SSC CHSL 2026: Notification, 2,536 Vacancies, Eligibility, Apply Online, Exam Pattern & Salary
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the notification for the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026. The recruitment is being conducted for 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 and offices of the Government of India.
According to the official notification, there are approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies. Candidates who have passed Class 12 or are appearing for their Class 12 examination can apply, subject to the post-specific eligibility conditions and the requirement to obtain the qualification by the prescribed cut-off date.
The online application process started on September 7, 2026, and the last date to submit the application is October 7, 2026, up to 11:00 PM.
Download the official SSC CHSL 2026 notification PDF
SSC CHSL 2026: Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination | SSC CHSL 2026 |
| Full Form | Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission |
| Posts | LDC/JSA, DEO, DEO Grade 'A' |
| Total Vacancies | Approx. 2,536 tentative |
| Application Start Date | September 7, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | October 7, 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | October 8, 2026 |
| Correction Window | October 14–16, 2026 |
| Age Limit | 18–27 years |
| Minimum Qualification | Class 12 pass |
| Application Fee | ₹100 |
| Tier-I | To be notified |
| Tier-II | To be notified |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
The vacancy figure of 2,536 is tentative. SSC has stated that final vacancies will be determined later, and updated post-wise and category-wise vacancies will be published on the Commission's website. SSC also clarifies that it does not collect state-wise or zone-wise vacancies.
What is SSC CHSL 2026?
SSC CHSL is a national-level recruitment examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission for various Group C posts requiring higher-secondary-level qualification.
For 2026, the examination is being conducted for recruitment to:
- Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC)
- Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA)
- Data Entry Operator (DEO)
- Data Entry Operator Grade 'A'
These posts are available in various Ministries, Departments, offices, Constitutional Bodies, Statutory Bodies and Tribunals.
SSC CHSL 2026 Vacancies
SSC has announced approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies for CHSL 2026.
However, candidates should not treat 2,536 as the final vacancy count. According to SSC, the final number will be determined after scrutiny of information received from the concerned user departments.
Updated vacancy information, including post-wise and category-wise vacancies, will be published separately by SSC.
Important
SSC does not collect state-wise or zone-wise vacancies for CHSL. Candidates looking for state-wise or zone-wise vacancy information should check information provided by the concerned user departments.
SSC CHSL 2026 Posts and Salary
The posts covered under SSC CHSL 2026 and their corresponding pay levels are:
| Post | Pay Level | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| LDC/JSA | Level 2 | ₹19,900–₹63,200 |
| DEO | Level 4 | ₹25,500–₹81,100 |
| DEO | Level 5 | ₹29,200–₹92,300 |
| DEO Grade 'A' | Level 4 | ₹25,500–₹81,100 |
These are Group C posts under various government departments and organisations.
The actual post allotted to a candidate depends on merit and post preferences, along with fulfilment of the specific requirements of the post.
SSC CHSL 2026 Important Dates
The important dates mentioned in the official notification are:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification | September 7, 2026 |
| Application starts | September 7, 2026 |
| Last date to apply | October 7, 2026 |
| Last date for fee payment | October 8, 2026 |
| Application correction | October 14–16, 2026 |
| Tier-I examination | To be notified |
| Tier-II examination | To be notified |
The last date for submitting the online application is October 7, 2026, at 11:00 PM, while online fee payment can be made until October 8, 2026, at 11:00 PM.
SSC CHSL 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates should carefully check the eligibility requirements before applying because the educational qualification differs for certain DEO posts.
Educational Qualification
For LDC/JSA and most DEO/DEO Grade 'A' posts
Candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognised Board or University.
For specific DEO/DEO Grade 'A' posts
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 Class 12 in the Science stream with Mathematics as a subject from a recognised Board or equivalent.
This distinction is important because a general statement that all SSC CHSL posts only require Class 12 qualification would be incomplete.
Can Class 12 appearing students apply for SSC CHSL 2026?
Yes. Candidates who have appeared in their Class 12/equivalent examination can apply.
However, they must possess the required educational qualification on or before October 7, 2026, which is the prescribed cut-off date.
SSC further states that candidates whose qualifying examination result has been declared by the Board/University on or before the cut-off date and who have been declared passed can meet the educational qualification requirement. Merely having the result under processing by the cut-off date is not sufficient.
