The Staff Selection Commission has started the SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026 process for candidates seeking 12th-pass Central Government jobs. The examination covers LDC, JSA, DEO and DEO Grade ‘A’ posts in various Ministries, Departments and Government offices. Around 2,536 tentative vacancies have been announced, while the final post-wise vacancy position will be updated by SSC later. Eligible candidates can apply online from 7 September to 7 October 2026 through the new SSC recruitment system.
SSC CHSL 2026: Which Posts Are Available?
SSC CHSL is not a recruitment for just one clerical position. Depending on the post and department, candidates can be considered for different types of office and data-entry jobs.
The main posts covered are:
- Lower Division Clerk (LDC)
- Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA)
- Data Entry Operator (DEO)
- Data Entry Operator Grade ‘A’
The educational requirement is generally Class 12, but some DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ positions have an additional Science with Mathematics requirement.
Recruitment Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Staff Selection Commission |
| Examination | Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 |
| Posts | LDC, JSA, DEO, DEO Grade ‘A’ |
| Vacancies | Approx. 2,536, tentative |
| Minimum Qualification | Class 12 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Starts | 7 September 2026 |
| Last Date | 7 October 2026, 11:00 PM |
| Fee Payment Deadline | 8 October 2026, 11:00 PM |
| Correction Window | 14 to 16 October 2026 |
| Job Location | Central Government offices across India |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC CHSL Vacancy 2026
SSC has initially indicated approximately 2,536 vacancies.
At this stage, the Commission has not provided the final post-wise and category-wise vacancy distribution in the form of a complete breakup. Therefore, candidates should treat the figure as tentative.
| Vacancy Details | Number |
|---|---|
| LDC/JSA, DEO & DEO Grade ‘A’ | Approx. 2,536 |
| Total | Approx. 2,536 |
The final number can change depending on the vacancy requirements reported by participating departments.
For candidates choosing CHSL primarily because of a particular post or department, the eventual vacancy notice should be checked rather than assuming that all 2,536 posts are available for every post.
SSC CHSL Eligibility 2026
The basic educational requirement is Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized Board or University.
However, the exact qualification depends on the post.
LDC and JSA
Candidates applying for LDC/JSA generally need to have passed 12th Standard or an equivalent examination.
There is no general requirement to have studied Science or Mathematics for these posts.
DEO and DEO Grade ‘A’
For most DEO-related posts, Class 12 qualification is sufficient.
However, certain posts/departments specifically require candidates to have passed 12th Standard in the Science stream with Mathematics as a subject.
This distinction is important because a candidate who has passed Class 12 without Mathematics may be eligible for some CHSL posts but not for every DEO vacancy.
Candidates Appearing for Class 12
Candidates who are appearing for or awaiting their Class 12 result may apply only if they obtain the required qualification by the prescribed cut-off date.
For this recruitment, the qualifying result must be declared by 7 October 2026.
Simply having appeared in the examination is not enough if the required result is not available by the prescribed date.
SSC CHSL Age Limit
The normal age limit is 18 to 27 years as on 1 August 2026.
Candidates should have been born between 2 August 1999 and 1 August 2008, inclusive, subject to the applicable rules.
Age relaxation is available to eligible categories.
| 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 rules |
| Central Government Civilian Employees | Up to 40 years, subject to conditions |
Candidates should use the category and service-specific rules applicable to them rather than automatically adding the maximum relaxation.
For certain Border Roads Organisation vacancies, eligibility is restricted to male candidates as prescribed in the recruitment rules.
SSC CHSL Salary 2026: LDC/JSA vs DEO
One advantage of SSC CHSL is that the salary depends on the post allotted.
| 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 |
The actual monthly salary will vary according to the post, department, city of posting and applicable allowances.
Therefore, candidates should not expect one identical in-hand salary from every SSC CHSL vacancy.
SSC CHSL Selection Process: Two Tiers With Post-Specific Tests
The recruitment is conducted through a two-tier computer-based examination.
The broad process is:
Tier-I → Tier-II → Skill/Typing Test, where applicable → Final Selection
Candidates should not prepare only for Tier-I. Tier-II contains additional sections and the relevant skill or typing requirement can become important depending on the post.
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.
There is a 0.50-mark negative marking for each incorrect answer.
