SSC Recruitment 2026

Eligibility Criteria :
Eligibility is determined based on the candidate’s cadre, post, and length of regular service as on the specified crucial date for each organization. These conditions are strictly binding and cannot be relaxed.

Core Requirement :
Must be a serving JSA (Junior Secretariat Assistant) or LDC (Lower Division Clerk) in the concerned cadre
Must have completed minimum required years of regular service (generally 3–6 years depending on department)

Cadre-wise Variation :
Each participating department (MEA, Railways, CAT, CVC, ECI, NTRO, etc.) prescribes its own:

Crucial date of eligibility :
Minimum service duration.
Additional conditions such as typing test or qualification requirements.

Age Criteria & Relaxations :
Age limits are applicable only where specified by the respective cadre controlling authority.
Upper Age Limits (Where Applicable) ;
Varies by department (commonly 45–50 years maximum).
Permissible Relaxations ;
SC/ST: 5 years relaxation.
Disabled Defence Personnel: 3 years.
SC/ST Disabled Defence Personnel: 8 years.
Age relaxation is applicable only within rules of the respective cadre authority.

Application Fee Policy :
There is no application fee for this examination, as it is an internal departmental promotion-based recruitment process restricted to government employees.

Examination Structure & Marking Scheme :
The selection process consists of two main parts with a combined total of 400 marks.
Part I – Written Examination (300 Marks) ;
This stage assesses knowledge, language skills, and drafting ability.
Paper I – Computer Based Test (200 Marks) ;
General Awareness.
English Language & Comprehension.
Objective multiple-choice questions.
Negative marking: 0.25 per wrong answer.
Paper II – Descriptive Test (100 Marks) ;
Noting and Drafting.
Office Procedure and administrative communication.
Part II – Service Record Evaluation (100 Marks) ;
This stage evaluates the candidate’s performance history in government service (APARs). It contributes directly to final merit ranking.
Final Selection Process ;
Final merit is determined by combined performance across all stages.

Selection Flow :
Screening based on Paper I performance.
Evaluation of Paper II (for shortlisted candidates).
Combined score of Paper I + Paper II.
APAR evaluation (Part II).
Final merit list preparation.
Tie-Breaking Criteria ;
In case of equal marks, ranking is decided in the following order ;
Higher marks in Paper II (Descriptive).
Marks in English section of Paper I.
Older candidate preferred.
Alphabetical order of names.

Syllabus :
The syllabus is designed to test general awareness, language proficiency, and administrative drafting skills.
General Awareness ;
Covers current affairs and basic understanding of ;
History, Geography, Economics.
Science & Technology.
Political and social developments.
India and neighboring countries.
English Language.
Focuses on ;
Grammar and vocabulary.
Reading comprehension.
Sentence formation.
Synonyms and antonyms.
Noting & Drafting ;
Evaluates administrative writing skills including ;
Official note preparation.
Drafting government correspondence.
Knowledge of office procedures and manuals.

Application Process :
Applications must be submitted online only through the SSC portal.
Steps ;
Complete One-Time Registration (OTR).
Fill the online application form.
Submit and print application.
Forward printed copy through departmental authority.
Only applications forwarded through proper channel will be accepted.

Important Instructions :
Only eligible departmental candidates can apply.
Only one application is permitted.
Exam is conducted in Delhi NCR only.
No changes allowed after submission.
No re-evaluation of answer sheets.
Admission is strictly subject to departmental verification.