Vacancies: 65 · Posts: 1 (SSA/UDC Grade) · Type: Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) · Mode: Online + Hard Copy through Proper Channel · Fee: Nil · Apply: 25 June–16 July 2026 · Salary: Level-4 (₹25,500–₹81,100) · Selection: CBT (200 marks) + APAR Evaluation (100 marks) · Location: Delhi-NCR (Exam Centre)
For serving Lower Division Clerks and Junior Secretariat Assistants in the Central Secretariat Clerical Service (CSCS) cadre under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the Staff Selection Commission has released the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination notification for promotion to Senior Secretariat Assistant / Upper Division Clerk Grade.
This LDCE offers 65 vacancies (tentative) exclusively for eligible departmental candidates. It is not open to fresh graduates or external applicants. The Computer-Based Examination is scheduled for August 2026 in Delhi-NCR only.
Serving LDC/JSA staff with the required years of approved service and a clean service record now have a direct pathway to Level-4 promotion through this departmental exam. Applications are open from 25 June to 16 July 2026.
Who Should Apply? (Quick Eligibility Check)
- Serving Lower Division Clerks (LDC) / Junior Secretariat Assistants (JSA) with minimum 5 years approved and continuous service in LDC grade as on 01 August 2025 (or 4 years in specific cases) in the CSCS Cadre of DoPT → Senior Secretariat Assistant / Upper Division Clerk Grade – 65 posts
Special Note: This recruitment is strictly limited to departmental candidates in the specified CSCS cadre. Freshers, private sector employees, or staff from other central/state services are not eligible.
About Staff Selection Commission (SSC) & Why This Role Matters
Staff Selection Commission – Overview
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is an attached office under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India. It conducts examinations for recruitment to Group B and Group C posts in various central government ministries and departments. SSC is headquartered in New Delhi and operates through regional offices across India.
Why Candidates Search for SSC Departmental Exams
Departmental LDCEs like this one provide a structured promotion channel for existing Lower Division Clerks without competing against lakhs of external candidates in open examinations. The inclusion of APAR/service record evaluation (100 marks) rewards consistent performers on the job. However, the exam is conducted only in Delhi-NCR, and hard copies must be routed through the Head of Department — any lapse here leads to rejection. Pay and allowances are as per Level-4 of the 7th CPC with full government benefits including NPS, medical facilities, and leave entitlements.
Why this SSC SSA/UDC LDCE is attractive:
- Direct promotion opportunity within the Central Secretariat for experienced LDC staff.
- Weightage to service record reduces pure exam dependency.
- Level-4 pay scale with standard central government benefits and job security.
The SahisarkariJobs.in Analyst’s Take – Is This SSC SSA/UDC LDCE for You?
This Limited Departmental Competitive Examination is a solid promotion route for experienced Lower Division Clerks in the Central Secretariat who have maintained strong Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs). With only 65 vacancies and weightage given to service records, it favours consistent departmental performers over pure exam crackers.
It suits serving LDC/JSA staff who have completed the mandatory 5 years of approved service and are looking for Level-4 elevation without leaving the secretariat ecosystem.
Who should skip: Candidates with less than the required service length, average or poor APAR grading, or those unwilling to appear for the exam in Delhi-NCR only. Do not apply if your typewriting test exemption or confirmation documents are incomplete.
Practical tip: Focus preparation on Noting & Drafting (as per the latest Central Secretariat Manual of Office Procedure – CSMOP Chapters 7-9) and Parliamentary Procedure — these sections carry significant weight and are scoring for those handling official files daily.
Unlike open SSC Combined Graduate Level or other external recruitments, where competition runs into lakhs, this LDCE is restricted to a small pool of departmental candidates. The service record component (100 marks) makes it qualitatively different — your on-the-job performance directly impacts the final merit.
Quick Overview – SSC Senior Secretariat Assistant Recruitment 2026
- Organisation: Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
- Sector: Central Government (Recruitment Agency under DoPT)
- Recruitment / Exam Name: Senior Secretariat Assistant / Upper Division Clerk Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2025
- Notification / Advertisement No.: No. 4/8/2026-CONF-5
- Post / Trade / Exam Name(s): Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) / Upper Division Clerk (UDC) Grade
- Total Vacancies: 65 (tentative, for CSCS Cadre of DoPT)
- Job Location / Exam Centre: Delhi-NCR only (for Computer-Based Examination)
- Job Type / Nature: Promotion through Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) – Group C, Non-Gazetted
- Approx. Pay: Level-4 (₹25,500 – ₹81,100) as per 7th CPC
- Apply / Register Between: 25 June 2026 to 16 July 2026 (online); Hard copy through proper channel by 23 July 2026
- Apply Online: Apply for SSC SSA/UDC LDCE 2026
- Notification PDF: Download SSC SSA/UDC LDCE Notification 2026 PDF
- Official Portal: https://ssc.gov.in
Important Dates – SSC SSA/UDC LDCE 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | June 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 25 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 16 July 2026 (up to 23:00 hrs) |
| Last Date for Hard Copy (General) | 23 July 2026 (up to 18:00 hrs) |
| Computer-Based Examination | August 2026 (Tentative) |
| Result / Select List (Tentative) | To be notified |
What Is the Application Fee? – SSC SSA/UDC LDCE 2026
Application Fee: Nil (No application or examination fee is charged for this Limited Departmental Competitive Examination as per the notification).
