SSC CHSL Exam details: Apply for LDC, JSA, PA, DEO posts. Get comprehensive information on eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, and vacancies for this national-level recruitment.
Conducted by: SSC
The Staff Selection Commission - Combined Higher Secondary Level (SSC CHSL) Examination is a highly sought-after competitive exam for candidates who have completed their 12th standard. It serves as a gateway to secure prestigious Group 'C' posts such as Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Postal Assistant (PA), Sorting Assistant (SA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO) in various Ministries, Departments, and Subordinate Offices of the Indian Government. Every year, SSC releases a notification for the CHSL exam, inviting applications from eligible Indian citizens. The number of vacancies varies each year depending on the requirements of the participating departments. Lakhs of aspirants appear for this examination, making it one of the most competitive recruitment drives in the country. The selection process is rigorous, comprising multiple stages designed to assess a candidate's aptitude, knowledge, and practical skills. Successful candidates through SSC CHSL are appointed to various central government offices across India. These positions offer stable employment, competitive salaries, and opportunities for career growth through promotions and departmental examinations. It is an excellent opportunity for young individuals to begin their careers in government service right after completing their higher secondary education, providing job security and a chance to contribute to public administration.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Tier I Exam | 2026-07-01 |
| Tier I Exam End | 2026-07-25 |
| Tier II Exam | 2026-11-15 |
Nationality: A candidate must be either: a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal, or a subject of Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African Countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India. Age Limit: Candidates must be between 18 to 27 years of age as on the crucial date mentioned in the official notification. 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 the military service rendered from the actual age as on the closing date of receipt of online application. Other categories as per government rules. Educational Qualification: For LDC/JSA, PA/SA, DEO (except DEOs in C&AG): Candidates must have passed 12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University. For Data Entry Operator (DEO Grade 'A') in the Office of Comptroller and Auditor General of India (C&AG) and Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution: Candidates must have passed 12th Standard in Science stream with Mathematics as a subject from a recognized Board or equivalent. Number of Attempts: There is no restriction on the number of attempts within the prescribed age limit.
| Stage | Type | Duration | Subjects | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier-I (Computer Based Examination) | MCQ | 1 hour | General Intelligence, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness | 200 |
| Tier-II (Descriptive Paper) | Descriptive (Pen & Paper Mode) | 1 hour | Essay Writing, Letter/Application Writing, Precis Writing | 100 |
| Tier-III (Skill Test/Typing Test) | Skill Test/Typing Test | 15 minutes (Typing Test), 15 minutes (Skill Test) | Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) for DEO, Typing Test for LDC/JSA and PA/SA | Qualifying |
Online Registration: Visit the official website of SSC (ssc.nic.in) and register yourself by providing basic details such as name, father's name, mother's name, date of birth, gender, educational details, etc. A unique Registration ID and Password will be generated. Login and Application Form Filling: Log in using your Registration ID and Password. Fill in the detailed application form, including personal information, educational qualifications, preferred examination centers, and post preferences. Upload Documents: Upload scanned images of your recent passport-sized photograph (as per specifications mentioned in the notification) and signature. Ensure the images are clear and meet the prescribed file size and format. Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online through methods like Net Banking, Credit/Debit Cards, or BHIM UPI. SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-servicemen candidates and all women candidates are usually exempted from paying the application fee. Review and Submission: Carefully review all the details filled in the application form before final submission. Once satisfied, submit the application. Print Application: After successful submission, take a printout of the filled application form for your records.
The SSC CHSL exam recruits for Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Postal Assistant (PA), Sorting Assistant (SA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO).
Yes, there is negative marking in Tier-I. For each incorrect answer, 0.50 marks are deducted.
No, there is no interview component in the SSC CHSL selection process. The selection is based on performance in Tier-I, Tier-II, and Tier-III (Skill Test/Typing Test).
Candidates must have passed 12th Standard or equivalent from a recognized Board or University. For DEO Grade 'A' in specific offices, 12th Standard in Science stream with Mathematics is required.
Yes, candidates from any state in India who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for the SSC CHSL examination as it is a national-level recruitment.
Candidates typically indicate their post preferences (e.g., LDC, PA, DEO) during the application process or sometimes after clearing Tier-II, as per the instructions in the official notification.
Tier-II is a descriptive paper conducted in pen and paper mode, designed to test the writing skills of the candidates in English or Hindi. It usually involves writing an essay, letter, or application.