SSC CHSL 2026: eligibility, syllabus, cut-offs, salary and how to apply
SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level Examination, conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). Posts: Lower Division Clerk / Junior Secretariat Assistant and Data Entry Operator.
| Vacancies | How often | Application fee |
|---|---|---|
| 3,131 (CHSL 2025) | Once a year. | Rs 100. Women, SC, ST, persons with benchmark disabilities and eligible ex-servicemen do not pay. |
Latest SSC CHSL notices
| Date | Kind | Notice | Board |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Oct 2026 | Correction window | Combined Higher Secondary Level (10+2) Examination 2026: correction window 14 Oct 2026 to 16 Oct 2026 · Exam guide | SSC |
| 7 Sep 2026 | New recruitment | Combined Higher Secondary Level (10+2) Examination 2026: online applications 7 Sep 2026 to 7 Oct 2026 · Apply · Exam guide | SSC |
SSC CHSL eligibility: who can apply
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Education | Class 12 pass. Data Entry Operator in some offices needs Class 12 with Mathematics in the Science stream, as notified. |
| Age | 18 to 27 years. Relaxation: OBC +3, SC/ST +5, persons with benchmark disabilities +10 years. |
SSC CHSL selection process
- Tier 1 computer-based exam
- Tier 2: Session I (computer-based exam) and Session II (typing or skill test, qualifying)
- Document verification
SSC CHSL exam pattern and marks
Tier 1
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Language | 25 | 50 |
| Total (60 minutes) | 100 | 200 |
0.50 mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
SSC CHSL syllabus
- Same areas as CGL at Class 12 level: reasoning, arithmetic and basic mathematics, English grammar and comprehension, general awareness, and computer basics for Tier 2. Typing speed for the skill test.
How to prepare for SSC CHSL
- Practise previous papers from ssc.gov.in.
- Practise typing daily (35 words a minute in English or 30 in Hindi for clerks, as notified).
- Revise computer basics for Tier 2.
SSC CHSL previous cut-offs: CHSL 2025, Tier 1 cut-offs (out of 200)
| Category | LDC / JSA | Data Entry Operator |
|---|---|---|
| UR | 144.25 | 169.54 |
| OBC | 143.83 | 169.49 |
| EWS | 141.42 | - |
| SC | 125.40 | 157.72 |
| ST | 115.25 | 152.78 |
Tier 1 result declared 27 February 2026; 39,901 candidates shortlisted for Tier 2. Source: SSC result notice, as reported by Free Press Journal · Staff Selection Commission
Salary and posts after SSC CHSL
Group C clerical and data entry posts in central ministries, departments and offices.
| Post | Pay level and starting basic pay | What the work is |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Division Clerk / Junior Secretariat Assistant | Level 2, Rs 19,900 | Typing, keeping registers and files, receiving and sending letters. |
| Data Entry Operator | Level 4, Rs 25,500 | Entering and checking data in government systems. |
| Data Entry Operator, Grade A | Level 5, Rs 29,200 | Data entry and supervision of records in some departments. |
Example: a Class 12 candidate selected as Lower Division Clerk joins a central office in their region, keeps files and registers, and can sit departmental exams to move up.
Figures are starting basic pay in the 7th Central Pay Commission pay matrix. Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance (or government housing), Transport Allowance and other allowances are paid on top, so the monthly pay is well above the basic pay and differs by city. The 8th Central Pay Commission, set up in November 2025, will revise the matrix once its report is accepted.
SSC CHSL job profile and duties
- Office records, typing and correspondence
- Data entry and basic computer work
- Supporting officers with files and accounts
SSC CHSL promotions and promotion cycle
| Stage | Pay | When |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Division Clerk → Upper Division Clerk | Level 2 → Level 4 | By seniority or departmental exam |
| Upper Division Clerk → Assistant / Assistant Section Officer | Level 4 → Level 7 | By seniority or limited departmental exam |
If no promotion comes, the Modified Assured Career Progression scheme moves a central government employee to the next pay level after 10, 20 and 30 years of service (or 10 years in the same level), subject to a 'Very Good' record. Graduates can also take SSC CGL while in service. Sources: SSC CHSL pay levels, as reported by Physics Wallah · 7th CPC pay matrix (Ministry of Finance resolution of 25 July 2016), as reproduced by Gconnect · MACP scheme under the 7th CPC (DoPT), as reported by Gconnect
How to apply for SSC CHSL, step by step
- Complete One Time Registration on ssc.gov.in.
- Fill the CHSL application and post preferences; upload photo and signature.
- Pay the fee if applicable and submit before the last date.
- Download the admit card before each stage.
Sources: Staff Selection Commission. Rules, vacancies and dates change with each notification: read the official notification before applying.
SSC CHSL: common questions
How many vacancies are there in SSC CHSL?
3,131 in CHSL 2025. Tentative vacancies as notified.
What is the age limit for SSC CHSL?
18 to 27 years. Relaxation: OBC +3, SC/ST +5, persons with benchmark disabilities +10 years.
What qualification is needed for SSC CHSL?
Class 12 pass. Data Entry Operator in some offices needs Class 12 with Mathematics in the Science stream, as notified.
What is the selection process of SSC CHSL?
Tier 1 computer-based exam; Tier 2: Session I (computer-based exam) and Session II (typing or skill test, qualifying); Document verification.
What is the salary after SSC CHSL?
Lower Division Clerk / Junior Secretariat Assistant: Level 2, Rs 19,900; Data Entry Operator: Level 4, Rs 25,500; Data Entry Operator, Grade A: Level 5, Rs 29,200. Figures are starting basic pay in the 7th Central Pay Commission pay matrix.
What was the last cut-off of SSC CHSL?
CHSL 2025, Tier 1 cut-offs (out of 200): UR 144.25, 169.54; OBC 143.83, 169.49. The full table is above.
What is the application fee for SSC CHSL?
Rs 100. Women, SC, ST, persons with benchmark disabilities and eligible ex-servicemen do not pay.
How do I apply for SSC CHSL?
Complete One Time Registration on ssc.gov.in. Fill the CHSL application and post preferences; upload photo and signature. Pay the fee if applicable and submit before the last date. Apply only on the official website: https://ssc.gov.in/