SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026: Last Chance to Apply for 2,536 Posts by October 7

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has entered the final registration phase for the Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) Examination 2026, featuring 2,536 government vacancies across various central ministries, constitutional departments, and subordinate offices. Having opened the registration portal on September 7, 2026, the commission has alerted prospective candidates that the application window officially closes on October 7, 2026. The commission has clarified that the deadline will not be extended under any circumstances, advising Class 12-pass candidates to complete their registration forms immediately at ssc.gov.in to avoid server slowdowns during the final 48 hours.

Attractive Central Pay Scales: Earn Up to ₹92,300 Across Key Group-C Posts

Selected candidates will receive attractive Central Pay Commission salary packages, allowances, and job security tailored to their respective roles:

• Data Entry Operator (DEO): Entitled to Pay Level-4 remuneration ranging from ₹29,200 to ₹92,300 per month.

• Data Entry Operator Grade-A: Positioned at Pay Level-4 with monthly pay ranging from ₹25,500 to ₹81,100.

• Lower Division Clerk (LDC) & Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA): Placed in Pay Level-2, offering monthly salaries between ₹19,900 and ₹63,200, alongside central allowances including DA, HRA, and medical benefits.

Eligibility Benchmark: 12th Pass Qualification and Relaxed Age Criteria

To qualify for these nationwide vacancies, applicants must have successfully cleared their Higher Secondary (Class 12) examination from any recognized education board or university in India. The candidate's age will be determined with reference to August 1, 2026, requiring candidates to fall between 18 and 27 years of age. As per statutory central norms, upper-age relaxation is provided to reserved categories: a 5-year extension for SC/ST candidates, a 3-year extension for OBC candidates, and a 10-year extension for Persons with Disabilities (PwD), ensuring broad access for aspirants across diverse demographic backgrounds.

Minimal Application Fee with Complete Exemptions for Reserved Categories

The application process remains accessible with nominal processing fees. Unreserved male applicants (General and OBC) must submit a one-time non-refundable fee of ₹100 via online banking, UPI, or debit cards. In line with central social welfare directives, all female applicants, SC candidates, ST candidates, and differently-abled individuals are fully exempt from fee payments and can complete the application process free of charge.

Comprehensive Examination Pattern: Computer-Based Tier-1 and Tier-2 Selection

Candidate selection proceeds through two distinct stages of examination. The first phase, Tier-1, is a nationwide Computer-Based Test (CBT) lasting 60 minutes. The test comprises 100 objective multiple-choice questions carrying a total of 200 marks, divided equally into four core subjects: English Language, General Intelligence (Reasoning), Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness. To uphold testing rigor, a negative marking deduction of 0.50 marks will apply for every incorrect answer. Candidates qualifying above the category-wise Tier-1 cutoff will be summoned for Tier-2 descriptive and skill-based typing evaluations before final administrative appointment.