The Staff Selection Commission conducts the Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) examination to recruit eligible candidates for various positions such as Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO). For the 2026 cycle, a total of 2,536 vacancies have been announced. Before proceeding to submit applications via the SSC CHSL Apply Online 2026 Starts - Click to Check portal, aspirants must carefully verify that they meet all official requirements. You can also explore more details regarding the exam through SSC CHSL 2026.
To assist candidates in reviewing their profile, detailed guidelines have been published. Read the latest SSC CHSL 2026 Notification Out for 2536 Vacancies- Click to Check updates to stay informed on important timelines and criteria.
SSC CGL/CHSL Eligibility Factors
Candidates must assess themselves across multiple parameters before applying. Review the checklist below for a comprehensive overview:
- Educational Qualification
- Age Limit
- Post-wise Eligibility
- Nationality
- Physical Standards
- Reservation Rules
Overview of SSC CHSL Eligibility Requirements
The following data table summarizes the essential prerequisites for the upcoming examination cycle:
| Eligibility Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Qualification | Class 12 Passed |
| Qualification for DEO Post | Class 12 Science with Mathematics for specified posts |
| Qualification Cut-Off Date | 7 October 2026 |
| Age Limit | 18 to 27 years |
| Date of Birth Range | 2 August 1999 to 1 August 2008 |
| Age Calculation Date | 1 August 2026 |
| Nationality | Indian citizen or other eligible categories prescribed by SSC |
| Attempts | Not Limit |
Age Limits and Relaxations
The general age bracket for applicants is 18 to 27 years. The reference date for calculating your age is 1 August 2026, meaning your date of birth must generally fall between 2 August 1999 and 1 August 2008. There is no restriction on the number of attempts you can make as long as you meet these age and educational parameters.
Upper age limit relaxations are applicable to designated reserved categories:
| Categories | Age relaxation beyond the upper age limit |
|---|---|
| SC/ ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD + Unreserved | 10 years |
| PwBD + OBC | 13 years |
| PwBD + SC/ ST | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 03 years after deducting the military service rendered from the actual age as of the closing date. |
| Candidates who were usually resident in Jammu and Kashmir between January 1, 1980 and December 31, 1989. | 5 years |
| Defence personnel who are handicapped while on duty during hostilities with any foreign country or in a troubled area and are subsequently released. | 3 years |
| Defence personnel who are handicapped while on duty during hostilities with any foreign country or in a disturbed area and are subsequently released (SC/ST). | 8 years |
| Central Government Civilian Employees: Who have delivered not less than three years of regular and continuous service as of the closing date for acceptance of online applications (SC/ST). | Up to 40 years of age |
| Central Government Civilian Employees: Those who have served for at least three years on a regular and continuous basis as of the closing date for online applications (SC/ST). | Up to 45 years of age |
| Women who are widowed, divorced, or judicially separated and have not remarried. | Up to 35 years of age |
| Women who are widowed, divorced, or judicially separated and have not remarried (SC/ST). | Up to 40 years of age |
Educational Qualifications and Post-Wise Breakdown
Candidates must have passed or be appearing for the 12th standard exam from a recognized board by the cut-off date of 7 October 2026. The table below details requirements across different roles:
| Post Name | Educational | Age Limit | Other Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC) | 12th Pass | 18 โ 27 years | Typing Test |
| Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) | 12th Pass | 18 โ 27 years | Typing Test |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | 12th Pass | 18 โ 27 years | Data Entry Skill Test |
| Data Entry Operator, Grade โAโ | 12th Pass, Science with Maths for specified departments | 18 โ 27 years | Data Entry Skill Test |
Additionally, for DEO Grade 'A' posts in specific departments like the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and the Ministry of Culture, candidates are required to have passed the 10+2 examination in the Science stream with Mathematics as a compulsory subject.
| Posts | Educational Qualifications |
|---|---|
| For Data Entry Operator (DEO)/ DEO Grade โAโ in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Ministry of Culture | Must have cleared or appeared for 10+2 or its equivalent from any recognized board |
| For LDC/JSA and DEO/DEO Grade โAโ (except DEOs in Department/ Ministry) | Qualified: 10+2 possessing Science Stream with Mathematics as a compulsory subject, or its equivalent from any recognized board. |
Nationality Eligibility Categories
Applicants must fall into one of the recognized nationality groups:
- Resident of India
- Subject of Nepal
- Subject of Bhutan
- Tibetan refugee (moved to India before 1st Jan 1962)
- Person of Indian heritage from Burma, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or specific East African republics
Physical Standards and Disability Criteria
Candidates with physical disabilities are welcome to apply provided they meet the official standards outlined below:
| Posts | Physical Disability Criteria |
|---|---|
| Lower Division Clerk/Junior Secretariat Assistant | One Arm affected, Both Arms affected, One Leg affected, and Both Legs |
| Lower Division Clerk/Junior Secretariat Assistant | One Arm One Leg affected, Cerebral Palsy, Leprosy Cured, Dwarfism, Acid Attack Victim, Muscular Dystrophy, Spinal Deformity/Spinal Injury |
| Lower Division Clerk/Junior Secretariat Assistant | Low Vision & Blind |
| Lower Division Clerk/Junior Secretariat Assistant | Deaf, Hard of Hearing |
| Data Entry Operator | One Arm One Leg affected, Cerebral Palsy, Leprosy Cured, Dwarfism, Acid Attack Victim, Muscular Dystrophy, Spinal Deformity/Spinal Injury |
| Data Entry Operator | One Arm affected, Both Arms affected, One Leg affected, and Both Legs |
| Data Entry Operator | Deaf, Hard of Hearing |
| Data Entry Operator | Low Vision & Blind |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Recommended Reads
- SSC CHSL 2026 Notification Out: 2,536 Vacancies, Eligibility, and Exam Pattern
- SSC CHSL 2026 Notification: Major Exam Changes & Application Updates
- SSC CHSL 2026: Complete Guide to Vacancies, Posts, and Salary Details
- SSC CHSL 60-Day Study Plan: Master Your Exam Preparation
- SSC CHSL 2026 Exam Centre List: Regional Codes & Application Guide
- SSC JHT Exam City 2026 Released: Check Paper 1 City Slip & Exam Date
Sarkari Exam Typing Speed & Accuracy Test
Test your typing speed (Gross & Net WPM) in English & Hindi against SSC CHSL 35 WPM / 95% accuracy standards.
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