The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has notified Notice No. 4/7/2026-CONF-5 (dated 25 June 2026) for the Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) / Lower Division Clerk (LDC) Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) 2025 in the Central Secretariat Clerical Service (CSCS) cadre of Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT). 49 tentative vacancies are to be filled through a single-stage Computer Based Examination in August 2026 (Delhi-NCR). Eligible serving Group C employees can apply online from 25 June 2026 to 16 July 2026 (11:00 PM) at ssc.gov.in.
Apply online: 25 Jun – 16 Jul 2026 (11 PM) · Hard copy via department: 23 Jul 2026 · Exam: Aug 2026 · Pay: Level-2 (₹19,900 – ₹63,200) · Type: Departmental LDCE only
This is not an open recruitment like SSC CHSL or CGL. Only permanent or regularly appointed temporary Group C staff with Grade Pay ₹1800 and minimum 3 years approved service (as on 1 August 2025) may apply — and the Head of Department must forward your printed application to SSC Northern Region.
Browse more alerts on our SSC Jobs page and Latest Job Notifications.
Official Links — SSC JSA/LDC LDCE DoPT 2025
| Resource | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online (OTR + Application) | Click here to apply online |
| Download Notification PDF | Click here to download notification PDF |
| SSC Official Website | Click here to visit ssc.gov.in |
| SSC Northern Region (admit card) | Click here — SSC NR updates |
| SSC Helpdesk | Toll-free 1800 309 3063 · SSC NR: 011-24363343 |
The notification PDF is 41 pages and includes exam scheme, syllabus, OTR screenshots, Annexure-II/III (scribe certificates), Annexure-VI (forwarding certificate), and Annexure-VII/VIII (PwBD certificates). Read it fully before applying.
SSC JSA/LDC LDCE DoPT — Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Northern Region |
| Examination | JSA/LDC Grade LDCE 2025 (conducted 2026) |
| Notification | 4/7/2026-CONF-5 (25 June 2026) |
| Cadre | Central Secretariat Clerical Service (CSCS), DoPT |
| Post | Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) / LDC Grade |
| Total Vacancies | 49 (tentative) |
| Pay Level | Level-2 (Group C Non-Gazetted) |
| Pay Matrix | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 (7th CPC) |
| Selection | Single-stage CBE only — no interview |
| Exam Centre | Delhi-NCR only |
| Crucial Date | 01 August 2025 (service length) |
Important Dates — SSC JSA/LDC LDCE 2025
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Notification released | 25 June 2026 |
| Online application opens | 25 June 2026 |
| Last date — online application | 16 July 2026 (11:00 PM / 23:00 hrs) |
| Last date — hard copy at SSC NR (via department) | 23 July 2026 (6:00 PM / 18:00 hrs) |
| Hard copy deadline — abroad / A&N / Lakshadweep | 30 July 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Admit card on SSC-NR website | ~10 days before exam |
| Admit card downloadable | 3–4 days before exam |
| Computer Based Examination (tentative) | August 2026 |
| Tentative answer key | After examination |
Two deadlines matter: completing the online form and ensuring your department forwards the printed application to SSC Northern Region. Late hard copies are summarily rejected even if the online submission was valid.
Vacancy Details — 49 Posts (DoPT CSCS)
| Service / Cadre | Tentative Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Central Secretariat Clerical Service (CSCS), DoPT | 49 |
Category-wise reservation (UR / SC / ST / OBC / EWS / PwBD) will be communicated in due course by the Cadre Controlling Authority. Vacancies are provisional and subject to revision.
How This LDCE Fits the CSCS Promotion Ladder
| Examination | Promotes From → To | Vacancies | Pay Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| JSA/LDC LDCE (this notification) | Group C feeder → JSA/LDC | 49 | Level-2 |
| SSA/UDC LDCE 2026 | LDC → SSA/UDC | 65 | Level-4 |
| ASO LDCE 2026 | UD Grade → ASO/Assistant | 341 | Level-7 |
Each LDCE is a separate application with distinct eligibility and deadlines.
Eligibility Criteria — Who Can Apply?
Crucial date: 01 August 2025 for counting approved service and assessing all conditions.
Service Conditions (Mandatory)
You must be a permanent or regularly appointed temporary Group C employee with Grade Pay ₹1800 who has rendered not less than 3 years of regular service as on 1 August 2025.
Also eligible if:
- On approved deputation to an ex-cadre post (with competent authority approval), or
- Transferred to an ex-cadre post / another service but retains lien in the Group C post, or
- Your parent service/cadre is a participating cadre of this examination.
Educational Qualification
- 12th standard (or equivalent) from a recognised Board.
