SSC SSA/UDC Recruitment 2026 represents an important career advancement opportunity for serving government employees across 10 central ministries and organizations. The Staff Selection Commission has designed this Limited Departmental Competitive Examination to identify the most talented junior-level clerical staff ready for senior roles in India’s prestigious civil service ecosystem.
This recruitment drive offers 227 vacancies for Senior Secretariat Assistant and Upper Division Clerk positions at Pay Level-4 (Rs. 25,500 – Rs. 81,100 under the 7th Central Pay Commission). The examination comprises two parts: a computer-based and written test (300 marks), followed by evaluation of service records (100 marks). Applications opened on 05 June 2026 and close on 26 June 2026 at 2300 hours. Visit the official portal at https://ssc.gov.in for complete details and to register online.
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), Block No.12, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003 |
| Notice Number | No. 4/1/2026-CONF-5 |
| Exam Name | Senior Secretariat Assistant / Upper Division Clerk Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2025 |
| Post Name | Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) / Upper Division Clerk (UDC) Grade |
| Post Group | Group C Non-Gazetted |
| Total Vacancies | 227 Posts |
| Examination Type | Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (internal – serving JSA/LDC only) |
| Application Mode | Online via the SSC official website |
| Exam Centre | Delhi NCR only |
| Official Website | https://ssc.gov.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Start Date for Online Applications | 05 June 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Applications | 26 June 2026 (2300 hours) |
| Last Date for Receipt of Printed Application (General) | 03 July 2026 (1800 hours) |
| Last Date for Receipt of Printed Application (Abroad/A&N Islands/Lakshadweep) | 10 July 2026 (1800 hours) |
| Computer Based Examination Schedule (Tentative) | July – August 2026 |
| Written Examination (Paper-II) | To be notified later |
| Service Records Evaluation | To be notified later |
Age Limit
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Criteria | Varies by participating cadre; refer to the eligibility conditions table. Candidates must not exceed the prescribed age limit as on their respective crucial date. |
| SC/ST Category | 5 years relaxation beyond the upper age limit |
| Defence Personnel (Disabled in Operation) | 3 years of relaxation |
| Defence Personnel SC/ST (Disabled in Operation) | 8 years of relaxation |
Educational Qualification
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Cadre-Specific Requirements | Serving employees must have completed their specified service requirements in their respective cadres. The Central Passport Organisation requires a Bachelor’s degree. Other cadres require approval and continuous service ranging from 3 to 5 years as of their crucial dates. Typewriting test requirement applies to the Railway Board Secretariat Clerical Service unless exempted. |
SSC SSA/UDC Vacancy Details by Cadre
| Service / Cadre / Organization | UR | SC | ST | Total | PwBD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Passport Organisation, Ministry of External Affairs | 46 | 19 | 11 | 76 | 04 |
| Armed Forces Headquarters Clerical Service | 31 | 07 | 04 | 42 | 03 (VH, HH & OH) |
| Railway Board Secretariat Clerical Service, Ministry of Railways | 13 | 04 | 02 | 19 | 03 PH (2B/LV, 01 D/HH) |
| Central Administrative Tribunal | 15 | 06 | 03 | 24 | 02 (01-OH, 01-VH) |
| Central Vigilance Commission | 05 | 01 | – | 06 | 01 (any category) |
| Election Commission of India | 09 | 02 | 01 | 12 | 01 (UR-OH) |
| Forest Survey of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change | 03 | 01 | – | 04 | – |
| National Technical Research Organisation | 07 | 01 | – | 08 | – |
| Directorate General, Defence Estates | 07 | 01 | – | 08 | – |
| Office of Development Commissioner, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises | 22 | 04 | 02 | 28 | 01 (VH) |
| Total | 158 | 46 | 23 | 227 |
Role & Responsibilities
Senior Secretariat Assistants and Upper Division Clerks form the backbone of India’s civil service administration, managing sensitive correspondence, maintaining official records, and coordinating between senior officials and field offices. These professionals handle drafting of important government notes, preparing departmental files, organizing meetings, and ensuring seamless administrative workflow across ministries. The role demands strong organizational skills, proficiency in office procedures under the Manual of Office Procedure, and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive government documents.
Career progression from this position typically leads to higher clerical grades, supervisory roles, or specialized administrative positions in the same or related cadres. Successful candidates gain exposure to policy-level decision-making, inter-ministerial coordination and become eligible for further promotions within their respective organizations. Working in prestigious central government organizations like the Passport Office, Election Commission, Railway Board, or Defense establishments provides unparalleled job security, statutory benefits, and the opportunity to contribute directly to national administration.
