The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially issued the notification for the Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) examination 2026, announcing a total of 2,536 vacancies across multiple Group C positions in various ministries and departments under the Government of India. The online application process has commenced and candidates can apply through the official SSC portal at ssc.gov.in.
The CHSL exam is one of the most popular recruitment examinations conducted by the SSC, attracting lakhs of applicants each year from across the country. This particular cycle offers positions such as Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO), and Page Master — all of which are highly sought-after government jobs offering job security, attractive pay scales under Level 1 and Level 2 of the 7th Central Pay Commission, and benefits including Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, and medical facilities.
According to the notification, the minimum educational qualification for all these posts is passing the 10+2 examination or an equivalent degree from a recognized board or university. For the Data Entry Operator post specifically, candidates are also required to possess a typing speed of at least 35 words per minute on a computer, a skill that will be tested during the skill test phase of the selection process.
The selection process for SSC CHSL 2026 will follow the standard three-tier structure. Candidates first need to clear the Computer Based Examination (CBE) Tier I, which is a pen-and-paper or computer-based objective-type test covering Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. Those who qualify in Tier I will then appear for Tier II, which includes a Descriptive Paper and a Skill Test or CBE depending on the post. Finally, candidates who clear all stages undergo document verification before being allotted to their respective departments.
The application fee for General, OBC, and EWS candidates is Rs 100, while candidates belonging to SC, ST, PwBD, and female categories are exempted from paying any fee. Applicants must ensure they fill in all details accurately, upload recent photographs and signatures as per the specified format, and retain the payment receipt as proof of successful submission.
Candidates are advised to regularly check the official SSC website for further updates regarding the exam date, admit card release, and any changes to the notification. With thousands of vacancies expected to be filled through this recruitment drive, aspirants across the country are preparing intensively for what promises to be a highly competitive examination cycle.
