SSC CHSL 2026 Recruitment: 2,536 Vacancies (Applications Closing October 7)
The Staff Selection Commission is conducting online registration for the SSC CHSL (10+2) 2026 Examination for an initial tentative count of 2,536 Group C posts on its new portal ssc.gov.in. The application window closes promptly on October 7, 2026 (23:00 hrs). Eligible 12th-pass candidates must complete their One-Time Registration (OTR) and form submission without delay to prevent last-minute server timeouts.
The SSC CHSL recruitment 2026 remains one of India's most highly contested public examinations, attracting upwards of 30 lakh applicants annually. Offering central government employment straight after Class 12, successful candidates are appointed as Lower Division Clerks (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistants (JSA), and Data Entry Operators (DEO) in premier central ministries, the Cabinet Secretariat, Election Commission of India, and Armed Forces Headquarters.
This year’s recruitment cycle continues the streamlined two-tier Computer Based Examination format, completely doing away with the outdated pen-and-paper descriptive tier, thereby significantly speeding up appointment cycles.
SSC CHSL 2026 Recruitment: Overview
Review the institutional facts and administrative details of the recruitment drive:
| Recruitment Parameter | Official Notification Detail |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Commission | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Examination Name | Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 2,536 Posts (Tentative Group C cadres) |
| Target Designations | Lower Division Clerk (LDC), JSA, Data Entry Operator (DEO / DEO Grade A) |
| Minimum Educational Norm | 12th Standard Pass from a recognized Board or University |
| Age Limit | 18 to 27 Years (as on crucial cutoff date) |
| Pay Scales (7th CPC) | Pay Level 2 (₹19,900) & Pay Level 4 (₹25,500) |
| Selection Architecture | Tier-I (CBT) + Tier-II (CBT & Typing/Data Entry Skill Test) |
| Online Registration Deadline | October 7, 2026 (23:00 hrs) |
| Correction Window | October 10 to October 11, 2026 |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
Post-Wise Vacancies & Eligibility Standards
The 2,536 positions in SSC CHSL 2026 are distributed across key administrative ranks:
| Designation | Pay Band | Educational Requirement | Skill Test Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC) / Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) | Pay Level 2 (₹19,900 – ₹63,200) | 12th Standard Pass from a recognized Board | Typing Test: 35 wpm (English) or 30 wpm (Hindi) on Computer |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO Grade A) in CAG & Ministries | Pay Level 4 (₹25,500 – ₹81,100) | 12th Standard in Science stream with Mathematics | Data Entry Speed: 15,000 key depressions per hour (50 wpm) |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) in other Departments | Pay Level 4 (₹25,500 – ₹81,100) | 12th Standard Pass in any discipline | Data Entry Speed: 8,000 key depressions per hour (27 wpm) |
Age Limit Criteria & Permissible Relaxations
The standard age limit for SSC CHSL candidates is 18 to 27 years. Permissible relaxations apply for reserved categories:
| Category | Permissible Upper Age Limit | Upper Age Relaxation |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 27 Years | Nil |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 30 Years | 3 Years |
| SC / ST | 32 Years | 5 Years |
| PwBD (Unreserved) | 37 Years | 10 Years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 40 Years | 13 Years |
| PwBD (SC / ST) | 42 Years | 15 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | Service length + 3 Years | Central Government Rules |
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern: Tier 1 & Tier 2 Structure
The examination is conducted in two rigorous computerized phases:
Tier-I Examination Scheme (Screening)
Tier-I comprises 100 objective questions totaling 200 marks to be completed in 60 minutes:
| Subject Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Exam Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language (Basic Knowledge) | 25 Questions | 50 Marks | 60 Minutes (80 Minutes for Scribe Candidates) |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 Questions | 50 Marks | |
| Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skills) | 25 Questions | 50 Marks | |
| General Awareness | 25 Questions | 50 Marks | |
| Total Composite | 100 Questions | 200 Marks | 60 Minutes |
Negative Marking: There is a deduction of 0.50 marks for each incorrect response in Tier-I. Normalized marks secured in Tier-I are used to shortlist candidates for Tier-II.
Tier-II Examination Scheme (Merit Determining)
Tier-II consists of two distinct sessions conducted on the same day:
- Session 1 (2 Hours 15 Mins):
- Section I: Mathematical Abilities (30 Qs) + Reasoning (30 Qs) = 60 Qs (180 Marks, 1 Hour)
- Section II: English Language (40 Qs) + General Awareness (20 Qs) = 60 Qs (180 Marks, 1 Hour)
- Section III: Computer Knowledge Module (15 Qs = 45 Marks, 15 Minutes, Qualifying in Nature)
- Session 2: Skill Test / Typing Test Module (Qualifying in nature; 15 mins for DEO, 10 mins for LDC/JSA).
SSC CHSL Post-Wise In-Hand Salary (2026)
Central government employees receive revised Dearness Allowance (DA 50%+), House Rent Allowance (up to 30%), and Transport Allowance:
| Salary Component | DEO Grade A (Level 4 - Metro / X City) | LDC / JSA (Level 2 - Non-Metro / Y City) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹25,500 | ₹19,900 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA 50%) | ₹12,750 | ₹9,950 |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | ₹7,650 (30%) | ₹3,980 (20%) |
| Transport Allowance (TPTA) | ₹4,860 | ₹2,700 |
| Gross Monthly Pay | ₹50,760 | ₹36,530 |
| Approximate Net Take-Home Salary | ₹44,200 – ₹46,500 | ₹32,000 – ₹34,100 |
Essential Application Guidelines on ssc.gov.in
- Navigate to the newly launched portal ssc.gov.in and login via your One-Time Registration (OTR) credentials.
- Click on "Apply" under the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination 2026 tab.
- Live Camera Capture: The new SSC portal captures candidate photographs via live web camera. Ensure proper ambient lighting, plain background, and no spectacles/caps.
- Select three examination center preferences within the same administrative SSC region.
- Submit application fee: ₹100 for General/OBC males. Women candidates and SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen are exempt from fee payment.
Frequently Asked Questions (Google PAA Insights)
1. What is the last date to apply for SSC CHSL 2026?
The online application window on ssc.gov.in closes on October 7, 2026 at 23:00 hrs. Fee payment through online methods can be completed until October 8, 2026.
2. Can a 12th appearing student apply for SSC CHSL?
Candidates must have acquired their 12th standard passing certificate on or before the crucial date specified in the notification. If your final 12th result is not declared by the deadline, you are not eligible.
3. What is the required typing speed for LDC in SSC CHSL?
Candidates opting for English typing must achieve a speed of 35 words per minute (WPM), while candidates opting for Hindi typing require 30 words per minute (WPM) on a standard computer keyboard.
4. What is the in-hand salary of SSC CHSL LDC?
A newly recruited Lower Division Clerk (LDC) draws a monthly take-home salary between ₹32,000 and ₹34,100 in Tier 2 cities, and approximately ₹35,500 in Tier 1 metropolitan areas like Delhi or Mumbai.
5. Where can I solve authentic SSC CHSL previous year question papers for free?
You can practice all recent shift question papers with real countdown timers and instant AI explanations on SSC CHSL Previous Year Papers and full mock tests at SSC CHSL Free Mock Test on PrepMe247.