SSC CHSL Eligibility Criteria 2026 – Complete Detailed Guide
Overview
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level (SSC CHSL) Examination is conducted every year to recruit candidates for various Group C posts in central government departments and ministries. Popular posts under SSC CHSL include Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Postal Assistant (PA), Sorting Assistant (SA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO).
Understanding the SSC CHSL 2026 eligibility criteria is essential before applying. Eligibility includes age limit, educational qualification, and nationality requirements. Candidates who do not meet the prescribed eligibility conditions may face rejection during document verification.
This article provides a clear explanation of SSC CHSL 2026 eligibility rules in simple language.
Important Dates
The official SSC CHSL 2026 notification is expected to be released between May and July 2026 on the official SSC website.
Tentative timeline:
Notification Release: May–July 2026
Online Application Start Date: May–July 2026
Last Date to Apply: Approximately 30 days after notification
Tier 1 Exam Date: August–September 2026 (Expected)
Tier 2 Exam Date: To be announced later
The age of candidates is usually calculated as on 1st August of the examination year unless specified otherwise in the notification.
Candidates should regularly check the official SSC website for confirmed dates.
Eligibility
To apply for SSC CHSL 2026, candidates must satisfy the following eligibility conditions.
The minimum educational qualification required is 10+2 (Higher Secondary) or equivalent examination from a recognized board or university.
For the post of Data Entry Operator (DEO) in certain departments such as the Office of Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), candidates may be required to have passed 12th standard with Science stream and Mathematics as a subject.
The minimum age required is 18 years.
The maximum age limit is usually 27 years for most posts under SSC CHSL.
Age relaxation is provided as per Government of India rules.
OBC candidates receive 3 years upper age relaxation.
SC and ST candidates receive 5 years upper age relaxation.
PwBD candidates receive additional relaxation as per prescribed norms.
Ex-Servicemen and other reserved categories are also eligible for relaxation according to government rules.
Candidates must possess valid category certificates to claim age relaxation benefits during document verification.
Nationality criteria require that the candidate must be a citizen of India or meet other nationality conditions specified in the official notification.
Application Process
The SSC CHSL 2026 application process will be conducted online through the official SSC website.
Candidates must complete the One-Time Registration process if not already registered. After registration, they must log in and fill in personal details, educational qualifications, and category information.
Applicants are required to upload a recent passport-size photograph and signature as per SSC guidelines.
The application fee is generally applicable to General and OBC male candidates. SC, ST, PwBD, and female candidates are usually exempted from payment of application fee.
After submission of the application form, candidates should download and keep a copy of the confirmation page for future reference.
Selection Process
The SSC CHSL selection process consists of two main stages.
Tier 1 is a computer-based examination consisting of objective-type questions. It includes sections on General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. Each section carries equal weightage.
Tier 2 is a descriptive paper conducted in pen-and-paper mode or computer-based format depending on SSC guidelines. It tests writing skills through essay and letter or application writing.
For certain posts such as Data Entry Operator, a Skill Test is conducted to assess typing speed and data entry proficiency.
For posts like LDC and JSA, a Typing Test is conducted to evaluate typing speed in English or Hindi.
Candidates who clear all stages and meet eligibility conditions are included in the final merit list based on performance.
Salary
SSC CHSL posts fall under Pay Level 2 and Pay Level 4 of the 7th Pay Commission.
For LDC and JSA posts under Pay Level 2, the starting basic pay is approximately ₹19,900 per month.
For Postal Assistant, Sorting Assistant, and some DEO posts under Pay Level 4, the starting basic pay is approximately ₹25,500 per month.
In addition to basic pay, employees receive Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance, and other benefits as per government norms.
The in-hand salary varies depending on city classification and allowances.
Direct Official Link
Candidates must refer only to the official website of the Staff Selection Commission for authentic and updated information regarding SSC CHSL 2026 eligibility criteria:
Always verify eligibility conditions from the official notification before applying.