SSC JSA/LDC LACE 2025 is a limited departmental competitive examination exclusively for existing Central Government Group C employees and Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) seeking promotion to Junior Secretariat Assistant or Lower Division Clerk positions. This examination differs fundamentally from open recruitment drives, as it targets only vetted civil servants with a minimum of three years of regular service in their respective cadres across 12 participating government departments and organizations.
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) released the official notification on 05/06/2026, announcing 149 vacancies spread across organizations, including the Central Passport Organization, Armed Forces Headquarters Clerical Service, Railway Board Secretariat, and nine other departments. Candidates must apply online through ssc.gov.in, followed by the mandatory forwarding of printed applications through their Head of Department by 03/07/2026. The examination will be conducted in July-August 2026 (tentative), combining a written descriptive paper with a computer-based objective test, plus evaluation of service records.
Note: All information is sourced from the official notification. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official website before applying.
Notification Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Examination | Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) / Lower Division Clerk (LDC) Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) 2025 |
| Total Vacancies | 149 posts |
| Cadres Participating | 12 government departments and organizations |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) + Descriptive |
| Location | Delhi-NCR region |
| Official Website | https://ssc.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 05/06/2026 |
| Online Application Begins | 05/06/2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application | 26/06/2026 (11:00 PM) |
| Hard Copy Submission Deadline (India) | 03/07/2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Hard Copy Submission Deadline (Abroad/A&N/Lakshadweep) | 10/07/2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Computer-Based Examination | July-August 2026 (Tentative) |
| Admission Certificate Download | 3-4 days before examination |
Eligibility at a Glance
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Employee Status | Regularly appointed Group C employee or Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) in Level-1 / Grade Pay ₹1,800 in one of the 12 participating cadres |
| Minimum Service Required | 3 years of continuous regular service as on the crucial date applicable to your cadre |
| Educational Qualification | Class 12th (Higher Secondary) or equivalent from a recognized board |
| Application Channel | Must be forwarded by the Head of Department / Head of Office to SSC (Northern Region) – direct or self-submitted applications are rejected |
| Maximum Age | Generally, 45 years (50 years for SC/ST candidates) as on the crucial date |
| Crucial Date Varies | Ranges from 01/01/2025 to 01/08/2025, depending on your cadre |
Cadre-Wise Vacancy Breakdown
| Sl. | Service / Cadre / Organization | UR | SC | ST | Total | PwBD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Central Passport Organisation, Ministry of External Affairs | 50 | – | – | 50 | – |
| 2 | Armed Forces Headquarters Clerical Service | 31 | – | – | 31 | – |
| 3 | Ministry of External Affairs (Cadre Cell) | 06 | 01 | – | 07 | 01 (OH) |
| 4 | Railway Board Secretariat Clerical Service | 08 | 02 | 02 | 12 | 02 (VH) |
| 5 | Central Administrative Tribunal | 01 | 02 | 01 | 04 | – |
| 6 | O/o Registrar General of India | 17 | – | – | 17 | – |
| 7 | National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) | 07 | 01 | 01 | 09 | – |
| 8 | Dept of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare | 01 | – | – | 01 | – |
| 9 | O/o Development Commissioner (MSME) | 12 | 01 | – | 13 | 01 (VH) |
| 10 | Central Translation Bureau | 02 | – | – | 02 | – |
| 11 | Official Language Wing, Legislative Dept., M/o Law & Justice | 01 | – | – | 01 | – |
| 12 | Bureau of Police Research & Development, MHA | 02 | – | – | 02 | – |
| Total | 138 | 07 | 04 | 149 | 04 |
Note: Vacancies are tentative and subject to change as per requirements reported by cadre authorities. SSC does not determine vacancy numbers.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have completed Class 12th (Higher Secondary) examination from a recognized board or possess an equivalent qualification. For those applying from the Railway Board Secretariat Clerical Service, an additional requirement applies: candidates must demonstrate typing proficiency through a keyboard test within one year of appointment, achieving a minimum of 35 words per minute in English or 30 words per minute in Hindi on a computer.
