The Staff Selection Commission opened online registration for the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination 2026 (SSC CHSL) on 07 September 2026. Eligible candidates can submit applications until 07 October 2026 at 23:00 Hours on the official portal,
ssc.gov.in. A correction window will open from 14 to 16 October 2026.
1. SSC CHSL 10+2 Recruitment 2026: Scope & Opportunities
The Staff Selection Commission has officially notified the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination 2026 under Notice No. HQ-C1102/5/2026-C-1. This national recruitment drive is designed to fill approximately 2,536 tentative Group ‘C’ vacancies across central ministries, subordinate departments, constitutional bodies, and statutory tribunals of the Government of India.
Appointed candidates join prestigious central establishments such as the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Intelligence Bureau (IB), Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA), and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Positions include Lower Division Clerk (LDC) / Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO), and Data Entry Operator Grade ‘A’.
This examination represents one of the largest entry points into central government service for candidates holding a 12th standard (Intermediate) qualification. The selection architecture consists of a Computer Based Examination conducted in two sequential stages: Tier-I (screening objective examination) and Tier-II (merit-determining objective examination plus mandatory computer knowledge and skill/typing tests conducted on the same day).
Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
SSC CHSL (10+2) Exam 2026
Approx. 2,536 Posts (Group ‘C’)
Active (Closes 07 Oct 2026)
2. Important Dates & Official Schedule
The commission operates under strict institutional deadlines. Review the critical timeline below to ensure timely completion of one-time registration, form submission, and fee remittance:
| Recruitment Event | Official Date / Timeline | Procedural Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Publication Date | 07 September 2026 | Notice No. HQ-C1102/5/2026-C-1 issued |
| Online Application Start Date | 07 September 2026 | Portal opens on ssc.gov.in |
| Online Application Closing Date | 07 October 2026 (23:00 Hours) | Applications close strictly at 11:00 PM; no offline forms |
| Last Date for Online Fee Payment | 08 October 2026 (23:00 Hours) | Payment via Net Banking, UPI, or Debit/Credit Cards |
| Application Correction Window | 14 to 16 October 2026 (23:00 Hours) | Online correction facility with applicable charges |
| Tier-I Computer Based Exam (CBE) | To be notified by SSC (Tentatively Nov-Dec 2026) | Computer-based objective test across all SSC regions |
| Tier-II Computer Based Exam & Skill Test | To be notified after Tier-I Results | Objective CBE + Typing / Skill Test conducted on same day |
3. Post-Wise Pay Scale & Calculated In-Hand Salary (7th CPC)
Appointees under SSC CHSL are categorized into different central pay levels under the 7th Central Pay Commission matrix:
| Designation | 7th CPC Pay Level | Pay Scale Matrix | Entry Basic Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC) / Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) | Pay Level 2 | ₹ 19,900 – ₹ 63,200 | ₹ 19,900 |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) / DEO Grade ‘A’ | Pay Level 4 | ₹ 25,500 – ₹ 81,100 | ₹ 25,500 |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO – Specified Cadres) | Pay Level 5 | ₹ 29,200 – ₹ 92,300 | ₹ 29,200 |
Monthly In-Hand Pay Estimation (Class ‘X’ Metro City): Calculated using central government allowance rates (Dearness Allowance at 60% of basic pay w.e.f. 01.01.2026, House Rent Allowance at 30% for Class X cities, Transport Allowance of ₹1,350 to ₹3,600 + DA, and 10% National Pension Scheme deduction):
| Post / Cadre | Basic Pay | Estimated Gross Pay | Approximate Net In-Hand Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| LDC / JSA (Level 2) | ₹ 19,900 | ₹ 39,500 – ₹ 41,000 | ₹ 34,000 – ₹ 36,000 / month |
| DEO / DEO Grade ‘A’ (Level 4) | ₹ 25,500 | ₹ 50,500 – ₹ 52,500 | ₹ 44,000 – ₹ 46,500 / month |
| DEO (Level 5) | ₹ 29,200 | ₹ 57,500 – ₹ 60,000 | ₹ 50,500 – ₹ 53,000 / month |
4. Critical Application Rules: Common Rejection Traps to Avoid
The Staff Selection Commission has implemented automated photo-verification tools and stringent scrutiny protocols on its upgraded portal. Note these four critical points to prevent cancellation of your application:
- Live Photograph Verification (MySSC App / Web Camera): Applicants must capture a real-time live photograph with good lighting and a plain background. Candidates must not wear caps, masks, or spectacles/sunglasses. In no case should a candidate capture a photo of a pre-existing printed photograph; all such forms are summarily rejected.
