SSC CHSL 2026 application begins for 2,536 vacancies, check new rules

SSC has opened applications for CHSL 2026 with 2,536 tentative vacancies and updated exam rules. The changes include Aadhaar authentication, mandatory live photo capture and a Mangal font requirement for Hindi typing.SSC CHSL 2026 application begins at ssc.gov.in (Image: pexels.com)The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has started the online application process for the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, CHSL 2026. As part of this recruitment drive, SSC has announced a total of 2,536 tentative vacancies for various posts, including Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) and Data Entry Operator (DEO).Candidates can submit their applications from September 7 to October 7, 2026, through the official SSC website at ssc.gov.in. The last date to pay the application fee is October 8. The application correction window will remain open from October 14 to October 16.The SSC has introduced or reiterated several application and examination rules this year, including Aadhaar-based authentication, live photograph capture and a specific font requirement for candidates taking the typing test in Hindi.SSC CHSL 2026 APPLICATION DATESThe application window opened on September 7 and will close on October 7 at 11 pm. Candidates can make the online fee payment until October 8 at 11 pm. The application correction window will be available from October 14 to October 16, also until 11 pm. The dates for the Tier-I and Tier-II computer-based examinations will be announced later.SSC CHSL 2026: NEW AADHAAR AUTHENTICATION RULEAadhaar-based biometric authentication has been implemented for the examination. Candidates can authenticate themselves through Aadhaar while completing their One-Time Registration (OTR) and application. Candidates who do not wish to use Aadhaar authentication can complete the OTR process by submitting alternative documents, including proof of name, date of birth, address, gender and a photograph.Candidates who opt for Aadhaar authentication will also get some relaxations regarding photograph and signature requirements. Their applications will not be rejected solely because the uploaded photograph or signature does not meet the prescribed standards. They will also not have to carry a recent colour photograph or original valid photo identity proof for admission to the computer-based examination.SSC CHSL 2026: LIVE PHOTOGRAPH MANDATORYCandidates applying for SSC CHSL 2026 do not need a pre-existing photograph. The application module will capture a live photograph while filling out the form.Candidates must sit or stand before the camera, use a well-lit place with a plain background and keep the camera at eye level. The face should be clearly visible in a frontal view.Candidates cannot wear a cap, mask or spectacles while capturing the photograph. Applications with photographs that do not follow the prescribed requirements may be rejected, subject to the Aadhaar authentication relaxation.The scanned signature must be uploaded in JPEG/JPG format and should be between 10 KB and 20 KB. The prescribed signature dimensions are approximately 6 cm by 2 cm.HINDI TYPING CANDIDATES MUST USE MANGAL FONTOne of the important rules for LDC/JSA candidates concerns the typing test.Candidates who choose Hindi as the medium for the typing test must use Mangal font only. The notification states that using any other font will result in non-qualification in the typing or skill test.Candidates opting for English must have a typing speed of 35 words per minute, while those opting for Hindi must have a speed of 30 words per minute. The typing speed will be assessed on a given passage over 10 minutes.Candidates eligible for a scribe will get an additional five minutes, making the typing test duration 15 minutes for them.SSC CHSL 2026 ELIGIBILITYFor LDC/JSA and most DEO/DEO Grade 'A' posts, candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognised board or university.For DEO/DEO Grade 'A' posts in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, SSC and Ministry of Culture, candidates must have passed Class 12 in the Science stream with Mathematics as a subject.Candidates appearing for their Class 12 examination can also apply, but they must obtain the required qualification by October 7, 2026.SSC CHSL 2026 AGE LIMITThe age limit for the posts is 18 to 27 years as on August 1, 2026. Candidates must have been born between August 2, 1999 and August 1, 2008.Age relaxation is applicable to eligible reserved categories according to government rules.SSC CHSL 2026 APPLICATION FEEThe application fee is Rs 100. Women candidates, candidates belonging to SC, ST and PwBD categories, and eligible Ex-Servicemen are exempted from paying the fee.SSC CHSL 2026 EXAM PATTERNThe computer-based examination will be conducted in two tiers — Tier-I and Tier-II.Tier-II will have four sections: Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning and General Intelligence in Section-I; English Language and Comprehension and General Awareness in Section-II; Computer Knowledge Test in Section-III; and Skill Test/Typing Test in Section-IV.The Computer Knowledge Test is mandatory but qualifying in nature. Candidates must qualify all sections of Tier-II. There will be negative marking of one mark for each wrong answer in Sections I, II and III of Tier-II.The SSC has also clarified that candidates must complete a new One-Time Registration on the new SSC website if they have not already done so. OTR created on the old SSC website will not be functional on the new website.- EndsPublished By: Mridusmita DekaPublished On: Sep 8, 2026 17:48 IST