Typewriting Test — Post-Appointment Condition
The typewriting test is not part of CBE selection, but you must pass (if not already passed) a periodical SSC typewriting test during probation:
| Language | Manual Typewriter | Computer | KDPH |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 30 wpm | 35 wpm | 10,500 |
| Hindi | 25 wpm | 30 wpm | 9,000 |
Failure to pass within probation → no annual increments and possible reversion to substantive post. Permanently unfit candidates (Civil Surgeon certificate) may be exempted in consultation with DoPT.
Who Cannot Apply / Gets Disqualified
- General public and fresh graduates.
- Candidates who resign, quit, or are terminated after applying or after appearing — ineligible for appointment (exception: approved deputation to ex-cadre post).
- Candidates from non-participating cadres.
- Those debarred by SSC or any Public Service Commission.
Application Fee
| Stage | Fee |
|---|---|
| Online application | Nil (no fee stated for departmental LDCE) |
| Answer key objection (per question) | ₹50 (non-refundable) |
SSC does not pay travelling allowance for attending the examination.
Salary & Pay Scale — Pay Level-2
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Post category | Group C, Non-Gazetted |
| Pay Level | Level-2 (7th CPC) |
| Basic pay matrix | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 |
| Allowances | DA, HRA, TA, and other central government benefits as applicable |
Selected candidates are recommended for inclusion in the Select List for JSA/LDC Grade of CSCS up to the number of vacancies — subject to cadre authority confirming suitability based on conduct in service.
Selection Process — Single-Stage CBE (180 Marks)
There is no interview and no skill test at the selection stage. Merit is based solely on aggregate CBE performance.
Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehension / General English | 60 | 60 |
| General Knowledge | 60 | 60 |
| CSMOP (Chapters 5, 6 & 10) | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 180 | 180 |
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 hours (4 hours with scribe) |
| Mode | Computer Based Examination (CBE) |
| Question type | Objective MCQ |
| Negative marking | −0.25 per wrong answer |
| Medium | English or Hindi (as opted in application) — General English section must be in English |
| Centre | Delhi-NCR only |
| PwBD compensatory time | 20 minutes per hour for scribe-eligible candidates |
Syllabus — What to Study
| Section | Indicative Topics |
|---|---|
| Comprehension & General English | Simple composition, applied grammar, comprehension passages |
| General Knowledge | Current events, everyday observation, general information about India |
| CSMOP | Chapter 5 — Management of Dak Receipts · Chapter 6 — File Management System · Chapter 10 — Records Management (latest Central Secretariat Manual of Office Procedure) |
Download the latest CSMOP and focus revision on these three chapters — they carry 60 marks (one-third of the paper).
Tie-Breaking Rules
When aggregate marks are equal:
- Higher marks in Comprehension & General English
- Higher marks in General Knowledge
- Older candidate (by date of birth) ranked higher
- Alphabetical order of names
After the Exam
SSC prepares a Select List in merit order up to vacancy count. Success in CBE does not guarantee appointment if cadre authority finds conduct unsatisfactory.
How to Apply Online — Step-by-Step
Part 1: One-Time Registration (OTR) on ssc.gov.in
- Visit ssc.gov.in — OTR from old ssc.nic.in is NOT valid.
- Complete OTR with mobile, email, Aadhaar (or Voter ID/PAN/Passport/DL), and 10th board roll number.
- Prefer Aadhaar-Based Authentication for faster processing.
- Finish OTR within 14 days of starting — incomplete data is auto-deleted.
- Save Registration Number and password.
Part 2: Online Application Form
- Log in → Apply for JSA/LDC LDCE 2025 (CSCS, DoPT).
- Fill cadre (Central Secretariat Clerical Service, DoPT), exam year (2025), feeder service joining date, length of service, exam medium (English/Hindi), ministry/department/office, HoD/HoO details, and chronological service history.
- Live photograph capture through the portal (plain background, no cap/mask/glasses).
- Upload signature — JPEG 10–20 KB, ~6.0 cm × 2.0 cm, occupying ≥80% of box.
- Upload PDFs: Service Book first page (HoD-attested), service particulars certificate, 12th certificate, PwBD certificate (if applicable).
- Preview → declare → submit → print application.
Part 3: Departmental Forwarding (Mandatory)
Print the application and attach self-attested document copies. Submit to your Head of Department / Head of Office for forwarding to:
The Regional Director, Staff Selection Commission (Northern Region), Block No. 12, C.G.O. Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003
| Candidate Location | Must Reach SSC NR By |
|---|---|
| India (standard) | 23 July 2026, 6:00 PM |
| Abroad / A&N Islands / Lakshadweep | 30 July 2026, 6:00 PM |
Forwarding authority must:
- Certify service records and eligibility (Annexure-VI format)
- Sign the photograph on the printed form
- Apply half-seal across photo and form
Applications without departmental forwarding or unsigned photographs are summarily rejected.
Part 4: Admit Card
Download Admission Certificate from sscnr.nic.in — uploaded ~10 days before exam, downloadable 3–4 days prior. Not sent by post.
Direct apply link: Click here to apply online
Documents Checklist
Upload Online + Attach with Hard Copy
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Service Book first page | Certified true copy, HoD/HoO attested |
| Service particulars | Posts held, pay scale, capacity (substantive/officiating) |
| Educational certificate | 12th standard or equivalent |
| PwBD certificate | Annexure-VII (Form-V) or Annexure-VIII (Form-VI) if applicable |
Carry to Exam Centre
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Printed Admission Certificate | From SSC-NR website |
| Departmental Identity Card | Original from employer |
| Valid photo ID | Voter ID, DL, PAN, Passport, or govt. photo ID |
| DOB proof | If photo ID lacks date of birth — 10th certificate / birth certificate |
| PwBD scribe certificates | Annexure-II or III + scribe’s photo ID if availing facility |
PwBD / Scribe Provisions
| Disability Category | Facility |
|---|---|
| Blindness / Cerebral Palsy (40%+) | Scribe, technology, assistive devices — opt in application + upload certificate |
| Other PwBD | Scribe on CMO/Civil Surgeon certificate (Annexure-II) |
| PwD <40% with writing difficulty | Scribe per OM dated 10.08.2022 (Annexure-III) |
| All scribe-eligible candidates | 20 min extra per hour (even if scribe not used) |
Opt for scribe/assistive devices in the online form — facility is not provided without prior intimation.
SSC JSA/LDC vs SSC CHSL — Know the Difference
| Factor | JSA/LDC LDCE (DoPT) | SSC CHSL (Open) |
|---|---|---|
| Who can apply | Serving Group C staff only | Any eligible citizen |
| Experience | 3+ years GP ₹1800 service | No prior service required |
| Vacancies | 49 (CSCS DoPT) | Thousands (national) |
| Selection | Single CBE (180 marks) | Tier-I + Tier-II + skill test |
| Exam centre | Delhi-NCR only | Multiple cities |
| Departmental forwarding | Mandatory | Not required |
Common Mistakes That Cause Rejection
- Using old ssc.nic.in OTR on the new ssc.gov.in portal.
- Starting OTR but not completing within 14 days.
- Submitting multiple applications for the same exam.
- Forgetting departmental hard copy forwarding by 23 July 2026.
- HoD not signing the photograph or applying half-seal.
- Uploading a photo of a printed photo instead of live capture.
- Blurred or miniature signature (must be 10–20 KB JPEG, ~6×2 cm).
- Wearing cap, mask, or glasses during live photograph capture.
- Choosing wrong exam medium — General English must always be attempted in English.
- Significant appearance change between application photo and exam day.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am an LDC in CSCS with 4 years service. Should I apply for JSA/LDC or SSA/UDC LDCE?
If you are already an LDC in CSCS, you are likely eligible for SSA/UDC LDCE (promotion to Level-4), not this JSA/LDC feeder examination. This notification targets Group C feeder-grade staff (GP ₹1800) entering JSA/LDC Grade. Check your current post and grade pay in the service book before choosing.
Does passing the CBE guarantee promotion?
No. SSC prepares a merit Select List, but appointment also depends on cadre authority confirming suitability, vacancy availability in your category, and satisfactory conduct in service.
Can I apply if I am on deputation?
Yes, if you are on approved deputation to an ex-cadre post and otherwise meet eligibility. Candidates who resign or quit after applying lose eligibility.
Is there negative marking?
Yes. Each wrong answer deducts 0.25 marks from your aggregate score.
Will SSC pay my travel expenses for the Delhi exam?
No. TA is not payable. Candidates at Indian missions abroad must appear in India at their own cost.
Related SSC LDCE Alerts
- SSC SSA/UDC LDCE 2026 — 65 SSA/UDC posts (CSCS DoPT)
- SSC ASO LDCE 2026 — 341 ASO/Assistant posts (CSS & MEA)
- SSC Jobs — all SSC notifications
- Latest Job Notifications
- Search jobs by keyword
EasyApplications.in publishes this guide for informational purposes only. Staff Selection Commission is the sole authority on eligibility, exam dates, and selection rules. Always verify details in the official notification PDF and apply only through ssc.gov.in before 16 July 2026, 11:00 PM, with departmental forwarding by 23 July 2026.