Length of Service Requirements
A minimum tenure of three years in regular, continuous service is mandatory. This service must be completed as a Group C employee or Multi-Tasking Staff member at Level-1 (with a Grade Pay of ₹1,800) within the specific cadre from which you are applying. The crucial date for calculating this service duration is not uniform across all cadres and must be verified from the official notification.
Crucial Dates by Cadre
| Crucial Date | Applicable Cadres |
|---|---|
| 01/07/2025 | Central Passport Organisation, MEA (Cadre Cell), Bureau of Police Research & Development |
| 01/08/2025 | Railway Board Secretariat Clerical Service |
| 01/01/2025 | Central Administrative Tribunal, O/o Registrar General of India, NTRO, Dept. of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, O/o Development Commissioner (MSME), Central Translation Bureau, Official Language Wing |
Age Limit and Relaxation
The standard upper age limit for most cadres is 45 years as on the crucial date, with an extended limit of 50 years for SC and ST candidates. The exact age threshold applicable to your specific cadre must be confirmed through the official notification. Age relaxation beyond the prescribed upper limit is provided to certain categories:
| Category | Age Relaxation (Years) |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 |
| Defence Personnel Disabled in Operations | 3 |
| Defence Personnel Disabled in Operations (SC/ST) | 8 |
Application Fee
This Limited Departmental Competitive Examination does not require an application fee for online submission. However, if a candidate chooses to challenge the provisional answer key after the examination, a non-refundable charge of ₹50 per question will apply. This fee is separate from and independent of the application process itself.
Role & Responsibilities
The positions of Junior Secretariat Assistant and Lower Division Clerk represent critical support roles within India’s central government administration, responsible for maintaining records, coordinating communications between departments, and ensuring smooth office operations at various ministries and government organizations. These roles demand strong organizational capabilities, meticulous attention to detail in managing confidential documentation, and proficiency in clerical functions, including typing, filing, and administrative correspondence. Career progression in these positions typically leads to senior clerical roles, administrative officer tracks, or specialized departmental positions, with opportunities for interdepartmental transfers and skill-based specialization. The organizations participating in this LACE, including the Ministry of External Affairs, Railway Board, and other premier government bodies, are recognized for their structured career development frameworks, job security, and comprehensive benefits, making these positions highly sought-after within the civil service.
Selection Process
This examination operates as a competitive merit-based assessment rather than a qualifying test. The selection procedure unfolds in multiple stages, each designed to evaluate candidates comprehensively:
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Paper-II (CBT) Qualifying Stage | Candidates must achieve the minimum marks specified by SSC in the Computer-Based Test to proceed further. Those scoring below the cutoff are not evaluated for descriptive papers. |
| Paper-I (Descriptive) Evaluation | Only candidates who clear the Paper-II threshold have their written essay papers assessed. |
| Service Record Assessment (APAR) | Shortlisted candidates undergo evaluation of their Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs), valued at 60 marks. |
| Final Merit Ranking | Merit list is prepared on the aggregate of Paper-I (100 marks) + Paper-II (100 marks) + APAR (60 marks) = 260 marks total, arranged cadre-wise and subject to reservation rules. Tie-breaking employs Paper-I score first, then Paper-II part (a), then total Paper-II, then date of birth (older candidates ranked higher), and finally alphabetical order. |
Examination Pattern and Scheme
The examination comprises 260 total marks distributed across two parts: Part I (200 marks) includes both written descriptive and computer-based objective tests, while Part-II (60 marks) evaluates service records through APART scoring.
Part I: Written Descriptive Examination and Computer-Based Test
| Paper | Type | Content | Questions / Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Descriptive (Written) | One short essay (400-500 words) | 100 marks | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Paper-II | Objective (CBT) | Language (General English or Samanya Hindi) + General Knowledge | 100 marks (50+50) | 2 hours |
Special Provisions for Scribes: Candidates eligible for scribe assistance receive extended time: 2 hours for Paper-I and 2 hours 40 minutes for Paper-II, plus 20 minutes compensatory time per hour of examination.
