Staff Selection Commission – Combined Higher Secondary Level (SSC CHSL) is the main central government recruitment for Class 12 pass students, filling LDC / JSA and Data Entry Operator posts in ministries and offices across India.
The CHSL Examination is conducted annually by the SSC. Posts include LDC / JSA and Data Entry Operator (DEO), including DEO Grade 'A'.
Tier 1 is a qualifying screening test. Tier 2 decides merit and includes a computer module plus a qualifying Skill Test (DEO) or Typing Test (LDC/JSA).
Class 12 in any stream qualifies for most posts.
Needed for DEO posts in the Office of the Comptroller & Auditor General.
English typing at 35 wpm or Hindi at 30 wpm is required for LDC/JSA.
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizen |
| Qualification | Class 12 (10+2) pass from a recognised board |
| DEO in C&AG | Class 12 in the Science stream with Maths |
| Age limit | 18–27 years |
| Final-year students | Class 12 must be passed by the cut-off date |
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) (non-creamy layer) | 3 years |
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| PwBD (UR / OBC / SC-ST) | 10 / 13 / 15 years |
| Ex-servicemen | As per government rules (military service deducted from age, plus 3 years) |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | No age relaxation |
Through the SSC website.
100 questions in 60 minutes across four subjects.
Maths, Reasoning, English and General Awareness — these decide merit.
Computer Knowledge (qualifying) plus Skill Test (DEO) or Typing Test (LDC/JSA).
Posts allotted by Tier 2 rank and preference.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language (Basic) | 25 | 50 | — |
| General Intelligence | 25 | 50 | — |
| Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic) | 25 | 50 | — |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | — |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 60 minutes |
| Section / module | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section I — Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 1 hour (Section I) |
| Section I — Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | |
| Section II — English Language & Comprehension | 40 | 120 | 1 hour (Section II) |
| Section II — General Awareness | 20 | 60 | |
| Section III — Computer Knowledge (qualifying) | 15 | 45 | 15 minutes |
| Section III — Skill / Typing Test (qualifying) | — | — | 15 minutes |
+2 per correct answer; −0.5 per wrong answer.
+3 per correct answer; −1 per wrong answer in Sections I, II and III (Module I).
35 words per minute in English or 30 wpm in Hindi on a computer.
Data entry speed of 8,000 key depressions per hour (15,000 for DEO in C&AG).
Indicative in-hand ₹25,000 – ₹32,000/month depending on city.
Indicative in-hand ₹33,000 – ₹45,000/month.
Plus medical (CGHS), LTC, leave benefits and pension under applicable rules.
File management, typing, record keeping and routine office work.
Entering, verifying and managing data in government systems.
Central ministries, departments and subordinate offices across India.
Many CHSL employees prepare for CGL or graduate through distance learning.
Entry post.
Promotion after a few years or via departmental exams.
Further promotions with experience and departmental exams.
Graduate while working and appear for SSC CGL for higher posts.
A practical, phase-by-phase plan. Adjust the timeline to when the next notification is expected.
Typing speed is the most common reason for failing the skill test.
English carries 120 marks in Tier 2 — read daily.
Tier 2 pattern is similar to CGL, so the same resources work.
*Eligibility, age limits, exam pattern and pay figures are based on recent official notifications and the 7th Central Pay Commission structure as of 2026. In-hand salary estimates are indicative and vary with city (HRA) and the current Dearness Allowance rate. Every recruitment cycle can change the details — always confirm in the latest official notification before applying.
Official source: Staff Selection Commission (ssc.gov.in)