The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination every year to recruit eligible candidates for various government positions. The SSC CHSL 2026 examination is expected to provide opportunities for candidates who have completed their 12th standard and are looking for a career in central government departments and offices.
SSC CHSL is a national-level recruitment examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission for different clerical, data-entry and administrative positions. Candidates who qualify through the required selection stages can be appointed to posts under various Ministries, Departments and Offices of the Government of India.
Posts Covered Under SSC CHSL
Candidates selected through the SSC CHSL recruitment process may be appointed to the following posts:
- Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC) / Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA)
- Data Entry Operator (DEO)
- Data Entry Operator (Grade A)
The detailed SSC CHSL 2026 notification, including vacancies, application dates, eligibility requirements, examination schedule and other important instructions, will be released by the Staff Selection Commission on its official website.
Candidates preparing for the examination should regularly check the official SSC portal for the latest notification and also follow Race4Job for updates related to government jobs, competitive examinations, admit cards, results and recruitment notifications.
SSC CHSL 2026 Exam – Overview
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) examination to recruit candidates for various posts in central government departments and offices. The SSC CHSL 2026 Notification will contain complete information about the recruitment process, including vacancies, eligibility criteria, application dates, exam schedule, selection process and examination pattern.
Candidates who have completed their 12th standard and meet the prescribed eligibility conditions can apply for the SSC CHSL examination. The official notification and application details will be made available through the SSC’s official portal at www.ssc.gov.in.
A quick overview of the SSC CHSL 2026 examination is provided below
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission |
| Exam Name | Combined Higher Secondary Level- 2026 |
| Vacancies | To be notified |
| Posts | LDC, JSA and DEO |
| Category | Govt Jobs |
| Exam Type | National Level |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| Qualification | 12th pass |
| Age Limit | 18 to 27 years |
| Selection Process | Tier 1 and Tier 2 |
| Official Website | https://ssc.gov.in/ |
When Will SSC CHSL Notification 2026 Be Released?
Candidates preparing for the SSC CHSL 2026 examination are eagerly awaiting the official recruitment notification. As of now, the exact release date of the SSC CHSL 2026 notification has not been officially confirmed by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC).
The notification is expected to be released by the end of August 2026 through the official SSC website, www.ssc.gov.in. The notification will provide important information such as the number of vacancies, eligibility criteria, age limit, application dates, examination schedule, selection process and syllabus.
Once the official notification is published, we will update the SSC CHSL 2026 notification PDF and important recruitment details on this page. Candidates are advised to bookmark this page and check back regularly for the latest updates.
Until the notification is released, candidates can start their preparation by going through the SSC CHSL eligibility criteria, educational qualification, age limit, expected exam dates, exam pattern and syllabus.
SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026 – Timeline
The SSC CHSL 2026 recruitment process will include several important stages, beginning with the release of the official notification and online application form. Candidates will get a specified period to submit their applications, followed by the Computer-Based Examination (CBT).
The SSC CHSL Tier 1 examination is expected to be conducted in October 2026. Candidates should keep track of the application deadline, examination dates, admit card release and other important events to avoid missing any stage of the recruitment process.
The key dates for the SSC CHSL 2026 examination will be updated below as soon as they are officially announced by the Staff Selection Commission.
| Activity | Dates |
| Notification Date | August 2026 |
| Application Start Date | August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | — |
| Last Date for Online Fee Payment | — |
| Application Form Correction | — |
| Tier 1 Exam | October 2026 |
| Tier 2 Exam | — |
SSC CHSL Eligibility 2026 – Age Limit, Qualification & Nationality
Candidates planning to appear for the SSC CHSL 2026 examination should carefully check the eligibility requirements before submitting the application form. The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) specifies eligibility conditions related to age, educational qualification, nationality and permissible age relaxation for candidates applying for different CHSL posts.
The eligibility requirements can vary depending on the post. Therefore, candidates should read the official SSC CHSL 2026 notification carefully and ensure that they meet all the prescribed conditions before applying.
SSC CHSL Eligibility Criteria 2026
The major eligibility conditions for the SSC CHSL examination include:
- Age Limit
- Nationality/Citizenship
- Educational Qualification
- Post-specific qualification requirements
- Permissible age relaxation
- Eligibility of candidates with benchmark disabilities
SSC CHSL Age Limit 2026
For most SSC CHSL posts, candidates are required to be 18 to 27 years of age. The exact cut-off date for determining the candidate’s age will be specified in the official SSC CHSL 2026 notification.
