The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the official notification for the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 (CHSL 2026). The examination is conducted for recruitment to various Group-C posts including Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO) and Data Entry Operator Grade 'A' in different Ministries, Departments and Offices of the Government of India.
The SSC CHSL 2026 examination will be conducted through a Computer Based Examination in two tiers - Tier-I and Tier-II. The marks obtained by candidates in the Computer Based Examination will be normalized in case the examination is conducted in multiple shifts and these normalized marks will be used for determining merit and cut-off marks.
Candidates who have passed 12th Standard or equivalent examination can apply for SSC CHSL 2026 subject to fulfilment of age and other eligibility conditions.
SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026 - Overview
| Organization | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 |
| Posts | LDC, JSA, DEO and DEO Grade 'A' |
| Pay Level | Pay Level-2, Level-4 and Level-5 depending on post |
| Qualification | 12th Pass |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Selection Process | Tier-I, Tier-II and Skill Test / Typing Test wherever applicable |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Examination |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC CHSL 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 07 September 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 07 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 07 October 2026 |
SSC CHSL Vacancy 2026
The number of vacancies for SSC CHSL 2026 will be notified by the Commission. Vacancies will be finalized after receiving information from the user Ministries, Departments and Offices.
The recruitment is conducted for the following posts:
| Post Name | Department / Service |
|---|---|
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC) | Various Central Government Ministries and Departments |
| Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) | Various Government Offices |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Various Ministries / Departments / Organizations |
| Data Entry Operator Grade 'A' | Eligible Government Offices |
SSC CHSL Salary 2026
The salary for SSC CHSL posts varies according to the post and department.
| Post | Pay Level |
|---|---|
| LDC / JSA | Pay Level-2 (Rs. 19,900 - Rs. 63,200) |
| DEO Grade 'A' | Pay Level-4 (Rs. 25,500 - Rs. 81,100) |
| DEO | Pay Level-5 (Rs. 29,200 - Rs. 92,300) |
SSC CHSL Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates applying for SSC CHSL 2026 must satisfy the educational qualification and age limit prescribed by the Staff Selection Commission.
SSC CHSL Educational Qualification 2026
Candidates must have passed the 12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University.
- The qualification must be completed from a recognized institution.
- Candidates appearing in the qualifying examination may apply only if they fulfil the conditions mentioned in the official notification.
- For certain Data Entry Operator posts, Science stream with Mathematics as a subject in Class 12th may be required.
SSC CHSL Age Limit 2026
| Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| 18 Years | 27 Years |
Candidates must satisfy the age criteria as on the date prescribed by SSC in the official notification.
SSC CHSL Age Relaxation 2026
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
| PwBD | 10 Years |
| PwBD + OBC | 13 Years |
| PwBD + SC/ST | 15 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per Government Rules |
SSC CHSL Application Fee 2026
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 100 |
| Women Candidates | Exempted |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen | Exempted |
SSC CHSL Selection Process 2026
The selection process for SSC CHSL 2026 consists of:
- Tier-I Computer Based Examination
- Tier-II Computer Based Examination
- Skill Test / Typing Test
- Document Verification
SSC CHSL Tier-I Exam Pattern 2026
Tier-I examination consists of Objective Type Multiple Choice Questions. The examination includes 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 total duration of Tier-I examination is 60 minutes with sectional timing. Candidates eligible for scribe receive additional time as per SSC rules.
There will be a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer in Tier-I examination.
SSC CHSL Tier-II Exam Pattern 2026
Tier-II of SSC CHSL 2026 will be conducted as a Computer Based Examination. Tier-II consists of Objective Type Multiple Choice Questions along with a Skill Test / Typing Test depending on the post applied.
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Module-I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 |
| Module-II | Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 |
| Module-I | English Language and Comprehension | 40 | 120 |
| Module-II | General Awareness | 20 | 60 |
| Module-III | Computer Knowledge Test | 15 | 45 |
| Total | 135 | 405 |
SSC CHSL Tier-II Negative Marking 2026
There will be negative marking in Tier-II examination. For every wrong answer in Sections-I, Section-II and Module-I of Section-III, a penalty of 1 mark will be deducted.
Candidates must qualify all sections and modules of Tier-II examination as per the cut-off marks decided by SSC.
SSC CHSL Skill Test / Typing Test 2026
Candidates shortlisted for specific posts will have to appear for Skill Test or Typing Test after qualifying the written examination.
SSC CHSL Typing Test for LDC / JSA Posts
| Language | Typing Speed Required |
|---|---|
| English | 35 words per minute |
| Hindi | 30 words per minute |
Typing speed will be tested on a computer. The speed will be calculated on the basis of correct words typed during the prescribed duration.
SSC CHSL Skill Test for DEO Posts
Data Entry Operator candidates will have to qualify the Data Entry Speed Test (DEST).
| Post | Skill Requirement |
|---|---|
| DEO / DEO Grade 'A' | Data Entry Speed Test on Computer |
SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026
English Language
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Sentence Structure
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Spot the Error
- Fill in the Blanks
- Idioms and Phrases
- Reading Comprehension
General Intelligence
- Analogy
- Classification
- Series
- Coding and Decoding
- Venn Diagrams
- Blood Relations
- Logical Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
Quantitative Aptitude
- Number System
- Percentage
- Ratio and Proportion
- Average
- Profit and Loss
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Time and Work
- Speed, Time and Distance
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Statistics
General Awareness
- Current Affairs
- History
- Culture
- Geography
- Indian Polity
- Economics
- General Science
- Scientific Research
Computer Knowledge
- Computer Basics
- Hardware and Software
- Operating System
- MS Office
- Internet and Email
- Networking Basics
- Cyber Security
SSC CHSL 2026 Document Verification
Candidates who qualify all stages of the examination will be called for Document Verification by the respective User Departments.
Candidates must produce original documents along with self-attested copies during document verification.
Documents Required
- Matriculation / Class 10 Certificate for Date of Birth proof.
- Class 12th Mark Sheet and Certificate.
- Valid Photo Identity Proof.
- Caste Certificate, if applicable.
- EWS Certificate, if applicable.
- PwBD Certificate, if applicable.
- Relevant supporting documents for age relaxation.
- Other documents as required by the department.
How to Apply for SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official SSC website at https://ssc.gov.in.
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process if not already registered.
- Login using the registered credentials.
- Select SSC CHSL Examination 2026 application link.
- Fill in personal details, educational details and other required information.
- Select examination centre preferences.
- Upload photograph and signature as per SSC specifications.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable.
- Review all details carefully before final submission.
- Submit the application form.
- Take a printout of the submitted application for future reference.
SSC CHSL 2026 Application Form Important Instructions
- Candidates should submit only one application form for SSC CHSL 2026.
- Multiple applications may lead to cancellation of candidature.
- Applicants must provide a valid mobile number and email ID.
- All information entered in the application form should be correct.
- Candidates should preserve their registration details until completion of the recruitment process.
- Photograph and signature should be uploaded according to SSC instructions.
- Incomplete applications will be rejected.
- Application fee once paid will not be refunded.
- Candidates must carry admit card and valid photo identity proof during examinations.
- Selection will be based purely on merit and performance in different examination stages
