The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) codnucts the Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) Examination for various posts in ministries, departments, and organisations of the Government of India. It is annual examination process which aims to hire 12th passs candidates for various Govt Jobs in the country. Candidates can apply for the post as per their preference and the selection process involves Tier 1 and Tier 2. Recently, SSC has released its annual calendar which mentions that the SSC CHSL 2026 Notification will be released in April 2026. Check complete details about the recruitment cycle here.
The SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level) Exam is a national-level competitive examination conducted every year by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). It is one of the most popular exams in India for candidates who have completed their 10+2 (Higher Secondary) and are seeking government jobs in various ministries, departments, and offices.
Through the SSC CHSL exam, candidates are recruited for posts such as Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Postal Assistant (PA), Sorting Assistant (SA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO). These positions offer stable careers with opportunities for growth within the central government sector. The selection process usually consists of three tiers:
SSC CHSL is considered an excellent opportunity for young aspirants aiming to start their career in the government sector soon after higher secondary education. Proper preparation in reasoning, maths, general knowledge, and English is key to cracking the exam.
The SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level or 12th Level Exam is an annual process where candidates are selected based on their performance in Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams. Both exams are conducted in a computer-based mode. It is a good career opportunity for both male and female candidates as it offers a stable income and work-life balance. Check the major highlights of the exam below.
SSC CHSL 2026- Overview | |
Exam Name | SSC CHSL (Staff Selection Commission-Combined Higher Secondary Level) |
Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
Exam Level | National Level |
Vacancy | TBA |
SSC CHSL Posts | Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO) |
Application Mode | Online |
SSC CHSL Selection Process |
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Exam Language | English and Hindi |
Exam Helpdesk No. | 011-24361359 |
Job Location | All over India |
Official Website | www.ssc.gov.in |
Events | Dates |
SSC CHSL 2026 Notification Release | April 2026 |
Apply Online Starts | - |
Last Date to Apply | - |
Last Date to Pay the Fee | - |
Window for Application Correction | - |
Admit Card Release | - |
SSC CHSL Tier 1 Date | - |
SSC CHSL Answer Key | - |
- | |
SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam Date 2026 | - |
Attempt SSC CHSL Mock Test 2026
The SSC will officially announced the SSC CHSL 2026 recruitment for Group C positions, including Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO), and DEO Grade A. To prepare effectively, candidates should thoroughly understand the exam pattern, syllabus, job responsibilities, salary details, and recommended preparation strategies. Check the previous year notification PDF here.
SSC CHSL Notification PDF Download
The Commission announced 3,131 vacancies in 2025 for Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO) posts. For the year 2026, the new SSC CHSL Vacancy will be announced along with the official notification. The total vacancy is distributed category-wise and post-wise, and selected candidates can be posted in any department/ministry as per the requirement.
Download SSC CHSL Vacancy (Category-wise and Post-wise Distribution)
Year | LDC/ JSA | PA/ SA | DEO | Court Clerk | Total |
2025 | 3098 | N/A | 33 | N/A | 3131 |
2024 | TBA | -- | TBA | -- | 3712 |
2023 | -- | -- | -- | NA | 1600 |
2022 | 3185 | 898 | 42 | 601 | 4726 |
2021 | 3181 | 3598 | 26 | 88 | 4893 |
2020 | 2359 | 3880 | 02 | 56 | 5789 |
2019 | 2648 | 3222 | 02 | 917 | 6789 |
2018 | 898 | 2359 | 02 | NA | 3259 |

All the aspiring candidates who are dreaming of SSC CHSL jobs will have to abide by all the SSC CHSL Eligibility Criteria as decided by the SSC Commission. The candidates are advised to go through the requirements of educational qualification, age, physical standards, etc., and satisfy themselves that they are eligible for the post(s) before applying. All the aspiring candidates of SSC CHSL 2026 have to abide by all the Eligibility Criteria decided by the Commission.
A candidate must be either:
The educational qualification varies according to the post the candidate is applying for. The educational qualification according to the vacancy applied is as follows:
No. | Category | Permissible age relaxation beyond the upper age limit |
01 | SC/ ST | 5 years |
02 | OBC | 3 years |
03 | Persons with Disabilities (PwD-Unreserved) | 10 years |
04 | PwD + OBC | 13 years |
05 | PwD + SC/ ST | 15 years |
06 | Ex-Servicemen | 03 years after deduction of the military service rendered from the actual age as on the closing date. |
07 | Candidates who had ordinarily been domiciled in the State of Jammu & Kashmir during the period from 1st January 1980 to 31st December 1989. | 5 years |
08 | Defence Personnel is disabled in operation during hostilities with any foreign country or in a disturbed area and released as a consequence thereof. | 3 years |
09 | Defence Personnel is disabled in operation during hostilities with any foreign country or in a disturbed area and released as a consequence thereof (SC/ ST). | 8 years |
10 | Central Government Civilian Employees: Those who have rendered not less than 3 years of regular and continuous service as of the closing date for receipt of online applications. | Up to 40 years of age |
11 | Central Government Civilian Employees: Those who have rendered not less than 3 years of regular and continuous service as of the closing date for receipt of online applications (SC/ ST). | Up to 45 years of age |
12 | Widows/ Divorced Women/ Women judicially separated and who are not remarried. | Up to 35 years of age |
13 | Widows/ Divorced Women/ Women judicially separated and who are not remarried (SC/ ST). | Up to 40 years of age |
There is no limit to the number of attempts that a candidate can make in the SSC CHSL Exam. However, age limit is a factor that candidates have to be aware of. If anyone is out of the age limit, then they can not apply.
