The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the detailed notice for the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 (SSC CHSL 2026). This national-level recruitment drive invites applications from 12th-pass candidates across India to fill approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies across various central government ministries, departments, statutory bodies, and tribunals.
The positions open for recruitment include Lower Division Clerk (LDC) / Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO), and Data Entry Operator Grade ‘A’. The online application window is open from 07th September 2026 to 07th October 2026 (23:00 Hours) on the new official portal ssc.gov.in.
Candidates from Odisha can appear for the Computer-Based Examination at designated regional centers including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Sambalpur, Berhampur, and Balasore under the Eastern Region (ER).
(Looking for other career pathways open after intermediate? Check our popular career guide on the Top 10 Government Jobs in Odisha After 12th).
SSC CHSL 2026: Key Overview
| Recruitment Parameter | Official Details |
| Exam Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 |
| Posts Included | LDC, JSA, DEO, and DEO Grade ‘A’ |
| Tentative Vacancies | Approx. 2,536 Posts |
| Pay Matrix Levels | Pay Level-2 (LDC/JSA) & Pay Level-4/Level-5 (DEO) |
| Minimum Qualification | 12th Standard (Higher Secondary / 10+2 Pass) |
| Age Limit | 18 to 27 Years (as on 01-08-2026) |
| Application Mode | Online via [https://ssc.gov.in](https://ssc.gov.in) or the mySSC mobile app |
| Application Fee | ₹100/- (Exempted for Women, SC, ST, PwBD, and ESM) |
| Application Window | 07.09.2026 to 07.10.2026 (till 23:00 Hrs) |
| Application Correction Window | 14.10.2026 to 16.10.2026 (till 23:00 Hrs) |
Post-Wise Pay Scale Breakdown
Selected candidates will be placed into the Central Civil Services pay structure under the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) recommendations:
| Post Designation | Pay Matrix Level | Standard Scale of Pay |
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC) / Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) | Level-2 | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200/- |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Level-4 & Level-5 | Level-4: ₹25,500 – ₹81,100/- Level-5: ₹29,200 – ₹92,300/- |
| Data Entry Operator Grade ‘A’ | Level-4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100/- |
(Graduates seeking administrative opportunities in Odisha can also view the details for the Odisha Secretariat ASO Recruitment: 340 Posts Requisition and the OPSC OES New Exam Pattern & Revised 675-Mark Scheme).
Eligibility Criteria: Educational Qualification & Age Limit
1. Essential Educational Qualification (as on 07-10-2026)
- For DEO / DEO Grade ‘A’ in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Ministry of Culture, and Staff Selection Commission: Candidates must have passed the 12th Standard in Science stream with Mathematics as a subject from a recognized Board or equivalent.
- For LDC / JSA and all other DEO / DEO Grade ‘A’ Posts: Candidates must have passed the 12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University in any stream (Arts, Science, or Commerce).
- Appearing Candidates: Candidates appearing in their 12th standard examination may also apply, provided they acquire and substantiate the qualifying result on or before the cut-off date of 07-10-2026.
2. Age Limit (as on 01-08-2026)
The benchmark age limit for all posts is 18 to 27 years. Candidates must have been born not earlier than 02-08-1999 and not later than 01-08-2008.
Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation
| Category | Permissible Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 5 Years (Up to 32 Years) |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 3 Years (Up to 30 Years) |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | 10 Years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 Years |
| PwBD (SC / ST) | 15 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 3 Years after service rendered |
| Central Govt. Civilian Employees (3 yrs serv.) | Up to 40 Years (45 for SC/ST) |
Examination Scheme & Revised Pattern
The recruitment process consists of two stages of Computer Based Examinations (Tier-I and Tier-II):
Tier-I Examination (Computer Based Test – Objective MCQ)
Tier-I consists of 100 questions carrying a total of 200 marks. It is divided into four sections with a sectional timer of 15 minutes per section (Total 60 minutes):
| Part | Subject | Questions | Maximum Marks | Time Duration |
| Part-I | English Language (Basic Knowledge) | 25 | 50 | 15 Minutes |
| Part-II | General Intelligence (Reasoning) | 25 | 50 | 15 Minutes |
| Part-III | Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic) | 25 | 50 | 15 Minutes |
| Part-IV | General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 15 Minutes |
| TOTAL | 100 Questions | 200 Marks | 60 Minutes |
- Marking Scheme: Each question carries 2 marks. There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for every incorrect response.
- Medium of Test: Questions are available in English, Hindi, and regional languages (including Odia).
Tier-II Examination (Comprehensive Merit Stage)
Tier-II is conducted in two separate sessions on the same day:
Session-I (2 Hours 15 Minutes)
- Section-I (60 Questions / 180 Marks – 1 Hour):
- Module-I: Mathematical Abilities (30 Questions – 90 Marks)
- Module-II: Reasoning and General Intelligence (30 Questions – 90 Marks)
- (Sectional timer: 30 minutes for Math and 30 minutes for Reasoning)
- Section-II (60 Questions / 180 Marks – 1 Hour):
- Module-I: English Language & Comprehension (40 Questions – 120 Marks)
- Module-II: General Awareness (20 Questions – 60 Marks)
- (Sectional timer: 40 minutes for English and 20 minutes for General Awareness)
- Section-III (15 Questions / 45 Marks – 15 Minutes):
- Computer Knowledge Module (Qualifying in nature; 1 mark penalty for wrong answers).
