SSC JSA LDC Recruitment 2026 notification has been released by the Staff Selection Commission for 49 Junior Secretariat Assistant and Lower Division Clerk positions under the Central Secretariat Clerical Service (CSCS), Department of Personnel and Training. This is a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) restricted to serving central government employees meeting specific service and educational requirements. The online application window opened on 25/06/2026 and closes on 16/07/2026 at 11:00 PM, with a subsequent hard copy submission deadline through departmental channels by 23/07/2026.
The examination is tentatively scheduled for August 2026 in Delhi-NCR, with a single-stage Computer Based Examination (CBE) of 180 marks covering Comprehension/General English, General Knowledge, and CSMOP. Candidates must note that this recruitment differs fundamentally from open competitive exams due to mandatory departmental forwarding requirements and strict procedural protocols.
SSC JSA LDC 2026 | Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Northern Region |
| Post Name | Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) / Lower Division Clerk (LDC) Grade |
| Total Vacancies | 49 (Tentative) |
| Notification No. | 4/7/2026-CONF-5, Dated 25/06/2026 |
| Cadre | Central Secretariat Clerical Service (CSCS), DoPT |
| Pay Level | Level-2 (Rs. 19,900 – Rs. 63,200), Group C Non-Gazetted |
| Exam Type | Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) |
| Application Mode | Online (OTR + Application Form) |
| Official Website | https://ssc.gov.in |
Important Dates for SSC JSA LDC LDCE 2026
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Released | 25/06/2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 25/06/2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 16/07/2026 (11:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Hard Copy via Department | 23/07/2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Hard Copy Deadline – Remote/Overseas Candidates | 30/07/2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Admit Card Download | ~10 days before the exam on the SSC-NR website |
| Computer-Based Examination (Tentative) | August 2026, Delhi-NCR only |
The crucial date for determining all eligibility conditions-service length, educational qualification, and typewriting test status-is 01/08/2025, not the application submission date.
Eligibility Criteria | Who Can Apply for SSC JSA LDC Recruitment 2026
This is a departmental examination limited to serving central government employees. Only permanent or regularly appointed temporary Group C employees meeting strict service and educational conditions are eligible. As per the official SSC notification 4/7/2026-CONF-5, eligibility is assessed as of 01/08/2025.
Eligible candidates must meet ALL of the following:
- Service Status: Permanent or regularly appointed temporary Group C employee with Grade Pay of Rs. 1,800
- Service Length: Not less than 3 years of regular service in Group C Grade Pay Rs. 1,800 as on 01/08/2025
- Education: Passed 12th standard from a recognised Board or equivalent
- Parent Cadre: Belongs to a Service/Cadre participating in the SSC JSA LDC examination
- Employment Status: Must be in service at the time of examination; candidates who resign, quit, or are terminated after applying will be disqualified
Employees on approved deputation to ex-cadre posts and those transferred to another service with retained lien are eligible if otherwise qualified.
Age Limit
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | No upper age limit specified for departmental candidates |
| Crucial Date for Age Assessment | 01/08/2025 |
Since this is a departmental examination, age restrictions applied to open competitive exams do not apply. Serving employees of any age who have completed 3 years of Group C service as on 01/08/2025 are eligible, regardless of age on the date of application.
Typewriting Test Requirement
Candidates must have passed (or must pass during probation) one of SSC’s periodical typewriting tests at the following minimum speeds:
| Language | Manual Typewriter Speed | Computer Speed | KDPH |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 30 words per minute | 35 wpm | 10,500 |
| Hindi | 25 words per minute | 30 wpm | 9,000 |
Candidates not achieving the required speed within the probation period are liable to reversion. Candidates certified permanently unfit for typewriting by a Civil Surgeon due to physical disability may be exempted in consultation with DoPT.
Who Should Consider This SSC JSA LDC Recruitment?
- Serving Central Government Employees: If you work as a Group C employee (Grade Pay Rs. 1,800) with 3+ years of service as of 01/08/2025, you are eligible to apply regardless of ministry or department.