How to Approach Tier-I
The paper contains only 100 questions, so candidates need both speed and accuracy.
A useful preparation cycle is:
Concept revision → Sectional practice → Timed practice → Full mock → Error analysis
Simply taking mock tests without analysing incorrect answers is unlikely to provide the same improvement as reviewing the questions that caused mistakes.
Tier-II Exam: Do Not Leave It for Later
Tier-II is more extensive than Tier-I and covers:
- Mathematical Abilities
- Reasoning and General Intelligence
- English Language and Comprehension
- General Awareness
- Computer Knowledge
- Skill Test or Typing Test, where applicable
The Computer Knowledge Test is qualifying in nature, and candidates must qualify the applicable sections according to the prescribed requirements.
Negative marking of 1 mark applies to wrong answers in Sections I and II of Tier-II.
Because Tier-II includes additional requirements, candidates should begin preparing for it alongside Tier-I rather than waiting for the Tier-I result.
Typing Test and Data Entry Skill Test
The final stages differ depending on the post.
Candidates selected for LDC/JSA posts may have to qualify the prescribed Typing Test.
Candidates applying for relevant DEO posts must undergo the applicable Data Entry Skill Test.
This creates an important preparation difference:
- LDC/JSA target: focus on written preparation plus typing accuracy and speed.
- DEO target: written preparation should be combined with regular data-entry practice.
Candidates should check the skill-test requirements applicable to their specific post preference.
SSC CHSL Important Dates 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Begins | 7 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 7 October 2026, 11:00 PM |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 8 October 2026, 11:00 PM |
| Application Correction Window | 14–16 October 2026 |
| Tier-I Examination | To be announced |
| Tier-II Examination | To be announced |
The examination schedule will be announced separately by SSC.
SSC CHSL Application Fee
The standard examination fee is ₹100.
| Candidate | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS Male | ₹100 |
| Women Candidates | Exempted |
| SC/ST | Exempted |
| PwBD | Exempted |
| Eligible Ex-Servicemen | Exempted |
The fee can be paid using the payment methods made available by SSC, including BHIM UPI, Net Banking and eligible debit-card options.
Candidates who are required to pay should confirm successful payment before considering the application complete.
Documents and Information to Keep Ready
SSC’s online application requires candidates to provide accurate personal and educational information.
Keep the following ready:
- Class 10 certificate/details
- Class 12 certificate/details
- Educational qualification information
- Active mobile number
- Working email address
- Valid identity information
- Category certificate, if applicable
- PwBD certificate, where applicable
- Ex-Servicemen documents, where applicable
- Photograph and signature information as required by the portal
The name and date of birth should be entered carefully because discrepancies with educational or identity records can create problems later.
How to Apply for SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026
Candidates can apply through the current SSC online recruitment system.
- Visit the official SSC website.
- Complete One-Time Registration on the new SSC portal if required.
- Log in using the registration credentials.
- Select Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026.
- Enter personal, educational and other required details.
- Select the applicable post preferences carefully.
- Provide the photograph and other information requested by the application system.
- Review the complete form before final submission.
- Pay the ₹100 fee if applicable.
- Submit the application before 7 October 2026 at 11:00 PM.
- Save the final application and payment confirmation.
Important SSC Registration Warning
Candidates who created an OTR on the old SSC website should not assume that it automatically works on the new SSC system. Follow the registration instructions displayed on the current SSC portal.
Common Mistakes in SSC CHSL Applications
The following errors are particularly worth avoiding:
Choosing DEO without checking Mathematics: Some DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ vacancies have a specific Science with Mathematics requirement.
Treating 2,536 as a final vacancy count: The current number is tentative and the final distribution can change.
Ignoring Tier-II: Candidates sometimes focus entirely on Tier-I and start Tier-II preparation too late.
Neglecting typing or data entry: Candidates targeting LDC/JSA or DEO posts should start the applicable skill practice early.
Using old SSC registration details: The current SSC system has separate registration requirements.
Submitting at the last minute: Payment or technical issues can become difficult to resolve close to the deadline.
Entering incorrect personal details: Always cross-check date of birth, name and educational information before submission.
Which Candidates Should Target SSC CHSL?
