SSC CHSL 2026 notification has been officially released on April 30, 2026 by the Staff Selection Commission at ssc.gov.in. Online applications are open from April 30 to May 31, 2026 for recruitment to Lower Divisional Clerk, Junior Secretariat Assistant, Postal Assistant, Sorting Assistant, and Data Entry Operator posts. The Tier 1 exam is scheduled from July to September 2026. Candidates who have passed Class 12 and are between 18 to 27 years of age are eligible to apply.
What is SSC CHSL?
SSC CHSL stands for Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level. It is a national level recruitment examination conducted every year by the Staff Selection Commission to fill Group C posts in central government ministries, departments, and organisations. The exam is specifically designed for Class 12 pass candidates who want a permanent government job with good salary, job security, and career growth. The full form CHSL means Combined Higher Secondary Level which refers to the 12th standard qualification required to appear.
SSC CHSL 2026 Notification
The Staff Selection Commission has released the SSC CHSL 2026 notification PDF on April 30, 2026 on the official website ssc.gov.in. The notification contains all official details including vacancy distribution across posts and categories, complete eligibility conditions, exam dates, application instructions, exam pattern, and selection procedure. Every candidate must download and read the notification PDF before filling the application form.
Also Read: SSC GD Admit Card
SSC CHSL 2026 Notification Exam Summary
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Notification Date | April 30, 2026 |
| Application Start | April 30, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | May 31, 2026 |
| Correction Window | June 1 to June 3, 2026 |
| Tier 1 Exam | July to September 2026 |
| Tier 2 Exam | February to March 2027 |
| Posts | LDC, JSA, PA, SA, DEO, DEO Grade A |
| Expected Vacancies | 4,000 to 6,000 |
| Qualification | 12th Pass from any Recognized Board |
| Age Limit | 18 to 27 years |
| Application Fee | Rs 100 (Free for Female, SC, ST, PwD) |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC CHSL 2026 Notification PDF Download
The official SSC CHSL 2026 notification PDF is available at ssc.gov.in. To download it, go to the official website ssc.gov.in and look for the SSC CHSL 2026 notification link on the homepage under the Latest News section. Click on the link and the PDF will open in a new tab. Download and save it for future reference. The notification PDF is the most authoritative source of information. Always cross-check any information with the official notification PDF before making any decision.
Also Read: SSC CHSL Admit Card
SSC CHSL 2026 Important Dates
These are all the key dates for SSC CHSL 2026 notification. Missing the application deadline means waiting one full year for the next cycle. Apply well before May 31, 2026 to avoid last-minute technical problems on the SSC server.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | April 30, 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | April 30, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | May 31, 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | May 31, 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | June 1 to June 3, 2026 |
| Tier 1 Admit Card Release | 7 to 10 days before exam |
| Tier 1 CBT Exam | July to September 2026 |
| Tier 1 Provisional Answer Key | October 2026 |
| Tier 1 Result | November 2026 |
| Tier 2 Admit Card | February 2027 |
| Tier 2 CBT Exam | February to March 2027 |
| Tier 2 Result | April to May 2027 |
| Document Verification | June to July 2027 |
| Final Result | August 2027 |
SSC CHSL 2026 Vacancy
The exact vacancy for SSC CHSL 2026 will be declared in the official notification on April 30, 2026. Based on the vacancy trend of the last 8 years, SSC is expected to release 4,000 to 6,000 vacancies. Maximum vacancies are for LDC and JSA posts in central government ministries and departments.
SSC CHSL Post-wise Vacancy 2026
| Post | Expected Vacancies | Department |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC) | Maximum | Various Central Ministries |
| Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) | Significant | Central Secretariats |
| Postal Assistant (PA) | Moderate | Department of Posts |
| Sorting Assistant (SA) | Moderate | Postal Sorting Offices |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Limited | Specific Departments |
| DEO Grade A | Very Few | Specific Ministries |
SSC CHSL Year-wise Vacancy Trend
| Year | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 3,131 |
| 2024 | 3,712 |
| 2023 | 1,600 |
| 2022 | 4,726 |
| 2021 | 4,893 |
| 2020 | 5,789 |
| 2019 | 6,789 |
| 2018 | 3,259 |
SSC CHSL 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must check every eligibility condition before applying. Being found ineligible at any stage, even after the final result, leads to disqualification without any compensation.
Nationality
You must be a citizen of India. Subjects of Nepal and Bhutan, Tibetan refugees who came to India before January 1, 1962, and persons of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries with the intention of permanently settling in India are also eligible.
Age Limit
Minimum age is 18 years and maximum age is 27 years for General category candidates as on May 31, 2026. Candidates born between June 2, 1999 and June 1, 2008 are eligible under the General category.
