SSC Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination — Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Salary & Vacancy 2026
Conducting Body: Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
SSC CHSL is the entry-level Sarkari exam for 12th-pass candidates — recruiting Lower Division Clerks, Postal Assistants, and Data Entry Operators for central ministries with 4,000+ vacancies annually.
About SSC CHSL
SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level) is conducted annually by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit candidates for Group C and Group D posts requiring 12th-pass qualification. It is the most popular Sarkari exam for non-graduates, with approximately 25–30 lakh applicants each year competing for around 4,000–5,000 vacancies.
Posts filled through SSC CHSL include: Lower Division Clerk (LDC) at central ministries and offices, Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Postal Assistant (PA) and Sorting Assistant (SA) at India Post, Data Entry Operator (DEO) at central departments, and Court Clerk at subordinate courts. All posts are All-India transferable Group C cadres at Pay Level 2 (LDC/JSA/PA/SA, ₹19,900) or Pay Level 4 (DEO Grade A, ₹25,500).
Selection has two tiers: Tier-1 (objective screening, qualifying) and Tier-2 (objective + DEST skill test, merit-deciding). Tier-3 (descriptive paper) was discontinued in 2022. Final merit is based on Tier-2 marks. DEST (Data Entry Speed Test) is qualifying for DEO post (8000 key depressions per hour) and for LDC/PA/SA posts (typing 35 wpm English / 30 wpm Hindi).
SSC CHSL Eligibility 2026
| Qualification | 12th pass (10+2) from a recognised board. For DEO Grade A, Science with Mathematics is sometimes required. No graduation needed. |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Maximum Age (General) | 27 years (relaxed for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/ESM as per rules) |
| Nationality | Indian citizen. |
SSC CHSL Salary & Pay Scale 2026
| Pay Level | Level 2 (₹19,900) and Level 4 (₹25,500) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (entry) | ₹19,900 – ₹25,500 |
| Approx. Gross Salary | ₹35,000 – ₹46,000 per month (depending on post and city HRA) |
| Application Fee (General) | ₹100 |
| Application Fee (Reserved) | Free for SC/ST/PwBD/ESM/Women |
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026
| Stage | Mode | Duration | Questions | Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier-1 (Qualifying) | Computer-Based | 60 min | 100 | 200 | -0.50 per wrong |
| Tier-2 (Merit) | Computer-Based + DEST | 135 min | 135 | 405 | -1.00 per wrong (objective) |
| DEST (Qualifying) | Typing on computer | 15 min | — | 0 | Pass/Fail (8000 key depressions/hour for DEO; 35 wpm for LDC) |
SSC CHSL Syllabus Highlights
- English Language — Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Cloze Test, Synonyms/Antonyms
- Quantitative Aptitude — Number System, Percentage, Profit/Loss, Time-Speed-Distance, Geometry, Mensuration
- General Intelligence — Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning, Series, Analogies, Puzzles, Coding
- General Awareness — History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, Current Affairs
- Tier-2 Module 2: Statistics + General Awareness for specific posts
- Tier-2 Computer Knowledge: MS Office, Internet, Operating Systems
SSC CHSL — Important Points to Remember
- 12th pass minimum — no graduation needed. Candidates of any stream (Arts, Commerce, Science) eligible.
- Most popular Sarkari exam for 18–27 age group; first-time aspirants strongly favour this exam
- Posting state at time of joining is fixed per allotment but transfers possible after 5+ years
- Career path: LDC → UDC (in 5–10 years via departmental exam) → Section Officer (further internal promotion)
- DEO Grade A in CAG offices and select ministries get Pay Level 4 (₹25,500), significantly higher than LDC's Level 2
SSC CHSL Vacancy Trend (Recent Years)
SSC CHSL 2024 announced 3,712 vacancies. SSC CHSL 2023 had 1,600 vacancies. Vacancies have fluctuated significantly — 2019 had 5,789, 2020 had 4,726, 2021 had 4,500. The 2023 dip was due to backlog clearance pause, with 2024 returning to higher levels.
Frequently Asked Questions — SSC CHSL 2026
Q1. Can a 12th student in second year apply for SSC CHSL?
Generally no. The candidate must have passed 12th by the application cut-off date as per the notification. Final-year 12th students can apply only if their result is declared before the application closing date.
Q2. What is the difference between LDC and DEO?
LDC (Lower Division Clerk) handles general office work — letters, filing, basic data entry. DEO (Data Entry Operator) is specialised in data input — typing speed of 8000 key depressions/hour required. DEO is at Pay Level 4 (₹25,500); LDC at Pay Level 2 (₹19,900).
Q3. Is SSC CHSL good for long-term career?
It is an entry-level post with steady promotion path through departmental examinations. Many LDCs reach Section Officer (Level 7) in 15–20 years. For aspirants below 27 with 12th pass, CHSL is one of the best Sarkari starts.
Q4. Can I appear for CGL after CHSL?
Yes — anytime during the upper age limit (32 for General). Many CHSL candidates take CGL after completing graduation while in service. Both selections can be held simultaneously; you choose the better post at appointment time.
Official Information
For the most current notification, eligibility updates, and application links, always visit the official website: https://ssc.gov.in. ExamResultDekho.com – Sarkari Job Alert is an information portal — we do not conduct any exam or process applications. Always verify deadlines and apply through the conducting body's official portal.
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Related Sarkari Terms
Understand key concepts used in this exam — see our Sarkari Glossary for definitions of cut-off marks, normalisation, EWS, OBC-NCL, Pay Matrix, document verification and more.