The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the SSC Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination 2026 notification on September 7, 2026. The examination is conducted for recruitment to various Group C posts, including Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO) and Data Entry Operator Grade ‘A’ in various Ministries, Departments and Offices of the Government of India.According to the official notification, approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies have been announced for SSC CHSL 2026. The final number of vacancies will be confirmed later by the concerned user departments.Candidates who have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination and meet the prescribed age and other eligibility requirements can apply for SSC CHSL 2026.SSC CHSL 2026 – OverviewThe SSC CHSL 2026 recruitment is an important opportunity for candidates looking for Central Government jobs after completing higher secondary education.The recruitment examination will be conducted in two tiers – Tier-I and Tier-II. Both tiers will be conducted in Computer Based Examination mode. The final selection will be based on performance in Tier-II, subject to qualifying the mandatory sections and skill/typing test requirements.The major posts covered under SSC CHSL 2026 are:Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC)Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA)Data Entry Operator (DEO)Data Entry Operator Grade ‘A’SSC CHSL 2026 Important DatesThe online application process has started on September 7, 2026.The important dates mentioned in the notification are:Notification Date: September 7, 2026Starting Date for Online Application: September 7, 2026Last Date to Apply Online: October 7, 2026Last Date for Online Fee Payment: October 8, 2026Application Correction Window: October 14 to October 16, 2026Last Time for Correction: October 16, 2026, 11:00 PMSSC CHSL Tier-I Exam: To be notified laterSSC CHSL Tier-II Exam: To be notified laterCandidates are advised not to wait until the final date to submit their applications because heavy traffic on the SSC website can cause technical difficulties.SSC CHSL 2026 VacancySSC has announced approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies for CHSL 2026.It is important to note that 2,536 is only the tentative vacancy figure. The final number of vacancies will be determined later after the Commission receives and scrutinizes vacancy details from the participating Ministries, Departments and Organizations.The SSC will subsequently publish updated vacancy details, including post-wise and category-wise vacancies, on its website.The notification also clarifies that SSC does not collect state-wise or zone-wise vacancy details.Therefore, candidates should not consider 2,536 as the final vacancy figure.Posts Available Through SSC CHSL 2026SSC CHSL 2026 is being conducted for recruitment to the following major posts:1. Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC)The LDC post carries Pay Level-2, with a pay scale of ₹19,900 to ₹63,200.2. Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA)JSA is also placed under Pay Level-2, with a pay scale of ₹19,900 to ₹63,200.3. Data Entry Operator (DEO)DEO posts are available in different departments at:Pay Level-4: ₹25,500 to ₹81,100Pay Level-5: ₹29,200 to ₹92,3004. Data Entry Operator Grade ‘A’DEO Grade ‘A’ carries Pay Level-4, with a pay scale of ₹25,500 to ₹81,100.The exact department and post allotted to a candidate will depend on merit, post preference and availability of vacancies.SSC CHSL 2026 Educational QualificationThe minimum educational qualification for most SSC CHSL posts is 12th Standard pass or equivalent from a recognized Board or University.However, there is an important additional requirement for certain DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ posts.For LDC/JSACandidates must have passed 12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University.For DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’For DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ posts in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Staff Selection Commission and Ministry of Culture, candidates must have passed:12th Standard in Science stream with Mathematics as a subject from a recognized Board or equivalent.For other DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ posts, candidates must have passed 12th Standard or equivalent.Candidates who are appearing for their Class 12 examination can also apply. However, they must possess the required educational qualification on or before October 7, 2026.The result of the qualifying examination must also have been declared by the