Negative Marking: Applied only to Paper-II (CBT) at 0.25 marks per incorrect answer. Paper-I (descriptive writing) carries no negative marking.
Language Choice: All candidates must attempt the examination in the medium (English or Hindi) selected during the online application submission.
Part-II: Service Record Evaluation
60 marks are allocated for the assessment of Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (Apart). These marks are incorporated into the final merit calculation. Once APART scores are finalized, no appeals or reconsideration requests for grade modifications are entertained.
Examination Syllabus
The examination covers three focused areas designed to test essential competencies for administrative roles:
Paper-I (Descriptive Writing): Candidates compose one structured essay of 400 to 500 words from a selection of prescribed topics across specified subjects.
Paper-II (a) Language Component: Assesses practical writing skills through simple composition and applied grammar rules in the chosen medium, either General English or Samanya Hindi, reflecting day-to-day workplace communication requirements.
Paper-II (b) General Knowledge Component: Tests awareness of current affairs, everyday observations, practical experiences, and foundational knowledge about India’s geography, history, culture, government systems, and contemporary developments.
Salary Structure and Benefits
Selected candidates receive an appointment at Pay Level-2 under the 7th Central Pay Commission, with a monthly salary range of ₹19,900 to ₹63,200 depending on seniority and performance. Beyond basic salary, appointees are entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, and other statutory benefits as per Central Government employment rules applicable to their respective department or organization. Leave entitlements, pension contributions, medical facilities, and family welfare schemes further enhance the total compensation package.
How to Apply for SSC JSA/LDC LDCE 2025
- Visit the official SSC website at https://ssc.gov.in and navigate to the recruitment section.
- Click the “Register Now” button to initiate One Time Registration (OTR) on the updated portal. Note: Otis created on the legacy ssc.nic.The platform will not function on the current system.
- Select Aadhaar-based authentication during OTR registration (strongly recommended). Candidates declining Aadhaar authentication must upload alternative identity verification documents as prescribed.
- Log in using your assigned Registration Number and password, then locate the “JSA/LDC LACE 2025” link under the “Live Exam” tab and select Apply.
- Complete the application form by entering your service details, current cadre, applicable crucial date, length of service confirmation, and any age relaxation code if applicable. Note: Data pre-filled from your OTR is locked and cannot be edited; use the “Modify Registration” function if corrections are required.
- Capture a fresh photograph using your device’s camera in a well-lit environment with a plain background, then upload your signature image meeting the prescribed specifications.
- Upload all mandatory supporting documents and finalize your submission. Immediately generate and securely save a printout of your completed application form.
- Forward the printed application through official channels to: The Regional Director, Staff Selection Commission (Northern Region), Block No. 12, CGO Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi – 110003, ensuring delivery by 03/07/2026 (6:00 PM), or 10/07/2026 (6:00 PM) for candidates located abroad, in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, or in Lakshadweep.
💡 Expert Tip: Prepare and scan all required documents in advance-service book excerpts, certificates, and identity proofs-to avoid session timeouts during the online form completion. Verify your application details match your foundational documents (especially name, father’s name, and date of birth from your matriculation certificate) to prevent rejection due to data discrepancies.
Documents Required Before Starting Your Application
Gather and organize the following certified documents in advance to streamline the application process:
- Certified true copy of the first page of your Service Book, bearing attestation from your Head of Department or Head of Office
- Certified statement detailing your complete service particulars (positions held, salary scale, appointment classification-regular or contract)
- Class 12th passing certificate or educational qualification documentary proof
- Caste or community certificate (required only for SC/ST candidates claiming reserved category benefits)
- Medical disability certificate in the prescribed format (Annexure-VII or Annexure-VIII) if you are a PwBD (Person with Benchmark Disability) candidate
- A recent passport-sized photograph for live capture reference during the registration process, and a separately scanned digital signature image
Photograph and Signature Specifications
Photograph Requirements: Your photograph must be captured live via webcam or mobile device camera in a bright, properly-lit area with a uniform, plain background. Do not wear caps, masks, or spectacles in the photograph. Your face must occupy the red-outlined rectangle visible on-screen during capture. Pre-scanned or previously-taken photographs are explicitly rejected by the system.
