SSC CHSL 2026 application begins for 2,536 posts
SSC CHSL 2026 application opens at ssc.gov.in for 2,536 vacancies. Check dates, fees, eligibility, new Aadhaar, live photo and Mangal font rules.
The Staff Selection Commission has opened the SSC CHSL 2026 application window today. Candidates can apply online at ssc.gov.in from September 7 to October 7, 2026.
What the latest SSC CHSL 2026 application notification says
The SSC CHSL 2026 application process is now live for 2,536 tentative Group C vacancies. Posts include Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO) and DEO Grade ‘A’.
The application window opened on September 7 and will close on October 7 at 11 pm. The last date to pay the application fee is October 8 at 11 pm. The correction window will run from October 14 to October 16, also until 11 pm.
Tier-I and Tier-II exam dates will be announced later, as per the official notice. Candidates must complete a fresh One-Time Registration (OTR) on the new SSC portal. OTR created on the old ssc.nic.in site will not work on ssc.gov.in, according to reports.
Key dates and fees at a glance
- Application start date: September 7, 2026
- Application end date: October 7, 2026 (11 pm)
- Fee payment deadline: October 8, 2026 (11 pm)
- Correction window: October 14–16, 2026 (11 pm)
- Exam dates (Tier-I and Tier-II): To be notified
Application fee is Rs 100 for General, OBC and EWS male candidates. Women, SC, ST, PwBD and eligible Ex-Servicemen are exempt from fee payment. Payment can be made via BHIM UPI, net banking, cards or SBI challan, as per sources.
New rules: Aadhaar, live photo and Mangal font
The SSC CHSL 2026 application brings updated verification and skill-test norms.
- Aadhaar-based authentication is available during OTR and form fill.
- Candidates not using Aadhaar can submit alternate documents for name, DOB, address, gender and photo.
- Those who opt for Aadhaar get relaxations on photo and signature standards, according to the notification.
- A live photograph must be captured inside the application module; pre-uploaded photos are not accepted.
- Candidates must use a plain background, good lighting and keep the camera at eye level.
- Caps, masks and spectacles are not allowed during live photo capture.
For the typing or skill test, Hindi-medium candidates must use Mangal font only. Use of any other font will lead to non-qualification in the typing test, the notice states. English typing requires 35 words per minute; Hindi typing requires 30 words per minute. Eligible scribe users get five extra minutes, making the test 15 minutes long.
Eligibility, age limit and exam pattern
Eligibility for LDC/JSA and most DEO posts is Class 12 or equivalent from a recognised board. For certain DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ posts, Class 12 with Science and Mathematics is required.
The age limit is 18 to 27 years as on August 1, 2026. This means eligible candidates were born between August 2, 1999 and August 1, 2008. Age relaxation applies to reserved categories as per government rules.
The exam will be held in two tiers. Tier-I is a computer-based objective test. Tier-II includes objective sections, a Computer Knowledge Test and a Skill/Typing Test. Negative marking of one mark per wrong answer applies in Tier-II Sections I, II and III. Sectional timers are in force, and time cannot be carried between sections, as per recent updates.
Why this recruitment matters
The SSC CHSL 2026 application cycle arrives amid steady demand for central government clerical roles. With 2,536 tentative vacancies, the drive offers stable career paths for 12th-pass youth across India. Social media posts suggest strong interest from first-time aspirants and repeat candidates alike.
The shift to live photo capture and optional Aadhaar authentication aims to reduce proxy risks and document mismatches. The Mangal font rule seeks to standardise Hindi typing evaluation and avoid font-based scoring disputes. Together, these changes push for cleaner data, fairer skill assessment and smoother verification, according to exam analysts.
For states with large aspirant pools, such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and Delhi, this cycle could ease local employment pressure. The two-tier format also rewards consistent preparation, not just speed in one paper.
How to apply step by step
Candidates can follow these steps to submit the SSC CHSL 2026 application:
- Visit ssc.gov.in and complete fresh OTR if not done.
- Log in with Registration Number and Password.
- Select “Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026” and click Apply.
- Fill personal, educational and exam-centre details.
- Capture live photo using webcam or mySSC app; upload scanned signature (JPEG/JPG, 10–20 KB).
- Pay fee if applicable and submit the form.
- Download and print the application for records.
Outlook and next steps
The SSC CHSL 2026 application window is open now and closes on October 7. Candidates should complete OTR early to avoid last-minute portal load, as per sources. Keeping documents ready and following photo and font rules will reduce rejection risks.
With exam dates yet to be announced, aspirants can use this period to strengthen basics in reasoning, maths, English and general awareness. The focus on sectional timers and mandatory computer knowledge also calls for timed practice and hands-on typing drills. As the SSC CHSL 2026 application phase progresses, timely form submission and careful document checks will remain crucial for a smooth exam journey.