How to Apply for SSC SSA/UDC LDCE 2026? (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Main Application Process on SSC Portal
- Visit the official SSC portal: Apply for SSC SSA/UDC LDCE 2026 (open until 16 July 2026).
- Log in using your existing SSC account or register as a new user with Aadhaar / other accepted ID.
- Select “Senior Secretariat Assistant / Upper Division Clerk Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2025” (Notification No. 4/8/2026-CONF-5).
- Fill in personal details, service particulars, and upload required documents (live photograph, scanned signature, service book first page, typewriting test details/exemption order).
- Submit the online application and note the registration number.
- Take a printout of the online application form.
Step 2: Submit Hard Copy through Proper Channel (Mandatory)
- Forward the printed application form along with self-attested copies of all required documents through your Head of Department / Head of Office.
- The hard copy must reach the designated address by 23 July 2026 (General candidates) or 30 July 2026 (candidates from abroad / A&N Islands / Lakshadweep).
- Keep proof of submission and tracking details.
Need to resize a photo or signature? Use our Photo & Signature Resizer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting the hard copy directly instead of through the Head of Department / proper channel — this leads to outright rejection.
- Missing or incomplete typewriting test exemption proof or confirmation order in the LDC grade.
- Uploading unclear or mismatched service particulars / APAR-related documents.
- Ignoring the exact format for noting & drafting questions based on the latest CSMOP manual.
- Assuming the exam will be held in multiple cities, it will be held in Delhi-NCR only.
एसएससी सीनियर सेक्रेटेरिएट असिस्टेंट भर्ती 2026 – पूरी जानकारी
स्टाफ सिलेक्शन कमीशन (SSC) ने सेंट्रल सेक्रेटेरिएट क्लेरिकल सर्विस (CSCS) कैडर के अंतर्गत लोअर डिवीजन क्लर्क (LDC) / जूनियर सेक्रेटेरिएट असिस्टेंट (JSA) के लिए सीनियर सेक्रेटेरिएट असिस्टेंट / अपर डिवीजन क्लर्क ग्रेड लिमिटेड डिपार्टमेंटल कॉम्पिटिटिव एग्जामिनेशन 2025 की अधिसूचना जारी की है।
इस LDCE के तहत CSCS कैडर में 65 पद (अनुमानित) भरे जाएंगे। केवल पात्र विभागीय अभ्यर्थी ही आवेदन कर सकते हैं।
ऑनलाइन आवेदन 25 जून 2026 से 16 जुलाई 2026 तक खुले हैं। कंप्यूटर आधारित परीक्षा अगस्त 2026 में दिल्ली-एनसीआर में होगी।
पात्रता: LDC ग्रेड में न्यूनतम 5 वर्ष की स्वीकृत सेवा (01 अगस्त 2025 तक) और टाइपिंग टेस्ट पास या छूट। वेतन लेवल-4 (₹25,500–₹81,100)। चयन CBT (200 अंक) + APAR मूल्यांकन (100 अंक) के आधार पर।
आधिकारिक वेबसाइट ssc.gov.in पर पूरी अधिसूचना और आवेदन लिंक उपलब्ध है।
Post-wise Vacancy & Eligibility – SSC SSA/UDC LDCE 2026
| Post Name | Vacancies | Qualification / Eligibility | Pay Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) / Upper Division Clerk (UDC) Grade | 65 (tentative) | Serving LDC/JSA in CSCS Cadre of DoPT with minimum 5 years approved continuous service as on 01.08.2025 (or 4 years in specified cases) + Typewriting test passed/exempted | Level-4 (₹25,500–₹81,100) |
Vacancy Interpretation Note: All 65 vacancies are for the Central Secretariat Clerical Service (CSCS) Cadre under DoPT only. No category-wise breakup has been published yet. Actual vacancies may vary slightly as per DoPT reporting.