Salary
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Scale | Pay Level-4 as per the 7th Central Pay Commission |
| Basic Pay Range | Rs. 25,500 – Rs. 81,100 |
| Pay Commission | 7th Central Pay Commission |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Eligible Departmental Candidates | No fee (Limited Departmental Competitive Examination – internal) |
Selection Process
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Part I: Computer-Based Examination (Paper I) | 100 objective-type questions on General Awareness (100 marks) and English Language & Comprehension (100 marks) in 2 hours. Negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer. Scribe-eligible candidates get 2 hours 40 minutes. Candidates qualifying Paper-I advance to Paper-II. |
| Part I: Written Examination (Paper II) | Descriptive paper on Noting, Drafting & Office Procedure (100 marks) in 2 hours. Scribe-eligible candidates get 2 hours 40 minutes. Aggregate performance in Paper-I and Paper-II determines eligibility for Part-II evaluation. |
| Part-II: Service Records Evaluation | 100 marks allocated for the evaluation of Annual Performance Assessment Reports (APARs). Marks obtained in Part-II are added for the final ranking. No change in APAR grading is entertained after evaluation. |
| Final Selection | Candidates ranked on aggregate performance across Paper-I (200 marks) + Paper-II (100 marks) + Part-II APAR evaluation (100 marks) = 400 total marks. Selection is competitive, not qualifying. Tie-breaking follows: Paper-II marks, English section marks, date of birth (older preferred), then alphabetical order. |
Examination Syllabus
Paper-I (Computer-Based Examination) – General Awareness (100 Marks): Questions assess awareness of the environment and contemporary issues. Topics include current events, everyday observations with a scientific perspective, history, culture, geography, economics, science, politics, and scientific research relating to India and neighboring regions.
Paper-I (Computer-Based Examination) – English Language & Comprehension (100 Marks): Tests understanding of English language fundamentals, including vocabulary, spelling, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms, sentence completion, phrasal expressions, and passage comprehension. Question level is the matriculation standard.
Paper-II (Written Examination) – Noting, Drafting & Office Procedure (100 Marks): Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of office procedures in Secretariat and Attached Offices, ability to write and interpret official notes and drafts. Study materials include the Manual of Office Procedure (including Railway version), Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Rules of Procedure, Ministry of Home Affairs Handbook on Hindi use in official communications, and government orders on SC/ST reservation policies.
How to Apply for SSC SSA/UDC Limited Departmental Competitive Examination 2025
- Register on the SSC official website at https://ssc.gov.in by completing the One Time Registration (OTR) process if you have not already done so.
- Navigate to the SSC SSA/UDC Exam 2025 notification and click on the “Apply Online” link.
- Complete your online application form with all personal, educational, and service details.
- Upload certified copies of your service book first page, service particulars, educational qualification certificate, disability certificate (if applicable), and a live photograph and signature as per specifications.
- Verify all information in your completed form as no amendments are permitted after submission.
- Submit your online application and note the unique reference number generated.
- Print the completed application form and forward it through your organization’s administrative channels to reach the Regional Director, SSC (Northern Region), Block No.12, C.G.O. Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi-110003 by 03 July 2026 (1800 hours).
💡 Expert Tip: Ensure all scanned documents are clearly legible and meet specifications (signature 10-20 KB in JPEG format). Keep copies of your application reference number and proof of forwarding through official channels, as these are essential for tracking your candidacy and for the examination center on the day of the test.
Important Instructions for Applicants
Submission of only a single application form is mandatory; candidates filing multiple forms risk disqualification from the examination process. Your Head of Department or Head of Office must forward the printed application through proper official channels; applications not transmitted via this route will not be accepted for consideration. Any candidate who resigns from service, voluntarily quits employment, or whose services face termination after submitting their application will lose eligibility for appointment based on this examination’s result.
No corrections or amendments to information entered in the online application are permitted under any circumstances once the form is finalized. The examination will be conducted exclusively in the Delhi NCR region; no examination centers will be established at Indian missions or offices abroad, and candidates posted outside India must arrange to appear at their own expense. Admission certificates for the computer-based examination will be made available online on the Northern Regional Office website (https://sscnr.nic.in) and will not be issued by postal mail.
Candidates appearing in the examination must carry their original departmental identity card along with a hard copy of the admission certificate. If you have not completed Aadhaar-based authentication, bring at least two recent passport-sized color photographs and an original, valid photo identification document displaying your date of birth. The Commission does not provide re-evaluation or re-checking services for examination scores at any stage; no correspondence on this matter will be entertained.
After the computer-based examination, tentative answer keys are published on the SSC website; candidates may submit online objections within the specified period by paying Rs. 50 per question (non-refundable charge). Your appearance on the examination day must match the photograph submitted with your application; significant changes in appearance are not permitted. Address all communications to “The Regional Director, Staff Selection Commission (Northern Region), Block No. 12, C.G.O. Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi-110003” with the subject line clearly stating “Senior Secretariat Assistant/Upper Division Clerk Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2025”.