SSC CHSL Selection Process consists of Tier 1, Tier 2, and Skill Test/Computer Proficiency Test (for some posts), and the result is based on the result of all tiers.

The exam pattern for SSC CHSL Tier 1 and Tier 2 has been discussed below.
The SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026 includes 100 questions for 200 marks, divided into four sections (25 questions, 50 marks each). The exam lasts 60 minutes, with normalization for multiple shifts. There is a negative marking of 0.5 marks for wrong answers.
Sections | No. of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
English Language | 25 | 50 |
Total | 100 | 200 |
The revised SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam Pattern includes two sessions. Session I features MCQs on topics like Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English, and General Awareness. Session II involves a Typing/Skill Test to assess typing speed and computer skills. The exam tests various modules, including Computer Knowledge and Subject Expertise. There is a negative marking of 1 mark for wrong answers.
Session | Section | Modules | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
Session I (2 hours and 15 minutes) | Section 1 | Module-1 | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 1 hour |
Module-2 | Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | |||
Section 2 | Module-1 | English Language and Comprehension | 40 | 90 | 1 hour | |
Module-2 | General Awareness | 20 | 90 | |||
Section 3 | Module-1 | Computer Knowledge Module | 15 | 45 | 15 minutes | |
Session II | Section 3 | Module-2 | Skill Test/ Typing Test Module- Part A- Skill Test for DEOs in Dept/Ministries Part B: Skill Test for DEOs except in Dept/Ministries Part C: Typing Test for LDC/ JSA | -- | -- |
15 minutes 15 minutes 10 minutes |
SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026- Click to Check
SSC has modified the SSC CHSL Salary Structure for all the Posts after the 7th Pay Commission. SSC CHSL Salary structure after the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission in 2017 is given below:
Post Name | Pay Level | Pay Scale (Rs.) |
Lower Division Clerk (LDC) / Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) | Level-2 | 19,900 – 63,200 |
Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Level-4 | 25,500 – 81,100 |
Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Level-5 | 29,200 – 92,300 |
Data Entry Operator, Grade ‘A’ | Level-4 | 25,500 – 81,100 |
Module II of Section III for the SSC CHSL includes the Skill Test/Typing Test, which is conducted in Session II on the same day as the other tests. This test is qualifying, and its evaluation follows the guidelines provided on the Commission's website. Errors in the Skill Test are calculated up to 2 decimal places for accuracy assessment. The Skill Test/Typing Test is conducted according to the scheme outlined by the Commission, ensuring a standardised and fair evaluation process for candidates.
The SSC CHSL Job Profile for the various posts offered by the Staff Selection Commission under the SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026. It is important to get familiar with the job profile which includes the roles and responsibilities.
SSC CHSL Job Profile | |
Posts | Job Profile |
Lower Division Clerk (LDC)/Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) | Responsible for clerical work like data entry, maintaining files, handling mail, and other routine office tasks. |
Postal Assistant (PA)/Sorting Assistant | Handles customer service, mail sorting, and managing postal records in post offices and mail departments. |
Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Focuses on data entry tasks, maintaining records, and updating databases using specialized software. |
Court Clerk | Assists in legal departments and courts by maintaining court records, scheduling hearings, and performing administrative duties. |
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has closed the online application process for the CHSL examination on its official website, and candidates have to first make One Time Registration, if not done, and then proceed to the online application process. Candidates have to upload their recent photograph and signature, fill out personal information, and pay the application fee to complete the form. Also, make sure that every detail provided in the form is filled correctly.
The amount to be paid as application fee for SSC CHSL Application process is Rs. 100/- Unreserved category. This can be paid online through Debit/Credit card, UPI, Internet banking, etc.
Category | Fee Amount |
General Category | Rs. 100/- |
SC/ST/PwD/Ex-servicemen | NIL |
The candidates who are preparing for the SSC CHSL examination must avail SSC CHSL Online Coaching to prepare strategically. The online coaching by Adda247 provides structured classes for the candidates, whether live or recorded, test papers, doubt-solving activities, study planners, etc.
The SSC CHSL Mock Test by Adda247 is designed to help candidates prepare effectively for the exam by providing practice questions based on the latest exam pattern. These tests simulate the actual exam environment, allowing candidates to assess their strengths, identify weak areas, and improve time management skills for better performance.
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