The Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level (SSC CHSL) examination is a gateway for candidates aiming to secure government jobs in India, such as Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Postal Assistant (PA), Sorting Assistant (SA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO). Understanding the SSC CHSL 2026 eligibility criteria is crucial before applying. This blog outlines the key requirements, including nationality, age limit, and educational qualifications, to help you prepare effectively.
SSC CHSL 2026 Criteria
1. SSC CHSL Nationality
To be eligible for the SSC CHSL 2026 exam, candidates must meet one of the following criteria:
- A citizen of India.
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan.
- A Tibetan refugee who migrated to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanent settlement.
- A person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or specified East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, Vietnam) with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Note: Non-Indian citizens must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
2. SSC CHSL Age Limit
- Age Range: Candidates must be between 18 and 27 years as of January 1, 2026 (born between January 2, 1999, and January 1, 2008).
- Age Relaxation: Relaxations in the upper age limit are provided for specific categories:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- PwD (Unreserved): 10 years
- PwD (OBC): 13 years
- PwD (SC/ST): 15 years
- Ex-Servicemen: 3 years (after deducting military service)
- Widows/Divorced Women (Unreserved): Up to 35 years
- Widows/Divorced Women (SC/ST): Up to 40 years
- Central Government Civilian Employees (with 3+ years of service): Up to 40 years (45 years for SC/ST)
Important: The date of birth in the Matriculation/Secondary Examination Certificate will be considered.
3. SSC CHSL Educational Qualification
- For LDC, JSA, PA, SA, and DEO (except in C&AG): Candidates must have passed 12th Standard or equivalent from a recognized board or university.
- For DEO (Grade ‘A’) in C&AG, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Ministry of Culture: Candidates must have passed 12th Standard in the Science stream with Mathematics as a subject from a recognized board or university.
- Candidates must possess the required qualification by the cutoff date specified in the official notification. Final-year students awaiting results are ineligible unless results are declared before the cutoff.
4. SSC CHSL Physical Standards (For LDC in BRO)
For the Lower Division Clerk post in the Border Roads Organization (BRO), only male candidates are eligible. They must meet specific physical and medical standards, including a One Mile Run (passing mandatory within 10 minutes) and general health requirements, as outlined in the official notification (Annexure XVII).
FAQs on SSC CHSL 2026 Eligibility
Q1. What is the minimum educational qualification for SSC CHSL 2026?
A: Candidates must have passed the 12th Standard or equivalent from a recognized board. For DEO in C&AG, a Science stream with Mathematics is required.
Q2. Can final-year 12th students apply for SSC CHSL 2026?
A: No, candidates must have their 12th pass certificate by the application cutoff date.
Q3. Is there an attempt limit for SSC CHSL?
A: No, there is no limit on the number of attempts as long as candidates meet the age and eligibility criteria.
Q4. What is the age relaxation for OBC candidates?
A: OBC candidates receive a 3-year relaxation in the upper age limit (up to 30 years).
Q5. Are non-Indian citizens eligible for SSC CHSL 2026?
A: Yes, subjects of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetan refugees, and certain persons of Indian origin are eligible, provided they have a certificate of eligibility from the Government of India.