Eligibility Conditions by Cadre
| Service / Cadre | Crucial Date | Eligibility Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Central Passport Organisation | 01.07.2025 | Junior Passport Assistant with 6 years’ service in grade on a regular appointment basis and a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. |
| Armed Forces Headquarters Clerical Service | 01.07.2025 | Minimum 5 years of approved continuous service in JSA Grade. If appointed via competitive exam (including LDCE), results must be announced at least 5 years before appointment, with a minimum of 4 years of continuous service rendered. JSAs on deputation to ex-cadre posts with approval or having lien in JSA grade are eligible. |
| Railway Board Secretariat Clerical Service | 01.08.2025 | Minimum 5 years of approved continuous LDC service. If a competitive exam is appointed, a minimum of 5 years from the result announcement, with a minimum of 4 years of service. Must have passed typewriting test unless exempted. Age not exceeding 50 years on the crucial date (relaxable by the Central Government). |
| Central Administrative Tribunal | 01.01.2025 | Five years of regular service in the LDC Grade. JSAs on deputation to ex-cadre posts with approval or having lien in JSA grade are eligible. |
| Central Vigilance Commission | 01.01.2025 | JSA who has rendered a minimum of 5 years of regular service at the current pay level. |
| Election Commission of India | 01.07.2025 | JSA/LDC with a minimum of 3 years of regular service. If a competitive exam is appointed, a minimum of 3 years from the result announcement, with a minimum of 2 years of service. JSAs on deputation to ex-cadre posts with approval or having lien in JSA grade are eligible. |
| Forest Survey of India | 01.01.2025 | LDC with 5 years of regular service in the Forest Survey of India grade. JSAs on deputation to ex-cadre posts with approval or having lien in JSA grade are eligible. |
| National Technical Research Organisation | 01.01.2025 | JSA/LDC of NTRO with 5 years of regular service in the grade. JSAs on deputation to ex-cadre posts with approval or having lien in JSA grade are eligible. |
| Directorate General, Defence Estates | 01.01.2025 | Hindi Typist with 5 years of regular service. Age not exceeding 45 years on the crucial date. |
| Office of Development Commissioner (MSME) | 01.01.2025 | LDC at Level-2 (7th CPC) in MSME-DO with 5 years regular service. JSAs on deputation to ex-cadre posts with approval or having lien in JSA grade are eligible. |
Documents Required for Application
Applicants must upload certified true copies of the first page of their service book, authenticated by their Head of Department or Head of Office, displaying name, father’s name, husband’s name (if applicable), nationality, SC/ST designation (if applicable), and date of birth. Additionally, furnish certified service particulars attested by departmental authorities showing posts held, pay scales, and nature of appointment (whether substantive, officiating, permanent, or temporary). Submit copies of certificates for essential educational qualifications where applicable, disability certificates for persons with disabilities, and valid discharge certificates for defense personnel claiming disability benefits. Include a live photograph taken through the application module (plain background, no headgear, mask, or eyeglasses; full-frontal view) and scanned signature in JPEG format (10-20 KB, dimensions approximately 6.0 cm width by 2.0 cm height).
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Apply Here |
| Download Official Notification | View Notification |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Northern Regional Office | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is eligible to apply for SSC SSA/UDC Recruitment 2026?
Ans. Only serving Junior Secretariat Assistants (JSA) or Lower Division Clerks (LDC) of the 10 specified participating services/cadres are eligible. Candidates must meet specific service duration requirements (typically 3-6 years) and other conditions as prescribed by their respective cadre on the crucial date.
Q2. What is the total number of vacancies in this recruitment?
Ans. SSC SSA/UDC Recruitment 2026 offers 227 tentative vacancies distributed across UR (158), SC (46), and ST (23) categories. Vacancies are allocated to 10 different central government organizations as per their requirements.
Q3. When is the last date to apply for the SSC SSA/UDC Exam 2025?
Ans. The online application deadline is 26 June 2026 at 2300 hours. However, printed applications forwarded through official channels must reach the SSC Northern Region office by 03 July 2026 at 1800 hours (or 10 July 2026 for candidates abroad or in A&N Islands/Lakshadweep).
Q4. Is there any application fee for this examination?
Ans. No application fee is mentioned for this Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, as it is restricted to serving government employees of specified cadres.
Q5. What is the examination pattern and total marks?
Ans. The examination comprises two parts with a total of 400 marks. Part I includes Computer-Based Examination (200 marks: General Awareness 100 + English 100) and Written Examination (100 marks: Noting, Drafting & Office Procedure). Part-II involves the evaluation of service records/APARs (100 marks).
Q6. Where will the examination be conducted?
Ans. The examination will be conducted exclusively in the Delhi NCR region. No examination centers will be established abroad or at Indian missions. Candidates posted outside India must arrange to appear in India at their own expense.
Q7. What documents must be uploaded with the online application?
Ans. Candidates must upload certified true copies of their service book first page, service particulars showing posts held and pay scales, educational qualification certificates, disability certificates (if applicable), a recent live photograph (plain background, no accessories), and a scanned signature in JPEG format (10-20 KB).