Age Relaxation for Reserved Categories
| Category | Age Relaxation | Maximum Permissible Age |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | No relaxation | 27 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years | 30 years |
| SC / ST | 5 years | 32 years |
| PwD (Unreserved) | 10 years | 37 years |
| PwD (OBC) | 13 years | 40 years |
| PwD (SC/ST) | 15 years | 42 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (General) | 3 years after military service | As applicable |
| Ex-Servicemen (OBC) | 6 years after military service | As applicable |
| Ex-Servicemen (SC/ST) | 8 years after military service | As applicable |
Educational Qualification
For LDC, JSA, PA, SA, and DEO posts, you need 12th pass or equivalent from any recognized Central or State Board. Any stream including Science, Commerce, and Arts is accepted. There is no minimum percentage requirement. Candidates appearing in 12th exam are NOT eligible. For DEO Grade A in specific ministries, 12th with Science stream and Mathematics as a compulsory subject is required.
Number of Attempts
SSC has not prescribed any limit on the number of attempts. You can appear for SSC CHSL every year as long as you are within the age limit of your category.
SSC CHSL 2026 Posts
Understanding what each post involves helps you make an informed decision about which post to target. Here is a complete description of all six posts under SSC CHSL 2026.
Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC)
Pay Level 2 with basic pay of Rs 19,900. LDC has maximum vacancies every year. After selection you are posted in a central government ministry or department anywhere in India. Daily work involves maintaining files and records, drafting correspondence, data entry, and assisting senior officers. This is a desk-based office job with fixed government working hours.
Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA)
Pay Level 2 with basic pay of Rs 19,900. JSA has the same pay as LDC but posting is specifically in Central Secretariat offices, mainly in New Delhi. Since Delhi is an X-category city, HRA is 24% of basic pay, making in-hand salary higher than LDC postings in smaller cities.
Postal Assistant (PA)
Pay Level 4 with basic pay of Rs 25,500. PA works at post office counters across India under the Department of Posts. Daily work includes accepting letters, parcels, speed post, registered post, money orders, and handling customer queries. More public interaction compared to LDC.
Sorting Assistant (SA)
Pay Level 4 with basic pay of Rs 25,500. SA works in Mail Sorting Offices sorting incoming and outgoing mail by pin code, delivery circle, and destination. Less public interaction compared to PA. Postings are in major postal hubs across India.
Data Entry Operator (DEO)
Pay Level 4 with basic pay of Rs 25,500. DEO involves computer-based data entry in specific government departments. You need to achieve 8,000 key depressions per hour in the skill test. Posts are in departments engaged in digitization and data management work.
Data Entry Operator Grade A (DEO Grade A)
Pay Level 5 with basic pay of Rs 29,200. This is the highest paying post in SSC CHSL. It requires 12th with Science and Mathematics. Available in specific ministries like Ministry of Consumer Affairs and the Staff Selection Commission headquarters.
SSC CHSL 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General | Rs 100 |
| OBC | Rs 100 |
| EWS | Rs 100 |
| SC | No Fee |
| ST | No Fee |
| PwD (All Categories) | No Fee |
| Female (All Categories) | No Fee |
| Ex-Servicemen | No Fee |
Payment is accepted through BHIM UPI, Net Banking, Debit Card, and Credit Card. The fee is non-refundable once paid under any circumstances.
How to Apply for SSC CHSL 2026
The application is completely online at ssc.gov.in from April 30 to May 31, 2026. There is no offline application mode.
Documents Required Before Applying
Recent passport size colour photograph in JPEG format between 20 KB and 50 KB. Signature on white paper with blue or black ink, scanned in JPEG format between 10 KB and 20 KB. Class 10 certificate for date of birth proof. Class 12 marksheet and pass certificate. Category certificate for SC, ST, OBC, or EWS candidates issued by a competent authority. PwD certificate if claiming disability reservation. Aadhaar card for identity verification.
Step by Step Application Process for SSC CHSL 2026
Step 1: Go to ssc.gov.in and complete One Time Registration if you are a first-time SSC applicant. Fill in your name, date of birth, mobile number, and email. Upload photo and signature. Create login credentials. OTR is valid for 5 years.
Step 2: Login with OTR credentials after April 30, 2026. Go to Apply section and select SSC CHSL 2026.
Step 3: Fill personal details, educational qualifications, category, and contact information. Verify all pre-filled OTR details are correct.
Step 4: Select the post you want to apply for. Choose 3 preferred exam cities in order of preference.
Step 5: Pay Rs 100 fee if applicable. Save payment confirmation.
Step 6: Review all details carefully before submitting. Submit the form and download confirmation page. Note your application number.
Application Correction Window
SSC provides a correction window from June 1 to June 3, 2026. During this window you can modify certain fields like exam centre preference, photo, and contact details. Name, date of birth, and category are generally not changeable after submission. Use this window to fix any mistakes you notice after submitting.