Signature Requirements: Your signature must be scanned in JPEG or JPG format, sized between 10 and 20 kilobytes, with approximate dimensions of 6.0 cm (width) by 2.0 cm (height). Sign clearly so that your signature occupies a minimum of 80 percent of the designated box. Blurred signatures, miniature signatures, or illegible marks will result in rejection.
Important Instructions and Terms
Applications submitted without forwarding through the proper departmental channel-that is, directly by the candidate or through unauthorized means-will face automatic rejection without any opportunity for appeal or reconsideration. Every applicant is permitted to submit only one application per examination; duplicate or multiple entries will trigger rejection of all submissions associated with that candidate. Candidates are responsible for ensuring that all uploaded documents are legible, complete, and aligned with the prescribed specifications; missing, unclear, or non-compliant document scans result in outright rejection. The SSC portal frequently experiences congestion during the final days of the application window; candidates submitting applications immediately before the deadline risk losing their work due to server timeouts, and the Commission bears no responsibility for such technical difficulties. Admission to the examination is strictly conditional upon valid forwarding by the respective Head of Department or Head of Office; a successfully submitted online form alone does not guarantee eligibility or examination center access.
Guidelines for Managing Website Technical Issues
If the SSC website experiences slowness or if you encounter errors during form submission, consider these practical solutions:
- Submit your application during off-peak times-late evening hours or early morning-rather than rushing to complete it on the final day when server traffic peaks.
- Clear your web browser’s cache and cookies, or use an incognito or private browsing window to eliminate local storage conflicts that may interfere with the portal.
- Experiment with different web browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge) or switch between mobile data and Wi-Fi connectivity to isolate network-specific issues.
- Pre-prepare and format all documents (scanned copies of certificates, photographs, signatures) in the correct file types and sizes before beginning your application, so you are not caught short if your session expires.
- Save your application as a draft at regular intervals and produce a hard copy immediately upon final submission to confirm successful completion.
Examination Day Protocols and Requirements
The examination is conducted exclusively in the Delhi-NCR region; candidates posted abroad or in remote locations must travel to this center at their own expense. Your Admission Certificate is issued online through the SSC Northern Region portal (sscnr.nic.in) approximately 3 to 4 days before the examination and is never mailed to your address. On exam day, carry your original departmental identity card along with a printed copy of your Admission Certificate. If you did not complete Aadhaar verification during OTR, arrive early and bring two passport-sized photographs plus an original photo-bearing identification document that displays your date of birth. The SSC does not reimburse candidates for travel, accommodation, or other expenses incurred in reaching the examination venue. Mobile phones, Bluetooth-enabled devices, smartwatches, tablets, calculators, or any other electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited within the examination center. The SSC conducts post-examination security reviews, including video surveillance analysis, biometric logs, and behavioral assessments; candidates found engaged in malpractice face debarment ranging from 1 to 7 years, depending on the severity and nature of the offense.
Common Reasons Applications Are Rejected
Understanding avoidable pitfalls will help ensure your application is not rejected:
- Application not forwarded by your Head of Department or Head of Office through the official channel-this remains the leading cause of rejection and renders an otherwise correct submission entirely inadmissible.
- Submitting multiple applications for the same examination; only one application per candidate is permitted, and duplicate submissions trigger automatic disqualification.
- Photograph uploaded with a cap, hat, sunglasses, dark or cluttered background, visible blur, or a pre-existing scanned image instead of a freshly captured live photo.
- Signature that is smudged, barely visible, miniature in size, or falling short of the prescribed dimensional and size standards.
