Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026

F. No. HQ-C1102/5/2026-C-1: Staff Selection Commission will hold a competitive examination for recruitment to the Group C posts viz. Lower Divisional Clerk/ Junior Secretariat Assistant and Data Entry Operators for various Ministries/ Departments/ Offices of the Government of India and various Constitutional Bodies/ Statutory Bodies/ Tribunals, etc.

 SSC CHSL Exam Date 2026

Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination Notification Video

Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination Notification PDF

SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026

The Computer Based Examination will be conducted in two tiers, as indicated below:

1. Tier-I – Preliminary Examination
2. Tier-II – Main Examination

If the Computer Based Examination is conducted in multiple shifts, the marks scored by candidates will be normalized using the procedure notified by the Commission (vide Notice dated 02-06-2025).
These normalized scores will be used to determine the final merit list and cut-off marks.

• Tentative Answer Keys will be uploaded on the Commission’s website after the examination.
• Candidates may submit online representations regarding the Answer Keys within the stipulated time, on payment of a non-refundable fee of ₹50/- per question.
• No representations via post, email, or any other mode will be accepted.
• All representations will be reviewed before finalizing the Answer Keys. The Commission’s decision will be final.
• The Final Answer Keys will be used for processing the results and will be uploaded after the declaration of results.
• The examination schedule mentioned in the notice is tentative. Any changes or updates will be notified only through the Commission’s official website.
• The Metric system of weights and measures will be used in the question papers, wherever applicable.
• There will be no provision for re-evaluation or re-checking of scores at any stage of the examination. No correspondence in this regard will be entertained.

SSC CHSL Tier-1 Exam Pattern 

• The Tier-I Examination will be of Objective Type and consist of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) only.
• The questions will be set in English, Hindi, and any other language opted by the candidate in the application form (refer to Annexure-XVI) for Part-II, Part-III, and Part-IV of the Tier-I examination.
• Negative marking of 0.50 marks will be applicable for each wrong answer.   andidates are advised to answer carefully, keeping the penalty for incorrect answers in mind.

 
SSC CHSL Tier-2 Exam Pattern 

 Tier-II Examination Structure

 Tier-II will consist of the following four sections:

• Section-I:
  (A) Mathematical Abilities
  (B) Reasoning and General Intelligence
   
• Section-II:
  (A) English Language and Comprehension
  (B) General Awareness
   
• Section-III:
• •  Computer Knowledge Test
• Section-IV:
• • Skill Test/Typing Test 

Tier-II will be conducted in two sessions on the same day:

• Session-I: Includes Section-I, Section-II, and Section-III
• Session-II: Includes Section-IV (Skill Test/Typing Test)

Duration of Session-I

• Total Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes

Section-I:

• Comprises two parts:
• • Part A: Mathematical Abilities
  • Part B: Reasoning and General Intelligence
• Time allotted: 1 hour
• The section will automatically close after one hour.

Section-II:

• Starts immediately after Section-I
• Comprises two parts:
• • Part A: English Language and Comprehension
  • Part B: General Awareness
• Time allotted: 1 hour
• This section will also automatically close after one hour.

Section-III:

• Computer Knowledge Test
• Starts immediately after Section-II
• Duration: 15 minutes
• After completion, Session-I will end.

Session-II:

• After a short break (for re-registration), Session-II will begin.
• It will include Section-IV i.e., the Skill Test/Typing Test.
• Session-II will include conducting of Section-IV i.e. Skill Test/Typing Test.
• It is mandatory to qualify all sections of Tier-II for further consideration.
• All questions in Tier-II (except Section-IV) will be Objective Type / MCQs.
• Questions will be available in English, Hindi, and any other language opted by the candidate (as per Annexure-XVI)
• Exception: Part-A of Section-II (English Language and Comprehension) will be in English only.
• 1 mark will be deducted for each wrong answer in Section-I, Section-II, and Section-III.
• Candidates are advised to answer carefully.
• This section is mandatory, but only qualifying in nature.
• Will be conducted during Session-II on the same day.
• It will be of qualifying nature.
• It will be evaluated as per the guidelines provided on the Commission’s website.
• Errors in Skill Test will be calculated up to two decimal places.

 Skill Test for Data Entry Operator (DEO)

(i) Mandatory for All DEO Candidates

• The Skill Test is compulsory for all candidates applying for the post of DEO.
• No exemption is allowed.

