SSC CHSL 2026: 3522 LDC, JSA & DEO Vacancies — Complete Guide with Typing Test Details
Organisation: Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
Exam Name: Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) 2026
Total Posts: 3,522 (LDC / JSA / DEO / PA/SA)
Typing Required: Yes — mandatory for DEO posts (35 WPM English / 30 WPM Hindi)
Application Start: July 2026 (expected)
Official Website: ssc.gov.in
Every year, lakhs of 12th-pass students across India wait for one notification — SSC CHSL. And 2026 is no different. The Staff Selection Commission has announced 3,522 vacancies for Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO), and Postal/Sorting Assistant posts in central government departments.
If you want a central government job and you can type — this is one of the biggest opportunities of 2026. This guide covers everything: vacancies, eligibility, typing test rules, salary, and exactly how to apply.
Job Overview & Vacancy Details
SSC CHSL is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to fill Group C posts in various Ministries, Departments, and Offices of the Government of India. The 2026 edition has 3,522 confirmed vacancies — with more expected as departments add to the roster before the final exam.
| Post Name | Short Form | Pay Level | Typing Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Division Clerk | LDC | Level 2 (₹19,900–63,200) | ✓ Yes |
| Junior Secretariat Assistant | JSA | Level 2 (₹19,900–63,200) | ✓ Yes |
| Data Entry Operator | DEO | Level 4 (₹25,500–81,100) | ✓ Yes — Mandatory |
| Postal / Sorting Assistant | PA/SA | Level 4 (₹25,500–81,100) | ✓ Yes |
The DEO post is particularly attractive — it carries a higher pay level (Level 4) and is the one most directly linked to typing speed. If you can type 35 WPM in English or 30 WPM in Hindi accurately, you have a strong shot.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification: You must have passed Class 12 (Intermediate) or equivalent from a recognised Board or University. No graduation required — this is one of the biggest advantages of SSC CHSL.
Age Limit (as on 01 August 2026):
| Post | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| LDC / JSA / DEO / PA-SA | 18 years | 27 years |
| OBC candidates | 18 years | 30 years (+3 relaxation) |
| SC / ST candidates | 18 years | 32 years (+5 relaxation) |
| PwD (General) | 18 years | 37 years (+10 relaxation) |
Nationality: Indian citizens, or subjects of Nepal/Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees settled in India before 1 January 1962.
Important: For DEO posts in C&AG (Comptroller and Auditor General), the typing test is compulsory and no exemption is allowed — even for PwD candidates who opt for scribe assistance. Plan your typing practice early.
Important Dates
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | July 2026 |
| Application Form Opens | July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | August 2026 (approx. 30 days from notification) |
| Tier I Exam (CBT) | July–September 2026 |
| Tier II Exam (including Skill/Typing Test) | To be announced after Tier I result |
| Final Result & Allotment | 2026–2027 |
Bookmark the official SSC website at ssc.gov.in and check it daily once the notification is out. Application links go live simultaneously with the notification PDF.
Typing Test Requirement for LDC / DEO Posts
The typing test is conducted in Tier II (Session II) of SSC CHSL. It is qualifying in nature — you must pass it, but your score does not add to your merit marks. Still, failing the typing test means disqualification even if your CBT score is excellent.
📝 English Typing: 35 words per minute (WPM) — approximately 10,500 key depressions per hour
📝 Hindi Typing: 30 words per minute (WPM) — approximately 9,000 key depressions per hour
⏱️ Duration: 15 minutes (using passage dictated on screen)
💻 Software: Conducted on computer; Hindi typing uses Kruti Dev or Unicode Mangal font depending on the department
The test is conducted in the language in which you opted while filling the application form. Once you select a language, you cannot switch. Choose wisely — pick the language in which your natural typing speed is higher.
For Hindi typing, most SSC departments still use Kruti Dev 010 font, though some have moved to Unicode (Mangal). The notification will specify which font applies. It is safest to practise both.
Backspace Rule: In SSC typing tests, backspace may or may not be allowed depending on the current year's pattern. Historically, errors left in the final text count against you even if you use backspace. The safest strategy is to type accurately from the start rather than relying on corrections.