- Name, father’s or mother’s name, or date of birth in your OTR differing from your Class 12th certificate (matriculation document)-such data is locked and non-editable after OTR creation, triggering rejection.
- Hard copy of your application reaching the SSC Northern Region office after the stipulated deadline, or arriving with incomplete or missing supporting documents.
Expert Insight
LACE examinations are structurally different from open competitive examinations because they reward both written performance and accumulated on-the-job experience. Candidates advancing through this process should focus equally on strengthening their descriptive writing skills, particularly essay composition and clarity of expression, and ensuring their APART records are well-maintained. Department heads and supervisors are often more favorable toward employees who demonstrate administrative acumen, professional conduct, and collaborative teamwork; these qualities are reflected in appraisal grades that directly impact the final merit ranking. Additionally, because this examination draws from a pre-vetted pool of serving civil servants, the competition level is typically intense, making preparation and consistency equally important factors in selection outcomes.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Download Notification PDF | Download Here |
| Apply Online Portal | Apply Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is SSC JSA/LDC LDCE 2025, and how does it differ from regular SSC recruitment?
Ans. SSC JSA/LDC LDCE 2025 is a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination exclusively for serving Central Government Group C employees and Multi-Tasking Staff seeking promotion to Junior Secretariat Assistant or Lower Division Clerk roles. Unlike open competitive exams, LDCE is restricted to vetted government employees with a minimum of 3 years of regular service in their respective cadres. Open public recruitment is not permitted for LDCE positions.
Q2. Which 12 departments are participating in this LDCE, and how many vacancies does each have?
Ans. The 12 participating organizations include the Central Passport Organisation (50 vacancies), Armed Forces Headquarters Clerical Service (31), Ministry of External Affairs (7), Railway Board Secretariat (12), Central Administrative Tribunal (4), Registrar General of India (17), NTRO (9), Department of Agriculture (1), Development Commissioner MSME (13), Central Translation Bureau (2), Official Language Wing (1), and Bureau of Police Research & Development (2). A detailed cadre-wise vacancy table with reservation breakdowns is provided in the article above.
Q3. What is the minimum service requirement, and what is a “crucial date”?
Ans. You must have completed at least 3 years of continuous regular service as a Group C employee or MTS in Level-1 (Grade Pay ₹1,800) as on your cadre’s crucial date. The crucial date varies by organization, ranging from 01/01/2025 to 01/08/2025-and is used to count eligible service and verify age limit compliance. Check your specific cadre’s crucial date in the official notification.
Q4. Is application forwarding through my Head of Department mandatory, or can I submit directly?
Ans. Forwarding through your Head of Department or Head of Office is absolutely mandatory. Direct or self-submitted applications are rejected outright. Your supervisor must forward the printed application along with your service documents to the SSC Northern Region office before the deadline. Without proper departmental endorsement, you cannot sit for the examination.
Q5. What is the examination pattern, and how many marks are involved?
Ans. The examination is out of 260 marks total: Part I comprises Paper I (100 marks, 1.5-hour descriptive essay) and Paper II (100 marks, 2-hour objective CBT in English/Hindi General Knowledge). Part-II allocates 60 marks for the evaluation of your Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR). Final merit is calculated on the combined total of all three components.
Q6. When is the last date to apply online, and when will the exam be held?
Ans. The last date for online application submission is 26/06/2026 at 11:00 PM. Your printed application must reach the SSC Northern Region by 03/07/2026 (or 10/07/2026 for abroad/A&N/Lakshadweep). The Computer-Based Examination is scheduled tentatively for July-August 2026. Your Admission Certificate will be released 3-4 days before the exam date.
Q7. Is there an application fee for SSC JSA/LDC LDCE 2025?
Ans. No application fee is charged for submitting the online form or gaining examination access. However, if you choose to challenge the provisional answer key after the exam, a non-refundable fee of ₹50 per question will apply-this is separate from the application process and optional.