(ii) Part A: For DEO / DEO Grade 'A' in Department/Ministry mentioned in Para 8.1

• Required Speed: 15000 key depressions per hour
• Test will be judged based on correct entry of words/key depressions from a given passage.
• Test Duration: 15 minutes
• Passage Details:
• • Printed matter in English containing 3700–4000 key depressions
  • May be provided in print or displayed on screen
  • To be typed on the computer

(iii) Part B: For DEO / DEO Grade 'A' (other than those in Para 8.1)

• Required Speed: 8000 key depressions per hour
• Test Duration: 15 minutes
• Passage Details:
• • English printed passage with 2000–2200 key depressions
  • To be entered on the computer

(iv) Compensatory Time for Eligible Candidates

• Candidates eligible for a scribe (as per Para 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3) will get extra 5 minutes
• Total Duration for such candidates: 20 minutes

Part C: Typing Test for Other Posts (LDC/JSA)

(i) Language Medium Options

• Test can be taken in Hindi or English
• Medium must be selected in the online application form

(ii) No Change in Medium Allowed

• The option selected for Typing Test medium is final
• No changes will be entertained later

(iii) Required Typing Speed

• English Medium: 35 words per minute (w.p.m.) = ~10500 key depressions/hour
• Hindi Medium: 30 words per minute (w.p.m.) = ~9000 key depressions/hour

(iv) Test Duration

• Candidates must type a given text passage on the computer
• Duration: 10 minutes
• Judged based on accuracy

(v) Extra Time for Scribe-Eligible Candidates

• Eligible candidates will get 15 minutes total time (10 + 5 minutes compensatory time)

(vi) Visually Handicapped (VH) Candidates

• VH candidates opting for a scribe will be provided a Passage Dictator
• The dictator will read out the passage during the test time

(vii) Exemption for PwD Candidates from Typing Test

• PwD candidates permanently unfit for Typing Test due to physical disability may be exempted
• Required Documents:
• • Annexure-XIV: Certificate from Civil Surgeon of a Government Health Institution
  • Additional medical certificates: Annexure-XI to Annexure-XIII
  • Must be submitted at the time of Typing Test
• If not submitted, the exemption will not be granted

SSC CHSL Apply Online 2026

Mode of Application

• Applications must be submitted only in online mode at the new SSC Headquarters website:
  🔗 https://ssc.gov.in
• Applications can also be submitted through the My SSC mobile app (available on Google Play Store).
• For detailed steps, refer to:
• • Annexure-III & Annexure-IIIA (Online Application Instructions)
  • Notice dated 02.06.2025 (regarding the mobile app)
  • Annexure-IV & IVA (Sample formats for One-Time Registration and Application Form)

One-Time Registration (OTR)

• Mandatory for all applicants on the new website https://ssc.gov.in.
• OTR done on the old website https://ssc.nic.in will not be valid.
• Once OTR is generated on the new website, it will be valid for all future exams.

Aadhaar-Based Authentication

• Candidates are encouraged to opt for Aadhaar-based authentication during OTR.
• Benefits of Aadhaar-based authentication:
• • Applications won’t be rejected even if uploaded photo/signature doesn’t fully meet standards.
  • Candidates will not be required to carry a photo or original ID proof at the exam venue.

Photograph Capture Instructions

• No need for a pre-existing photo. The portal will capture a live photo during application.
• While capturing the photo, follow these guidelines:
• 1. Use a place with good lighting and a plain background.
  2. Keep the camera at eye level.
  3. Sit/stand directly in front of the camera and look straight.
  4. Ensure the entire face fits in the camera frame — not too close or far.
  5. Do not wear cap, mask, or glasses while taking the photo.

Appearance & Photograph Rules

• Candidate’s exam appearance must match the application photograph.
• Applications will be rejected if:
• • Photograph is unclear
  • Cap/spectacles are worn
  • A pre-existing photo is captured instead of a live one
• Exception: Candidates using Aadhaar authentication are not subject to rejection on photo/signature grounds.

Signature Upload Instructions

• Format: JPEG/JPG
• Size: 10 to 20 KB
• Dimensions: approx. 6.0 cm (width) × 2.0 cm (height)
• Blurry or miniature signatures will result in rejection.
• Exception: Not applicable to Aadhaar-authenticated candidates.

PwBD Candidates

• Candidates seeking:
• • Reservation
  • Scribe
  • Compensatory time
• Must upload relevant Disability Certificates as per:
• • Annexure-I, IA, XI to XIV (whichever applies)

Last Date

• The last date and time to submit the online application is:
  🕛 18-07-2025 (up to 11:00 PM)

Important Advisory

• Apply well before the closing date to avoid issues like:
• • Site disconnection
  • Server overload
  • Inability to log in

Responsibility Disclaimer

• SSC will not be responsible for:
• • Delays or failure in application submission
  • Issues beyond its control

Final Check Before Submission

• • Use Preview/Print option to verify:
  • • All entered details are correct
    • Photo and signature meet the specifications
  • Keep a copy of the final submitted application for future use.

