SSC SSA 2026: Senior Secretariat Assistant / UDC Recruitment Notification
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has announced the recruitment for Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) and Upper Division Clerk (UDC) through a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination. This recruitment is specifically for the Central Secretariat Clerical Service (CSCS) cadre under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
Short Information
The recruitment is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). There are a total of 65 vacancies available for eligible departmental candidates, and the last date to apply online is 16 July 2026.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | Nil | Check Official Notification |
| SC/ST/PwBD | Nil | Check Official Notification |
Eligibility Criteria & Vacancies
This is a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, meaning it is open exclusively to regularly appointed Lower Division Clerks (JSA/LDC) serving in the CSCS cadre of DoPT.
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Cadre | Total Vacancies | Pay Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) / Upper Division Clerk (UDC) | Central Secretariat Clerical Service (CSCS), DoPT | 65 | Level-4 (Rs. 25,500 - Rs. 81,100) |
Eligibility Requirements
- Service Length: Candidates must have at least five years of approved and continuous service in the LDC grade as of 01 August 2025. If appointed via a competitive exam, the result must have been declared five years prior to the crucial date, with at least four years of approved service.
- Typewriting Test: Candidates must have passed the typewriting test conducted by UPSC or SSC for confirmation in the LDC grade, unless they possess a formal exemption.
- Status: Only regularly appointed LDCs in the CSCS cadre are eligible. LDCs on approved deputation to ex-cadre posts may apply, but those who have transferred without retaining a lien in the LDC grade are ineligible.
Selection Process & Exam Pattern
The selection process is a two-stage merit-based system. The final rank is determined by the aggregate score of both parts.
Stage 1: Computer Based Examination (Part-I)
The CBE consists of objective-type multiple-choice questions with a negative marking of 0.25 for every wrong answer.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comprehension and General English | 50 | 50 | 3 Hours |
| Parliamentary Procedure | 50 | 50 | (4 Hours for scribe candidates) |
| General Knowledge | 50 | 50 | |
| Noting and Drafting | 50 | 50 | |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Syllabus for Part-I
- Comprehension and General English: Applied Grammar and Simple Composition.
- Parliamentary Procedure: Handling of Parliament questions and sessions.
- General Knowledge: General information about India, everyday observation, and current events.
- Noting and Drafting: Guidelines on Communication, Forms, Procedure, and Drafting as per Chapters 7, 8, and 9 of the latest CSMOP.
Stage 2: Evaluation of Service Records (Part-II)
Only candidates who qualify in Part-I will proceed to this stage.
- Evaluation: Based on Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs).
- Marks: 100 Marks.
Final Merit Calculation: Part-I (200) + Part-II (100) = 300 Total Marks.
How to Apply Online
Candidates must follow a two-stage application process. It is mandatory to use the new SSC portal for registration.
- Visit the official SSC website.
- Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) on the new portal (ssc.gov.in). Note that OTRs from the old website are not valid.
- Use Aadhaar-Based Authentication during the OTR process.
- Log in using your Registration Number and password.
- Navigate to the "Live Exam" tab and click "Apply" for the SSA/UDC Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2025 (CSCS, DoPT).
- Select the correct Service/Cadre and enter your joining date and length of service.
- Provide typewriting test details or exemption order numbers.
- Capture a live photograph via webcam/smartphone (pre-existing photos are not allowed).
- Upload a scanned signature in JPEG format (10-20 KB).
- Upload mandatory documents including the first page of the Service Book and service particulars.
- Preview and submit the application.
- Crucial Step: Print the application and have it forwarded through your Head of Department (HoD) or Head of Office (HoO) to the Regional Director, SSC (Northern Region), New Delhi, by 23 July 2026.
Required Documents Checklist
- Certified true copy of the first page of the Service Book (attested by HoD/HoO).
- Certified particulars of service (pay scale, nature of appointment, posts held).
- Typewriting test details (date, roll number) or exemption order.
- Disability Certificate (for PwBD candidates).
- Certificate for physical limitation to write (for scribe candidates).
- Live photograph and scanned signature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SSC SSA 2026 open to the general public? No, this is a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination open exclusively to serving Lower Division Clerks (JSA/LDC) of the Central Secretariat Clerical Service (CSCS) cadre under DoPT.
What is the last date for the online application? The online application window closes on 16 July 2026 at 11:00 PM.
Is online submission enough to be eligible for the exam? No. After submitting online, a printed hard copy of the application must be forwarded through your Head of Department/Office and reach SSC (Northern Region) by 23 July 2026.
Where will the examination be conducted? The Computer Based Examination (CBE) is scheduled to be held tentatively in August 2026 in Delhi-NCR only.
What is the salary for the SSA/UDC post? The post is categorized under Pay Level-4 of the 7th Pay Commission, with a monthly pay range of Rs. 25,500 to Rs. 81,100, plus applicable central government allowances.
| Link Name | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification / Advertisement | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |