SSC CHSL Eligibility 2026 – Age Limit, Qualification & Relaxation

Understanding the SSC CHSL 2026 eligibility criteria in detail is crucial before applying. Candidates who do not meet the eligibility requirements will have their candidature cancelled at any stage of the recruitment process, even after appointment. This page covers all eligibility parameters including educational qualification, age limit, age relaxation, nationality, and post-specific requirements.

The basic educational qualification for all SSC CHSL posts is passing the 12th Standard (Higher Secondary) or equivalent from a recognised Board or University. Unlike SSC CGL, no graduation is required, making this exam accessible to a larger pool of candidates. However, candidates who have completed graduation or higher education are also eligible — there is no upper qualification bar. For DEO Grade A posts specifically, candidates must have passed 12th Standard in the Science stream with Mathematics as a subject.

The age limit varies by post category. For LDC/JSA (Lower Division Clerk / Junior Secretariat Assistant) and PA/SA (Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant) posts, the age range is 18–27 years. For DEO (Data Entry Operator) posts, the age range is 18–25 years. The crucial date for age calculation is 1st January of the year of examination, i.e., 01-01-2026 for SSC CHSL 2026.

Age relaxation is provided to candidates from reserved categories as per Government of India rules: SC/ST candidates receive 5 years relaxation, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates receive 3 years, PwD candidates receive 10 years (General), 13 years (OBC), or 15 years (SC/ST), and Ex-Servicemen receive relaxation of 3 years after deduction of military service rendered from actual age. Widows, divorced women, and women who are judicially separated (and have not remarried) are eligible for age relaxation of up to 35 years for General, 38 years for OBC, and 40 years for SC/ST.

Nationality requirements: Candidates must be (a) a citizen of India, or (b) a subject of Nepal, or (c) a subject of Bhutan, or (d) a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling, or (e) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India. Candidates belonging to categories (b), (c), (d), and (e) must have a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.

Physical standards: There are no specific physical requirements for SSC CHSL posts as these are desk-based administrative positions. However, candidates must be in good mental and bodily health and free from any physical defect likely to interfere with the discharge of duties. Medical examination is conducted before final appointment.

Candidates currently serving in government positions can also apply but must submit their application through the proper channel and produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at the time of document verification. Use our Age Calculator for Government Jobs to check your exact eligibility based on your date of birth and category.