SSC CHSL
The SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination) is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit candidates for various Group C posts in central government ministries, departments and offices. The main posts include Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO) and DEO Grade ‘A’.
For SSC CHSL 2026, the notification was released on 7 September 2026, with approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies. Applications are open from 7 September to 7 October 2026.
SSC CHSL 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission |
| Posts | LDC, JSA, DEO & DEO Grade ‘A’ |
| Job Category | Group C |
| Qualification | 12th Pass |
| Age Limit | 18–27 years |
| Tentative Vacancies | Approximately 2,536 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Tier-I | Computer-Based Examination |
| Tier-II | Computer-Based Examination + Skill/Typing Test |
| Tier-I Exam | 30 November–31 December 2026 (proposed schedule) |
The Tier-I examination window of 30 November to 31 December 2026 was included in SSC’s 1 October 2026 examination schedule notice; candidates should check SSC for their individual exam date and shift.
What is SSC CHSL?
SSC CHSL is a national-level recruitment examination for candidates who have completed higher secondary education. It provides an opportunity to enter central government services through clerical and data-entry positions.
The examination is particularly relevant for candidates looking for a central government job after Class 12 without requiring a graduation degree.
SSC CHSL Posts
The major posts recruited through SSC CHSL include:
Lower Division Clerk (LDC)
Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA)
Data Entry Operator (DEO)
Data Entry Operator Grade ‘A’
The exact posts and vacancies can vary between recruitment cycles and departments.
Explore: SSC CHSL Posts
SSC CHSL Eligibility
The basic eligibility requirements include:
Candidate should generally be an Indian citizen or satisfy the nationality conditions prescribed by SSC.
Candidate must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognised board.
The age limit for CHSL 2026 is 18 to 27 years as on 1 August 2026.
Certain DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ posts require 12th with Science and Mathematics as specified in the notification.
Read the complete criteria: SSC CHSL Eligibility
SSC CHSL Age Limit
For SSC CHSL 2026, the prescribed age range is 18 to 27 years as on 1 August 2026. Age relaxation is available to eligible reserved categories and other categories according to government rules.
Check details: SSC CHSL Age Limit
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern
SSC CHSL has two major examination tiers.
Tier-I
Tier-I is a computer-based objective examination containing 100 questions for 200 marks.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| General Intelligence | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 60 minutes |
A major change in CHSL 2026 is the introduction of a 15-minute sectional timer for each Tier-I subject. There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each incorrect answer.
Tier-II
Tier-II is conducted in two sessions on the same day.
Session-I includes:
Mathematical Abilities
Reasoning and General Intelligence
English Language and Comprehension
General Awareness
Computer Knowledge Test
Session-I has a total duration of 2 hours 15 minutes. The objective sections carry 3 marks per correct answer, with 1 mark deducted for each wrong answer.
Session-II contains the applicable Skill Test or Typing Test.
Read more: SSC CHSL Exam Pattern
SSC CHSL Syllabus
The SSC CHSL syllabus covers different subjects across Tier-I and Tier-II.
Tier-I subjects
English Language
General Intelligence
Quantitative Aptitude
General Awareness
Tier-II subjects
Mathematical Abilities
Reasoning and General Intelligence
English Language and Comprehension
General Awareness
Computer Knowledge
Candidates appearing for applicable posts must also prepare for the required typing or data-entry test.
View the detailed syllabus: SSC CHSL Syllabus
SSC CHSL Selection Process
The selection process broadly involves:
Tier-I → Tier-II → Skill Test/Typing Test → Document Verification → Final Selection
The Skill Test/Typing Test is applicable according to the post. Candidates must qualify the required stages and satisfy the conditions prescribed for the post.
See the complete process: SSC CHSL Selection Process
SSC CHSL Salary
SSC CHSL provides different pay levels depending on the post.
LDC/JSA: Pay Level 2, ₹19,900–₹63,200
DEO: Pay Level 4 or Level 5 depending on the post
DEO Grade ‘A’: applicable pay level as prescribed for the post
The actual in-hand salary depends on the basic pay, allowances, deductions, posting location and other applicable government rules.
