Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Higher Secondary Level (10+2) Exam 2026. This examination aims to fill approximately 2536 Group C posts in various Ministries and Departments of the Government of India. The recruitment is for posts such as Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO).
Key Highlights
- Organization: Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
- Exam Name: Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) Exam 2026
- Total Vacancies: 2536
- Post Type: Group C
- Application Mode: Online
- Official Website: ssc.gov.in
Important Dates
Candidates must take note of the schedule for the application process.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | As per official notification |
| Online Application Start Date | 07-09-2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 07-10-2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 14-10-2026 to 16-10-2026 |
| Tier-I Exam Date | To be notified later |
| Tier-II Exam Date | To be notified later |
Vacancy Details
The recruitment notification announces 2536 vacancies for different posts. These positions exist in various Ministries, Departments, Offices, Constitutional Bodies, Statutory Bodies, and Tribunals. The commission provides a breakdown of vacancies for each post and category in the detailed notification.
Post-wise Salary Structure
The pay scale varies based on the post and the level of responsibility. Candidates can refer to the following details for the salary associated with each role.
| Post Name | Pay Level | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC)/Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) | Level-2 | ₹19,900 – 63,200 |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Level-4 | ₹25,500 – 81,100 |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Level-5 | ₹29,200 – 92,300 |
| Data Entry Operator Grade "A" | Level-4 | ₹25,500 – 81,100 |
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria regarding age and educational qualification. The criteria differ slightly based on the post applied for.
Age Limit
The age of the candidate must be between 18 to 27 years as on 1st August 2026. This means candidates born before 02-08-1999 or after 01-08-2008 are not eligible. The government provides age relaxation for reserved categories.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC | 3 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| PwBD-UR & EWS | 10 years |
| PwBD-OBC | 13 years |
| PwBD-SC & ST | 15 years |
Educational Qualification
The educational requirement depends on the specific post and department.
For DEO/DEO Grade "A" in specific departments: Candidates applying for Data Entry Operator posts in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, SSC, and Ministry of Culture must have passed 12th Standard in the Science stream with Mathematics from a recognized Board.
For LDC/JSA and other DEO posts: Candidates must have passed 12th Standard or an equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University.
Candidates appearing in the 12th Standard examination can also apply. However, they must possess the essential qualification by the cut-off date of 07-10-2026.
Application Fee
The application fee is mandatory for general category candidates. However, the commission exempts certain categories from the fee payment.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General (GEN) / EWS / OBC | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women / Ex-Servicemen | Nil (Exempted) |
Candidates can pay the fee through BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or by using Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, or RuPay Credit/Debit cards.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of two tiers of examination. Candidates must qualify in each tier to proceed to the next stage.
Tier-I Examination Pattern
Tier-I is a Computer Based Examination. The paper consists of objective type multiple choice questions.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 25 | 50 |
| General Intelligence | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
The total time duration for Tier-I is 60 minutes. The exam carries a total of 200 marks.
Tier-II Examination Pattern
Tier-II is also a Computer Based Examination. It is divided into two sessions.
Session-I (2 hours 15 minutes):
- Section-I: Mathematical Abilities (30 questions) and Reasoning & General Intelligence (30 questions). Total 60 questions for 180 marks. Time allowed is 1 hour.
- Section-II: English Language & Comprehension (40 questions) and General Awareness (20 questions). Total 60 questions for 180 marks. Time allowed is 1 hour.
- Section-III: Computer Knowledge Test (15 questions). Total 45 marks. Time allowed is 15 minutes.
Session-II:
This session includes the Skill Test. The duration for the Skill Test for DEOs in Departments is 15 minutes. For DEOs (other than Departments), the duration is also 15 minutes. The Typing Test for LDC/JSA posts lasts for 10 minutes.
The commission will normalize the scores if the exam takes place in multiple shifts. These normalized scores will determine the final merit list and cut-off.
Exam Centres in Assam
Candidates from Assam can choose from five examination centres within the state. The centres are Dibrugarh (5102), Guwahati/Dispur (5105), Jorhat (5107), Silchar (5111), and Tezpur (5112).
How to Apply
Eligible candidates can apply online through the official SSC portal. Follow the steps below to complete the application process.
- Visit the official website ssc.gov.in.
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) if not already registered.
- Log in using your credentials.
- Fill in the personal and educational details in the application form.
- Upload the required documents and photographs.
- Pay the application fee through the available payment modes.
- Submit the application form.
- Take a print out of the final submitted form for future reference.
Important Web-Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | Visit |
| VacancyWallah Website | Click Here |
| Join Telegram | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp | Click Here |
| Follow on Facebook | Click Here |
| Free Photo & Signature Resizer | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the starting date to apply for SSC CHSL 2026?
A. The online application process starts on 7th September 2026.
Q. What is the last date to submit the application form?
A. The last date to submit the online application is 7th October 2026.
Q. What is the minimum educational qualification required?
A. The minimum qualification is Class 12th passed from a recognized board.
Q. How many vacancies are announced in this notification?
A. The notification announces a total of 2536 vacancies.
Q. What is the application fee for General category candidates?
A. The application fee for General, EWS, and OBC candidates is ₹100.
Q. Is there any age relaxation for SC/ST candidates?
A. Yes, SC/ST candidates receive an age relaxation of 5 years.
Q. Where can I find the official notification PDF?
A. You can download the official notification PDF from the SSC website ssc.gov.in.
Interested candidates should visit the official website to register and apply. Ensure you read the full notification to understand all requirements.