The Staff Selection Commission has started the online application process for the SSC Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, or SSC CHSL 2026. The recruitment drive has announced 2,536 tentative vacancies for posts including Lower Divisional Clerk, Junior Secretariat Assistant and Data Entry Operator.
Eligible candidates can apply online from September 7 to October 7, 2026, through the official SSC website. The commission has also announced important changes and requirements for applicants, including Aadhaar-based authentication, mandatory live photograph capture and the use of Mangal font for candidates appearing for the Hindi typing test.
SSC CHSL 2026 Important Dates
The SSC CHSL 2026 application process began on September 7 and will remain open until October 7, 2026, at 11 pm.
Candidates can pay the application fee online until October 8 at 11 pm.
The application correction window will be available from October 14 to October 16, 2026. Candidates will be able to make corrections within the prescribed time period.
The dates for the SSC CHSL Tier-I and Tier-II computer-based examinations are expected to be announced separately.
SSC CHSL 2026 Aadhaar Authentication Rule
SSC has implemented Aadhaar-based biometric authentication for the examination process.
Candidates can use Aadhaar authentication while completing their One-Time Registration and submitting the SSC CHSL 2026 application.
Applicants who do not wish to authenticate through Aadhaar can complete the registration process by submitting alternative documents to establish details such as their name, date of birth, address, gender and photograph.
Candidates who opt for Aadhaar authentication may receive certain relaxations related to photograph and signature requirements. Their applications will not be rejected solely because the uploaded photograph or signature does not meet the prescribed standards.
Such candidates may also not be required to carry a recent colour photograph or original valid photo identity proof for admission to the computer-based examination, subject to the applicable SSC guidelines.
Live Photograph Mandatory for SSC CHSL 2026
Applicants do not need to keep a pre-existing photograph ready for the SSC CHSL 2026 application.
The online application system will capture a live photograph while candidates complete their form.
Candidates should ensure they are in a well-lit location with a plain background. The camera should be positioned at eye level, and the candidate's face should be clearly visible from the front.
Candidates should not wear a cap, mask or spectacles while the live photograph is being captured.
Applications may face rejection if the photograph does not meet the prescribed requirements, subject to applicable relaxations for Aadhaar-authenticated candidates.
Candidates must upload their scanned signature in JPEG or JPG format. The file size should be between 10 KB and 20 KB, while the prescribed signature dimensions are approximately 6 cm by 2 cm.
Hindi Typing Test: Mangal Font Mandatory
SSC has introduced an important requirement for candidates opting for Hindi in the typing test for LDC and JSA posts.
Candidates choosing Hindi as their typing test language must use Mangal font only.
Using any other font during the typing or skill test can result in disqualification from the test.
Candidates opting for English must achieve a typing speed of 35 words per minute, while candidates choosing Hindi must achieve a speed of 30 words per minute.
The typing test will be conducted for 10 minutes on a given passage. Candidates eligible for a scribe will receive an additional five minutes.
SSC CHSL 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for LDC, JSA and most DEO or DEO Grade A posts must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognised board or university.
For certain DEO and DEO Grade A posts in specified government ministries and departments, candidates must have passed Class 12 in the Science stream with Mathematics as one of the subjects.
Candidates appearing for their Class 12 examination can also apply, provided they obtain the required qualification by October 7, 2026.
SSC CHSL 2026 Age Limit
Candidates must be between 18 and 27 years of age as of August 1, 2026.
Applicants should have been born between August 2, 1999, and August 1, 2008.
Age relaxation will be available for eligible candidates belonging to reserved categories according to government rules.
SSC CHSL 2026 Application Fee
The application fee for SSC CHSL 2026 is Rs 100.
Women candidates and candidates belonging to the SC, ST and PwBD categories are exempted from paying the application fee. Eligible Ex-Servicemen are also exempted according to the prescribed rules.
SSC CHSL 2026 Exam Pattern
The SSC CHSL computer-based examination will be conducted in two stages: Tier-I and Tier-II.
Tier-II will include Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge and a Skill Test or Typing Test.
The Computer Knowledge Test will be mandatory but qualifying in nature.
Candidates must qualify in all required sections of Tier-II. There will also be negative marking of one mark for every incorrect answer in Sections I, II and III of Tier-II.
Important One-Time Registration Rule
Candidates who have not already registered on the new SSC website must complete a fresh One-Time Registration.
The commission has clarified that One-Time Registration completed on the old SSC website will not remain functional on the new portal.
Applicants should therefore complete their registration and carefully review all details before submitting the SSC CHSL 2026 application form.
