The Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination 2026 (SSC CHSL 2026) notification has been officially uploaded by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) on 7 September 2026 for recruitment to Group 'C' posts including Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO), and DEO Grade ‘A’ in various Central Government Ministries, Departments, Offices, Constitutional Bodies, Statutory Bodies, and Tribunals.
According to the official notice, approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies have been announced. The online application window started on 7 September 2026 and the SSC CHSL last date to apply 2026 is 7 October 2026 at 11:00 PM. The Tier-I and Tier-II examination dates have not yet been announced by SSC and will be notified later on the official website.
SSC CHSL 2026 – Latest Update & Exam Date Caution
Important Notice for Aspirants: Some third-party websites are currently mentioning specific months (such as December 2026) for the SSC CHSL 2026 Tier-1 exam date. Candidates should NOT treat such unofficial dates as final. The official SSC notification clearly states: “Tier-I Schedule: To be notified later” and “Tier-II Schedule: To be notified later”. Always verify schedule announcements on ssc.gov.in.
SSC CHSL 2026 – Latest Update & Summary
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Advertisement | CHSL 2026 |
| Group | Group C |
| Total Vacancies | Approx. 2,536 (Tentative) |
| Application Start Date | 7 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 7 October 2026, 11:00 PM |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 8 October 2026, 11:00 PM |
| Correction Window | 14–16 October 2026 (up to 11:00 PM) |
| Tier-I Exam Date | To Be Notified Later |
| Tier-II Exam Date | To Be Notified Later |
| Qualification | 12th Pass / Equivalent |
| Age Limit | 18–27 years (as on 1 August 2026) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | SSC Official Website |
What Is SSC CHSL?
SSC CHSL stands for Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination. It is a national-level competitive recruitment examination conducted annually by SSC for candidates who have completed Class 12.
The examination provides an exceptional opportunity to enter various Central Government Ministries, Departments, and Constitutional Bodies through Group C posts.
SSC CHSL Vacancy 2026
The SSC CHSL vacancy 2026 stands at approximately 2,536 posts. However, these are tentative vacancies, not final numbers.
SSC clearly states that final vacancies will be determined later after scrutiny of requirements received from concerned user departments. Updated post-wise and category-wise vacancies will be published by SSC separately on its official portal.
Important Vacancy Point
SSC does not collect state-wise or zone-wise vacancies for this examination. Therefore, candidates should not assume that the 2,536 vacancies are divided into a fixed quota for every state.
SSC CHSL Salary 2026
The salary depends upon the post allotted to the candidate as per 7th CPC pay scales:
| Post | Pay Level | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Divisional 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 |
Note: The figures above are basic pay scales, not guaranteed monthly in-hand salary. Actual monthly salary received depends on city posting (X, Y, Z class), Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), deductions, and applicable Government rules.
SSC CHSL Eligibility 2026
Educational Qualification
For most SSC CHSL posts, candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized Board/University.
Can 12th Appearing Students Apply?
Yes. Candidates appearing in Class 12 can apply, but they must possess and produce documentary evidence of acquiring the essential qualification on or before 7 October 2026.
ODL / Online Qualification Rules
Candidates with qualifications obtained through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) or Online modes should carefully check recognition requirements specified by SSC and applicable UGC/DEB rules.
SSC CHSL Age Limit 2026
The age limit is 18 to 27 years as on 1 August 2026.
Candidate Date of Birth Window: Born not earlier than 2 August 1999 and not later than 1 August 2008.
Age Relaxation Table
| Category | Permissible Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD (Unreserved) | 10 years |
| PwBD + OBC | 13 years |
| PwBD + SC / ST | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 3 years after deduction of military service from actual age |
| Central Govt Civilian Employees | Up to 40 years |
| Central Govt Civilian Employees (SC/ST) | Up to 45 years |
| Eligible Widows / Divorced Women / Judicially Separated (Unreserved) | Up to 35 years |
| Same Category (SC / ST) | Up to 40 years |
SSC CHSL Application Form & Fee 2026
- Application Starts: 7 September 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 7 October 2026, 11:00 PM
- Fee Payment Last Date: 8 October 2026, 11:00 PM
- Correction Window: 14 October to 16 October 2026, 11:00 PM
- Application Fee: ₹100.
- Fee Exemption: Women candidates and SC, ST, PwBD, and eligible ESM candidates are exempted from paying fee.
- Fee Payment Modes: BHIM UPI, Net Banking, Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, RuPay Debit Card.