SSC CHSL 2026 Exam Pattern
SSC CHSL Tier 1 Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 60 minutes (80 for VH) |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| English Language | 25 | 50 | |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Negative marking is 0.5 marks per wrong answer. Paper is bilingual except English section. Tier 1 is qualifying only.
SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam Pattern
| Section | Module | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 60 | 60 min |
| Section 1 | Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 60 | |
| Section 2 | English Language and Comprehension | 40 | 80 | 60 min |
| Section 2 | General Awareness | 20 | 40 | |
| Section 3 (Session I) | Computer Knowledge | 20 | 40 | 15 min |
| Section 3 (Session II) | Typing Test or Skill Test | Qualifying | Qualifying | 15 min |
Negative marking in Tier 2 is 1 mark per wrong answer. Final merit is based entirely on Tier 2 performance.
SSC CHSL 2026 Selection Process
Stage 1: Tier 1 Exam (Qualifying)
Computer Based Test of 100 questions for 200 marks. Score above the category-wise cutoff to advance to Tier 2. Tier 1 marks are not counted in final merit.
Stage 2: Tier 2 Exam (Merit Based)
The most critical stage. Tier 2 score determines your final rank, post, and posting preference. Candidates with higher marks get preferred posts and better posting locations.
Stage 3: Skill Test or Typing Test (Qualifying)
Typing test at 35 wpm in English or 30 wpm in Hindi for clerical posts. Data Entry Skill Test at 8,000 key depressions per hour for DEO posts. Qualifying only, marks not added to merit.
Stage 4: Document Verification and Medical
All original certificates are verified. Basic medical examination is conducted. Joining letters are issued after successful document verification.
SSC CHSL 2026 Salary
| Post | Pay Level | Basic Pay | In-Hand Salary (Metro) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LDC / JSA | Level 2 | Rs 19,900 | Rs 33,000 to Rs 36,000 |
| PA / SA / DEO | Level 4 | Rs 25,500 | Rs 42,000 to Rs 47,000 |
| DEO Grade A | Level 5 | Rs 29,200 | Rs 48,000 to Rs 54,000 |
In-hand salary includes Basic Pay, Dearness Allowance at 55%, House Rent Allowance at 24% for metro cities, and Transport Allowance. Additional benefits include CGHS medical coverage, annual increment of 3%, pension under NPS, LTC, and maternity leave.
SSC CHSL 2026 Admit Card
The Tier 1 admit card will be released 7 to 10 days before the exam at ssc.gov.in. Download it using your registration number and date of birth. Carry a printed admit card along with one valid government photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, Passport) to the exam centre. Digital copies on mobile are not accepted at most centres.
SSC CHSL 2026 Result and Cut Off
Tier 1 result is expected in November 2026 in PDF format at ssc.gov.in. Based on previous year trends, the expected Tier 1 cut off for General category is around 155 to 165 out of 200. A safe score to target is 170 or above. Tier 2 result is expected in April to May 2027 and final merit list is based entirely on Tier 2 marks.
Frequently Asked Questions on SSC CHSL 2026 Notification
Q1. When was the SSC CHSL 2026 notification released?
The SSC CHSL 2026 notification was released on April 30, 2026 at ssc.gov.in.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for SSC CHSL 2026?
May 31, 2026. Apply at least 4 to 5 days before the deadline to avoid server issues.
Q3. How many vacancies are there in SSC CHSL 2026?
Between 4,000 and 6,000 vacancies are expected. Exact count is in the official notification PDF.
Q4. What is the eligibility for SSC CHSL 2026?
12th pass from any recognized board, age 18 to 27 years as on May 31, 2026.
Q5. Is there any interview in SSC CHSL 2026?
No. No interview at any stage. Selection is based only on written tests and skill or typing test.
Q6. Can female candidates apply for all posts?
Yes. All posts are open to female candidates of all categories. Female candidates are also exempt from the application fee.
Q7. What is the application fee for SSC CHSL 2026?
Rs 100 for General, OBC, and EWS male candidates. No fee for Female, SC, ST, PwD, and Ex-Servicemen.
Q8. Can I apply from my mobile phone?
Yes, through SSC’s MySSC app. However, using a laptop or desktop is recommended for a smoother experience.
Q9. What changes can I make during the correction window?
You can change exam centre preference, photo, signature, and contact details from June 1 to 3, 2026. Name, date of birth, and category are generally not editable.
Q10. Is SSC CHSL 2026 Tier 1 score added to final merit?
No. Tier 1 is only qualifying. Final merit is based entirely on Tier 2 marks.
Q11. What documents are needed at the time of application?
Passport photo, signature scan, Class 10 certificate, Class 12 marksheet, category certificate (if applicable), PwD certificate (if applicable), and Aadhaar card.
Q12. Where will I be posted after selection?
You can submit a location preference during document verification. Final posting depends on vacancy availability and your merit rank.