SSC CHSL Syllabus

Indicative Syllabus (Tier-I):

1. English Language:

Spot the Error, Fill in the Blanks, Synonyms/ Homonyms, Antonyms, Spellings/ Detecting mis-spelt words, Idioms & Phrases, One word substitution, Improvement of Sentences, Active/ Passive Voice of Verbs, Conversion into Direct/ Indirect narration, Shuffling of Sentence parts, Shuffling of Sentences in a passage, Cloze Passage, Comprehension Passage.

2. General Intelligence:

It would include questions of both verbal and non-verbal type. The test will include questions on Semantic Analogy, Symbolic operations, Symbolic/ Number Analogy, Trends, Figural Analogy, Space Orientation, Semantic Classification, Venn Diagrams, Symbolic/ Number Classification, Drawing inferences, Figural Classification, Punched hole/ pattern-folding & unfolding, Semantic Series, Figural Pattern-folding and completion, Number Series, Embedded figures, Figural Series, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Emotional Intelligence, Word Building, Social Intelligence, Coding and de-coding, Numerical operations, Other sub-topics, if any.

3. Quantitative Aptitude:

i. Number Systems: Computation of Whole Number, Decimal and Fractions, Relationship between numbers.

ii. Fundamental arithmetical operations: Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Square roots, Averages, Interest (Simple and Compound), Profit and Loss, Discount, Partnership Business, Mixture and Alligation, Time and distance, Time and work. iii. Algebra: Basic algebraic identities of School Algebra and Elementary surds (simple problems) and Graphs of Linear Equations.

iv. Geometry: Familiarity with elementary geometric figures and facts: Triangle and its various kinds of centres, Congruence and similarity of triangles, Circle and its chords, tangents, angles subtended by chords of a circle, common tangents to two or more circles.

v. Mensuration: Triangle, Quadrilaterals, Regular Polygons, Circle, Right Prism, Right Circular Cone, Right Circular Cylinder, Sphere, Hemispheres, Rectangular Parallelepiped, Regular Right Pyramid with triangular or square Base.

vi. Trigonometry: Trigonometry, Trigonometric ratios, Complementary angles, Height and distances (simple problems only) Standard Identities like sin2𝜃 + Cos2𝜃=1 etc.

vii. Statistical Charts: Use of Tables and Graphs: Histogram, Frequency polygon, Bardiagram, Pie-chart.

4. General Awareness:

Questions are designed to test the candidate‟s general awareness of the environment around him and its application to society. Questions are also designed to test knowledge of current events and of such matters of everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspect as may be expected of an educated person. The test will also include questions relating to India and its neighboring countries especially pertaining to History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General policy and scientific research.

For VH candidates of 40% and above visual disability, there will be no component of Maps/Graphs/Diagrams/Statistical Data in the General Intelligence and Quantitative Aptitude parts.

Indicative Syllabus (Tier-II):

1. Mathematical Abilities:

i. Number Systems: Computation of Whole Number, Decimal and Fractions, Relationship between numbers.

ii. Fundamental arithmetical operations: Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Square roots, Averages, Interest (Simple and Compound), Profit and Loss, Discount, Partnership Business, Mixture and Alligation, Time and distance, Time and work.

iii. Algebra: Basic algebraic identities of School Algebra and Elementary surds (simple problems) and Graphs of Linear Equations.

iv. Geometry: Familiarity with elementary geometric figures and facts: Triangle and its various kinds of centres, Congruence and similarity of triangles, Circle and its chords, tangents, angles subtended by chords of a circle, common tangents to two or more circles.

v. Mensuration: Triangle, Quadrilaterals, Regular Polygons, Circle, Right Prism, Right Circular Cone, Right Circular Cylinder, Sphere, Hemispheres, Rectangular Parallelepiped, Regular Right Pyramid with triangular or square Base.

vi. Trigonometry: Trigonometry, Trigonometric ratios, Complementary angles, Height and distances (simple problems only) Standard Identities like sin2𝜃 + Cos2𝜃=1 etc.

vii. Statistics and probability: Use of Tables and Graphs: Histogram, Frequency polygon, Bar-diagram, Pie-chart; Measures of central tendency: mean, median, mode, standard deviation; calculation of simple probabilities.

