SSC CHSL Eligibility 2026
Age limit, relaxation, qualification and physical standards.
Updated 22 October 2026
SSC CHSL eligibility criteria 2026
To apply for SSC CHSL 2026 you must be 18 to 27 years old on 01-08-2026 and have passed Class 12 (10+2) from a recognised board by 07-10-2026. You also need to meet the nationality rule, and some DEO posts ask for Science with Mathematics. All conditions must be satisfied together.
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizen, or another category recognised by the Government of India |
| Age limit | 18–27 years as on 01-08-2026 |
| Qualification | Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent, passed by 07-10-2026 |
| Fitness and skills | Basic medical fitness; typing or data entry test for LDC/JSA and DEO |
Nationality
A candidate must be one of the following:
- a citizen of India;
- a subject of Nepal or of Bhutan;
- a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 to settle permanently;
- a person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma (Myanmar), Sri Lanka, or the East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire or Ethiopia, or from Vietnam, intending to settle permanently in India.
Candidates in the non-citizen categories need a certificate of eligibility from the Government of India at the time of appointment. Vacancies reported by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) are open to male candidates only.
SSC CHSL age limit 2026
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 years |
| Maximum age | 27 years |
| Crucial date | 01-08-2026 |
| Date of birth window | Not before 02-08-1999 and not after 01-08-2008 |
| Posts covered | LDC, JSA, DEO, DEO Grade 'A' |
The date of birth you enter must match your Class 10 certificate. It is treated as final and cannot be changed later.
SSC CHSL age relaxation
| Category | Relaxation / upper limit |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| PwBD (Unreserved) | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC / ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years after deducting military service from actual age on 01-08-2026 |
| Defence personnel disabled in hostilities or released from a disturbed area | 3 years (8 years for SC/ST) |
| Central government civilian employees with 3 years' regular service | Up to 40 years (45 years for SC/ST) |
| Widows / divorced / judicially separated women, not remarried | Up to 35 years (40 years for SC/ST) |
Educational qualification
| Post | Qualification |
|---|---|
| LDC / JSA | Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent from a recognised board or university |
| DEO (general posts) | Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent from a recognised board or university |
| DEO / DEO Grade 'A' in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Staff Selection Commission and Ministry of Culture | Class 12 in the Science stream with Mathematics as a subject |
Students who are taking their Class 12 exam may apply, but the board must formally declare the result on or before 07-10-2026. A result that is only "under processing" by then does not count.
Post-wise skill requirements
| Post | Qualifying skill test |
|---|---|
| LDC / JSA | Typing at 35 words per minute in English or 30 wpm in Hindi |
| DEO (general) | Data entry at 8,000 key depressions per hour |
| DEO / DEO Grade 'A' in the specified departments | 15,000 key depressions per hour, plus Science with Maths at Class 12 |
The typing medium (Hindi or English) is chosen in the application form and is locked after submission. The test format is explained on the SSC CHSL exam pattern page.
Physical and medical standards
- Only general medical fitness for office work is required.
- There are no height, chest or other body measurement standards.
- PwBD candidates can apply for posts identified as suitable for their disability (for example, blind or low-vision candidates for LDC), with a valid certificate.
- Eligible PwBD and certain other candidates can use a scribe as per the notification.
Number of attempts
SSC CHSL has no cap on attempts. You can apply every year as long as you are within the upper age limit (with any relaxation) and hold the required qualification.
Documents for eligibility verification
- Class 10 certificate or birth certificate for date of birth (no other proof is accepted for age).
- Class 12 marksheet and certificate.
- SC / ST / OBC / EWS certificate from a competent authority, if applicable.
- Disability certificate from an authorised medical board for PwBD candidates.
- Certificate of eligibility for Nepal, Bhutan and other specified categories.
Once eligible, move on to the SSC CHSL application form steps and the SSC CHSL syllabus.
Frequently asked questions
What is the age limit for SSC CHSL 2026?
You must be 18 to 27 years old on 01-08-2026, which means born between 02-08-1999 and 01-08-2008. Reserved categories get extra relaxation.
What qualification is needed for SSC CHSL 2026?
A Class 12 (10+2) pass from a recognised board by 07-10-2026. DEO posts in a few specified departments also require Science with Mathematics.
How much age relaxation is given in SSC CHSL?
SC/ST candidates get 5 years, OBC 3 years and PwBD 10 to 15 years. Widowed, divorced or judicially separated women can apply up to 35 years, or 40 years if SC/ST.
Is there a limit on SSC CHSL attempts?
No. There is no limit on the number of attempts; only the age limit and qualification rules apply.
What typing speed is needed for SSC CHSL posts?
LDC/JSA need 35 wpm in English or 30 wpm in Hindi. DEO posts need 8,000 or 15,000 key depressions per hour, depending on the department.
Always check the latest official notification on ssc.gov.in before applying.