SSC CHSL 2026 Eligibility — Complete Guide for 12th Pass
SSC CHSL 2026 — central govt jobs for 12th-pass candidates: LDC, Junior Secretariat Assistant, Data Entry Operator.
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Check eligibility now →What is it?
SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level) is one of India's largest recruitment exams for 12th-pass candidates. It fills posts like Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO) in ministries, departments and subordinate offices. The exam has Tier-1 (CBT), Tier-2 (descriptive + skill test) and document verification.
Benefits
Pay Level 2 to 4 — in-hand salary ₹22,000–₹35,000 per month plus DA, HRA, TA. Permanent central government job, pension under NPS, CGHS medical, paid leave, postings across India, and chance to clear departmental exams for promotion.
Eligibility criteria
- ✓Indian citizen, or Nepal/Bhutan citizen, or Tibetan refugee settled before 1 January 1962
- ✓Age 18–27 years as on 1 August 2026
- ✓Passed 12th (or equivalent) from a recognised board
- ✓For DEO in C&AG: 12th with Maths as a subject (Science stream preferred)
- ✓Typing skill: 35 wpm English / 30 wpm Hindi (tested at skill stage)
- ✓Age relaxation: SC/ST +5 years, OBC +3, PwD +10, ex-servicemen as per rules
- ✓Final-year 12th students can apply if they will pass before document verification
Documents required
- ✓10th and 12th marksheets and certificates
- ✓Aadhaar card or any valid photo ID
- ✓Recent passport-size photo (20–50 KB JPG)
- ✓Scanned signature (10–20 KB JPG)
- ✓Caste/PwD certificate if claiming reservation
- ✓Domicile certificate if asked for regional posts
How to apply — step by step
- Register on ssc.gov.in with email and mobile
- Fill application form, choose post preferences and exam centres
- Upload photo and signature in correct size
- Pay fee ₹100 (free for women, SC/ST, PwD, ex-servicemen)
- Appear for Tier-1 CBT, then Tier-2 (descriptive + typing/DEST)
- Final merit based on Tier-1 + Tier-2 marks; clear DV to get joining
Important dates
Notification: April–May 2026. Application window: ~30 days. Tier-1 exam: July–August 2026. Tier-2 (descriptive + skill): October–November 2026. Final result: early 2027. Always check ssc.gov.in for confirmed dates.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✓Ignoring typing practice — most candidates fail at skill test stage
- ✓Selecting too few exam centre preferences
- ✓Wrong photo/signature size leading to form rejection
- ✓Not preparing for descriptive Tier-2 (essay/letter writing)
- ✓Missing DV documents like original certificates and category proof
Frequently asked questions
Can a 12th-arts student apply for SSC CHSL DEO?
Yes for LDC and JSA. For DEO in C&AG you need 12th with Mathematics as one of the subjects in Science stream.
Is typing test compulsory in SSC CHSL?
Yes. LDC/JSA need 35 wpm English or 30 wpm Hindi typing. DEO needs data entry speed test (DEST) of around 8000 key depressions per hour.
What is the salary after SSC CHSL?
Pay Level 2 to 4. Total in-hand salary is approximately ₹22,000 to ₹35,000 per month depending on the post and city of posting.
How many attempts can I give for CHSL?
No fixed attempt limit. You can apply every year up to the maximum age (27 for general, with relaxation for reserved categories).
Can I apply if my 12th result is awaited?
Yes. You must produce passing certificate before document verification, otherwise candidature will be cancelled.
Answer 5–7 simple questions and get your eligibility score in 2 minutes.
Check eligibility now →