Is an Open or Distance Learning Qualification Valid?
SSC states that degrees, diplomas and certificates obtained through Open and Distance Learning can be accepted for Central Government employment when they meet the applicable recognition requirements, including approval by the Distance Education Bureau (DEB), UGC for the relevant period.
Candidates possessing such qualifications may be required to produce evidence of the relevant approval during document verification.
The notification also states that certain programmes, including engineering, medicine, dental, nursing, pharmacy, architecture and physiotherapy, are generally not permitted through ODL/online mode unless permitted under the applicable statutory/regulatory provisions and notified by the UGC.
SSC specifically mentions that, pursuant to the Supreme Court's March 11, 2019 order, B.Tech degrees/diplomas in engineering awarded by IGNOU to students enrolled up to the 2009–10 academic year will be treated as valid wherever applicable.
SSC CHSL 2026 Age Limit
The age limit is 18 to 27 years as on August 1, 2026.
Candidates must have been born:
Not before August 2, 1999
and
Not later than August 1, 2008.
The date of birth entered in the application must match the date recorded in the candidate's Matriculation/Secondary Examination Certificate. SSC states that subsequent requests for changing the date of birth will not be accepted.
SSC CHSL 2026 Age Relaxation
The notification provides age relaxation for eligible categories.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD | 10 years |
| PwBD + OBC | 13 years |
| PwBD + SC/ST | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years after deduction of military service |
| Certain eligible defence personnel | 3 years |
| Certain defence personnel, SC/ST | 8 years |
| Eligible Central Government civilian employees | Up to 40 years |
| Eligible Central Government civilian employees, SC/ST | Up to 45 years |
| Eligible widows/divorced women/judicially separated women | Up to 35 years |
| Same category, SC/ST | Up to 40 years |
Candidates claiming relaxation must possess the appropriate supporting certificate in the prescribed format when required during document verification.
Are BRO Posts Available in SSC CHSL 2026?
The SSC notification contains specific provisions for Lower Divisional Clerk posts in the Border Roads Organization (BRO).
An important condition is that only male candidates are eligible for vacancies, if any are reported, in BRO.
Candidates opting for BRO posts must also satisfy the prescribed physical, medical and other standards.
SSC CHSL 2026 Application Form
Candidates can submit their applications online through:
- The official SSC website
- The mySSC mobile application
Candidates who have not generated a One-Time Registration (OTR) on the new SSC website must complete a new OTR. An OTR created on the old SSC website is not functional on the new website.
Once generated on the new website, the OTR remains valid for examinations that candidates apply for through the new SSC website.
Basic application process
- Visit the official SSC website.
- Complete One-Time Registration if you do not already have an OTR on the new website.
- Log in using your registration details.
- Select Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026.
- Enter the required educational and personal information.
- Select the required examination centre and other preferences.
- Upload/complete the required photograph and signature details.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable.
- Preview the application carefully.
- Submit the application.
- Save/print a copy of the submitted application for future reference.
SSC advises candidates not to wait until the last day because heavy website traffic or connectivity problems could make submission difficult.
SSC CHSL 2026 Application Fee
The application fee is ₹100.
The following candidates are exempted from paying the fee:
- Women candidates
- SC candidates
- ST candidates
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)
- Eligible Ex-Servicemen (ESM)
The fee can be paid online through BHIM UPI, Net Banking, Visa, MasterCard, Maestro or RuPay debit cards.
The fee must be paid by October 8, 2026, at 11:00 PM.
SSC CHSL 2026 Application Correction Window
SSC will provide a correction window from:
October 14 to October 16, 2026, up to 11:00 PM.
A candidate can correct and resubmit the application twice during the correction window.
The correction charges are:
- First correction: ₹200
- Second correction: ₹500
These charges apply to candidates irrespective of gender or category.
After the correction window closes, SSC will not accept requests for further changes.
SSC CHSL 2026 Exam Pattern
SSC CHSL 2026 consists of Tier-I and Tier-II examinations.
The notification states that the schedules for both examinations will be notified later.
Tier-I Exam Pattern
Tier-I consists of four sections:
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 25 | 50 |
| General Intelligence | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
The examination duration is 60 minutes, with a sectional timer of 15 minutes for each subject.
Candidates eligible for a scribe receive the applicable additional time specified by SSC.