2. Reasoning and General Intelligence:

Questions of both verbal and non-verbal type. These will include questions on Semantic Analogy, Symbolic operations, Symbolic/ Number Analogy, Trends, Figural Analogy, Space Orientation, Semantic Classification, Venn Diagrams, Symbolic/ Number Classification, Drawing inferences, Figural Classification, Punched hole/ pattern-folding & unfolding, Semantic Series, Figural Pattern-folding and completion, Number Series, Embedded figures, Figural Series, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Emotional Intelligence, Word Building, Social Intelligence, Coding and de- coding, Numerical operations, Other sub- topics, if any.

3. English Language and Comprehension:

Vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms and their correct usage; Spot the Error, Fill in the Blanks, Synonyms/ Homonyms, Antonyms, Spellings/ Detecting mis-spelt words, Idioms & Phrases, One word substitution, Improvement of Sentences, Active/ Passive Voice of Verbs, Conversion into Direct/ Indirect narration, Shuffling of Sentence parts, Shuffling of Sentences in a passage, Cloze Passage, Comprehension Passage. To test comprehension, two or more paragraphs will be given and questions based on those will be asked. At least one paragraph should be a simple one based on a book or a story and the other paragraph should be based on current affairs editorial or a report.

4. General Awareness:

Questions are designed to test the candidates‟ general awareness of the environment around them and its application to society. Questions are also designed to test knowledge of current events and of such matters of everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspect as may be expected of an educated person. The test will also include questions relating to India and its neighboring countries especially pertaining to History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General policy and scientific research.

5. Computer Knowledge/Proficiency:

i. Computer Basics:

Organization of a computer, Central Processing Unit (CPU), input/ output devices, computer memory, memory organization, back- up devices, PORTs, Windows Explorer, Keyboard shortcuts.

ii. Software:

Windows Operating system including basics of Microsoft Office like MS word, MS Excel and Power Point etc.

iii. Working with Internet and e-mails:

Web Browsing & Searching, Downloading & Uploading, Managing an E-mail Account, e-Banking.

iv. Basics of networking and cyber security:

Networking devices and protocols, Network and information security threats (like hacking, virus, worms, Trojan etc.) and preventive measures.

For VH candidates of 40% and above visual disability, there will be no component of Maps/ Graphs/ Diagrams/ Statistical Data in the Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning and General Intelligence modules.

CUT OFFs

SSC CHSL Cut Off 2025-26: Prelims, Mains & Final

1. Selection Stages at a Glance

Important:* Tier-I marks are not added to final merit. Final merit is based on Section-I and Section-II of Tier-II. Tier-I marks are used only for tie-breaking.*

2. SSC CHSL Tier-I/Prelims Cut Off 2025-26

Total candidates shortlisted for Tier-II: 39,901

3. SSC CHSL Tier-II/Mains Qualifying Cut Off

How to understand Tier-II

• Section-I + Section-II: Counted for final merit out of 360.
• Computer Knowledge Test: Qualifying only.
• Typing Test: Qualifying for LDC/JSA/JPA.
• Skill Test: Qualifying for DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’.
• Merely securing the minimum qualifying marks does not guarantee allocation.

4. SSC CHSL Final FRTA Allocation 2025-26

*Horizontal-category vacancies are already included within their respective vertical categories and should not be added again to the total.

Final Cut-Off Rule

There is no single common final cut-off for UR, OBC, EWS, SC or ST. The final cut-off varies according to:

The final cut-off shown by SSC is therefore the Tier-II score of the last provisionally allocated candidate for each department, post and category, not one common category-wise score.

 SSC CHSL 2024 cut off (Tier-1)

 Module 1 of Section 3 [Category-wise cut off]

 SSC CHSL Recruitment 2025: Previous Year Cutoffs

 SSC CHSL 2024 cut off

Module 2 of Section 3 [Category wise cut off on Percentage of Error/ Mistakes allowed in Typing Test]

 SSC CHSL 2024 cut off

 Module -II of SectionIII) for the post of DEO Grade ‘A [Category wise cut-off on Percentage of Error/mistakes allowed in DEST]

SSC CHSL 2024 cut off

 SSC CHSL Tier 1 Cut Off 2024 for Lower Division Clerk (LDC)/Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA)

 SSC CHSL Tier 1 Cut Off 2024 for Data Entry Operator (DEO)/DEO Grade ‘A

 SSC CHSL 2021 cut off (Tier-1)

SSC CHSL 2026 Vacancy: 

There are approx. 2536 tentative vacancies. However, final vacancies will be determined in due course after scrutiny of all the documents provided by the Users Departments.