Candidates belonging to eligible reserved and special categories may receive relaxation in the prescribed upper age limit as per Government of India rules.
| Particulars | Age |
| Minimum Age | 18 Years |
| Maximum Age | 27 Years |
The date of birth entered in the application form must match the date of birth recorded in the candidate’s Matriculation/Secondary Examination Certificate. Requests for alteration of the date of birth after submission will generally not be accepted.
SSC CHSL Age Relaxation 2026
Eligible candidates belonging to certain categories can claim relaxation in the upper age limit. The applicable relaxation is subject to the conditions and supporting documents prescribed by the Staff Selection Commission.
| Category | Permissible Age Relaxation |
| SC/ST | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
| PwBD – Unreserved | 10 Years |
| PwBD – OBC | 13 Years |
| PwBD – SC/ST | 15 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 Years after deduction of military service, as applicable |
| Candidates ordinarily domiciled in Jammu & Kashmir during 01.01.1980 to 31.12.1989 | 5 Years |
| Defence personnel disabled during hostilities/operations – eligible category | 3 Years |
| Defence personnel disabled during hostilities/operations – SC/ST | 8 Years |
| Central Government Civilian Employees – eligible cases | Up to 40 Years |
| Central Government Civilian Employees – SC/ST eligible cases | Up to 45 Years |
| Widows, divorced women and women judicially separated from their husbands who have not remarried | Up to 35 Years |
| Same category – SC/ST | Up to 40 Years |
Note: Age-relaxation rules are subject to the conditions mentioned in the official SSC CHSL notification. Candidates must possess valid documents to claim relaxation.
SSC CHSL Educational Qualification 2026
The minimum educational qualification for SSC CHSL is generally 12th standard or equivalent qualification from a recognized board or university, depending on the post.
The qualification requirements for different posts are given below:
| Post | Educational Qualification |
| LDC/JSA | 12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University |
| DEO | 12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University |
| DEO Grade ‘A’ | 12th Standard or equivalent qualification, subject to the specific post requirements mentioned in the official notification |
For certain Data Entry Operator posts, candidates may be required to have passed 12th Standard in the Science stream with Mathematics as a compulsory subject. Candidates should therefore check the post-wise qualification mentioned in the official notification before applying.
SSC CHSL Nationality 2026
Candidates must satisfy the nationality conditions prescribed by the Staff Selection Commission. A candidate may be eligible if they are:
- A citizen of India; or
- A subject of Nepal; or
- A subject of Bhutan; or
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India; or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India, subject to the conditions prescribed by the Government of India.
Candidates falling under categories other than Indian citizens may be required to provide an eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India.
SSC CHSL Eligibility for Candidates with Disabilities
Candidates with benchmark disabilities can also apply for eligible SSC CHSL posts, subject to the post-wise suitability and conditions notified by the Staff Selection Commission.
Depending on the post, identified disability categories may include:
- Blindness and low vision
- Deaf and hard of hearing
- One arm or both arms affected
- One leg or both legs affected
- Cerebral palsy
- Leprosy cured
- Dwarfism
- Acid attack victims
- Muscular dystrophy
- Spinal deformity or spinal injury
- Other disabilities identified for the respective posts
The availability of a particular post for a specific disability category may vary. Candidates should refer to the official SSC CHSL 2026 notification for the latest post-wise suitability and disability provisions.
Important Points About SSC CHSL Eligibility
Before applying for SSC CHSL 2026, candidates should make sure that:
- They meet the prescribed age requirement on the applicable cut-off date.
- They possess the required educational qualification before the specified date.
- Their date of birth matches the details mentioned in their Matriculation/Secondary certificate.
- They satisfy the nationality requirements.
- Candidates claiming age relaxation have valid supporting certificates.
- Candidates with disabilities check the post-wise suitability before selecting their preferred post.
Note: The final eligibility conditions will be governed by the official SSC CHSL 2026 notification released by the Staff Selection Commission. Candidates should verify all details from the official notification before submitting their application.
SSC CHSL 2026 Application Fee
- The SSC CHSL 2026 application fee for General category candidates is ₹100.
- However, female candidates, SC, ST, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), and eligible Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
SSC CHSL 2026 Exam Pattern
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) examination in multiple stages to select eligible candidates for various posts. The recruitment process primarily includes Tier-I and Tier-II examinations, followed by the applicable skill or typing test for the respective posts. Each stage is designed to assess candidates on different skills required for the job.
| Tier | Type | Mode |
| Tier – I | Objective Multiple Choice | Computer-Based (online) |
| Tier – II | Objective Multiple Choice + Skill Test & Typing Test Tier-II will include three sections, each having two modules | Computer-Based (online) |
Before starting their SSC CHSL 2026 preparation, candidates should understand the latest examination structure and syllabus. Knowing the exam pattern helps candidates plan their preparation effectively and manage their time during the examination.
