SSC SSA / UDC Recruitment 2026
Apply Online for 65 Limited Departmental Competitive Examination Posts
1. Critical Recruitment Overview
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the notification for the Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) / Upper Division Clerk (UDC) Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE), 2025. This departmental recruitment drive aims to fill 65 tentative vacancies within the Central Secretariat Clerical Service (CSCS) Cadre functioning under the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT).
This exclusive opportunity is available strictly for regularly appointed Lower Division Clerks (LDCs) within the CSCS cadre fulfilling specific continuous service requirements. The Computer Based Examination (CBE) will be conducted tentatively in August 2026, and the exam centers will be restricted solely to the Delhi-NCR region.
2. Important Dates & Timelines
Candidates must adhere strictly to the timelines for online submission as well as the forwarding of the physical application copy through their respective Head of Department (HoD).
| SSC SSA/UDC LDCE 2026 Schedule | |
|---|---|
| Commencement of Online Application: | 25 June 2026 |
| Last Date for Receipt of Online Applications: | 16 July 2026 (23:00 Hours) |
| Last Date for Receipt of Hard Copy via HoD (Normal Areas): | 23 July 2026 (18:00 Hours) |
| Last Date for Receipt of Hard Copy via HoD (Remote Areas*): | 30 July 2026 (18:00 Hours) |
| Tentative Date of Computer Based Exam (CBE): | August 2026 |
*Remote areas specifically include candidates residing abroad, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep.
3. Vacancy & Pay Scale Details
A. Vacancy Distribution
A total of 65 vacancies have been reported for the recruitment year 2025 for the Central Secretariat Clerical Service (CSCS), DoPT. The exact category-wise reservation breakdown (UR/SC/ST/PwBD) will be communicated by the Commission in due course.
B. Salary Structure
- Pay Level: Pay Level-4.
- Classification: Group C Non-Gazetted.
- Basic Pay Range: ₹ 25,500 – ₹ 81,100.
4. Eligibility & Experience Criteria
This is a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE); therefore, fresh candidates from the open market are not eligible. The specific eligibility criteria are as follows:
A. Crucial Date
- The crucial date for counting the required approved service length is 1st August 2025 (01.08.2025).
B. Service Requirements
- The candidate must be a regularly appointed Lower Division Clerk (LDC) in the CSCS cadre.
- The candidate must have rendered not less than five years of approved and continuous service in the Lower Division Grade as on the crucial date.
- Exception: If appointed via a competitive examination where results were announced not less than 5 years before the crucial date, the candidate needs to have rendered not less than four years of approved and continuous service.
C. Typewriting Test Clause
- The candidate must have passed the typewriting test held by UPSC or SSC for confirmation in the lower division grade on or before the notification date.
- Candidates explicitly exempted from passing the typewriting test are also eligible.
5. Scheme of Examination
The selection process consists of two distinct parts:
PART-I: Computer Based Examination (200 Marks)
The CBE consists of Objective Type Multiple Choice questions with a total duration of 3 hours (4 hours for eligible candidates requiring a scribe). There will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
| Subject | Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Comprehension and General English | 50 | 50 |
| (b) Parliamentary Procedure | 50 | 50 |
| (c) General Knowledge | 50 | 50 |
| (d) Noting and Drafting | 50 | 50 |
PART-II: Evaluation of Record of Service (100 Marks)
- Candidates qualifying in Part-I (CBE) will be shortlisted for Part-II.
- 100 marks are earmarked for the evaluation of the candidate's Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs).
- The final merit list will be prepared based on the aggregate performance in Part-I (CBE) and Part-II (APAR Evaluation).
6. Step-by-Step Application Protocol
Candidates must execute a two-stage application process involving online submission and physical document forwarding.
- One Time Registration (OTR): Candidates must generate a new OTR on the updated SSC website (https://ssc.gov.in). Old OTRs from ssc.nic.in will not work. Aadhaar-based authentication is highly recommended during this step.
- Online Application Form: Log in and fill out the online application. A live photograph will be captured using a webcam/smartphone; pre-existing uploaded photos are not allowed. Upload a scanned signature in JPEG format (10-20 KB).
- Print & Endorse: After successful submission, print the application form.
- Gather Documents: Attach a certified true copy of the first page of your Service Book and certified particulars of your service, both duly attested by the Head of Department (HoD) or Head of Office.
- Forwarding via Proper Channel: The HoD must forward the complete package to reach the following address by 23.07.2026 (1800 hrs):
The Regional Director,
Staff Selection Commission (Northern Region),
Block No.12, C.G.O. Complex, Lodhi Road,
New Delhi-110003.
7. Important Official Links
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This career tracking data is compiled explicitly for guidance based on the official notification issued by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). Candidates are strongly advised to cross-verify all exact eligibility conditions, live photo instructions, and forwarding annexures directly from the official SSC portal (www.ssc.gov.in) before finalizing their applications.