- Career Advancement Path: This promotion examination offers movement from Group C to the same Group C level but with the JSA/LDC designation in a central secretariat cadre.
- Clerical Background: If your existing role involves clerical, administrative, or office support work, your background aligns with the junior secretariat assistant duties.
- Typewriting Competency: You must either have already passed SSC’s typewriting test or be willing to complete it during the probation period post-selection.
SSC JSA LDC DoPT 2026 | Vacancy Breakdown
| Service / Cadre | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Central Secretariat Clerical Service (CSCS), DoPT | 49 (Tentative) |
Category-wise vacancy distribution (UR/SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD) will be communicated by the Cadre Controlling Authority in due course. Vacancies are provisional and subject to change. All successful candidates will be placed in Pay Level-2 of the 7th Pay Commission structure.
About the Junior Secretariat Assistant / Lower Division Clerk Role
JSA and LDC positions in the Central Secretariat Clerical Service involve general clerical, office management, and administrative support functions within India’s central government ministries and departments. Incumbents manage file systems, dak (mail) receipts, correspondence processing, records management, and routine office procedures governed by the Central Secretariat Manual of Office Procedure (CSMOP). These are Group C Non-Gazetted positions requiring proficiency in English and/or Hindi typewriting and strong organisational skills to handle high-volume document workflows. The role offers stability as a permanent central government position with structured advancement within the Group C cadre and eligibility for transfer across ministries.
Salary and Pay Scale | SSC JSA LDC CSCS 2026
| Post Name | Pay Level (7th CPC) | Pay Range | Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) / Lower Division Clerk (LDC) Grade | Level-2 | Rs. 19,900 – Rs. 63,200 | C Non-Gazetted |
At Pay Level-2, newly appointed employees typically receive a starting basic pay of around Rs. 19,900 per month. In addition to basic pay, eligible allowances, including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), and other benefits, are provided as per Central Government rules applicable at the time of appointment. DA is indexed to inflation, so in-hand salary increases periodically. No Travelling Allowance is paid by SSC to candidates for attending the examination.
Application Fee | SSC JSA LDC LDCE 2026
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Candidates | No fee |
| Answer Key Objection (per question, optional) | Rs. 50 (non-refundable, paid during objection period only) |
The official notification does not mention any examination fee for the online application and selection process. This is consistent with departmental competitive examinations where serving government employees are applicants. The optional fee of Rs. 50 per question applies only if candidates choose to challenge the released answer key, which is a separate and voluntary process after examination results.
Selection Process | SSC JSA LDC LDCE 2026 Exam Pattern
The SSC JSA LDC LDCE 2026 consists of a single-stage Computer-Based Examination (CBE) of 180 marks lasting 3 hours. There is no interview, viva, or separate skill test. Merit ranking is determined solely on aggregate CBE performance, and the SSC prepares a Select List in order of merit up to the required number of vacancies.
Computer-Based Examination Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehension / General English | 60 | 60 |
| General Knowledge | 60 | 60 |
| CSMOP (Central Secretariat Manual of Office Procedure) | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 180 | 180 |
Exam Specifications:
- Duration: 3 hours (4 hours for candidates eligible for scribe assistance)
- Question Type: Objective, Multiple Choice
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer
- Medium: Candidates must attempt in English or Hindi as opted at application; the General English section must be attempted in English regardless of the medium chosen
- Exam Centre: Delhi-NCR only
- No Braille Question Papers available for Visually Handicapped candidates
- Compensatory Time: 20 minutes per hour for candidates eligible for scribe/assistive devices
Syllabus for Computer-Based Examination
| Subject | Syllabus Content |
|---|---|
| Comprehension (English/Hindi) and General English | Simple composition, applied grammar |
| General Knowledge | Current events, everyday observation, and general information about India |
| CSMOP | Simple questions from Chapters 5, 6, and 10 of the latest CSMOP – Management of Dak Receipts, File Management System, Records Management |
Tie-Breaking Criteria
When two or more candidates achieve equal aggregate marks, SSC applies the following order of resolution:
- Marks in “Comprehension and General English” subject of CBE (higher is better)
- Marks in the “General Knowledge” subject of CBE (higher is better)
- Date of birth (older candidate ranked higher)
- Alphabetical order of surname/name
Select List and Appointment
After the examination, selected candidates are arranged in order of merit and recommended for inclusion in the official Select List for JSA/LDC Grade of CSCS Cadre up to the required number of vacancies. Selection in the merit list does not confer automatic right to appointment; the Cadre Controlling Authority (DoPT) must also confirm the candidate’s suitability based on conduct and performance in service.
