. Candidates should refer to the official notification for the detailed module-wise scheme and qualifying requirements.
How to Apply for SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the official SSC platform.
Step 1: Complete One-Time Registration
Candidates who are required to register on the new SSC portal should complete the One-Time Registration process before filling the CHSL application.
Step 2: Log In
After registration, log in to the SSC portal using the required credentials.
Step 3: Select SSC CHSL 2026
Locate the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 application.
Step 4: Enter Details
Enter the required:
- Personal details
- Educational qualifications
- Category details
- Examination centre preferences
- Post preferences, wherever applicable
Step 5: Upload Required Information
Upload the photograph, signature and other information/documents in the format and size prescribed by SSC.
Step 6: Pay the Fee
Candidates who are not exempted from payment should pay the prescribed examination fee through the available online payment methods.
Step 7: Submit the Application
Review the complete application carefully before final submission.
Step 8: Save the Application
After submission, candidates should save or print the final application and payment details for future reference.
Documents Required
Candidates should keep the following information/documents ready while completing the application:
- Class 10 certificate/marksheet for date of birth details
- Class 12 certificate/marksheet
- Valid identity information
- Category certificate, wherever applicable
- PwBD certificate, wherever applicable
- Ex-Servicemen-related documents, wherever applicable
- Recent photograph and signature as prescribed
- Other documents/information required by the SSC application system
Candidates should use accurate information in the application. Any discrepancy between the application and supporting documents may create problems during later stages.
Important Instructions for SSC CHSL 2026 Applicants
- Read the complete SSC CHSL 2026 notification before applying.
- Check the age limit with reference to 1 August 2026.
- Ensure that the required educational qualification is obtained by the prescribed date.
- Candidates applying for specified DEO posts should carefully check the requirement of Science with Mathematics.
- Complete the online application before 7 October 2026, 11:00 PM.
- Complete fee payment, where applicable, by 8 October 2026, 11:00 PM.
- Check all entered details carefully before final submission.
- Keep a copy of the submitted application and payment receipt.
- Check SSC updates regularly for examination dates, admit cards and subsequent recruitment-stage information.
- Remember that the announced 2,536 vacancies are tentative and may be revised by SSC.
SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions
What is SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026?
SSC CHSL 2026 is the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission for recruitment to Group C posts such as LDC/JSA and DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’.
How many vacancies are announced for SSC CHSL 2026?
Approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies have been announced.
What are the posts available under SSC CHSL 2026?
The recruitment includes:
- Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC)
- Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA)
- Data Entry Operator (DEO)
- Data Entry Operator, Grade ‘A’
What is the minimum educational qualification?
Candidates generally need to have passed 12th Standard or an equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University. Certain specified DEO posts require 12th Science with Mathematics.
What is the age limit for SSC CHSL 2026?
The general age limit is 18 to 27 years as on 1 August 2026, subject to applicable relaxations.
What is the last date to apply?
The last date to submit the online application is 7 October 2026 up to 11:00 PM.
When is the last date for fee payment?
The last date for online fee payment is 8 October 2026 up to 11:00 PM.
Is the SSC CHSL 2026 examination date announced?
The Tier-I and Tier-II examination schedules are to be notified separately by SSC.
Is the SSC CHSL application process online?
Yes. The application is to be submitted online through the official SSC platform.
Important Link
Official SSC CHSL 2026 Notification:
Download Official Notification PDF
Conclusion
The SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026 provides approximately 2,536 tentative Group C vacancies for LDC, JSA, DEO and DEO Grade ‘A’ posts in various Central Government departments and offices. Candidates who meet the prescribed educational and age requirements can submit their applications online by 7 October 2026.
Applicants should carefully verify the post-specific qualification requirements, age conditions, vacancy status, examination scheme and other instructions in the official notification before submitting the application.