Who Is Eligible for SSC SSA/UDC LDCE 2026?
1. Educational & Service Qualification
- Must be a regularly appointed Lower Division Clerk (LDC) / Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) in the Central Secretariat Clerical Service (CSCS) Cadre.
- Minimum 5 years approved and continuous service in LDC grade as on 01 August 2025 (relaxed to 4 years in specific cases where appointment was through competitive examination).
- Must have passed the typewriting test held by UPSC/SSC for confirmation in the LDC grade or possess a valid exemption order.
2. Age Limit (as on crucial date)
No upper age limit is explicitly prescribed for this departmental LDCE in the available notification details. Candidates should verify the exact clause from the official PDF.
Examples:
- ✅ A 42-year-old serving LDC with 5+ years approved service and a valid typewriting exemption — eligible.
- ❌ A candidate with only 3 years of service in the LDC grade as on 01.08.2025 — not eligible.
Use our Age Eligibility Calculator to cross-check your service length against the crucial date.
3. Additional Eligibility
- Must be in the CSCS Cadre of DoPT (specific participating service only).
- Candidates on deputation to ex-cadre posts with proper approval and lien retention may be eligible — check the exact conditions in the notification.
4. Reservation & PwBD Suitability
Reservation and PwBD provisions apply as per the Government of India rules for departmental examinations. Exact applicability will be as per DoPT guidelines.
What Is the Salary? – Pay Scale & Benefits – SSC SSA/UDC LDCE 2026
Simplified Monthly Salary Slip (Indicative In-Hand) – Level-4
| Component | Estimated Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹25,500 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) – ~55% | ₹14,025 |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) – 30% (Delhi X-class) | ₹7,650 |
| Transport Allowance + DA thereon | ₹3,600+ |
| Gross Salary | ₹50,775+ |
| Less: NPS Contribution (10%) | -₹5,078 |
| Less: Other Deductions (CGHS, etc.) | -₹1,000 (approx.) |
| Net Salary / In-Hand (Starting) | ₹44,700 (approx.) |
Figures are indicative based on current 7th CPC rates (DA ~55% as of 2026) for Delhi posting. Actual in-hand varies with HRA city classification, tax slab, and other allowances.
Calculate your exact take-home using our 7th CPC Salary Calculator.
Detailed Pay Scale Table
| Post Name | Pay Level | Basic Pay | Approx. In-Hand (Delhi) | Approx. In-Hand (Other Cities) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSA / UDC Grade | Level-4 | ₹25,500–₹81,100 | ₹44,000–₹52,000/month | ₹40,000–₹48,000/month |
Additional Benefits
- Pension: National Pension System (NPS) – Tier-I & Tier-II
- Medical: CGHS / CS(MA) rules
- Leave: Earned Leave, Half Pay Leave, Casual Leave as per CCS rules
- Housing: HRA or government accommodation as per entitlement
- Other: Transport Allowance, Children Education Allowance, LTC, etc.
How Are Candidates Selected? – SSC SSA/UDC LDCE 2026
Stages Overview
- Computer-Based Examination (Part I) – 200 marks (Objective, 3 hours)
- Evaluation of Service Records / APARs (Part-II) – 100 marks (only for Part-I qualifiers)
- Final Merit List – Aggregate of Part-I + Part-II (total 300 marks)
Selection Stages Table
| Stage | Examination Type | Marks | Shortlisting Rule | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part-I | Computer-Based Examination (Comprehension & General English, Parliamentary Procedure, General Knowledge, Noting & Drafting) | 200 | Top candidates shortlisted for Part-II | Negative marking 0.25 per wrong answer. Bilingual (except General English) |
| Part-II | Evaluation of APARs / Service Records | 100 | Only Part-I qualifiers | Based on the last 5 years of APAR grading |
| Final | Aggregate Merit | 300 | The highest aggregate gets selected | Tie-breaking rules as per the notification |
Tie-breaking Rules: Overall marks in CBE → Marks in Comprehension & General English → Parliamentary Procedure → General Knowledge → Date of birth (older higher) → Alphabetical order.
What Documents Are Required? – SSC SSA/UDC LDCE 2026
At the time of the online application
- Live photograph and scanned signature
- Service Book first page and service particulars
- Typewriting test pass certificate or exemption order with number & date
- Disability certificate (if PwBD and scribe required)
- Physical limitation certificate for scribe (if applicable)
At Document Verification / Joining
- All original service documents and APARs
- Hard copy of the application forwarded through the proper channel
- Self-attested photocopies of all uploaded documents
⚠️ Document Alert Specific to This Recruitment: Hard copy must be sent through the Head of Department / Head of Office. Direct submission or private courier without a proper channel will result in rejection. Keep the exemption order number and date ready for the typewriting test clause.
