SSC CHSL 2026 · Age limit & eligibility
SSC CHSL Age Limit 2026: Relaxation, Qualification and Eligibility
Age limit, the date on which age is counted, category-wise relaxation and the educational qualification, as printed in the official notice.
SSC CHSL age limit and relaxation
Age limit
18–27 years (as on 1 August 2026)
Educational qualification
- 12th standard pass from a recognised board
- DEO in specified ministries (incl. Consumer Affairs, SSC, Culture): 12th in Science with Mathematics
Upper age relaxation
Category-wise relaxation is listed in the official notice.
Application fee
₹100. Categories exempted from the fee (including women candidates) are listed in the notice.
Source: Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 — Notice (published 7 September 2026). Confirm in the official notice before applying.
Age limit, relaxation and qualification
Age is reckoned on 1 August 2026. The limit is 18–27 years, which means you must be born not before 2 August 1999 and not later than 1 August 2008. The date of birth recorded in your Matriculation/Secondary certificate is the one the Commission accepts.
For LDC/JSA and most DEO posts, you need a 12th standard pass from a recognised board or university. DEO and DEO Grade 'A' posts in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, the Staff Selection Commission and the Ministry of Culture need 12th in the Science stream with Mathematics as a subject. The qualification must be held by 7 October 2026; candidates who have appeared in their 12th exam may apply if they qualify by then.
Upper age relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD (Unreserved) | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-servicemen | 3 years after deducting military service from actual age |
| Defence personnel disabled in operations | 3 years (8 years for SC/ST) |
| Central Government civilian employees with 3 years' regular service | Up to 40 years (45 for SC/ST) |
| Widows / divorced / judicially separated women, not remarried | Up to 35 years (40 for SC/ST) |
Frequently asked questions
What is the age limit for SSC CHSL?
18–27 years, counted as on 1 August 2026, as per the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 — Notice. Category-wise upper age relaxation is given in the notice.
What qualification is needed for SSC CHSL?
12th standard pass from a recognised board. DEO in specified ministries (incl. Consumer Affairs, SSC, Culture): 12th in Science with Mathematics.
What is the age limit for SSC CHSL 2026?
18–27 years as on 1 August 2026: born not before 2 August 1999 and not later than 1 August 2008, with category relaxations.