The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination every year to recruit candidates for various Group C positions in Central Government ministries, departments and offices. For SSC CHSL 2026, a total of 2,536 vacancies have been announced for posts including Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO) and Data Entry Operator Grade A.
Before selecting a post, candidates should understand the differences in job responsibilities, pay levels, computer or typing requirements and possible career progression. The post preference can then be decided according to individual qualifications, interests and career plans.
SSC CHSL Posts List 2026
The SSC CHSL 2026 recruitment includes four main categories of posts:
| Post Name | Short Form | Pay Level |
|---|---|---|
| Data Entry Operator | DEO | Level 4 and Level 5 |
| Data Entry Operator Grade A | DEO A | Level 4 |
| Lower Divisional Clerk | LDC | Level 2 |
| Junior Secretariat Assistant | JSA | Level 2 |
LDC vs JSA vs DEO: What Is the Difference?
Although all these positions are recruited through SSC CHSL, their day-to-day responsibilities are different.
| Feature | LDC | JSA | DEO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature of Work | Clerical | Clerical and administrative | Data entry and computer-based |
| Main Responsibilities | Files, records and correspondence | Office administration and records | Data management and processing |
| Computer Work | Moderate | Moderate | High |
| Skill Requirement | Typing required | Typing required | Greater emphasis on computer/data-entry skills |
| Typical Workplace | Government offices | Ministries and departments | Various government offices |
| Suitable For | Candidates interested in clerical work | Candidates interested in administrative duties | Candidates comfortable with computer-based work |
Which SSC CHSL Post Should You Choose?
There is no single post that is ideal for every SSC CHSL candidate. The right choice depends on factors such as the pay level, department, nature of duties, location of posting, working conditions and opportunities for career progression.
Candidates can consider the following points while deciding their post preference:
- Pay level and salary
- Type of daily work
- Department or office
- Possible posting location
- Working hours
- Promotion opportunities
- Typing and computer requirements
- Individual career objectives
LDC and JSA can be considered by candidates who prefer clerical or administrative responsibilities, while DEO positions are more suitable for those who are comfortable with regular computer and data-entry work.
SSC CHSL Eligibility 2026
Candidates applying for SSC CHSL posts must satisfy the educational qualification and age conditions prescribed by the Staff Selection Commission.
Educational Qualification
As on October 7, 2026, the qualification requirements are:
- DEO, LDC and JSA: Passed Class 12.
- DEO Grade A: Passed Class 12 with Science stream and Mathematics as a subject.
Age Limit
The prescribed age is calculated as on August 1, 2026:
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 27 years
Candidates should also meet the other eligibility conditions specified by SSC for the respective post.
SSC CHSL Salary Structure 2026
The salary offered through SSC CHSL depends on the post and its corresponding pay level. The overall earnings can include components such as Basic Pay, House Rent Allowance (HRA), Dearness Allowance (DA) and Transport Allowance, while deductions affect the final amount received in hand.
The salary figures provided for the different posts are as follows:
| Post | Pay Level | Basic Pay | Gross Salary | In-Hand Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Divisional Clerk | Level 2 | Rs. 19,900/- | Rs. 38,226/- | Rs. 35,560/- |
| Junior Secretariat Assistant | Level 2 | Rs. 19,900/- | Rs. 38,226/- | Rs. 35,560/- |
| Data Entry Operator Grade A | Level 4 | Rs. 25,500/- | Rs. 43,890/- | Rs. 40,473/- |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Level 4 | Rs. 25,500/- | Rs. 43,890/- | Rs. 40,473/- |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Level 5 | Rs. 29,200/- | Rs. 49,736/- | Rs. 45,823/- |
SSC CHSL Posts and Job Profiles
Each SSC CHSL position has a different focus. Understanding the routine responsibilities can help candidates choose a role that matches their skills.
Data Entry Operator (DEO)
A Data Entry Operator primarily handles computer-based information and departmental data. The work may include:
- Entering information into computer systems
- Updating databases and official records
- Checking data for accuracy
- Maintaining digital records
- Preparing reports and documents
- Working with office software and computer applications
- Handling other data-processing duties assigned by the department
Data Entry Operator Grade A
DEO Grade A also involves regular computer and data-related responsibilities. Typical duties include:
- Entering and updating official information
- Maintaining electronic records
- Reviewing and correcting data
- Preparing computer-based reports
- Managing departmental databases
- Completing assigned data-processing work
Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC)
LDCs generally perform routine clerical and office-related duties. Their responsibilities can include:
- Maintaining files and office records
- Preparing official documents
- Entering and updating information
- Handling routine correspondence
- Maintaining registers
- Supporting senior officials with clerical work
- Preparing basic reports and documents
- Carrying out computer-based office tasks
Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA)
The JSA role combines clerical responsibilities with routine administrative support. Duties may include:
- Maintaining official files and records
- Preparing and handling routine correspondence
- Performing data-entry and computer-related work
- Maintaining registers
- Assisting officers and sections
- Processing office documents
- Handling routine administrative activities
SSC CHSL Career Growth
Promotion opportunities vary according to the post, department and applicable service rules. The career progression mentioned for the SSC CHSL positions includes the following paths:
| Post | Career Progression |
|---|---|
| Data Entry Operator | Data Entry Operator Grade B, Grade C and Grade F |
| Data Entry Operator Grade A | — |
| Lower Divisional Clerk | Upper Division Clerk/Assistant, Section Officer and Division Clerk |
| Junior Secretariat Assistant | — |
The exact promotion timeline and available positions can differ between departments and are subject to the applicable service rules.
SSC CHSL Posts 2026: FAQs
Which is the highest-paid SSC CHSL post?
Among the salary figures provided, Data Entry Operator at Pay Level 5 has the highest basic pay, at Rs. 29,200/-, among the listed SSC CHSL posts.
What is the salary of an LDC through SSC CHSL?
LDC is a Pay Level 2 post with a basic pay of Rs. 19,900/-. The provided pay scale is Rs. 19,900 to Rs. 63,200/-.
What is the difference between LDC and DEO?
LDC work is primarily clerical and involves files, records and routine office duties. DEO positions focus more heavily on computer-based data entry, databases and digital records.
Is SSC CHSL a good career option?
SSC CHSL can be a suitable career path for candidates seeking Group C positions in Central Government offices. The suitability of a particular post depends on the candidate’s preferred work profile, department, salary level and career goals.