Board/University by the cut-off date. Merely having the result under processing on the cut-off date will not satisfy the educational qualification requirement.SSC CHSL 2026 Age LimitThe age limit for SSC CHSL 2026 is:18 to 27 yearsThe crucial date for determining age is August 1, 2026.Candidates must have been born:Not before August 2, 1999 and not later than August 1, 2008.Age RelaxationRelaxation in the upper age limit is available to eligible reserved and other categories as per Government of India rules.The major relaxations are:SC/ST: 5 yearsOBC: 3 yearsPwBD: 10 yearsPwBD (OBC): 13 yearsPwBD (SC/ST): 15 yearsEx-Servicemen: 3 years after deduction of military service from actual ageCertain Defence Personnel disabled during operations: 3 yearsSuch Defence Personnel belonging to SC/ST: 8 yearsCentral Government Civilian Employees: Up to 40 years, subject to conditionsCentral Government Civilian Employees belonging to SC/ST: Up to 45 yearsWidows/Divorced Women/Women judicially separated and not remarried: Up to 35 yearsSuch women belonging to SC/ST: Up to 40 yearsSSC CHSL 2026 NationalityA candidate must satisfy the nationality/citizenship conditions prescribed by SSC.A candidate must generally be:A citizen of India; orA subject of Nepal; orA subject of Bhutan; orA person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.Candidates belonging to certain categories other than Indian citizens must possess the required eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India.SSC CHSL 2026 Application FeeThe application fee for SSC CHSL 2026 is:₹100The following candidates are exempted from paying the application fee:Women candidatesSC candidatesST candidatesPersons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)Eligible Ex-Servicemen (ESM)The fee can be paid online through BHIM UPI, Net Banking, Visa, MasterCard, Maestro or RuPay Debit Card.The last date for online fee payment is October 8, 2026, up to 11:00 PM.SSC CHSL 2026 Application CorrectionSSC will provide a correction window from:October 14 to October 16, 2026Candidates who have successfully submitted their applications and paid the applicable fee will be allowed to make corrections.A candidate can submit a corrected application up to two times.The correction charges are:First correction: ₹200Second correction: ₹500The correction charges are applicable to all candidates irrespective of gender or category.Candidates should therefore check every detail carefully before submitting the application.How to Apply for SSC CHSL 2026Applications must be submitted online through the new SSC website or through the mySSC mobile application.Candidates who have not created a One-Time Registration (OTR) on the new SSC website must first complete the OTR process.An OTR created on the old SSC website will not be functional on the new website. Once a candidate creates an OTR on the new website, it will remain valid for future examinations conducted through that website.Basic application processComplete One-Time Registration on the new SSC platform.Log in using the registered credentials.Select SSC CHSL 2026.Enter the required personal and educational details.Select examination centres.Select the required typing-test medium where applicable.Upload/complete the required photograph and signature requirements.Pay the application fee, if applicable.Preview the application carefully.Submit the application.Save/print the submitted application for future reference.SSC has also provided a live photograph capture facility in the application module. Candidates are required to follow the prescribed instructions while capturing their photograph.SSC CHSL 2026 Exam PatternSSC CHSL 2026 will be conducted in two tiers:Tier-ITier-IIBoth are Computer Based Examinations.SSC CHSL Tier-I Exam PatternTier-I consists of four sections:English Language25 questions50 marksGeneral Intelligence25 questions50 marksQuantitative Aptitude25 questions50 marksGeneral Awareness25 questions50 marksThus, Tier-I consists of:100 questions for 200 marksThe total duration is 60 minutes, with a sectional timer of 15 minutes for each subject.For candidates eligible for the prescribed scribe facility, additional time is provided according to the notification.Negative Marking in Tier-IThere will be a negative marking of:0.50 marks for every wrong answer.SSC CHSL Tier-II Exam PatternTier-II is more extensive than Tier-I and consists of four sections.Tier-II is conducted in two sessions on the same day.Session-ISession-I consists of Section-I, Section-II and Section-III.Section-I: Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning & General IntelligenceMathematical Abilities:30 questionsReasoning and General Intelligence:30 questionsTotal:60 questions – 180 marksThe duration is 1 hour, with a sectional timer of 30 minutes for each part.Section-II: English Language & Comprehension and General AwarenessEnglish Language & Comprehension:40 questionsGeneral Awareness:20 questionsTotal:60 questions – 180 marksThe duration is 1 hour, with 40 minutes for English and 20 minutes for General Awareness.Section-III: Computer Knowledge Test15 questions45 marks15 minutesThe Computer Knowledge Test is mandatory but qualifying in nature.Therefore, Session-I has a total duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes.Session-IISession-II consists of the Skill Test/Typing Test.The applicable test depends on the post.DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ – Skill TestLDC/JSA – Typing TestThe Skill Test/Typing Test is qualifying in nature.Negative Marking in SSC CHSL Tier-IIThere will be 1 mark negative marking for every wrong answer in:Section-ISection-IISection-IIIThe Skill Test/Typing Test does not involve objective questions and is qualifying in nature.SSC CHSL Tier-II Merit CalculationOne of the most important points in the 2026 notification is that the final merit list will be prepared based on the candidate's performance in Section-I and Section-II of Tier-II, subject to qualifying the mandatory qualifying sections.Section-III, the Computer Knowledge Test, is qualifying.Section-IV, the Skill Test/Typing Test, is also qualifying.Candidates must qualify all four sections of Tier-II.Thus, candidates should not ignore the Computer Knowledge Test or Skill/Typing Test simply because they are qualifying in nature.SSC CHSL 2026 Skill Test and Typing TestSkill Test for DEOFor DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ posts in the departments/ministry specified in the educational qualification section, candidates must achieve a data-entry speed of:15,000 key depressions per hourThe test duration is 15 minutes, with approximately 3,700–4,000 key depressions in the passage.For other DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ posts, the required speed is:8,000 key depressions per hourThe test duration is again 15 minutes, with approximately 2,000–2,200 key depressions in the passage.Typing Test for LDC/JSACandidates can choose either:EnglishHindiThe choice made in the online application will be treated as final.The required typing speed is:English: 35 words per minuteHindi: 30 words per minuteThe typing test will be conducted for 10 minutes.Candidates choosing Hindi medium for the LDC/JSA typing test must type using Mangal Font.SSC CHSL 2026 SyllabusTier-I English Language SyllabusThe English section includes topics such as:Spot the ErrorFill in the BlanksSynonymsHomonymsAntonymsSpellingsIdioms and PhrasesOne Word SubstitutionImprovement of SentencesActive and Passive VoiceDirect and Indirect SpeechShuffling of Sentence PartsShuffling of Sentences in a PassageCloze PassageComprehension PassageTier-I General Intelligence SyllabusThe General Intelligence section includes both verbal and non-verbal reasoning.Important areas include:Semantic AnalogySymbolic OperationsNumber AnalogyFigural AnalogySpace OrientationSemantic ClassificationVenn DiagramsNumber ClassificationDrawing InferencesFigural ClassificationSeriesPattern Folding and UnfoldingEmbedded FiguresCritical ThinkingProblem SolvingEmotional IntelligenceWord BuildingSocial IntelligenceCoding-DecodingNumerical OperationsTier-I Quantitative Aptitude SyllabusThe Quantitative Aptitude syllabus includes:Number SystemWhole numbersDecimalsFractionsRelationship between numbersArithmeticPercentageRatio and ProportionSquare RootsAverageSimple InterestCompound InterestProfit and LossDiscountPartnershipMixture and AlligationTime and DistanceTime and WorkAlgebraBasic algebraic identitiesElementary surdsGraphs of linear equationsGeometryTrianglesCentres of trianglesCongruence and similarityCirclesChordsTangentsAngles subtended by chordsMensurationTriangleQuadrilateralsRegular polygonsCirclePrismConeCylinderSphereHemisphereRectangular parallelepipedPyramidTrigonometryTrigonometric ratiosComplementary anglesHeight and distanceStandard identitiesStatistical ChartsHistogramFrequency polygonBar diagramPie chartTier-I General Awareness SyllabusGeneral Awareness questions are designed to test a candidate's awareness of the environment around them and its application to society.The syllabus includes current events and areas such as:HistoryCultureGeographyEconomic SceneGeneral PolicyScientific ResearchIndia and neighbouring countriesQuestions may also be based on everyday observation and scientific aspects expected from an educated person.SSC CHSL Tier-II SyllabusThe Tier-II syllabus broadly covers Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness and Computer Knowledge.Mathematical AbilitiesThe syllabus includes Number Systems, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Statistics and Probability.In addition to tables and graphs, Tier-II includes measures of central tendency such as:MeanMedianModeStandard DeviationIt also includes basic probability calculations.Reasoning and General IntelligenceThe syllabus includes verbal and non-verbal reasoning topics such as analogy, classification, series, Venn diagrams, coding-decoding, pattern folding, embedded figures, critical thinking, problem solving, emotional intelligence and social intelligence.English Language and ComprehensionThe section covers:VocabularyGrammarSentence StructureSynonymsAntonymsSpot the ErrorFill in the BlanksIdioms and PhrasesOne Word SubstitutionSentence ImprovementActive/Passive VoiceDirect/Indirect SpeechCloze PassageReading ComprehensionThe notification states that comprehension may include two or more paragraphs, including a simple passage based on a book/story and another based on a current affairs editorial or report.General AwarenessThe Tier-II General Awareness syllabus covers current events, everyday awareness, scientific aspects, Indian history, culture, geography, economic scene, general policy and scientific research.Computer KnowledgeImportant topics include:Computer BasicsCPUInput and Output DevicesComputer MemoryMemory OrganizationBackup DevicesPortsWindows ExplorerKeyboard ShortcutsWindows Operating SystemMS WordMS ExcelPowerPointInternetWeb Browsing and SearchingDownloading and UploadingE-maile-BankingNetworking Devices and ProtocolsCyber SecurityVirusesWormsTrojan and other security threatsPreventive measuresSSC CHSL 2026 Minimum Qualifying MarksThe notification specifies the following minimum qualifying marks:UR: 30%OBC/EWS: 25%All other categories: 20%These qualifying requirements apply to Tier-I and Sections I, II and III of Tier-II as specified by SSC.Candidates should remember that merely achieving the minimum qualifying marks does not guarantee selection. Actual cut-offs can be considerably higher depending on vacancies, competition and post preferences.SSC CHSL 2026 Selection ProcessThe selection process can broadly be understood as follows:Tier-I → Tier-II → Skill/Typing Test → Final Merit & Allocation → Document VerificationCandidates will first be shortlisted for Tier-II based on their performance in Tier-I.The final merit list will be prepared based on the candidate's overall performance in Tier-II Section-I and Section-II, subject to qualifying the Computer Knowledge Test and Skill/Typing Test.Post allocation will be based on merit-cum-preference.Post Preference is Very ImportantCandidates should be extremely careful while submitting their post and department preferences.SSC will collect preferences through an online option form before declaration of the final result/FRTA.If a candidate does not indicate preference for a particular post or department, he/she will not be considered for that post, irrespective of merit.Once submitted, the preference is treated as final and irreversible.Candidates should therefore research the available posts and their specific requirements before submitting their preferences.SSC CHSL 2026 Examination CentresCandidates have to select examination centres while filling out the application.The notification states that candidates must give preference for three examination centres within the same SSC region, in order of priority.SSC will try to accommodate candidates at their preferred centres, but the Commission reserves the right to add, cancel or change examination centres if required.For Kerala candidates, examination centres listed under the Karnataka Kerala Region include:ErnakulamKollamKottayamKozhikodeThrissurThiruvananthapuramKannurMalappuramKavaratti is also listed under the KKR region for Lakshadweep.Aadhaar Authentication and Application ProcessSSC has provided Aadhaar-based authentication as an option during the registration/application process.Candidates who opt for Aadhaar authentication receive certain benefits relating to photograph, identity verification and examination entry requirements.Candidates who do not undergo Aadhaar-based authentication may need to carry the prescribed photographs and valid original photo identity proof to the examination centre.Candidates should also ensure that their name, date of birth and other details are entered exactly as required, particularly as reflected in the matriculation certificate.Document VerificationDocument Verification will be conducted by the concerned User Ministries/Departments/Organizations after declaration of the final result.Candidates may be required to produce original