SSC CHSL 2026: 2536 Posts, Apply by 7 October, Eligibility

SSC CHSL 2026: Complete Overview

The Staff Selection Commission, commonly known as SSC, has released the official notification for the Combined Higher Secondary Level Examination, widely known as CHSL (10+2) Examination 2026. This recruitment covers a total of 2,536 posts for roles such as Lower Division Clerk, Junior Secretariat Assistant, and Data Entry Operator across various Ministries, Departments, Constitutional Bodies, Statutory Bodies and Tribunals of the Government of India. The online application process started on 7 September 2026, and eligible candidates can apply until 7 October 2026.

Key Highlights:

• Recruiting Body: Staff Selection Commission
• Exam Name: Combined Higher Secondary Level Examination, CHSL 2026
• Total Vacancies: 2,536 posts
• Posts Covered: Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO), Data Entry Operator Grade A
• Application Window: 7 September 2026 to 7 October 2026
• Selection Stages: Tier 1 (Computer Based Test), Tier 2 (Computer Based Test plus Skill Test or Typing Test), Document Verification
• Pay Level: Level 2 for LDC and JSA, Level 4 or Level 5 for DEO posts

Post-wise Details and Eligibility

This recruitment covers two broad post categories, each with a distinct educational requirement.

• LDC and PA/SA (Lower Division Clerk, Postal Assistant, Sorting Assistant): Candidates must have passed Class 12th, also known as Intermediate, from any recognised board in India
• DEO (Data Entry Operator): Candidates must have passed Class 12th in the Science stream with Mathematics as one of the subjects from a recognised board or its equivalent

Since the exact post-wise and department-wise vacancy breakup can differ, candidates should refer to the detailed official notification to confirm the specific requirement for their preferred post.

Important Dates

• Online Application Start Date: 7 September 2026
• Online Application Last Date: 7 October 2026
• Last Date for Fee Payment: 8 October 2026
• Correction Window: 14 to 16 October 2026
• Tier 1 Exam Date: Not yet announced, will be notified separately on the official website
• Admit Card: Released before the examination
• Result Declared Date: Will be updated once announced

Eligibility Criteria - Complete Details

Age Limit (As on 1 August 2026)

• Minimum Age: 18 years
• Maximum Age: 27 years
• Age Relaxation: SSC provides age relaxation for the 10+2 CHSL posts as per its own regulations for SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen and other eligible categories

Educational Qualification

• LDC, JSA, PA and SA posts require Class 12th pass from any recognised board
• DEO posts require Class 12th pass in the Science stream with Mathematics as a subject

Nationality

• Candidates must be citizens of India, or meet other nationality criteria specified by SSC in the detailed notification

Pay Scale, Salary Structure and Benefits

SSC CHSL salary is structured under the 7th Central Pay Commission and varies by post and pay level.

• LDC and JSA (Pay Level 2): Basic Pay Rs. 19,900 per month, with an approximate in-hand salary of Rs. 24,000 to Rs. 32,000 per month depending on the city of posting
• PA and SA (Pay Level 4): Basic Pay Rs. 25,500 per month, with an approximate in-hand salary of Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 37,000 per month
• DEO (Pay Level 4 or Pay Level 5): Basic Pay Rs. 25,500 or Rs. 29,200 per month depending on the specific post, with an approximate in-hand salary of Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 42,000 per month, the highest among CHSL posts

In addition to basic pay, selected candidates receive Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance and Transport Allowance, which vary based on the city category (X, Y, or Z) of the posting location, along with standard government benefits such as medical facilities, pension under the National Pension System, and other allowances applicable to Central Government employees.

Application Fee

• General, OBC and EWS category candidates: Rs. 100
• SC, ST and Female candidates: No fee
• PH, meaning Persons with Disability, candidates: No fee

The fee can be paid online using Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, IMPS, or Cash Card and Mobile Wallet options.

Exam Pattern - Tier 1

• Exam Mode: Computer Based Test
• Total Questions: 100
• Total Marks: 200
• Sections: English Language, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness, with 25 questions each
• Duration: 60 minutes total, with a separate 15 minute sectional timer for each of the four sections
• Nature: Tier 1 acts as a screening or qualifying stage; Tier 1 marks are not counted in the final merit list

Exam Pattern - Tier 2

• Exam Mode: Computer Based Test, conducted in two sessions on the same day
• Session 1: Objective type questions covering Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge, divided into different sections or modules
• Session 2: A qualifying Skill Test or Typing Test based on the post applied for
• Typing Speed Requirement for LDC and JSA: 35 words per minute in English, or 30 words per minute in Hindi
• DEO Posts: A Data Entry Speed Test as the qualifying skill test
• Final Merit: Based solely on Tier 2 Session 1 marks; Tier 1 and the Session 2 skill or typing test are qualifying in nature

Syllabus Overview

Tier 1 Syllabus: English Language, covering grammar, vocabulary and comprehension; General Intelligence, covering reasoning, analogy, coding-decoding and classification; Quantitative Aptitude, covering arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration and data interpretation up to Class 10 and 12 level; and General Awareness, covering current affairs, history, geography, polity, economy, science and static general knowledge.

Tier 2 Syllabus: Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge, building on the same broad subject areas as Tier 1 but at a comparatively advanced level, followed by the qualifying Skill Test or Typing Test.

Selection Process

Selection for SSC CHSL 2026 involves the following stages.

• Tier 1: Computer Based Test, a screening stage
• Tier 2: Computer Based Test, which determines final merit, along with a qualifying Skill Test or Typing Test depending on the post
• Document Verification: Verification of educational certificates, category certificates, and other eligibility documents for candidates on the final merit list

How to Apply Online

Interested candidates who wish to apply for the SSC CHSL post can submit their application online before 7 October 2026.

1. Visit the official SSC website and complete One Time Registration if you have not registered before
2. Log in to the candidate portal using your registered credentials
3. Select the SSC CHSL (10+2) Examination 2026 notification and begin the application process
4. Fill in your personal, educational and category related details carefully
5. Upload your photograph and signature in the format specified in the notification
6. Pay the applicable application fee online according to your category
7. Review your application thoroughly, since corrections are only allowed during the separate correction window from 14 to 16 October 2026
8. Submit the completed application and download the confirmation page for your records

Important Instructions for Applicants

• Read the Notification First: Read the complete official notification carefully before filling the form, paying close attention to the last date, age limit, and post-wise educational qualification.
• Fee Deadline is Earlier: The fee payment deadline, 8 October 2026, falls one day after the application closing date, so ensure your payment is completed on time.
• Correction Window is Limited: Corrections to your submitted application are only allowed between 14 and 16 October 2026, so review all details carefully before final submission.
• Choose Your Post Carefully: DEO posts require the Science stream with Mathematics in Class 12th, while LDC, JSA, PA and SA posts accept candidates from any stream.
• Prepare for the Typing or Skill Test Early: Since Tier 2 includes a qualifying typing or data entry test, candidates should begin practicing their typing speed well in advance.
• No Manual Application: Only online applications through the official SSC portal are accepted.

Important Notice and Disclaimer

• All information in this article is based on the official SSC notification released on 7 September 2026, along with independent reports tracking this exam cycle.
• The Tier 1 exam date has not been announced yet and will be notified separately on the official SSC website.
• Candidates must verify every detail on the official SSC website before applying.
• NaukariGPT provides curated information only and is not responsible for any errors or changes made by the recruiting authority.