Documents Required | Upload and Submission Checklist
All documents must be uploaded online at the time of application in a clear, legible format. Self-attested photocopies must also accompany the printed hard copy forwarded by the department. No original documents should be submitted during the application stage.
Documents to Upload Online and Include with Hard Copy
- Certified true copy of the first page of the Service Book attested by the Head of Department/Head of Office showing name, father’s/husband’s name, nationality, SC/ST status (if applicable), and date of birth in the Christian Era (in both figures and words)
- Certified particulars of service attested by HoD/HoO listing all posts held, scale of pay, and capacity (substantive/officiating/permanent/temporary)
- Certificate of 12th standard (or equivalent) educational qualification, if issued separately by the Board
- Disability certificate (PwBD candidates only) in the format specified in Annexure-VII (Form-V) or Annexure-VIII (Form-VI for multiple disabilities) of the official notification
Documents to Carry to the Examination Centre
- Hard copy of Admission Certificate (AC) downloaded from the SSC-NR website
- Original Departmental Identity Card issued by the employer
- At least one valid government-issued photo ID (Voter ID, Driving License, PAN, Passport, or any Central/State Government photo ID)
- If photo ID does not display date of birth: Matriculation Certificate/Marks Sheet (CBSE/ICSE/State Board), Birth Certificate, or Category Certificate
- For candidates without Aadhaar-Based Authentication: two recent passport-size colour photographs and an additional date of birth proof document
- PwBD candidates using scribe or assistive devices: Medical Certificate (Annexure-II or III) and scribe’s original photo ID proof plus photocopy
Departmental Forwarding Certificate | Head of Department’s Critical Role
A unique requirement of the SSC JSA LDC DoPT LDCE 2026 is the mandatory forwarding of the printed application by the Head of Department or Head of Office. This forwarding authority must verify the candidate’s eligibility, sign and stamp the photograph, and physically send the hard copy to SSC Northern Region by 23/07/2026. Without this departmental certification, the application will be summarily rejected regardless of the validity of the online submission.
The Head of Department/Office must certify that:
- All information provided by the candidate is verified and correct as per official service records
- The candidate belongs to the SC/ST community, as verified in service records (if claimed)
- No circumstance renders the candidate unsuitable for promotion to JSA/LDC in CSCS Cadre, DoPT
- The candidate is a regularly appointed temporary or permanent Group C employee of the participating Ministry/Department/Organisation
- All eligibility conditions are fulfilled as of 01/08/2025, including the 3-year service requirement
- The candidate has not been debarred or disqualified by any Public Service Commission or recruitment agency for any examination
- A vacancy in the appropriate category exists in the department/organisation
Critical: The forwarding authority must personally sign the candidate’s photograph on the printed form and place a half-seal across the photo and half on the form itself. Applications without this half-seal signature are summarily rejected with no appeal.
PwBD / Scribe Provisions | SSC JSA LDC LDCE 2026
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) are entitled to reasonable accommodations, including scribe assistance, assistive technology, or alternative devices. All eligible PwBD candidates receive compensatory time of 20 minutes per hour of examination (4 hours total for the 3-hour exam) regardless of whether scribe assistance is actually availed.
