The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially commenced the application process for its Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, CHSL 2026. This year, the commission is offering approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies for various Group C positions across different Central Government ministries, departments, and offices.
Prospective candidates seeking roles such as Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO), and DEO Grade ‘A’ are encouraged to apply online. The application window opened on September 7, 2026, and will close on October 7, 2026, at 11 pm. The final date for online fee payment is October 8, 2026, with an application correction window available from October 14 to 16, 2026.
Key Vacancies and Eligibility
The 2,536 tentative vacancies cover a range of Group C posts. Candidates applying for LDC, JSA, and most DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ positions must have successfully passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board or university. For specific DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ roles within the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, SSC, and Ministry of Culture, a Class 12 Science stream with Mathematics as a compulsory subject is required.
Applicants appearing for their Class 12 examinations are also eligible, provided they acquire the necessary qualification by October 7, 2026.
Age Limit and Application Fees
The age criteria for SSC CHSL 2026 applicants is between 18 and 27 years as of August 1, 2026. This means candidates must have been born between August 2, 1999, and August 1, 2008 (both dates inclusive). Age relaxation provisions will be applied for eligible reserved categories in accordance with government regulations.
A non-refundable application fee of ₹100 is mandated for most candidates. However, women candidates, individuals belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) categories, and eligible Ex-Servicemen are exempt from paying this fee.
Important Changes and Examination Pattern
SSC CHSL 2026 introduces several notable updates. A significant change is the option for Aadhaar-based authentication during the One-Time Registration (OTR) and application process. While not mandatory, opting for Aadhaar authentication offers certain relaxations regarding photograph and signature requirements. Additionally, live photograph capture is now compulsory, requiring candidates to take a frontal view photograph with proper lighting and a plain background directly through the application module; caps, masks, and spectacles are prohibited.
For Hindi typing tests, candidates must exclusively use the Mangal font. The required typing speed is 35 words per minute for English and 30 words per minute for Hindi.
Examination Structure: Tier-I and Tier-II
- Tier-I: A computer-based examination covering English Language, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness. A new feature for 2026 is sectional timing, with 15 minutes allotted for each section, totaling 60 minutes for the entire test.
- Tier-II: This tier comprises four sections:
- Section-I: Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning & General Intelligence
- Section-II: English Language and Comprehension and General Awareness
- Section-III: Computer Knowledge Test (mandatory but qualifying)
- Section-IV: Skill Test/Typing Test
How to Apply for SSC CHSL 2026
Candidates can follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official SSC website: ssc.gov.in.
- Complete the new One-Time Registration (OTR) on the updated SSC portal. OTRs from the old website are not valid.
- Log in using your registered credentials.
- Select the SSC CHSL 2026 application link.
- Fill in all personal, educational, and other required details accurately.
- Complete Aadhaar authentication or submit alternative identity documents.
- Capture the mandatory live photograph using the application module.
- Upload your scanned signature in the prescribed JPEG/JPG format.
- Carefully review all entered information and select applicable examination details.
- Pay the ₹100 application fee, if applicable.
- Submit the application form and save or download the confirmation page for future reference.
Applicants are strongly advised to submit their forms well before the October 7 deadline to avoid potential last-minute technical issues. The application correction window will be available from October 14 to October 16, 2026, for any necessary amendments.