SSC CHSL Form Correction 2026 & Charges
The correction window is active from 14 October to 16 October 2026 (11:00 PM) for candidates whose completed application and fee were received within the original timeline.
| Correction Attempt | Applicable Fee |
|---|---|
| First Correction Attempt | ₹200 |
| Second Correction Attempt | ₹500 |
Correction charges apply uniformly to candidates irrespective of gender or category.
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026
The examination is conducted in two computer-based tiers (Tier-I & Tier-II). If conducted in multiple shifts, SSC normalizes marks using its prescribed procedure.
SSC CHSL Tier-I Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 25 | 50 | 60 Minutes (15 mins per section) |
| General Intelligence | 25 | 50 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| Total Tier-I | 100 | 200 | 60 Minutes |
New Feature in 2026 — Sectional Timing: The 2026 notification introduces a 15-minute sectional timer for each of the four subjects. Candidates cannot transfer unused time from one subject to another.
Negative Marking: 0.50 mark is deducted for every wrong answer in Tier-I.
SSC CHSL Tier-II Exam Pattern 2026
Tier-II is conducted in two sessions on the same day:
| Session / Section | Subject / Module | Questions | Marks | Sectional Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session-I: Section-I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 30 Minutes |
| Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 30 Minutes | |
| Session-I: Section-II | English Language & Comprehension | 40 | 120 | 40 Minutes |
| General Awareness | 20 | 60 | 20 Minutes | |
| Session-I: Section-III | Computer Knowledge Module | 15 | 45 | 15 Minutes (Qualifying) |
| Session-II: Section-IV | Skill Test / Typing Test Module | Qualifying Nature | 15 Mins (DEO) / 10 Mins (LDC) | |
Session-II: Skill Test / Typing Test Standards
| Post | Required Speed / Key Depressions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Specified DEO / DEO Grade 'A' Posts | 15,000 key depressions per hour (KDPH) | 15 minutes |
| Other DEO / DEO Grade 'A' Posts | 8,000 key depressions per hour (KDPH) | 15 minutes |
| LDC / JSA (English Medium) | 35 words per minute (WPM) | 10 minutes |
| LDC / JSA (Hindi Medium) | 30 words per minute (WPM) (Mangal Font) | 10 minutes |
Typing Practice Tip for Students
Do not wait until after Tier-II to practise typing! If you are targeting LDC/JSA, start practicing 10–15 minutes daily right away. Focus on accuracy, finger placement, speed, and reducing backspace/errors in your chosen medium (English or Hindi with Mangal Font).
SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026
Students searching for SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026 should prepare the following four major areas:
1. English Language
Spot the Error, Fill in the Blanks, Synonyms/Homonyms, Antonyms, Spelling, Idioms & Phrases, One Word Substitution, Sentence Improvement, Active & Passive Voice, Direct & Indirect Speech, Sentence Rearrangement, Cloze Test, Reading Comprehension.
2. General Intelligence
Verbal & Non-verbal reasoning, Analogy, Classification, Series, Coding-Decoding, Venn Diagrams, Space Orientation, Figural Classification, Number Series, Embedded Figures, Pattern Folding, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Emotional & Social Intelligence, Numerical Operations.
3. Quantitative Aptitude
Number System, Decimals & Fractions, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Square Roots, Average, Simple & Compound Interest, Profit & Loss, Discount, Partnership, Mixture & Alligation, Time & Distance, Time & Work, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Statistical Charts.
4. General Awareness
Current Events, History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy, Scientific Research, India & Neighbouring Countries, Everyday scientific awareness.
SSC CHSL Selection Process & Final Merit 2026
The selection process comprises:
How Is Final Merit Prepared in SSC CHSL 2026?
Tier-I marks are not simply added to Tier-II marks to create final merit. According to the 2026 notification, the final merit list is based on the aggregate marks scored in Tier-II Section-I and Section-II, subject to qualifying Section-III (Computer Knowledge) and Section-IV (Skill/Typing Test).
Post Preference Is Very Important
Candidates will be asked to submit preferences for posts/departments. SSC states that preference once submitted is final and irreversible. A candidate will not be considered for a post/department that they did not select in their preference.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 30% |
| OBC / EWS | 25% |
| All Other Categories | 20% |
Minimum qualifying marks represent the basic eligibility threshold and are not necessarily the actual cut-off for selection.
SSC CHSL Answer Key 2026 & Challenge Fee
After the examination, SSC will release the tentative Answer Key online. Candidates can challenge representations for a non-refundable fee of ₹50 per question. SSC will review challenges before finalizing the answer key for result processing.
How to Apply for SSC CHSL 2026 Step-by-Step
- Visit the official SSC website (ssc.gov.in).
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) if not already done on the new website (OTR from old website is not valid).
- Log in to your SSC candidate account.
- Select Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026.