documents including:Matriculation/Secondary CertificateEducational Qualification CertificateEquivalence Certificate, wherever applicableCaste/Category CertificatePwBD Certificate, where applicableEx-Servicemen documents, where applicableAge-relaxation certificate, where applicableNo Objection Certificate for candidates already employed in Government/Government undertakingsFailure to substantiate claims made in the application through valid documents can result in cancellation of candidature.Important Points for SSC CHSL 2026 CandidatesCandidates should keep the following points in mind while applying:The vacancy figure of 2,536 is tentative and may change.The age is calculated as on August 1, 2026.The educational qualification cut-off date is October 7, 2026.Most posts require 12th pass.Certain DEO posts require 12th Science with Mathematics.Tier-I has 100 questions for 200 marks.Tier-I has 0.50 negative marking for every wrong answer.Tier-I has a sectional timer.Tier-II has two sessions on the same day.Tier-II Sections I, II and III have 1 mark negative marking for each wrong answer.Computer Knowledge Test is mandatory but qualifying.Skill/Typing Test is qualifying but mandatory as applicable.English typing speed required for LDC/JSA is 35 WPM.Hindi typing speed required for LDC/JSA is 30 WPM.DEO Skill Test requires 8,000 or 15,000 key depressions per hour, depending on the applicable post.Post preference is final and cannot subsequently be changed.Candidates should complete the application well before the last date.SSC CHSL 2026: Should You Apply?SSC CHSL is one of the major Central Government recruitment examinations available to candidates with a 10+2 qualification. With approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies, the 2026 examination provides opportunities for candidates seeking positions such as LDC, JSA and DEO.Candidates who satisfy the educational qualification and age requirements should consider submitting their application within the prescribed deadline. Since the Tier-II examination carries significant importance in the final merit process, candidates should begin preparation for both Tier-I and Tier-II simultaneously rather than waiting for the Tier-I result.The official notification specifically states that the final selection/FRTA is based on overall Tier-II performance and post preferences, subject to qualifying the required sections and skill/typing test.SSC CHSL 2026 – Frequently Asked QuestionsWhen was the SSC CHSL 2026 notification released?The SSC CHSL 2026 notification was released on September 7, 2026.How many vacancies are announced for SSC CHSL 2026?SSC has announced approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies. The final vacancy number will be released later.What is the last date to apply for SSC CHSL 2026?The last date to submit the online application is October 7, 2026, up to 11:00 PM.What is the application fee?The application fee is ₹100. Women, SC, ST, PwBD and eligible ESM candidates are exempted from payment.What is the age limit for SSC CHSL 2026?The age limit is 18 to 27 years as on August 1, 2026.What is the educational qualification?Candidates must generally have passed 12th Standard or equivalent. Certain DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ posts require 12th Science with Mathematics.How many questions are there in SSC CHSL Tier-I?Tier-I contains 100 questions for 200 marks.Is there negative marking in SSC CHSL?Yes. Tier-I has 0.50 marks negative marking per wrong answer, while Tier-II Sections I, II and III have 1 mark negative marking per wrong answer.Is the SSC CHSL Tier-II Computer Test mandatory?Yes. The Computer Knowledge Test is mandatory, although it is qualifying in nature.Is the typing/skill test mandatory?Yes, the applicable Skill Test/Typing Test is mandatory and qualifying, subject to the exemptions specified in the notification.ConclusionThe SSC CHSL 2026 recruitment is an important opportunity for 12th-pass candidates seeking Central Government employment. The examination offers posts such as LDC, JSA, DEO and DEO Grade ‘A’, with pay levels ranging from Level-2 to Level-5.Candidates should carefully check their eligibility, complete the OTR process on the new SSC website and submit the application before October 7, 2026. Since the Tier-II examination plays the decisive role in final merit, aspirants should give equal importance to Tier-II preparation, Computer Knowledge and the applicable Typing/Skill Test.Note: The examination dates for Tier-I and Tier-II have not yet been announced in the notification and will be communicated separately by SSC.This article is prepared based on the official SSC CHSL 2026 notification dated September 7, 2026.