- Signature Dimensions & Quality: Upload a scanned signature in JPG/JPEG format between 10 KB and 20 KB with dimensions of roughly 6.0 cm (width) × 2.0 cm (height). Illegible, cropped, or miniature signatures lead to immediate disqualification.
- Mathematics Requirement for Specific DEO Posts: For Data Entry Operator positions in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Staff Selection Commission, and Ministry of Culture, passing Class 12 in the Science stream with Mathematics is mandatory. Applying for these posts without 12th Mathematics results in rejection during Document Verification.
- Correction Window Charges: If an applicant needs to modify submitted details during the correction window (14–16 October 2026), a uniform fee of ₹200 is levied for the first correction and ₹500 for a second correction, irrespective of category or gender.
5. Eligibility Criteria & Age Limit (As on 01 August 2026)
A. Nationality & Citizenship
A candidate must be a citizen of India, a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or a Person of Indian Origin migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or designated East African countries with the intention of permanently settling in India (subject to GoI eligibility certificate where applicable).
B. Age Limit & Cut-Off Date
Candidates must be between 18 and 27 years of age as on the crucial date of 01 August 2026. That is, applicants must have been born not earlier than 02 August 1999 and not later than 01 August 2008.
| Category | Upper Age Relaxation | Maximum Permissible Age |
|---|---|---|
| SC / ST Candidates | 5 Years | 32 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 Years | 30 Years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD – Unreserved) | 10 Years | 37 Years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 Years | 40 Years |
| PwBD (SC / ST) | 15 Years | 42 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 3 Years after deduction of military service from actual age | As per service deduction rules |
| Central Govt Civilian Employees (3+ yrs regular service) | Up to 40 Years of Age (45 Years for SC/ST) | 40 / 45 Years |
C. Essential Educational Qualification (As on 07 October 2026)
- For LDC / JSA and DEO / DEO Grade ‘A’ (General Cadres): Candidates must have passed the 12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University.
- For DEO / DEO Grade ‘A’ in Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, SSC, and Ministry of Culture: 12th Standard pass in the Science stream with Mathematics as a compulsory subject.
- Appearing Candidates: Candidates appearing in their 12th standard examination may apply, provided they acquire the essential qualification on or before the cut-off date of 07 October 2026.
6. Two-Tier Examination Scheme & Marking Pattern
The SSC CHSL recruitment consists of two sequential computer-based examination tiers:
Stage-I: Tier-I Examination (Objective Computer-Based Test)
Tier-I is a qualifying screening examination consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions for 200 marks, with a total duration of 60 minutes and a sectional timer of 15 minutes per section:
| Section / Part | Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Sectional Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part I | English Language (Basic Knowledge) | 25 | 50 | 15 Minutes |
| Part II | General Intelligence (Reasoning) | 25 | 50 | 15 Minutes |
| Part III | Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill) | 25 | 50 | 15 Minutes |
| Part IV | General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 15 Minutes |
| Total Tier-I Examination Structure | 100 Questions | 200 Marks | 60 Minutes | |
Negative Marking in Tier-I: 0.50 marks deducted for each incorrect answer. Questions are bilingual (English and Hindi), except for the English Language section.
