The SSC CHSL Eligibility Criteria 2026 is prescribed by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for candidates applying for Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination posts. It includes important requirements such as educational qualification, age limit, nationality, and category-wise age relaxation rules. Candidates must fulfil all eligibility conditions before applying for Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC)/ Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO), and DEO Grade ‘A’ posts.
SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 |
| Posts | Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO), DEO Grade ‘A’ |
| Job Type | Central Government Job |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
About Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is a Government of India organization under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). It conducts various competitive examinations for recruitment to different Group B and Group C posts in Ministries, Departments, Offices, Constitutional Bodies, Statutory Bodies, and Tribunals of the Government of India.
SSC CHSL is conducted for recruitment to Group C posts including LDC/JSA and Data Entry Operator positions in various government departments and organizations.
SSC CHSL Educational Qualification 2026
Candidates must possess the required educational qualification on or before the cut-off date mentioned in the official notification. The essential qualification for SSC CHSL 2026 is as follows:
| Post | Essential Qualification |
|---|---|
| LDC / JSA | Passed 12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University. |
| DEO / DEO Grade ‘A’ (Except specified departments) | Passed 12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University. |
| DEO / DEO Grade ‘A’ in Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, SSC and Ministry of Culture | 12th Standard pass in Science stream with Mathematics as a subject from a recognized Board or equivalent. |
Candidates who have appeared in their 12th Standard examination can also apply, but they must possess the required qualification on or before 07 October 2026.
SSC CHSL Age Limit 2026
The age limit for SSC CHSL 2026 is calculated as on 01 August 2026. Candidates must fulfil the prescribed age criteria mentioned below.
| Post | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| LDC / JSA | 18 Years | 27 Years |
| DEO / DEO Grade ‘A’ | 18 Years | 27 Years |
As per the notification, the age limit for SSC CHSL 2026 posts is 18–27 years. Candidates born not before 02 August 1999 and not later than 01 August 2008 are eligible to apply.
Age Relaxation (Category-Wise)
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 Years |
| OBC | 3 Years |
| PwBD | 10 Years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 Years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 Years after deduction of military service rendered from actual age. |
| Central Government Civilian Employees | Up to 40 years of age (as per conditions mentioned in notification). |
| Widows / Divorced Women / Women judicially separated and not remarried | Up to 35 years of age. |
Category-wise age relaxation is provided as per Government of India rules mentioned in the SSC CHSL 2026 notification.
SSC CHSL Nationality Criteria
- Candidate must be a citizen of India, or
- Subject of Nepal, or
- Subject of Bhutan, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India, subject to eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India.
The nationality conditions are specified under SSC CHSL 2026 recruitment rules.
Post-Wise Eligibility Comparison (Quick Checker)
| Criteria | LDC / JSA | DEO / DEO Grade ‘A’ |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | 12th Standard Pass | 12th Standard Pass (Science with Mathematics required for specified departments) |
| Age Limit | 18–27 Years | 18–27 Years |
| Experience | No experience required | No experience required |
| Selection Level | Group C Government Post | Group C Government Post |
Experience Requirement
No prior work experience is mentioned as an eligibility requirement for SSC CHSL 2026 posts. Candidates who fulfil the required educational qualification and age criteria can apply.
Documents Required for Eligibility Verification
- 10th Certificate / Date of Birth Proof
- 12th Standard Mark Sheet and Certificate
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD/ESM), if applicable
- Photo Identity Proof
- Other required certificates during Document Verification
