The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the much anticipated Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) Examination 2026 notification to thousands of aspirants looking for Central Government jobs. The recruitment drive will fill 2,536 positions in different Group C posts including Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO), and DEO Grade ‘A’. The application can be made online from October 7, 2026 through the SSC website.
The SSC CHSL is one of the most popular recruitment exams in India attracting lakhs of candidates every year. It is a way for 12th-passed candidates to obtain government positions in ministries, departments, constitutional bodies, tribunals and other government offices under the Government of India.
Important Dates Candidates Should Know
According to the official notification, the online application process started on September 7, 2026. Candidates must complete and submit their application forms before 11:00 PM on October 7, 2026. The last date for fee payment is October 8, 2026, while the application correction window will be open from October 14 to October 16, 2026. The dates for Tier-I and Tier-II will be announced separately by the commission.
Vacancy Details
SSC has announced approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies under the CHSL 2026 recruitment cycle. These vacancies are expected to be distributed among posts like:
Lower Division Clerk (LDC)
Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA)
Data Entry Operator (DEO)
Data Entry Operator Grade ‘A’
The Commission has also stated that the vacancy count is tentative and may increase or decrease based on the requirements received from participating government departments and ministries. Post-wise and category-wise vacancy information will be published later.
Eligibility Criteria
SSC CHSL 2026 candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent Board examination. For some DEO posts, specifically in some departments, candidates may be required to have studied Science with Mathematics at the higher secondary level.
The age limit for applicants is 18 to 27 years as of August 1, 2026. In reserved category, candidates can be granted age relaxation as per Government of India rules.
Selection Process
The SSC CHSL 2026 selection process is comprised of different stages to assess candidates in detail. These include:
Tier-I Computer-Based Examination
Tier-II Computer-Based Examination
Typing Test or Skill Test (where applicable)
Document Verification
All the candidates who are able to clear all the stages will be considered for final appointment in various government departments.
Application Fee
The application fee for General, OBC and EWS male candidates is ₹100. However, women candidates, SC/ST applicants, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) and Ex-Servicemen are exempt from applying for the application fee.
How to Apply
For prospective candidates, online applications can be made at SSC. Applicants are required to do One-Time Registration (OTR) process, log in using their credentials, fill in the required details, upload the necessary documents, and pay the application fee if applicable. Aadhaar-based registration is also part of SSC application process.
A Golden Opportunity for 12th-Pass Candidates
With more than 2,500 vacancies and good government jobs, SSC CHSL 2026 is a good opportunity for the candidates to obtain stable jobs in the public sector. The aspirants should read the official notification, verify eligibility and apply for work well before the deadline to avoid last minute technical issues.