What Happens After Selection? – SSC SSA/UDC LDCE 2026
- Candidates who clear the Computer-Based Examination and have their APARs evaluated are placed in the final select list based on aggregate marks.
- DoPT issues the promotion orders to the selected candidates for appointment to Senior Secretariat Assistant / Upper Division Clerk Grade.
- Selected candidates are posted in various ministries/departments under the Central Secretariat in Delhi.
- They undergo any prescribed induction or familiarisation if required by the cadre authorities.
- Pay is fixed at Level-4 of the 7th CPC with all admissible allowances from the date of joining the promoted post.
- Successful candidates become eligible for further departmental examinations (e.g., Assistant Section Officer LDCE) after completing the required service in the new grade.
Contact & Helpline – SSC SSA/UDC LDCE 2026
Contact details are mentioned in the official notification. Candidates should refer to the PDF or visit the SSC regional office website (Northern Region) for helpline numbers and email IDs related to this departmental examination.
Important Links – SSC SSA/UDC LDCE 2026
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | Staff Selection Commission |
| Apply Online | Apply for SSC SSA/UDC LDCE 2026 (25 June – 16 July 2026) |
| Notification PDF | Download SSC SSA/UDC LDCE Notification 2026 PDF |
| Result / Merit List | Check SSC Results |
FAQs – SSC Senior Secretariat Assistant Recruitment 2026
Q1: What is the last date to apply for SSC SSA/UDC LDCE 2026?
A: 16 July 2026 (up to 23:00 hours) for online application. Hard copy through the proper channel must reach by 23 July 2026.
Q2: What is the age limit for SSC SSA/UDC LDCE?
A: No upper age limit is explicitly mentioned for this departmental examination. Service length of minimum 5 years in LDC grade as on 01.08.2025 is the key eligibility criterion.
Q3: Is there an exam for SSC SSA/UDC LDCE, or is it only APAR-based?
A: Yes — there is a Computer-Based Examination (200 marks) followed by APAR evaluation (100 marks). Final merit is the aggregate of both.
Q4: What is the salary of an SSC Senior Secretariat Assistant / UDC Grade?
A: Level-4 pay scale (₹25,500 – ₹81,100). Approximate in-hand salary in Delhi is ₹44,000–₹52,000 per month, including DA, HRA and allowances.
Q5: Can only serving LDC/JSA apply for this SSC LDCE?
A: Yes. This is a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination open only to eligible serving Lower Division Clerks / Junior Secretariat Assistants in the CSCS Cadre of DoPT.
Q6: Is SSC SSA/UDC a permanent government job?
A: Yes. Selection leads to promotion to a permanent Group C post in Level-4 with full government benefits and NPS pension.
Q7: Can candidates from other central services apply?
A: No. Only serving staff in the specified CSCS Cadre of DoPT are eligible.
Q8: Where will I be posted after selection?
A: In various ministries and departments under the Central Secretariat in Delhi.
Q9: What are the disadvantages of this departmental exam?
A: The honest downside is that the Computer-Based Examination is held only in Delhi-NCR. Candidates posted outside Delhi must travel for the exam. Hard copy submission through the proper channel is mandatory — any procedural lapse leads to rejection even after clearing the exam.
Q10: How important are APARs in final selection?
A: Very important. Part-II carries 100 marks based on the APAR grading of the last few years. Average or below-average APARs can significantly reduce your chances, even if you score well in the CBT.
Q11: Is there negative marking in the SSC SSA/UDC exam?
A: Yes. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in the Computer-Based Examination.
Q12: Can I apply if my typewriting test is pending?
A: No. You must have passed the typewriting test or possess a valid exemption order on or before the notification date.
Q13: What happens if I miss the hard copy deadline?
A: Your candidature will be cancelled. Online submission alone is not sufficient — a hard copy through the proper channel by the specified date is mandatory.
Final Checklist – Is This the Right Opportunity for You?
Use this quick checklist before you apply:
- You are a serving LDC/JSA in the CSCS Cadre of DoPT with a minimum of 5 years of approved service as on 01.08.2025.
- You have passed the typewriting test or possess a valid exemption order.
- Your APARs for the relevant period are good or above average.
- You are ready to appear for the Computer-Based Examination in Delhi-NCR in August 2026.
- You can arrange the hard copy submission through your Head of Department well before 23 July 2026.
📄 Source: Official notification released by the Staff Selection Commission on the SSC website in June 2026. All details sourced from the official notification PDF available at ssc.gov.in.