Tier-I consists of objective multiple-choice questions. There is negative marking of 0.50 marks for every wrong answer.
SSC CHSL Tier-II Exam Pattern
Tier-II is conducted in two sessions on the same day.
Session-I
It contains:
Section-I
- Mathematical Abilities
- Reasoning and General Intelligence
Section-II
- English Language and Comprehension
- General Awareness
Section-III
- Computer Knowledge Test
Session-II
Section-IV
- Skill Test/Typing Test
Tier-II marks
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 |
| Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 |
| English Language & Comprehension | 40 | 120 |
| General Awareness | 20 | 60 |
| Computer Knowledge | 15 | 45 |
| Skill/Typing Test | Qualifying | — |
Section-I and Section-II together carry 360 marks, while the Computer Knowledge Test carries 45 marks.
There is 1 mark negative marking for every wrong answer in Sections I, II and III of Tier-II.
Is Computer Knowledge Test Mandatory in SSC CHSL?
Yes.
The Computer Knowledge Test is mandatory but qualifying in nature.
Candidates must qualify the required sections of Tier-II.
SSC CHSL 2026 Typing Test
For LDC/JSA and other applicable non-DEO posts, candidates have to take the Typing Test.
Candidates can choose either English or Hindi as their typing-test medium while filling the application form.
The choice is treated as final.
Required typing speed
English: 35 words per minute
Hindi: 30 words per minute
The typing test is conducted for 10 minutes.
For Hindi typing, candidates applying for LDC/JSA are required to use Mangal Font.
SSC CHSL DEO Skill Test
For Data Entry Operator posts, the Skill Test is mandatory.
For DEO/DEO Grade 'A' posts in the departments/ministry specified in the notification, the required data-entry speed is:
15,000 key depressions per hour
The test duration is 15 minutes.
For other DEO/DEO Grade 'A' posts, the requirement is:
8,000 key depressions per hour
The test duration is also 15 minutes.
The Skill Test/Typing Test is qualifying in nature.
SSC CHSL 2026 Qualifying Marks
The minimum qualifying marks specified by SSC are:
| Category | Minimum qualifying marks |
|---|---|
| UR | 30% |
| OBC/EWS | 25% |
| All other categories | 20% |
These qualifying requirements apply to Tier-I and Sections I, II and III of Tier-II as specified by SSC.
How is SSC CHSL 2026 Selection Done?
Candidates are first shortlisted for Tier-II based on their performance in Tier-I.
SSC will use normalized scores for determining merit and final selection.
After Tier-I, candidates qualifying for Tier-II have to appear in all four sections.
For final selection:
- Section-I and Section-II marks of Tier-II are used for the merit list.
- Section-III, the Computer Knowledge Test, is qualifying.
- Section-IV, Skill Test/Typing Test, is qualifying.
- Candidates must qualify the applicable sections.
- Final allotment is based on merit and post preferences.
How Important is Post Preference in SSC CHSL?
Post preference is extremely important.
SSC will collect candidates' preferences for posts and departments through an online option form before the final result/FRTA.
The preferences submitted by candidates are treated as final and irreversible.
A candidate who does not submit their post preferences within the specified period will not be considered for any post in the final result/FRTA.
Candidates should therefore carefully consider the requirements of each post before submitting their preferences.
SSC CHSL 2026 Syllabus
The Tier-I syllabus includes four major areas.
English Language
Topics include:
- Spot the Error
- Fill in the Blanks
- Synonyms/Homonyms
- Antonyms
- Spellings
- Idioms and Phrases
- One-word substitution
- Sentence improvement
- Active and Passive Voice
- Direct and Indirect Narration
- Sentence arrangement
- Cloze Passage
- Comprehension Passage
General Intelligence
The syllabus includes verbal and non-verbal reasoning topics such as:
- Analogy
- Classification
- Venn diagrams
- Number series
- Figural series
- Coding-decoding
- Space orientation
- Problem solving
- Critical thinking
- Embedded figures
- Pattern folding
- Drawing inferences
- Numerical operations
Quantitative Aptitude
Important areas include:
- Number systems
- Percentages
- Ratio and proportion
- Averages
- Simple and compound interest
- Profit and loss
- Discount
- Partnership
- Mixture and alligation
- Time and distance
- Time and work
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Trigonometry
- Basic graphs
General Awareness
SSC says questions are designed to test awareness of the environment around candidates and its application to society, including current events and everyday scientific aspects.
