The Staff Selection Commission has invited applications for the Combined Higher Secondary Level Examination 2026, with about 2,536 tentative vacancies.

The posts include Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO), and DEO Grade A in central government ministries and offices. Candidates who have passed Class 12 can apply online at ssc.gov.in. The last date to apply is October 7, 2026, at 11 pm.

The application fee is Rs 100. Women, SC, ST, PwBD, and eligible ex-servicemen candidates are exempt. The last date for fee payment is October 8. The correction window will be open from October 14 to 16. The Tier-I computer-based exam is proposed from November 30 to December 31, 2026.

The age limit is 18 to 27 years as on August 1, 2026. DEO posts need Class 12 in the science stream with mathematics. Selection will be through Tier-I and Tier-II exams, followed by document verification.

Why it matters: the deadline is days away. Candidates should finish applications early, as SSC servers slow down near the closing date. A fresh one-time registration on the new ssc.gov.in portal is required before applying.