- Enter personal, educational, and communication information carefully.
- Select post preferences carefully (remember preference is final and irreversible).
- Complete live photograph capture and signature requirements.
- Preview the application carefully before final submission.
- Pay the ₹100 fee online (if applicable) by 8 October 2026, 11:00 PM.
- Submit the form and save/download application confirmation for future reference.
Documents / Information to Keep Ready
- Aadhaar / approved identification details
- Class 10 certificate / marksheet
- Class 12 qualification details
- Date of birth details
- Category / PwBD / EWS certificate (if applicable)
- Active mobile number & active email ID
- Photograph / live photograph facility & signature
- Payment method (UPI, Net Banking, Cards)
Important SSC CHSL 2026 Changes Students Should Know
1. Sectional Timing in Tier-I
Each Tier-I subject gets a fixed 15-minute timer window.
2. Answer Key Challenge Fee
The objection fee is ₹50 per question challenged.
3. Final Merit Focuses on Tier-II
Final merit is based strictly on Tier-II Section-I & Section-II aggregate marks.
4. Post Preference Irreversible
Candidates must select post preferences carefully as submitted choices are final.
5. DEO Qualification Variation
Specified DEO posts require 12th Science with Mathematics, while other posts accept 12th Pass.
6. Tentative Vacancies
The 2,536 vacancies are tentative and subject to departmental updates by SSC.
SSC CHSL 2026 – Important Dates Table
| Event | Official Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 7 September 2026 |
| SSC CHSL Application Start | 7 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 7 October 2026, 11:00 PM |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 8 October 2026, 11:00 PM |
| Correction Window | 14–16 October 2026 |
| SSC CHSL Tier-I Exam | To Be Notified |
| SSC CHSL Tier-II Exam | To Be Notified |
| Result Status | To be announced |
| Final Selection | To be announced |
SSC CHSL 2026 FAQs
Is SSC CHSL 2026 notification released?
Yes. The notification was released on 7 September 2026.
How many vacancies are there in SSC CHSL 2026?
There are approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies. The final vacancy count may change.
What is the SSC CHSL last date to apply 2026?
The last date is 7 October 2026 up to 11:00 PM.
What is the SSC CHSL 2026 application form date?
The SSC CHSL 2026 application form is available from 7 September to 7 October 2026.
What is the SSC CHSL exam date 2026?
The SSC CHSL Tier-I examination date has not yet been announced. SSC has stated that it will notify the schedule later.
What is the SSC CHSL exam date 2026 Tier 1?
To be announced by SSC. Candidates should not rely on an unofficial date.
What is the SSC CHSL qualification?
For most posts, candidates need 12th Standard or equivalent. Certain specified DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ posts require 12th Science with Mathematics.
What is the SSC CHSL age limit?
The age limit is 18–27 years as on 1 August 2026, subject to applicable relaxations.
What is the SSC CHSL application fee?
The fee is ₹100 for candidates who are not exempted. Women, SC, ST, PwBD and eligible ESM candidates are exempt.
What is the SSC CHSL Tier-I negative marking?
There is a 0.50-mark deduction for each incorrect answer.
What is new in SSC CHSL Tier-I 2026?
The major change is the introduction of 15-minute sectional timing for each of the four Tier-I subjects.
Is there an interview in SSC CHSL?
No interview is specified in the 2026 selection process. Selection is through the prescribed computer-based examination and qualifying skill/typing requirements, followed by document verification.
Which marks are counted for final merit?
The final merit list is based on Tier-II Section-I and Section-II aggregate marks, subject to qualifying Sections III and IV.
Is the typing test mandatory for LDC/JSA?
Yes, except where the notification provides an applicable exemption. English requires 35 WPM and Hindi 30 WPM.
Is the DEO skill test mandatory?
Yes. SSC states that the DEO Skill Test is mandatory for DEO candidates.
Can 12th appearing candidates apply?
Yes, provided they acquire the essential qualification on or before 7 October 2026.
Final Words & Key Takeaways
The Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination 2026 stands as one of India's most prestigious Central Government career gateways for 12th-Pass Aspirants. With approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies across premier Ministries and Central Departments, securing a post like LDC, JSA, DEO, or DEO Grade 'A' offers long-term job security, excellent growth, and 7th CPC pay scale benefits.
Golden Rules to Keep in Mind:
🚀 Preparation Advice: Start speed-typing practice and subject-wise sectional Mock Test today! Mastering the new 15-minute sectional timing in Tier-I will give you a decisive edge over competition.
SSC CHSL 2026 – Official Important Links
Always verify the application status, exam date, Admit Card and result through the official SSC website.