SSC CHSL is particularly suitable for candidates who have completed Class 12 and want a Central Government career without first completing graduation.
The recruitment also gives candidates some flexibility in career preference.
Candidates who prefer traditional clerical work may focus on LDC/JSA, while those interested in data-entry positions can consider DEO opportunities if they meet the relevant qualification.
Candidates should therefore think beyond simply applying for “SSC CHSL” and check which individual posts match their qualification, skills and career preference.
CareerAlert24 Insight
The biggest advantage of SSC CHSL is that candidates can enter Central Government service with a 12th-pass qualification.
However, the approximate 2,536 vacancies should not be interpreted as 2,536 identical opportunities. Different posts can have different educational requirements, pay levels and skill tests. Candidates who understand these differences can make a better application and preparation plan.
For most candidates, Tier-I should be treated as the foundation rather than the entire recruitment. Tier-II introduces Computer Knowledge and additional sections, while LDC/JSA and DEO candidates may have to demonstrate typing or data-entry skills.
A smart strategy is to prepare for the written examination while gradually developing the relevant computer skill. This avoids the common situation where a candidate performs well in the written stages but struggles with the post-specific skill test.
Candidates should also monitor SSC announcements because the current vacancy figure is tentative and the detailed post-wise distribution is expected to be updated.
SSC CHSL Preparation Strategy
For Tier-I
- Practise arithmetic calculations regularly.
- Build speed in reasoning.
- Improve English grammar and vocabulary.
- Revise General Awareness consistently.
- Attempt timed sectional tests.
- Take full-length mock tests.
- Analyse wrong answers after every test.
For Tier-II
Do not wait for the Tier-I result. Continue with:
- Mathematical Abilities practice
- Reasoning revision
- English comprehension
- General Awareness
- Computer Knowledge
- Typing or data-entry practice according to the target post
Candidates who start these areas early will have more time to improve instead of trying to learn everything after Tier-I.
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | SSC Application Portal |
| Official Notification | SSC CHSL Notification 2026 |
| Official Website | SSC Official Website |
| WhatsApp Updates | CareerAlert24 WhatsApp Channel |
| Telegram Updates | CareerAlert24 Telegram Channel |
FAQs
How many vacancies are available in SSC CHSL 2026?
SSC has announced approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies for LDC, JSA, DEO and DEO Grade ‘A’ posts. The final post-wise vacancy distribution may be updated later.
What is the qualification for SSC CHSL?
The general minimum qualification is Class 12 or equivalent. Certain DEO and DEO Grade ‘A’ posts require Class 12 Science with Mathematics.
Can a Class 12 candidate apply for SSC CHSL?
Yes. Candidates who meet the prescribed Class 12 qualification and other eligibility requirements can apply.
What is the SSC CHSL age limit?
The normal age limit is 18 to 27 years as on 1 August 2026, with applicable relaxation for eligible categories.
What is the last date for SSC CHSL Apply Online?
The application must be submitted by 7 October 2026 at 11:00 PM. The fee payment deadline is 8 October 2026 at 11:00 PM.
What is the salary of SSC CHSL LDC and JSA?
LDC and JSA posts are placed in Pay Level 2, with a pay scale of ₹19,900 to ₹63,200, plus applicable allowances.
Does SSC CHSL have a typing test?
Yes. A Typing Test or Data Entry Skill Test applies to relevant posts. The exact requirement depends on the post.
Is there negative marking in SSC CHSL?
Yes. Tier-I has a 0.50-mark penalty for each wrong answer. Tier-II also has negative marking in the applicable sections.
Conclusion
SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026 provides approximately 2,536 tentative opportunities for 12th-pass candidates seeking LDC, JSA, DEO and DEO Grade ‘A’ positions in Central Government offices. Applications are open from 7 September to 7 October 2026, with fee payment available until 8 October.
Candidates should not treat all CHSL posts as identical. The qualification for certain DEO positions, the pay level, and the applicable typing or data-entry test can differ. The vacancy figure is also tentative and may change when SSC publishes the detailed breakup.
Candidates should complete the application carefully and begin preparation for both Tier-I and Tier-II without waiting for the examination date. Those targeting LDC/JSA or DEO posts should also start the relevant typing or data-entry practice early.