🎯 Practice Hindi Typing Free on TypingTips.in →
🎯 Practice English Typing Free on TypingTips.in →
📥 Download Kruti Dev 010 Font Free →
📥 Download Mangal Unicode Font Free →
Salary & Pay Scale
Government salaries under the 7th Pay Commission are structured differently from private sector CTC. Here is what you will actually take home:
| Post | Pay Level | Basic Pay | Approx. In-Hand (Metro) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LDC / JSA | Level 2 | ₹19,900/month | ₹28,000–₹32,000/month |
| DEO / PA/SA | Level 4 | ₹25,500/month | ₹36,000–₹42,000/month |
Add to this: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA based on city), Transport Allowance (TA), and medical benefits under CGHS. After 5 years, an increment cycle raises your basic pay significantly. Long-term government employment also includes pension under NPS.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Once the SSC CHSL 2026 notification is officially released at ssc.gov.in, follow these steps exactly:
- Go to ssc.gov.in → Click "Apply" → Select "CHSL 2026"
- Register with your mobile number and email ID → you will receive a Registration ID
- Fill Part I: Personal details, educational qualifications, post preference (LDC/DEO/PA-SA)
- Fill Part II: Exam centre preference (up to 3 cities), language preference for typing test (Hindi or English)
- Upload photo (20–50 KB, JPEG), signature (10–20 KB, JPEG)
- Pay application fee online: ₹100 (General/OBC/EWS) | Free for SC/ST/PwD/Ex-SM/Women
- Submit and download your application form — save the PDF
Tip: Apply as early as possible. SSC servers slow down in the last 2–3 days before the deadline. Applying in the first week saves you from technical errors and server timeouts.
Selection Process
SSC CHSL 2026 has a two-tier examination structure:
Tier I — Computer-Based Test (CBT): 200 marks, 60 minutes. Four sections: English Language (50), General Intelligence (50), Quantitative Aptitude (50), General Awareness (50). Each wrong answer = −0.50 mark penalty. Only Tier I toppers are called for Tier II.
Tier II — Descriptive + Skill Test: Session I is a Paper on Math & Reasoning (100 marks) and English Language & Comprehension (100 marks). Session II is the Typing/Skill Test — this is where your practice on TypingTips.in pays off.
Final merit is based on Tier II Session I marks. The typing test (Session II) is qualifying only — pass or fail, it does not add to your score. But failing it removes you from the merit list entirely.
Document Verification: After final selection, candidates are called for document verification. Carry all originals: Class 10 & 12 mark sheets, caste certificate (if applicable), ID proof, and photographs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What typing speed is required for SSC CHSL 2026?
35 WPM for English typing and 30 WPM for Hindi typing. The test duration is 15 minutes. It is conducted on a computer — you must be comfortable with keyboard typing, not handwriting.
Q: Which font is used for Hindi typing in SSC CHSL?
Most SSC departments use Kruti Dev 010 font for Hindi typing. However, some departments have moved to Unicode Mangal font. The notification will specify. Practise both to be safe. Download Kruti Dev and Mangal fonts free at TypingTips.in.
Q: Is the typing test marks added to the final merit list?
No. The typing test in SSC CHSL is qualifying only. You either pass it or fail it — the marks are not added to your Tier I + Tier II total. But failing the typing test means you will not get the job even with a high exam score.
Q: Can I change my typing language after applying?
No. Once you select Hindi or English as your typing test language in the application form, it cannot be changed. Choose the language in which you are already faster and more accurate.
Q: What is the educational qualification for SSC CHSL 2026?
12th pass (or equivalent) from any recognised board. Graduation is not required. However, for DEO posts in C&AG, an additional Science stream qualification may be required — check the official notification.
Q: How much is the application fee for SSC CHSL 2026?
₹100 for General, OBC, and EWS candidates. No fee for SC, ST, PwD, Ex-Servicemen, and Female candidates.
Q: Where can I practise typing for the SSC CHSL exam?
TypingTips.in offers completely free typing tests for Hindi (Kruti Dev, Mangal) and English, designed to match the speed and accuracy format of SSC exams. No login required. Start practising at typingtips.in.
Q: Is there an interview for SSC CHSL posts?
No interview. Selection is purely merit-based: Tier I CBT + Tier II exam + Typing Test (qualifying). There is no personal interview or viva-voce round in SSC CHSL recruitment.
35 WPM English and 30 WPM Hindi is your target. Our free tests replicate the SSC exam format exactly — same time pressure, same error calculation, same font options.
English Typing Test (Target: 35 WPM) →
Hindi Typing Test (Target: 30 WPM) →
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