The syllabus also includes areas relating to:
- India and neighbouring countries
- History
- Culture
- Geography
- Economic scene
- General policy
- Scientific research
Documents Required for SSC CHSL Document Verification
Candidates will have to produce relevant original documents when required during document verification.
These can include:
- Class 12 marksheet/certificate
- Provisional certificate, where applicable
- Category certificate
- Age-relaxation certificate
- PwBD certificate, where applicable
- ESM-related documents, where applicable
- No Objection Certificate for candidates already employed in government/government undertakings
- Other documents specified by SSC or the concerned department
SSC warns that if a claim made in the application cannot be supported with the required documents, the candidature can be cancelled.
SSC CHSL 2026 Important Points for Candidates
Before applying, candidates should keep the following points in mind:
1. Vacancies are tentative.
The announced figure of 2,536 can change when final vacancies are determined.
2. Not every DEO post has the same educational requirement.
Certain specified DEO/DEO Grade 'A' posts require Class 12 Science with Mathematics.
3. Class 12 appearing candidates can apply.
However, the required qualification must be obtained by October 7, 2026.
4. Check your date of birth carefully.
The DOB in the application must match the Matriculation/Secondary certificate.
5. Post preference matters.
Once submitted, preferences cannot subsequently be changed.
6. DEO candidates must qualify the Skill Test.
SSC states that the Skill Test is mandatory for Data Entry Operators.
7. LDC/JSA candidates must qualify the Typing Test.
The prescribed speed is 35 wpm in English or 30 wpm in Hindi.
SSC CHSL 2026 FAQs
Is SSC CHSL 2026 notification released?
Yes. SSC released the CHSL 2026 notification on September 7, 2026.
How many vacancies are there in SSC CHSL 2026?
SSC has announced approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies. The final vacancy count will be determined later.
What is the last date to apply for SSC CHSL 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is October 7, 2026, at 11:00 PM.
What is the SSC CHSL 2026 application fee?
The application fee is ₹100. Women, SC, ST, PwBD and eligible ESM candidates are exempted from paying the fee.
What is the SSC CHSL 2026 age limit?
The age limit is 18–27 years as on August 1, 2026. Candidates must be born between August 2, 1999 and August 1, 2008, subject to applicable relaxations.
Can 12th appearing students apply for SSC CHSL 2026?
Yes. However, candidates must possess the required educational qualification by October 7, 2026.
What is the SSC CHSL salary?
The notified pay levels range from Level 2 to Level 5, depending on the post. LDC/JSA has a pay scale of ₹19,900–₹63,200, while DEO posts have pay scales ranging from ₹25,500–₹81,100 to ₹29,200–₹92,300.
Is there negative marking in SSC CHSL?
Yes. Tier-I has a penalty of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer. Tier-II has 1 mark negative marking for wrong answers in Sections I, II and III.
Is the SSC CHSL typing test mandatory?
For applicable LDC/JSA and other non-DEO posts, the Typing Test is mandatory unless the candidate qualifies for an exemption specified by SSC.
What is the typing speed required for SSC CHSL?
Candidates opting for English must have a typing speed of 35 words per minute, while Hindi candidates need 30 words per minute.
When will SSC CHSL Tier-I 2026 be conducted?
The official notification currently says the Tier-I schedule will be notified later.
Where can I apply for SSC CHSL 2026?
Applications can be submitted through the official SSC website or the mySSC mobile application.
SSC CHSL 2026 Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Official SSC Website | ssc.gov.in |
| Official CHSL 2026 Notification | Download Notification PDF |
Candidates should always verify the latest application status, vacancy updates, examination dates and instructions on the official SSC website before taking any action.
Final Takeaway
SSC CHSL 2026 is an important opportunity for candidates who have completed or are completing their Class 12 education and are looking for government jobs under the Central Government.
The recruitment currently carries approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies across LDC/JSA, DEO and DEO Grade 'A' posts. The application window is open from September 7 to October 7, 2026, while the examination dates for Tier-I and Tier-II are yet to be announced.
Candidates should pay particular attention to post-specific educational qualifications, age requirements, application details and post preferences, because these can directly affect eligibility and final allotment.
Official source: Staff Selection Commission, CHSL 2026 Examination Notice
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