Updated vacancies along with post-wise & category-wise vacancies will be made available on the website of the Commission (https://ssc.gov.in> Candidate’s Corner> Tentative Vacancy) in due course. Candidates may note that State-wise/ Zone-wise vacancies are not collected by the Commission.

Candidates are advised to approach the concerned User Departments for information pertaining to zone-wise/state-wise vacancies.

SSC CHSL 2025 Vacancy: 

There are approx. 3131 tentative vacancies. However, firm number of vacancies will be determined in due course. Updated vacancies, if any, along with post-wise & category-wise vacancies will be made available on the website of the Commission (https://ssc.gov.in> Candidate’s Corner> Tentative Vacancy) in due course. Candidates may note that State-wise/ Zone-wise vacancies are not collected by the Commission.

Candidates are advised to approach the concerned User Departments for information pertaining to zone-wise/state-wise vacancies.

🔹 SSC CHSL Year-wise Vacancy Summary

Pay Scale:

• Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC)
• Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA)
• Data Entry Operator (DEO)
• Data Entry Operator (Grade A)
  
  Important note: 
  Any candidate selected through CHSL carry All India Service Liability (AISL) which means if a candidate is selected for a post, he/ she may serve anywhere in India
  

  SSC CHSL Posts & Pay Structure

  Post	Pay Level	Pay Scale (₹)
  Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC)	2	₹19,900 – ₹63,200
  Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA)	2	₹19,900 – ₹63,200
  Data Entry Operator (DEO)	4	₹25,500 – ₹81,100
  Data Entry Operator (DEO)	5	₹29,200 – ₹92,300
  Data Entry Operator (Grade A)	4	₹25,500 – ₹81,100

SSC CHSL Eligibility Criteria

 Nationality:

 A candidate must be either:
 (a) a citizen of India, or
 (b) a subject of Nepal, or
 (c) a subject of Bhutan, or
(d) 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 (As on 01-08-2026):

Minimum: 18 years
Maximum: 27 years
The crucial date for age reckoning is fixed as 01-08-2026 in accordance with the provisions of DoP&T OM No. 140l7 /70/87-Estt.(RR) dated 14-07-1988. Age limit for the posts is 18-27 years i.e. Candidates born not before 02-08-1999 and not later than 01-08-2008 are eligible to apply.

Permissible relaxations in upper age limit for different categories in accordance with extant Rules/ guidelines of Government of India are as under:

Essential Educational Qualifications (As on 07-10-2026):

8.1 For Data Entry Operator (DEO) / DEO Grade 'A'

Applicable Departments:

• Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
• Ministry of Culture
• Staff Selection Commission

Required Qualification:

• 12th Standard pass in Science stream with Mathematics as a subject
• From a recognized Board or equivalent institution

For LDC (Lower Division Clerk) / JSA (Junior Secretariat Assistant) and DEO / DEO Grade 'A' (except mentioned in 8.1 above)

Required Qualification:

• Must have passed 12th Standard or equivalent examination
• From a recognized Board or University

Appearing Candidates

• Candidates who have appeared in their 12th Standard or equivalent exam may also apply.
• However, they must possess the required qualification on or before the cut-off date:
  07- 10-2026.

SSC CHSL Admit Card 2026

 Important Points:

 Facility for download of Admission Certificates will be available about 10-15 days before the examination on the website of ssc.nic.in  Candidates must bring a printout of the Admission Certificate to the Examination Hall.
 In addition to the Admission Certificate, it is mandatory to carry at least two passport-size recent colour photographs, Original valid Photo-ID proof having the Date of Birth as printed on the Admission Certificate, such as:

 A. Aadhaar Card/ Printout of E-Aadhaar
 B. Voter’s ID Card,
 C. Driving License,
 D. PAN Card,
 E. Passport,
 F. ID Card issued by University/ College/ School,
 G. Employer ID Card (Govt./ PSU),
 H. Ex-serviceman Discharge Book issued by Ministry of Defence.
 I. Any other photo bearing valid ID card issued by the Central/ State Government.

 If Photo Identity Card does not have the date of birth printed on it then the candidate must carry an additional original document.

 PWD candidates using the facility of scribes as per Para 8.2 and 8.4 shall also be required to carry required Medical Certificate/ Undertaking/ Photocopy of the Scribe’s Photo ID Proof, as specified therein. Candidates without these documents will not be allowed  to appear in the examination.

 Any other document mentioned in the Admission Certificate shall also be carried by the candidates while appearing in the Examination.

 Applications with blurred photograph and/ or signature will be rejected.

 In order to crack any exam, it is very important to know the level and type of questions asked in previous exams. Here, you have a model paper for your guidance.