SSC CHSL eligibility 2026: the standard age is 18–27 years on 1 August 2026, and the required educational qualification must be obtained by 7 October 2026. These are different cut-off dates. Most posts require Class 12 or equivalent; specified DEO posts require Science with Mathematics.
Eligibility at a glance
| Requirement | Official rule |
|---|---|
| Age reference date | 1 August 2026 |
| Standard age | 18–27 years, before applicable relaxation |
| Unrelaxed birth-date range | 2 August 1999 to 1 August 2008, both dates included |
| Qualification deadline | 7 October 2026 |
| LDC/JSA and most DEO posts | Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized Board or University |
| Specified DEO / DEO Grade A posts | Class 12 Science with Mathematics; see departments below |
Age limit and date of birth
Without relaxation, accepted birth dates run from 2 August 1999 through 1 August 2008. SSC uses the date entered in the application and recorded in the Matriculation/Secondary Examination certificate to determine age. A subsequent request to change it is not accepted.
Category-wise upper-age relaxation
| Category | Concession |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC / ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-servicemen | 3 years after deducting eligible military service from actual age on 1 August 2026; subject to ESM conditions |
| Defence personnel disabled in the specified operations and released as a consequence | 3 years; 8 years for SC/ST |
| Central Government civilian employees with at least 3 years of regular, continuous service by the application closing date | Upper age 40 years; 45 years for SC/ST |
| Widowed, divorced or judicially separated women who have not remarried | Upper age 35 years; 40 years for SC/ST |
These are upper-age concessions, not waivers of qualifications or proof. ESM eligibility and re-employment conditions appear in paragraphs 5.4–5.9. A previous government appointment can affect ESM reservation and fee concessions; check the specific conditions before claiming them.
Which posts require Science with Mathematics?
| Post / department | Minimum qualification |
|---|---|
| DEO / DEO Grade A in Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution; Staff Selection Commission; Ministry of Culture | Class 12 Science with Mathematics from a recognized Board, or equivalent |
| LDC/JSA and DEO / DEO Grade A outside the departments above | Class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University |
Arts and Commerce candidates should distinguish the general Class 12 rule from the specific DEO requirement. Do not assume that every DEO post accepts every stream.
Can appearing candidates apply?
Yes, candidates who have appeared in Class 12 or equivalent can apply, but must possess the qualification by 7 October 2026. The qualifying result must have been declared and the candidate declared passed by that date. A result merely being processed does not meet the requirement. Keep documentary evidence of passing by the cut-off.
Equivalent qualifications require an equivalence certificate at document verification, with the final decision resting with the relevant appointing authority. Open/distance qualifications are subject to recognition and relevant-period conditions in paragraphs 8.4–8.5, not universal acceptance.
Nationality and eligibility certificates
Paragraph 4 lists Indian citizens, subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, and persons of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia or Vietnam intending to settle permanently in India.
The listed Nepal, Bhutan and person-of-Indian-origin categories require a Government of India eligibility certificate. A candidate needing that certificate may be admitted to the examination, but an appointment offer requires its issue. Do not use a nationality list copied from another recruitment notice.
BRO, disability provisions and documents
Only male candidates are eligible for BRO vacancies, if any are reported. This is not a restriction on all CHSL posts. BRO physical, efficiency and medical standards appear in Annexure XVI. Post allocation is not changed simply because a candidate later fails the required standards.
Disability suitability is post-specific under paragraph 3. Scribe and compensatory-time provisions require eligibility and documentation under paragraph 7; they are not automatic for every applicant with a disability.
- Match your name and birth date to the relevant certificates.
- Keep Class 12 pass evidence and any required equivalence certificate.
- Prepare valid category, disability or service documents for claimed benefits.
- Check post-specific standards before submitting preferences.
Admission is provisional. User departments verify original documents after the final result; unsupported claims can lead to cancellation.
Preparing for SSC CHSL 2027?
The verified rules on this page belong to the 2026 recruitment cycle. They can guide early preparation for 2027, but do not confirm 2027 dates, vacancies, age cut-offs or eligibility. We have not verified a 2027 notification in this review. Recheck this permanent guide when SSC publishes the next cycle’s notice; do not calculate future eligibility by simply adding one year.
Frequently asked questions
Are the age and qualification cut-offs the same?
No. Age is assessed on 1 August 2026; the essential qualification must be held by 7 October 2026.
Can a Class 12 Arts student apply?
The general rule for LDC/JSA and DEO posts outside paragraph 8.1 is Class 12 or equivalent. The DEO posts named in paragraph 8.1 require Science with Mathematics. Other conditions still apply.
Does taking the exam prove eligibility?
No. Admission is provisional and documents are checked later. Passing a stage does not override age, qualification or post-specific requirements.
Continue with SSC CHSL
- SSC CHSL notification, dates and latest guide
- Eligibility and age limits
- Tier I and Tier II exam pattern
- Subject-wise syllabus and preparation checklist