SSC Introduces Sliding Mechanism 2026 for Allocation of Posts, Fix and Float Process Explained

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has announced a new Sliding Mechanism for allocating posts to selected candidates. The commission released an official notice on its website, explaining the new system that aims to fill maximum vacancies in a particular recruitment cycle.

This new mechanism has been proposed because many vacancies remain unfilled every year when selected candidates do not appear for Document Verification or fail to join their allotted posts. With this new system, SSC aims to provide fair opportunities to candidates while minimising unfilled vacancies.

Why SSC Introduced the Sliding Mechanism?

The Commission conducts recruitment exams every year for lakhs of Graduate/12th/10th/8th pass vacancies in various ministries, departments, and organisations under the Government of India. However, many vacancies remain unfilled because some selected candidates do not appear for document verification or choose not to join the post after selection.

Since SSC exams involve multiple stages, the commission cannot maintain a traditional waiting list like some other recruitment bodies, such as IBPS or SBI. Because of this, the unfilled posts usually get carried forward to the next recruitment cycle.

To address this issue, SSC has now proposed a Sliding Mechanism, which will help reallocate unused vacancies within the same exam cycle.

How the Sliding Mechanism Will Work?

The SSC Sliding process will begin with the First Round of Tentative Allocation (FRTA). In this stage, posts will be allotted to candidates based on their rank and the preferences they filled in the application form, which is similar to the current system.

After the tentative allocation, shortlisted candidates will be asked to visit the SSC Regional Office for Identity Verification (IV). This verification will be done using Aadhaar authentication. During this stage, candidates will have to choose between two options: FIX or FLOAT.

What Are FIX and FLOAT Options?

These two options will decide whether a candidate wants to keep the allotted post or remain open for a possible upgrade.

FIX Option:

If a candidate chooses the FIX option, it means they are satisfied with the post allotted to them and want to keep it as final. In this case, the candidate will not be considered for any upgrade in the next stage.

FLOAT Option:

If a candidate selects the FLOAT option, it means they are willing to be considered for a better or higher preference post if a vacancy becomes available later.

Candidates choosing FLOAT may get an upgrade during the sliding round, depending on their merit and the availability of vacancies. However, if they are upgraded and do not join the new post, they may lose both the previous and upgraded posts.

Identity Verification Window

SSC will provide a limited window of around 10 days for shortlisted candidates to visit the Regional Director (RD) offices. During this time, candidates must:

Complete Aadhaar-based identity verification
Select either the FIX or FLOAT option
Candidates who fail to appear during this period will be treated as absent, and their candidature may not be considered further in the process.

How the SSC Sliding Round will Help Fill Vacancies?

After the identity verification stage, SSC will check how many vacancies have been left unused. Once such vacancies are identified, SSC will conduct one round of sliding. During this round, those vacant posts will be reallocated to candidates who selected the FLOAT option, based on their merit and preference order. After the sliding process is completed, SSC will release an updated final result with revised post-allocation.

Download SSC Sliding Mechanism Official Notice

Candidates who want to read the complete details can download the SSC Sliding PDF here. The commission has also stated that a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) explaining the full process will be released soon.

Click to Download – SSC Sliding Process 2026 Official Notice PDF