- Blindness and Cerebral Palsy (40%+ disability): Scribe, technology, or assistive devices provided on request in the application form, with upload of a valid disability certificate
- Other PwBD categories: Scribe provided on production of a medical certificate from the Chief Medical Officer/Civil Surgeon/Medical Superintendent of a government health institution (as per Annexure-II of the notification)
- PwD with <40% disability facing writing difficulty: Scribe provided as per Government of India’s OM No. 29-6/2019-DD-III dated 10/08/2022, with supporting medical certificate (Annexure-III)
- Scribe selection requirement: Candidates must indicate the need for a scribe/assistive device in the online application form; this facility will not be provided without prior intimation
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for SSC JSA LDC LDCE 2026
This departmental examination involves procedural complexities not seen in standard open competitive exams. Many otherwise eligible candidates lose their applications through avoidable errors:
- Using old SSC website OTR: One-Time Registration (OTR) generated on the old website (ssc.nic.in) is not valid on the new portal (ssc.gov.in). Generate a fresh OTR on the new website; old credentials will not work.
- Incomplete OTR within 14 days: If OTR registration is initiated but not completed within 14 days, the system automatically deletes the data. Start and finish OTR well before the final application deadline to avoid this loss.
- Submitting multiple applications: Only one application per candidate is permitted. Multiple submissions lead to outright rejection of all applications from that candidate.
- Department missing hard copy deadline: The printed application must reach the SSC Northern Region through your department by 23/07/2026. Many candidates submit online correctly but fail to inform their department of the forwarding deadline, resulting in late receipt and automatic rejection.
- Forwarding authority not signing the photograph: The Head of Department must personally sign the photograph on the printed form and place a half-seal across both the photo and the form. Missing this certification results in instant rejection with no appeal.
- Uploading pre-existing photograph instead of live capture: The application module requires a live photograph, not a photo of a previously printed picture. Submitting a photograph of a photograph will cause rejection.
- Wearing glasses, cap, or mask in live photo: Candidates are explicitly instructed not to wear eyeglasses, caps, or masks while capturing the live photograph. Appearing at the exam with a significantly different appearance from the photo may lead to denial of entry.
- Miniature or blurred signature: Signature must be in JPEG format (10-20 KB), approximately 6.0 cm × 2.0 cm, occupying at least 80% of the signature box. Small, illegible, or blurred signatures are a leading cause of rejection.
- Wrong examination medium selected: Candidates must clearly opt for English or Hindi as the examination medium in the application. The General English section must be attempted in English regardless of the chosen medium. This choice cannot be altered after submission.
- Significant appearance change between application and exam: Exam centre staff verify appearance against the application photograph. Major changes (beard, facial hair, new glasses, different haircut) may trigger suspicion and prevent exam entry.
What Happens After You Apply for SSC JSA LDC LDCE 2026
- Online application closes on 16/07/2026 at 11:00 PM through ssc.gov.in
- Departmental hard copy forwarding deadline is 23/07/2026 at 6:00 PM; applications received by SSC-NR after this date are rejected
- Admit Card / Admission Certificate will be uploaded on the SSC Northern Region website approximately 10 days before the examination; the download opens 3-4 days before the exam date
- Computer-Based Examination is tentatively scheduled for August 2026 in Delhi-NCR; the exact date and centre allocation will be communicated via Admit Card
- The answer key release happens after the examination; candidates may challenge answers within the specified objection period by paying Rs. 50 per question
- Result and Select List are prepared by SSC in order of merit; selected candidates are recommended to DoPT for final appointment
- Appointment letter and joining instructions are issued by the Cadre Controlling Authority (DoPT) upon acceptance of the Select List
Important Links for SSC JSA LDC LDCE 2026
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Download Official Notification PDF (41 pages) | Download Notification |
| Apply Online (OTR + Application Form) | Apply Now |
| Admit Card Download / SSC Northern Region Updates | Download Admit Card |
| Official SSC Website | Visit Website |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on SSC JSA LDC Recruitment 2026
Q1. Who is eligible for the SSC JSA LDC Recruitment 2026?
Ans. Only serving permanent or regularly appointed temporary central government employees holding Group C posts with Grade Pay of Rs. 1,800 and having completed not less than 3 years of regular service as on 01/08/2025 are eligible. Candidates must also have passed 12th standard from a recognised Board. Employees on approved deputation to ex-cadre posts with retained lien are also eligible if otherwise qualified.