The key features of the SSC CHSL 2026 Tier-I examination are as follows:
- The SSC CHSL Tier-I exam will be conducted in online Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
- Tier-I consists of four sections with a total of 100 questions carrying 200 marks.
- The duration of the Tier-I examination is 60 minutes.
- There is negative marking of 0.50 marks for every incorrect answer in Tier-I.
- The SSC CHSL selection process also includes Tier-II, which comprises objective-type questions along with the applicable Skill Test/Typing Test.
- Candidates eligible for compensatory time will receive additional time as per SSC rules.
The subject-wise distribution of questions and marks in the SSC CHSL Tier-I exam is given below.
| Section | Subjects | No of Questions | Max Marks | Exam Duration |
| 1 | General Intelligence | 25 | 50 | 60 minutes (80 Minutes for candidates eligible for scribe) |
| 2 | General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| 3 | Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill) | 25 | 50 | |
| 4 | English Language (Basic Knowledge) | 25 | 50 | |
| Total | 100 | 200 | ||
SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026 for Tier 1 & Tier 2 Exam
The SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026 provides candidates with a clear roadmap for preparing for every stage of the recruitment process. Understanding the syllabus helps aspirants identify the important topics, organize their study schedule and focus on areas that require more practice.
The SSC CHSL examination is conducted in Tier 1 and Tier 2, with each stage assessing different skills and subject areas. Tier 1 focuses on four core subjects, while Tier 2 includes a broader assessment covering mathematics, reasoning, English, general awareness and computer knowledge, along with the applicable skill or typing test.
SSC CHSL Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026
The subject-wise structure of the SSC CHSL examination is given below:
| Stage | Mode | Subjects / Components | Questions | Marks |
| Tier 1 | Objective (CBT) | English Language, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness | 100 | 200 |
| Tier 2 | Objective + Skill/Typing Test | Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning & General Intelligence, English Language, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge + Skill/Typing Test | As prescribed by SSC | As prescribed by SSC |
SSC CHSL Tier 1 Syllabus
The Tier 1 examination consists of four sections: English Language, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness. Each section contains 25 questions.
General Awareness Syllabus
The General Awareness section tests candidates’ knowledge of current events as well as important facts related to India and the world. Important areas include:
- History
- Geography
- Indian Culture
- Indian Polity
- Economic Scene
- India and its neighbouring countries
- General Science
- Scientific Research
- Awards and Honours
- Books and Authors
- Sports
- Current Affairs
- Important Government Schemes and Developments
- General Knowledge
Candidates should regularly follow current affairs, particularly important national and international events, government initiatives, sports, awards and major developments.
General Intelligence and Reasoning Syllabus
This section evaluates candidates’ logical thinking, analytical ability and problem-solving skills. The major topics include:
- Analogy
- Classification
- Coding-Decoding
- Number Series
- Alphabet Series
- Semantic Series
- Figural Series
- Venn Diagrams
- Space Orientation
- Symbolic Operations
- Number and Symbolic Analogy
- Figural Analogy
- Figural Classification
- Embedded Figures
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Drawing Inferences
- Pattern Folding and Unfolding
- Punched Hole Patterns
- Word Building
- Numerical Operations
- Emotional Intelligence
- Social Intelligence
English Language Syllabus
The English Language section assesses candidates’ understanding of grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure and reading comprehension. Important topics include:
- Spotting Errors
- Fill in the Blanks
- Synonyms and Homonyms
- Antonyms
- Spelling and Misspelt Words
- Idioms and Phrases
- One Word Substitution
- Sentence Improvement
- Active and Passive Voice
- Direct and Indirect Speech
- Shuffling of Sentence Parts
- Shuffling of Sentences in a Passage
- Cloze Test
- Reading Comprehension
Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
The Quantitative Aptitude section covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration and trigonometry at the prescribed level. Important topics include:
- Number System: Whole numbers, decimals, fractions and relationships between numbers.
- Arithmetic: Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Square Roots, Averages, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Discount, Partnership, Mixture and Allegation, Time and Distance, and Time and Work.
- Mensuration: Areas and volumes of triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, circles, prisms, cones, cylinders, spheres, hemispheres, rectangular parallelepipeds and pyramids.
- Algebra: Basic algebraic identities, elementary surds and graphs of linear equations.
- Geometry: Triangles, centres of triangles, congruence and similarity, circles, chords, tangents and related concepts.
- Trigonometry: Trigonometric ratios, complementary angles, heights and distances, and standard identities.
- Statistical Charts: Tables, bar graphs, pie charts, histograms and frequency polygons.