Stage-II: Tier-II Examination (Merit Evaluation & Skill Tests)
Tier-II is conducted in two sessions on the same day: Session-I (Written Objective & Computer Test: 2 hours 15 minutes) and Session-II (Skill/Typing Test):
| Session | Section & Subjects | Questions | Marks | Time Allocated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session-I (2 Hrs 15 Mins) | Section-I: Mathematical Abilities (30 Q) + Reasoning & General Intelligence (30 Q) | 60 | 180 | 1 Hour (30 mins per subject) |
| Section-II: English Language & Comprehension (40 Q) + General Awareness (20 Q) | 60 | 180 | 1 Hour (40 mins English, 20 mins GA) | |
| Section-III: Computer Knowledge Test (Mandatory Qualifying) | 15 | 45 | 15 Minutes | |
| Session-II |
Section-IV: Skill Test / Typing Test Module • Typing Test for LDC/JSA: 35 wpm (English) or 30 wpm (Hindi) • Skill Test for DEO: 8,000 key depressions/hr (15,000 for specified Ministries) |
Qualifying | Qualifying | 10 to 15 Minutes |
Negative Marking in Tier-II: 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer in Section-I, Section-II, and Section-III. Final merit ranking is based solely on marks obtained in Section-I and Section-II (Total 360 Marks), subject to qualifying Section-III and Section-IV.
7. Application Fee & Payment Details
The application fee structure prescribed by the commission is as follows:
- General / OBC / EWS Male Candidates: ₹ 100/-
- All Women Candidates: ₹ 0/- (Exempt)
- Scheduled Castes (SC) / Scheduled Tribes (ST): ₹ 0/- (Exempt)
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) & Ex-Servicemen (ESM): ₹ 0/- (Exempt)
Payment Modes: The fee is payable exclusively through online modes, including BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, and RuPay Debit cards. Cash payment or offline bank challans are not accepted.
8. How to Apply Online for SSC CHSL 2026
Follow these steps to submit your application on the new official portal:
-
Step 1: One-Time Registration (OTR): Visit the official portal
ssc.gov.in. If applying on the new portal for the first time, complete your OTR profile with Aadhaar/Photo ID, personal details, contact information, and educational board details. - Step 2: Login to Candidate Dashboard: Log in using your Registration Number and password. Locate the “Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination 2026” link under Live Examinations.
- Step 3: Capture Live Photograph: Use a built-in webcam or the MySSC mobile application to capture your real-time photograph with a plain background and frontal face alignment. Ensure no spectacles, caps, or facial obstructions are present.
- Step 4: Upload Signature: Upload your scanned signature in JPG/JPEG format (10 KB to 20 KB) meeting the prescribed dimensional ratios.
- Step 5: Select Examination Centres & Preferences: Choose three examination centres within the same administrative SSC Region in order of priority.
- Step 6: Remit Fee & Final Submission: Pay the ₹100 fee online (if applicable), review the complete preview sheet, and submit your application.
- Step 7: Download Confirmation Slip: Print and securely store your completed application form with the unique dynamic Roll/Registration Number for Document Verification.
9. Verified Official Direct Links & Rulebook
| Resource Name | Official Access Link |
|---|---|
| SSC Official Portal (Apply Online) | ssc.gov.in |
| Direct Candidate Registration / Login | SSC OTR Registration Portal |
| Download Official CHSL 2026 Notification PDF | Download Notification PDF |
| SSC Candidate Helpline (Toll-Free) | 1800-309-3063 (Toll Free) |
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The online application window closes on 07 October 2026 at 23:00 Hours (11:00 PM). The deadline for online fee remittance is 08 October 2026 at 23:00 Hours.
The age limit is 18 to 27 years reckoned as on 01 August 2026 (candidates born not earlier than 02 August 1999 and not later than 01 August 2008). Upper age relaxations apply for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), PwBD (10 to 15 years), and ESM.
Yes. Candidates appearing in their final 12th standard examination may apply, provided they acquire and produce proof of passing the qualifying examination on or before the cut-off date of 07 October 2026.
No. Mathematics in Class 12 (Science stream) is mandatory only for Data Entry Operator positions in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Staff Selection Commission, and Ministry of Culture. For LDC/JSA and other DEO posts, a 12th pass in any stream (Arts, Commerce, or Science) is eligible.
In Tier-I, there is a penalty of 0.50 marks for each incorrect answer. In Tier-II, 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer in Section-I (Math/Reasoning), Section-II (English/GA), and Section-III (Computer Knowledge).
SSC will open a 3-day correction window from 14 to 16 October 2026. Candidates can modify submitted data by paying a uniform correction fee of ₹200 for the first modification and ₹500 for a second modification.