5000+ LDC, DEO & Clerk Posts in SSC CHSL 2026: Complete Guide — Typing Test, Exam Date & Salary

Job Overview & Vacancy Details

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) released the official SSC CHSL 2026 notification on April 30, 2026, announcing more than 5,000 vacancies for Group C posts in central government ministries, departments, and organisations across India. SSC CHSL — which stands for Combined Higher Secondary Level — is one of the most sought-after government recruitment examinations for Class 12 pass candidates, offering permanent central government employment with job security, excellent pay, and career growth.

The Tier 1 Computer Based Test is scheduled from July to September 2026, with lakhs of registered candidates appearing for posts including Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Postal Assistant (PA), Sorting Assistant (SA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO). The typing skill test is conducted in Tier 2 and is a mandatory qualifying stage for clerical and DEO posts.

SSC CHSL 2026 — Exam Summary

Post-wise Vacancy Distribution

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent from any recognised Central or State Board. Any stream — Science, Commerce, or Arts — is accepted. There is no minimum percentage requirement. Candidates who are still appearing in their 12th exam are NOT eligible. For DEO Grade A posts in specific ministries, 12th with Science stream and Mathematics as a compulsory subject is required.

Age Limit (as on May 31, 2026)

Minimum age: 18 years. Maximum age: 27 years for General/EWS category candidates. Candidates born between June 2, 1999 and June 1, 2008 fall in the eligible age bracket for General category.

Age Relaxation

Nationality

Candidates must be citizens of India. Subjects of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetan refugees who came to India before January 1, 1962, and persons of Indian origin who migrated from certain countries with intent to permanently settle in India are also eligible.

Important Dates

Typing Test Requirement

The SSC CHSL Typing Test is conducted in Tier 2 (Session II) and is a qualifying test — marks are not added to the final merit list, but failing it means disqualification. Understanding the exact requirements is critical for every candidate applying for LDC, JSA, and DEO posts.

For LDC / JSA Posts — Typing Speed Required

• English Typing: 35 Words Per Minute (WPM) — 10 minutes duration
• Hindi Typing: 30 Words Per Minute (WPM) — 10 minutes duration
• Candidates can opt for either English or Hindi typing based on their preference
• Backspace is disabled during the test — candidates cannot correct errors after typing
• Error tolerance: 7% for General/OBC/EWS; 10% for SC/ST/PwD candidates

For DEO Posts — Data Entry Skill Test

• Speed Required: 8,000 Key Depressions Per Hour (KDPH)
• Duration: 15 minutes
• Test involves typing a passage on a computer with standard keyboard
• For DEO Grade A: 15,000 KDPH (approximately 50 WPM)

Typing Test Format

The test is conducted on a computer using standard word processing software. Candidates are given a printed passage to type. The timer runs for the allotted duration, and the software automatically calculates speed and accuracy at the end. The backspace restriction means every keystroke counts — accuracy practice is as important as speed.

Practice on TypingTips.in: We have free typing tests exactly matching SSC CHSL exam format — including backspace-disabled mode, 10-minute timed tests, and both English and Hindi typing practice passages designed for govt exam aspirants.

🎯 Start Free English Typing Practice (35 WPM Target) →

🎯 Start Free Hindi Typing Practice (30 WPM Target) →

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Salary & Pay Scale

In-hand salary includes Basic Pay + Dearness Allowance (55%) + House Rent Allowance (24% for metro, 16% for non-metro, 8% for small cities) + Transport Allowance. Additional benefits include CGHS medical coverage, 3% annual increment, pension under NPS, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and maternity/paternity leave.

How to Apply (Step by Step)

Note: The application window for SSC CHSL 2026 was open from April 30 to May 31, 2026. Applications are now closed. Registered candidates should check ssc.gov.in for admit card and exam schedule updates.

For future reference, here is the step-by-step application process used for SSC CHSL recruitment:

1. Go to the official website: https://ssc.gov.in
2. Complete One Time Registration (OTR) if you are a first-time SSC applicant. Fill in name, date of birth, mobile number, and email. Upload photo and signature. OTR is valid for 5 years.
3. Login with OTR credentials and navigate to the Apply section. Select SSC CHSL 2026.
4. Fill personal details, educational qualifications, category, and contact information. Verify all pre-filled OTR details.
5. Select the post(s) you want to apply for and choose 3 preferred exam cities in order of preference.
6. Pay the application fee of Rs 100 via BHIM UPI, Net Banking, Debit Card, or Credit Card (if applicable).
7. Review all details carefully. Submit the form and download the confirmation page. Note your application number.

📌 Application fee: Rs 100 for General/OBC/EWS male candidates. Free for Female, SC, ST, PwD, and Ex-Servicemen of all categories.

📌 Documents needed: Passport photo (JPEG, 20–50 KB), signature (JPEG, 10–20 KB), Class 10 certificate (for DOB), Class 12 marksheet, category certificate, Aadhaar card.

Selection Process

SSC CHSL 2026 selection involves four stages. Every stage must be cleared to proceed to the next.

Stage 1 — Tier 1 CBT (Qualifying): Computer-Based Test of 100 questions for 200 marks covering General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. Duration: 60 minutes (80 minutes for visually handicapped). Negative marking of 0.5 marks per wrong answer. Tier 1 is only qualifying — marks are NOT counted in final merit.

Stage 2 — Tier 2 CBT (Merit Based): The most critical stage. Four sections — Mathematics, English, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge — conducted in two sessions. Total marks form the final merit rank. The typing test is also conducted in Tier 2 as a separate qualifying session.

Stage 3 — Skill Test / Typing Test (Qualifying): Typing test at 35 WPM English or 30 WPM Hindi for LDC/JSA/PA/SA posts. Data Entry Skill Test at 8,000 KDPH for DEO posts. Marks from this stage are not added to merit — it is pass/fail only.

Stage 4 — Document Verification & Medical: All original certificates are verified. A basic medical examination is conducted. Joining letters are issued after successful verification.

Frequently Asked Questions