Session-II (Skill Test / Typing Test – Qualifying)
- Part A (Skill Test for DEO in specific Ministries): Data entry speed of 15,000 Key Depressions per hour (Duration: 15 minutes).
- Part B (Skill Test for other DEOs): Data entry speed of 8,000 Key Depressions per hour (Duration: 15 minutes).
- Part C (Typing Test for LDC / JSA):
- English Medium: 35 words per minute (w.p.m.) (approx. 10,500 KDPH).
- Hindi Medium: 30 words per minute (w.p.m.) (approx. 9,000 KDPH; Mangal font only).
- Duration: 10 minutes.
📌 Merit Formulation Rule: The final merit list will be prepared exclusively based on the aggregate marks scored in Section-I and Section-II of Tier-II (out of 360 Marks), subject to qualifying the Computer Knowledge Module and the Skill/Typing Test.
Examination Centers for Odisha Candidates (Eastern Region – ER)
Candidates opting for examination centers within the Eastern Region can select up to three centers in order of preference. In Odisha, the following cities have dedicated Computer Based Examination centers:
- Bhubaneswar (Center Code: 4604)
- Cuttack (Center Code: 4605)
- Sambalpur (Center Code: 4609)
- Berhampur (Center Code: 4601)
- Balasore (Center Code: 4602)
(Need a focused environment to practice speed tests and mock exams? Visit our curated directory of the Best Free Libraries and Reading Rooms in Bhubaneswar).
Application Fee & Correction Facility
- Application Fee: ₹100/- (Rupees One Hundred only).
- Fee Exemption: Women candidates, Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), and Ex-Servicemen (ESM) eligible for reservation are completely exempt from paying the application fee.
- Payment Deadline: Online fee payment can be completed up to 08-10-2026 (23:00 Hours).
Application Form Correction Window (14.10.2026 to 16.10.2026)
Candidates who make errors in their application can correct and re-submit their form up to two times during the 3-day correction window:
- First-time correction charge: ₹200/-
- Second-time correction charge: ₹500/-
- (Correction fees apply uniformly to all applicants irrespective of gender or social category).
How to Apply Online Step-by-Step
Applications must be submitted via the new official commission portal:
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR): Visit
[https://ssc.gov.in](https://ssc.gov.in)and click on Login or Register to generate your fresh OTR on the new website. (Note: OTR profiles created on the older portalssc.nic.inare not valid on the new system). - Authentication Mode: Candidates can choose biometric verification during OTR to streamline identity checks and eliminate physical photo/ID mismatches at the exam venue.
- Live Photo Capture: A pre-saved passport photograph is no longer uploaded directly. The portal captures a live frontal photograph using your webcam or through the official mySSC mobile app. Ensure you are seated against a light background without wearing caps or spectacles.
- Upload Scanned Signature: Upload your digital signature in JPG/JPEG format (file size: 10 KB to 20 KB, dimensions: $6.0\text{ cm} \times 2.0\text{ cm}$).
- Fill Application Details: Select your qualifying 12th-standard details, three preferred examination centers within your region, medium of typing test, and post preferences.
- Fee Payment: Complete the ₹100/- payment through UPI, Net Banking, or Debit Card (if applicable).
- Final Printout: Submit the form and retain a printed copy of the final application confirmation for your records.
IMPORTANT LINKS
◆ Notification Pdf – Click Here
◆ Apply Online Link – Click Here
◆ Official Website – Click Here
◆ For More Jobs – Click Here
Important Dates Summary
| Milestone Activity | Scheduled Date |
| Start of Online Application | 07th September 2026 |
| Last Date for Submission of Application | 07th October 2026 (23:00 Hrs) |
| Last Date for Making Online Fee Payment | 08th October 2026 (23:00 Hrs) |
| Application Form Correction Window | 14th to 16th October 2026 (23:00 Hrs) |
| Tier-I Computer Based Examination | To be notified later on ssc.gov.in |
| Tier-II Computer Based Examination | To be notified later |
Related Job Notifications on LearnOdisha
- Odisha Aided High School Recruitment 2026: 2,968 Posts Approved
- OPSC Ayurvedic Medical Officer Recruitment: 32 Vacancies
- Nabarangpur District Court Recruitment: Junior Clerk & Typist Posts
- WCD Odisha Recruitment: 16 Vacancies at Sishu Bhawan Kandhamal
- Top 10 Government Jobs in Odisha After 10th
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the last date to apply for SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026?
The online application window closes on 07th October 2026 at 23:00 Hours.
Q2: How many vacancies are notified in the SSC CHSL 2026 advertisement?
There are approximately 2,536 tentative vacancies reported across central government departments and offices.
Q3: Is live photo capture mandatory while applying for SSC CHSL 2026?
Yes. Candidates must capture a live photo using a computer webcam or the mySSC mobile app under good lighting without wearing caps or spectacles.
Q4: Is there negative marking in Tier-I and Tier-II examinations?
Yes. Tier-I carries a negative marking of 0.50 marks per wrong answer. In Tier-II, 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer across Section-I, Section-II, and Section-III.
Q5: Can candidates from Odisha write the Tier-I exam in the Odia language?
Yes. As per Annexure-XV of the notification, the Computer-Based Examination questions for Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness will be available in Odia (Language Code: 16) alongside English and Hindi.
