SSC CHSL eligibility 2026 requires candidates to have passed Class 12 from a recognized board and be between 18 to 27 years of age as on May 31, 2026. Age relaxation is available for reserved categories. There is no minimum percentage requirement in Class 12. There is also no restriction on the number of attempts for SSC CHSL.
What is SSC CHSL Eligibility?
SSC CHSL eligibility criteria are the minimum conditions that every candidate must satisfy to be allowed to appear in the exam. The Staff Selection Commission defines these conditions in the official notification. The SSC CHSL eligibility conditions cover nationality, age limit, and educational qualification. Candidates who do not meet even one eligibility condition are disqualified from the recruitment process regardless of how well they perform in the exam.
| SSC CHSL Result | SSC CHSL 2026 Notification |
| SSC CHSL Admit Card | SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam Date |
SSC CHSL Eligibility 2026
The SSC CHSL eligibility criteria 2026 are based on the official notification released on April 30, 2026. These conditions apply uniformly to all posts including LDC, JSA, PA, SA, and DEO, with one exception for DEO Grade A which requires Science with Mathematics in Class 12.
SSC CHSL Eligibility Criteria 2026 Summary
| SSC CHSL Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian Citizen (or eligible categories) |
| Educational Qualification | 12th Pass from any Recognized Board |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Maximum Age (General) | 27 years |
| Age Cutoff Date | May 31, 2026 |
| Minimum Marks in 12th | No minimum percentage required |
| Attempts Limit | No restriction on attempts |
SSC CHSL 2026 Nationality Criteria
You must be a citizen of India to apply for SSC CHSL eligibility 2026. In addition, the following categories are also eligible to apply.
A subject of Nepal or Bhutan. A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India. A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia), or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India. Candidates in the last category may need to produce a certificate of eligibility from the Government of India at the time of document verification.
Also Read: SSC CHSL Salary
SSC CHSL 2026 Age Limit
The minimum age for SSC CHSL 2026 is 18 years and the maximum age is 27 years. Age is calculated as on May 31, 2026, the closing date of the application. For General category: Born on or after June 2, 1999 and on or before June 1, 2008.
SSC CHSL Eligibility Age Relaxation for Reserved Categories
| Category | Age Relaxation | Maximum Permissible Age | Born After |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | No relaxation | 27 years | June 2, 1999 |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years | 30 years | June 2, 1996 |
| SC / ST | 5 years | 32 years | June 2, 1994 |
| PwD (Unreserved) | 10 years | 37 years | June 2, 1989 |
| PwD (OBC) | 13 years | 40 years | June 2, 1986 |
| PwD (SC/ST) | 15 years | 42 years | June 2, 1984 |
| Ex-Servicemen (General) | 3 years after military service | As applicable | As per rules |
| Ex-Servicemen (OBC) | 6 years after military service | As applicable | As per rules |
| Ex-Servicemen (SC/ST) | 8 years after military service | As applicable | As per rules |
SSC CHSL Eligibility 2026 Educational Qualification
For LDC, JSA, PA, SA, and DEO Posts
You must have passed Class 12 Standard or its equivalent examination from a recognized Central or State Board of Secondary Education. Any stream is accepted including Arts, Commerce, and Science. There is no minimum percentage or grade requirement. You just need to have passed. Open school candidates from NIOS or state open schools are also eligible if the school is recognized by the relevant education board.
For DEO Grade A in Specific Ministries
You must have passed Class 12 with Science stream and Mathematics as a compulsory subject from a recognized board. This higher qualification is required specifically for DEO Grade A posts in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Culture, and SSC headquarters.
Important Note on Qualification
Candidates who are in the final year of Class 12 or awaiting their result are NOT eligible. You must have already passed Class 12 and received your marksheet and pass certificate before the application date. Provisional pass certificates are generally not accepted. If you are unsure, check with the SSC regional office before applying.
SSC CHSL 2026 Number of Attempts
SSC has not prescribed any upper limit on the number of attempts for SSC CHSL. You can appear for the exam every year as long as you are within the age limit of your category. This means if you are in the General category with a maximum age of 27 years, and you are currently 20 years old, you can attempt SSC CHSL up to 7 more times in the coming years.
SSC CHSL 2026 Physical Standards
There are no prescribed physical fitness standards for SSC CHSL posts. All posts under CHSL are primarily desk jobs. There is no height requirement, no weight requirement, and no fitness test. A basic medical examination is conducted only after final selection during document verification to ensure you are in good overall health to perform office duties.
SSC CHSL Post-wise Eligibility Summary
| Post | Age Limit | Educational Qualification | Stream Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| LDC | 18 to 27 years | 12th Pass | Any stream |
| JSA | 18 to 27 years | 12th Pass | Any stream |
| PA | 18 to 27 years | 12th Pass | Any stream |
| SA | 18 to 27 years | 12th Pass | Any stream |
| DEO | 18 to 27 years | 12th Pass | Any stream |
| DEO Grade A | 18 to 27 years | 12th Pass in Science | Science with Mathematics |
Frequently Asked Questions on SSC CHSL Eligibility
Q1. Can Arts or Commerce students apply for SSC CHSL?
Yes. Arts and Commerce stream students can apply for LDC, JSA, PA, SA, and DEO posts. Only DEO Grade A in specific ministries requires Science with Mathematics.
Q2. Is there a minimum percentage required in Class 12 for SSC CHSL?
No. There is no minimum percentage. You just need to have passed Class 12 from a recognized board.
Q3. Can I apply if I am in the final year of Class 12?
No. You must have already passed Class 12 with marksheet and certificate. Final year students are not eligible.
Q4. What is the maximum age for OBC candidates in SSC CHSL 2026?
30 years (27 years plus 3 years relaxation) as on May 31, 2026.
Q5. Can I apply for SSC CHSL if I am a graduate?
Yes. Graduates can also apply for SSC CHSL. There is no upper qualification restriction. SSC CHSL is open to all candidates who have passed Class 12, regardless of whether they have studied further.
Q6. How many times can I attempt SSC CHSL?
There is no limit. You can appear every year until you cross the maximum age limit for your category.
Q7. Is there any height or weight requirement for SSC CHSL?
No. SSC CHSL posts are desk jobs. There are no physical standards like height or weight requirements.
Q8. Are candidates from open board schools eligible?
Yes. Candidates from NIOS or state open schools are eligible if their school board is recognized by the government.