Topic-wise Weightage for SSC CHSL Tier 1
The number of questions from individual topics can vary from one examination to another. Based on commonly observed trends, candidates can prioritize the following areas during preparation:
| Subject | Important Topics | Approx. Questions |
| English Language | Reading Comprehension & Cloze Test | 7–10 |
| Error Spotting & Sentence Improvement | 3–5 | |
| Synonyms & Antonyms | 3–4 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Data Interpretation | 3–5 |
| Percentage, Ratio, Profit & Loss | 5–7 | |
| Algebra & Geometry | 3–5 | |
| General Intelligence | Number/Alphabet Series & Coding-Decoding | 4–6 |
| Analogy & Classification | 3–4 | |
| Blood Relations & Syllogism | 3–4 | |
| General Awareness | Current Affairs | 5–7 |
| General Science | 5–7 | |
| Static GK, History & Polity | 4–6 |
SSC CHSL Tier 2 Syllabus 2026
Candidates who qualify for Tier 1 will proceed to the SSC CHSL Tier 2 examination. This stage carries greater importance in the recruitment process as it evaluates candidates across multiple subjects along with computer knowledge and the applicable skill or typing test.
Tier 2 is conducted in two sessions. Candidates should understand the section-wise structure, number of questions, marks and duration before beginning their preparation.
SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam Pattern
| Session | Section | Module | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Session-I | Section 1 | Module 1 | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 60 minutes |
| Module 2 | Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | |||
| Section 2 | Module 1 | English Language & Comprehension | 40 | 120 | 60 minutes | |
| Module 2 | General Awareness | 20 | 60 | |||
| Section 3 | Module 1 | Computer Knowledge | 15 | 45 | 15 minutes | |
| Session-II | Section 3 | Module 2 | Skill Test / Typing Test | — | — | As applicable |
SSC CHSL Skill Test & Typing Test 2026
The SSC CHSL Skill Test/Typing Test is a qualifying stage for candidates shortlisted for posts where the test is applicable. The marks obtained in this stage are not added to the final merit, but candidates must meet the prescribed requirements to qualify for the respective post.
SSC CHSL Skill Test & Typing Test Requirements
| Post | Test Type | Required Speed | Duration |
| DEO in specified Ministries/Departments | Skill Test (Data Entry) | 15,000 Key Depressions per hour | 15 minutes |
| DEO in other Departments/Ministries | Skill Test (Data Entry) | 8,000 Key Depressions per hour | 15 minutes |
| LDC / JSA | Typing Test | English: 35 words per minute / Hindi: 30 words per minute | 10 minutes |
Candidates should practice regularly on a physical keyboard to improve both typing speed and accuracy. It is advisable to practice above the minimum requirement so that candidates have a comfortable margin during the actual test.
SSC CHSL Minimum Qualifying Marks
Candidates are required to secure the minimum qualifying percentage prescribed by SSC in Tier-I, Section-I, Section-II and Module-I of Section-III of Tier-II.
The category-wise minimum qualifying marks are:
- UR: 30%
- OBC/EWS: 25%
- All other categories: 20%
Note: The qualifying requirements, skill test standards and minimum marks are subject to the official SSC CHSL 2026 notification and applicable SSC rules.
SSC CHSL Salary Structure 2026
Candidates selected through the SSC CHSL recruitment process are appointed to different posts with salaries determined according to the applicable Pay Level under the Central Government pay structure. The salary varies based on the post and department.
The post-wise SSC CHSL salary and pay scale are given below:
| Post | Pay Level | Pay Scale |
| LDC / JSA | Pay Level 2 | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 |
| PA / SA | Pay Level 4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 |
| DEO | Pay Level 4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 |
| DEO | Pay Level 5 | ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 |
| DEO Grade ‘A’ | Pay Level 4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 |
SSC CHSL 2026 Cut Off
The SSC CHSL 2026 cut-off will be released by the Staff Selection Commission along with the respective examination results. The cut-off may vary based on factors such as the difficulty level of the examination, number of vacancies, candidate performance and category.
Until the SSC CHSL 2026 cut-off is announced, candidates can refer to the previous year’s Tier-I cut-off to understand the approximate score required for different categories and posts.
SSC CHSL Tier-I Cut-Off 2025
| Category | LDC/JSA | DEO Grade ‘A’ |
| UR | 144.25 | 169.54 |
| SC | 125.40 | 157.72 |
| ST | 115.25 | 152.78 |
| OBC | 143.83 | 169.49 |
| EWS | 141.42 | 169.54 |
| ESM | 68.26 | 128.52 |
| OH | 112.15 | — |
| HH | 75.38 | 118.61 |
| VH | 82.72 | — |
| PwD – Other | 55.33 | — |