SSC CHSL 2026: Complete Guide to LDC, JSA & DEO Recruitment
Staff Selection Commission · Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination
SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level) is the main route for 12th-pass candidates into central government office jobs: Lower Division Clerk / Junior Secretariat Assistant (LDC/JSA) and Data Entry Operator (DEO) in ministries, departments and offices across India, including many in Assam and the Northeast. Selection rests on two computer-based tiers, plus a typing or skill test that many candidates underestimate.
SSC revises the scheme of examination from time to time. Use this guide for orientation and confirm the current pattern and dates in the official notice on ssc.gov.in.
📋 At a Glance
| Conducting body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Posts | LDC / JSA and Data Entry Operator (DEO) in central government offices |
| Qualification | Class 12 (10+2) from a recognised board; some DEO posts need Science with Maths |
| Age | 18–27 years (OBC +3, SC/ST +5, PwBD +10, others as per rules) |
| Selection | Tier 1 (CBT, qualifying) → Tier 2 (CBT + skill/typing test) → document verification |
| Pay | LDC/JSA: Pay Level 2 · DEO: Pay Level 4/5 (7th CPC) |
| Official website | ssc.gov.in |
📝 Tier 1 Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 25 | 50 |
| General Intelligence | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude (basic arithmetic) | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 · 60 minutes |
Each wrong answer costs 0.5 marks. Tier 1 is used for shortlisting to Tier 2; the final merit depends on Tier 2.
⌨ Tier 2 and the Typing / Skill Test
Tier 2 is a computer-based exam with sections on mathematical abilities, reasoning, English, general awareness and computer knowledge, followed by a skill test that is qualifying:
- DEO: Data Entry Speed Test — 8,000 key depressions per hour on a computer.
- LDC/JSA: Typing Test — 35 words per minute in English or 30 words per minute in Hindi.
Many candidates clear the written tiers and then fail the typing test. Practise daily with our free Typing Speed Test until your net speed is comfortably above 35 WPM.
💰 Posts & Pay
| Post | Pay Level (7th CPC) | Basic pay range |
|---|---|---|
| LDC / JSA | Level 2 | ₹19,900 – 63,200 |
| DEO | Level 4 / 5 | ₹25,500 – 81,100 / ₹29,200 – 92,300 |
DA, HRA and transport allowance are added to basic pay. Estimate your in-hand amount with the Salary Calculator.
📅 Preparation Plan
- Quant: arithmetic first (percentage, ratio, average, interest, time-speed-distance), then algebra, geometry and data interpretation.
- Reasoning: daily mixed sets; SSC repeats question types.
- English: error spotting, cloze test, vocabulary, comprehension — read an English newspaper daily.
- General Awareness: static GK plus current affairs; revise often, it is pure recall.
- Typing from week one: 15–20 minutes every day; accuracy before speed.
- Mocks: one full Tier 1 mock every week in the last two months.
🔔 Latest Notifications
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the qualification for SSC CHSL?
You need to have passed Class 12 (10+2) from a recognised board. For some Data Entry Operator posts, Science with Mathematics in Class 12 is required.
What is the age limit for SSC CHSL?
The general age limit is 18 to 27 years, with relaxation of 3 years for OBC, 5 years for SC/ST and 10 years for PwBD, plus other relaxations as per government rules.
What typing speed is needed for SSC CHSL?
For LDC/JSA the typing test needs 35 words per minute in English or 30 in Hindi. For DEO posts the data entry test needs 8,000 key depressions per hour. The skill test is qualifying.
Is there negative marking in SSC CHSL?
Yes. In Tier 1, 0.5 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
What is the salary of an SSC CHSL LDC?
LDC/JSA is at Pay Level 2 of the 7th CPC (basic pay ₹19,900–63,200), plus DA, HRA and other allowances depending on the city of posting.