SSC CHSL 2026 Eligibility: Age Limit and Qualification

SSC CHSL 2026 eligibility has three parts: nationality, age and education. The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) sets the rules in the notice of 7 September 2026. Read the SSC CHSL 2026 guide for the full overview, and the notification page for posts and pay.

Who meets SSC CHSL 2026 eligibility on nationality?

A candidate must be one of the following:

• A citizen of India.
• A subject of Nepal.
• A subject of Bhutan.
• A person of Indian origin who migrated to settle in India. The notice names Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam.

A candidate in the last three groups needs a certificate of eligibility from the Government of India. SSC can admit the candidate to the exam first. The offer of appointment comes only after SSC issues the certificate.

What is the SSC CHSL 2026 age limit?

The age limit is 18 to 27 years. SSC fixed 1 August 2026 as the date to reckon age. A candidate must be born not before 2 August 1999 and not later than 1 August 2008.

SSC accepts the date of birth that the candidate filled in the form. It must match the matriculation or secondary certificate. SSC does not accept a later request to change it.

How much age relaxation does SSC allow?

A candidate must give the proper certificate when the user department asks for it. SSC cancels the candidature if the certificate is missing.

What is the education qualification for SSC CHSL 2026?

For LDC/JSA posts and most DEO posts, a candidate must pass the 12th standard or an equivalent exam from a recognized board or university. SSC checks the qualification as on 7 October 2026.

DEO and DEO Grade ‘A’ posts in three bodies need Science stream with Mathematics in the 12th standard. These bodies are the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, the Staff Selection Commission and the Ministry of Culture.

A candidate who appeared in the 12th standard exam can apply. The board must declare the result on or before 7 October 2026. The user department checks the original mark sheet at document verification.

Which category certificates does a candidate need?

• An EWS candidate needs an Income and Asset certificate valid for the financial year 2026-2027. It must use the income of 2025-2026.
• An OBC candidate must not fall in the creamy layer on 7 October 2026.
• A PwBD candidate must pick the right sub-category and give the disability certificate.

SSC checks the category claim only at the time of document verification. A false claim leads to debarment.

What is the next step?

Learn the application steps and fee. Then see how the selection process uses these categories.