SSC CHSL 2026: Notification, Eligibility, Exam Pattern & Salary
SSC CHSL fills LDC, JSA and DEO posts for Class 12 pass candidates. Check age limit, Tier-I and Tier-II exam pattern, typing test, salary and 2026 dates.
By JobAlertCentral Editorial Team · Checked against official sources on 25 Oct 2026
SSC CHSL at a glance
| Conducted by | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
|---|---|
| Full name | Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination |
| Posts | Lower Division Clerk (LDC) / Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO), DEO Grade A |
| Pay | LDC/JSA Level 2 (₹19,900 – ₹63,200); DEO Level 4 or 5; DEO Grade A Level 4 |
| Qualification | Class 12 pass; Science with Mathematics for DEO in certain ministries |
| Age limit | 18–27 years (as on 01.08.2026) |
| Application fee | ₹100; women, SC, ST, PwBD and ex-servicemen are exempt |
| Stages | Tier-I (CBT) → Tier-II (CBT with skill/typing test) → document verification |
| 2026 vacancies | About 2,536 (tentative) |
| 2026 dates | Applications 07.09.2026 – 07.10.2026; correction 14–16.10.2026; exam dates to be notified |
Latest SSC CHSL updates
ssc chsl 2025
What is SSC CHSL?
The Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) Examination is the Staff Selection Commission's main recruitment for candidates who have passed Class 12. It fills clerical and data entry posts in central ministries, departments and offices across India. It is often the first government job for young candidates, and many use it as a stepping stone to CGL later.
Eligibility
Education: Class 12 (10+2) pass from a recognised board. For Data Entry Operator posts in some ministries and departments, the notice asks for Class 12 in the Science stream with Mathematics.
Age: 18 to 27 years as on 01.08.2026. Reserved categories get the usual relaxation: 3 years for OBC, 5 years for SC/ST and 10 years for PwBD, plus other relaxations listed in the notice.
Exam pattern
Tier-I is a computer-based screening test.
| Tier-I section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 25 | 50 |
| General Intelligence | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
Tier-I lasts 60 minutes and deducts 0.50 marks for each wrong answer.
Tier-II has three sections in one sitting. Section I has Mathematics (30 questions) and Reasoning (30 questions) for 180 marks. Section II has English (40 questions) and General Awareness (20 questions) for 180 marks. Section III, Computer Knowledge (15 questions), is qualifying. Tier-II deducts 1 mark per wrong answer.
Section IV is the skill or typing test, which is qualifying. DEO candidates need a speed of 15,000 key depressions per hour (8,000 for DEO Grade A in certain offices). LDC/JSA candidates need typing speed of 35 words per minute in English or 30 words per minute in Hindi.
Minimum qualifying marks are 30% for UR, 25% for OBC and EWS, and 20% for other categories.
Salary
LDC and JSA start at Pay Level 2 with a basic pay of ₹19,900. DEO posts are at Level 4 or Level 5, which pay more. Dearness allowance, HRA and transport allowance are added on top of basic pay.
How to apply
Apply online at ssc.gov.in after one-time registration, pay the fee and choose your exam centre. Keep your typing practice going from the day you apply, because many candidates clear the written tiers but fail the skill test.
SSC CHSL: FAQs
What is the age limit for SSC CHSL 2026?
+
18 to 27 years as on 01.08.2026, with relaxation for SC, ST, OBC, PwBD and other categories as per the notice.
What is the typing speed needed for SSC CHSL LDC?
+
35 words per minute in English or 30 words per minute in Hindi. The typing test is qualifying.
Is there negative marking in SSC CHSL?
+
Yes. Tier-I deducts 0.50 marks per wrong answer and Tier-II deducts 1 mark per wrong answer.
Can Arts or Commerce students apply for SSC CHSL?
+
Yes for LDC/JSA. Some DEO posts need Class 12 in Science with Mathematics, as listed in the notice.
Official sources
Rules can change with each notification. Always confirm eligibility, dates and fees in the latest official notice.