Q2. Can private sector employees or unemployed candidates apply for SSC JSA LDC LDCE 2025?
Ans. No. This is a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination restricted exclusively to serving central government employees. Private sector employees, unemployed candidates, and state/local government employees cannot apply. Only central government employees meeting the service eligibility conditions can participate.
Q3. What is the crucial date for determining eligibility, and why does it matter?
Ans. The crucial date is 01/08/2025. All eligibility conditions-length of service, educational qualification, typewriting test status, and age (where applicable)-are assessed as of this date, not the date of application or exam. If you have served less than 3 years as of 01/08/2025, you are ineligible regardless of how long you have served by the actual exam date.
Q4. What happens if my department does not forward my hard copy to SSC on time?
Ans. If the printed application does not reach the SSC Northern Region by 23/07/2026 (or 30/07/2026 for remote/overseas candidates), your entire application will be rejected, even if your online submission was valid. You must personally ensure your department is aware of the deadline and forwards your application promptly. Keep follow-up contact with your forwarding authority.
Q5. Is there an interview or viva stage in the SSC JSA LDC LDCE 2026 selection process?
Ans. No. The entire selection is based on a single Computer-Based Examination (CBE) of 180 marks and 3 hours duration covering Comprehension/General English, General Knowledge, and CSMOP. There is no interview, personality test, or viva. Merit ranking is determined solely on aggregate CBE marks.
Q6. Can I change my examination medium (English/Hindi) after submitting my application?
Ans. No. The medium of examination (English or Hindi) chosen during the online application cannot be changed after submission. The General English section must be attempted in English regardless of your chosen medium. Select your medium carefully before final submission.
Q7. What is the typewriting test requirement, and when must I have passed it?
Ans. Candidates must pass one of SSC’s periodical typewriting tests at speeds of 30 wpm (English) or 25 wpm (Hindi) on a manual typewriter, or 35 wpm (English) or 30 wpm (Hindi) on a computer. If you have not already passed the test as of 01/08/2025, you must pass it during the probation period after your selection. Failure to achieve the required speed within probation can result in reversion.
Q8. What is the salary for JSA/LDC positions in the CSCS Cadre after selection?
Ans. Selected candidates are placed in Pay Level-2 of the 7th Pay Commission structure with a pay range of Rs. 19,900 to Rs. 63,200. The starting basic pay is approximately Rs. 19,900 per month. In addition, eligible allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Travel Allowance are provided as per Central Government rules at the time of appointment. Exact in-hand salary varies based on location and personal factors.
Q9. Do I need a Disability Certificate to apply if I am a PwBD candidate?
Ans. Yes. PwBD candidates must upload a valid disability certificate in the format specified in Annexure-VII (single disability) or Annexure-VIII (multiple disabilities) of the official notification. The certificate must be issued by a designated medical authority. Candidates certified for scribe assistance require a medical certificate confirming the physical limitation to write, as per Annexure II or III.
Q10. What if I have already passed SSC’s typewriting test? Do I need to retake it?
Ans. No. If you have already passed the required SSC typewriting test at the specified speed before or on 01/08/2025, you do not need to retake it. You should mention this in your application. Only candidates who have not yet passed the test must complete it during the probation period after selection.
Your Next Step
Eligible candidates serving in central government Group C positions should immediately verify their service length against the crucial date of 01/08/2025 and confirm they hold the requisite Grade Pay. Complete your online application through the new SSC website (ssc.gov.in) by 16/07/2026 at 11:00 PM without delay, as this is a strict deadline. After submitting online, coordinate with your Head of Department or Head of Office to ensure the printed application with all required certifications and the departmental forwarding certificate reaches SSC Northern Region by 23/07/2026 at 6:00 PM. This second deadline is equally critical and often overlooked, resulting in rejection.
Stay updated with the latest SSC announcements, admit cards, and examination schedules on our free job alert service at MyNaukriAlert.com, where we track government recruitment notifications across all major boards and agencies.
