The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the detailed notification for the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026. This national-level recruitment drive offers 2,536 vacancies across various Union Ministries, Central Departments, and Autonomous Offices. Posts on offer include Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Postal Assistant (PA), Sorting Assistant (SA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO).

The online application window opened on 07 September 2026 and will remain active until 07 October 2026 (11:00 PM) on the official commission portal, ssc.gov.in.

Important Dates & Exam Schedule

Candidates should track the key timeline closely to avoid last-minute portal rush or payment transaction delays.

Vacancies, Salary Structure & In-Hand Pay Scale

Selected candidates receive central government compensation under the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) Pay Matrix.

Note on Salary Allowances: In addition to basic pay, selected candidates are entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA based on X, Y, or Z city classification), Transport Allowance (TA), and benefits under the National Pension System (NPS).

Eligibility Criteria (As on 01 August 2026)

1. Educational Qualification

• For LDC, JSA, PA, and SA Posts: Candidates must have passed the 12th Standard (Intermediate) or an equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University.
• For Data Entry Operator (DEO / DEO Grade A) in Specific Ministries: Candidates must have passed the 12th Standard in the Science Stream with Mathematics as a compulsory subject from a recognized Board or equivalent.

2. Age Limit Standards

• Minimum Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Age: 27 Years
• Crucial Date for Age Calculation: Candidates must be born between 02 August 1999 and 01 August 2008.

Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation

Application Fee & Payment Guidelines

• General / OBC / EWS Male Candidates: ₹100/-
• SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen Candidates: Exempted (₹0/-)
• All Female Candidates (Regardless of Category): Exempted (₹0/-)

Payment Channels: Online payments can be completed using UPI, Net Banking, Credit Cards, Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, RuPay), or BHIM payment pathways.

Complete Selection Process Explained

The SSC CHSL exam cycle operates through a two-stage computer-based structure followed by document verification.

[Tier-I Exam (CBT)] ──► [Tier-II Exam (Objective + Typing/Skill Test)] ──► [Document Verification & Final Allotment]

Stage 1: Tier-I Computer-Based Examination

Tier-I serves as an initial screening test. It consists of objective multiple-choice questions across four core subjects.

• Sectional Timer Rule: Each section carries a strict 15-minute sectional timer.
• Marking Scheme: 2 marks for every correct answer; 0.50 marks negative marking for every incorrect response.
• Medium of Exam: Tier-I question paper is available in English, Hindi, and regional languages opted for during application submission.

Stage 2: Tier-II Computer-Based Examination

The final merit list relies primarily on performance in Section I and Section II of Tier-II. Tier-II is conducted on the same day in two sessions.

Session I (Written Computer Test - 2 Hours 15 Minutes)

• Section I (1 Hour Duration):
  • Module I: Mathematical Abilities (30 Questions, 90 Marks)
  • Module II: Reasoning and General Intelligence (30 Questions, 90 Marks)
• Section II (1 Hour Duration):
  • Module I: English Language and Comprehension (40 Questions, 120 Marks)
  • Module II: General Awareness (20 Questions, 60 Marks)
• Section III (15 Minutes Duration - Qualifying):
  • Module I: Computer Knowledge Test (15 Questions, 45 Marks)

Session II (Skill Test / Typing Test Module - Qualifying)

• Part A: Skill Test for DEO Posts:
  • Requires a Data Entry Speed of 8,000 key depressions per hour on a computer (approx. 15-minute test duration).
  • For DEO Grade A in Science/Math departments, a speed of 15,000 key depressions per hour is tested.
• Part B: Typing Test for LDC / JSA Posts:
  • English Medium Typing: Minimum speed of 35 words per minute (wpm).
  • Hindi Medium Typing: Minimum speed of 30 words per minute (wpm).
  • Test Duration: 10 Minutes.

Negative Marking in Tier-II: There is a penalty of 1 mark for each wrong answer in the objective questions of Section-I, Section-II, and Section-III Module-I.

Step-by-Step Application Process (Via ssc.gov.in)

Candidates must submit their application through the Staff Selection Commission's official portal.

1. Complete One-Time Registration (OTR):

   • Visit ssc.gov.in and navigate to the Login or Register tab.
   • Provide basic profile data: Aadhaar or Photo ID number, Full Name, Parent Details, Matriculation Board & Roll Number, Mobile Number, and Email ID.
   • Set your registration password after confirming your OTP.

2. Fill Out the Application Form:

   • Log into your candidate dashboard using your new OTR Registration Number and Password.
   • Click on the Apply tab under Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination 2026.
   • Select your top 3 preferred examination centers within the same SSC region.
   • Specify your educational stream (12th Pass or 12th Science with Math) and highest qualification level.

3. Capture Live Photo & Upload Signature:

   • SSC now requires a Live Photo Capture using a laptop webcam or the official mobile app. Ensure good room lighting and a plain background. Avoid wearing hats, head coverings, or tinted spectacles.
   • Upload a clear scanned signature image (JPEG format, size between 10 KB and 20 KB).

4. Review & Application Fee Payment:

   • Cross-check all details in the preview window.
   • Proceed to pay the ₹100 fee via available online channels (if applicable).
   • Submit the application form and save a copy of the acknowledgment PDF for future reference.

Essential Candidate Advice for SSC CHSL 2026

• Avoid Live Photo Failures: Application rejection often stems from poor live photo uploads. Take the capture in front of a well-lit white or light-colored wall.
• Stream-Specific Application: Ensure you accurately fill in your 12th subject choices. Choosing "Science with Mathematics" opens up eligibility for higher-paying Level 4 and Level 5 DEO positions.
• Mastering Sectional Timers: Tier-I now includes 15-minute per-subject lock timers. You cannot skip back and forth between subjects after a sectional timer expires, so build speed across all four parts during mock practice.

SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026 Direct Links