Check post-wise details: SSC CHSL Salary
SSC CHSL Vacancy 2026
SSC CHSL 2026 has approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies for the recruitment cycle. The vacancies cover posts such as LDC/JSA and DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’. SSC can update vacancy figures during the recruitment process, so candidates should check the latest vacancy notice before relying on a number.
Latest vacancy details: SSC CHSL Vacancy
SSC CHSL Preparation
A good preparation strategy should focus on both Tier-I and Tier-II from the beginning.
1. Understand the syllabus
Start by identifying the topics covered in each subject and prioritise areas with high question frequency.
2. Practise previous year papers
Previous year questions help you understand recurring topics, question patterns and difficulty level.
3. Practise with sectional timing
The 2026 Tier-I pattern gives each subject only 15 minutes, so candidates should practise each section under the same time restriction.
4. Improve typing and computer skills
LDC/JSA candidates should regularly practise typing, while DEO candidates should work on the required data-entry speed.
5. Take mock tests
Full-length and sectional mocks help improve speed, accuracy and time management.
Start preparing: SSC CHSL Preparation
SSC CHSL Previous Year Papers
Previous year papers are useful for understanding:
Repeated question types
Important topics
Difficulty level
Time management
Section-wise question trends
Practise here: SSC CHSL Previous Year Papers
SSC CHSL Books
Choose books according to the subjects you need to strengthen. Your preparation should generally include dedicated resources for:
Mathematics
Reasoning
English
General Awareness
Previous year questions
See recommended books: SSC CHSL Books
SSC CHSL Cut Off
The SSC CHSL cut off is used to shortlist candidates for subsequent stages. Cut-offs can vary by category, stage, post and recruitment cycle.
Check previous trends and latest updates: SSC CHSL Cut Off
SSC CHSL Admit Card
The SSC CHSL admit card contains important examination information such as the candidate’s examination date, centre, reporting instructions and other details.
Candidates should download their admission certificate from the official SSC system when it becomes available.
Check updates: SSC CHSL Admit Card
SSC CHSL Answer Key
After the examination, SSC releases answer keys and response sheets according to the applicable process. Candidates can use them to check their responses and estimate their performance.
Check here: SSC CHSL Answer Key
SSC CHSL Result
SSC publishes CHSL results after the relevant stages of the examination. Candidates can check their result, qualifying status and subsequent-stage information through SSC’s official website.
Check updates: SSC CHSL Result
SSC CHSL Career Opportunities
SSC CHSL can provide a starting point for a career in central government departments and offices. Employees can gain experience in areas such as:
Clerical administration
File and records management
Office communication
Data entry
Government documentation
Departmental administrative work
Career progression depends on the post, department, service rules, departmental examinations and other applicable conditions.
Who Should Prepare for SSC CHSL?
SSC CHSL is suitable for candidates who:
Have completed Class 12
Want a central government job
Prefer clerical or data-entry roles
Want to enter government service without graduation
Are comfortable with computer-based examinations
Are willing to improve typing or data-entry skills
Important SSC CHSL Resources
SSC CHSL Eligibility
SSC CHSL Age Limit
SSC CHSL Syllabus
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern
SSC CHSL Selection Process
SSC CHSL Posts
SSC CHSL Salary
SSC CHSL Job Profile
SSC CHSL Preparation
SSC CHSL Books
SSC CHSL Previous Year Papers
SSC CHSL Cut Off
SSC CHSL Vacancy
SSC CHSL Admit Card
SSC CHSL Answer Key
SSC CHSL Result
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SSC CHSL?
SSC CHSL is the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission for recruitment to various Group C posts such as LDC, JSA and DEO.
Can I apply for SSC CHSL after Class 12?
Yes. Candidates who satisfy the educational and other eligibility requirements can apply after completing Class 12.
What is the SSC CHSL age limit?
For the 2026 examination, the age limit is 18 to 27 years as on 1 August 2026, subject to applicable relaxations.
How many vacancies are there in SSC CHSL 2026?
Approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies have been announced for SSC CHSL 2026.
Is there negative marking in SSC CHSL?
Yes. Tier-I has a 0.50-mark penalty for each wrong answer. Tier-II Sections I–III have a 1-mark penalty for each wrong answer.
When is SSC CHSL Tier-I 2026?
The proposed Tier-I examination window is 30 November to 31 December 2026. Individual exam dates and shifts will be communicated separately by SSC.