Introduction + Quick Snapshot

Candidates waiting for SSC Senior Secretariat Assistant/Upper Division Clerk Limited Departmental Competitive Examination 2026 notification can now check complete details. The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) will conduct this LDCE to fill approximately 995 vacancies in 10 participating services/cadres including Central Passport Organisation, Armed Forces Headquarters, Railway Board Secretariat, and others. Only regular Junior Secretariat Assistant/Lower Division Clerk employees of these specific cadres with prescribed service length (3 to 6 years as per cadre) are eligible. The computer based exam is scheduled for July–August 2026 in Delhi NCR.

Based on official notification by Staff Selection Commission. Verified: June 2026.

Quick Eligibility Check

Expert note: The “crucial date” for counting service varies by cadre – check your cadre’s specific date (01.01.2025 or 01.07.2025) from the notification. For most cadres minimum 5 years service is required; Central Passport Organisation requires 6 years.

Important Dates

Vacancy and Category Analysis

Category insight: The highest number of vacancies (420) is under Armed Forces Headquarters Clerical Service, followed by Central Administrative Tribunal (242). UR category dominates with 684 seats out of 995 (approx 68.7%). SC candidates have 200 seats, ST have 114 seats. PwBD reservations are limited – only 15 seats across cadres, with specific disability categories (VH, HH, OH, B/LV) mentioned for some cadres.

With 995 total vacancies and expected applicants around 4,500–5,500 (based on similar departmental exams of SSC), the selection ratio stands at roughly 1 in 4.5 to 1 in 5.5. SC/ST candidates face relatively lower competition due to reservation benefits and relaxed standards clause in the notification (Para 33).

Salary and In-Hand Calculation

Post: Senior Secretariat Assistant / UDC Grade – Pay Level-4 (7th CPC: ₹25,500 – ₹81,100)

Deductions: NPS (10% of Basic+DA ≈ ₹3,902), CGHS (₹300-600), Professional Tax (₹200), CGEIS (if opted).
Approximate in-hand salary (Class X city): ₹38,500 – ₹42,000 per month after all standard deductions.

Compared to similar UDC posts in Central Secretariat Service which often have identical pay level, this post offers similar take-home pay, though posting location heavily influences HRA. Candidates posted in X-class cities receive ₹2,295 more per month than Y-class cities (27% HRA vs 18% HRA) – an annual difference of ₹27,540.

Application Fee

No application fee is mentioned in the notification for departmental candidates. However, candidates should confirm through SSC Northern Region website if any nominal fee applies. Typically LDCE for departmental candidates is fee-exempt.

Age Limit

Age calculation example: For Dte General Defence Estates, upper age limit is 45 years on crucial date 01.01.2025. A candidate born 02.01.1980 would be 44 years on 01.01.2025 – eligible. For most cadres, only service length is prescribed, not a maximum age.

Eligibility Criteria

Common eligibility mistake: Assuming temporary service or ad-hoc tenure counts. Only “regular service” after substantive appointment counts. Final year degree candidates are not eligible unless degree is already awarded before crucial date.

Selection Process

Part-I: Computer Based Examination (Paper-I) – 200 marks

Objective multiple choice questions: General Awareness (100 questions) + English Language & Comprehension (100 questions). Duration 2 hours (2h40m for scribe-eligible). Negative marking: 0.25 per wrong answer.

Part-I: Written Examination (Paper-II) – 100 marks

Descriptive paper: Noting, Drafting & Office Procedure. Duration 2 hours. Qualifying nature (minimum marks may be fixed by SSC).

Part-II: Evaluation of Service Records (APAR) – 100 marks

Based on Annual Performance Assessment Reports. No re-evaluation allowed. Final merit = Paper-I + Paper-II + APAR marks.

Your first 7 days after applying: 1) Verify your APAR gradings of last 5 years. 2) Start reading Manual of Office Procedure (Railways/Sectt). 3) Practice objective English and GK daily. 4) Collect all forwarding documents as per Annexure-I para 11. 5) Confirm your Head of Dept forwards the hard copy before 03 July. 6) Check SSC NR website every Monday for admit card updates. 7) Prepare a notepad for descriptive answer structuring.

Exam Syllabus

Paper-I (CBE) – Objective Type

General Awareness Syllabus

• Current events, everyday observations, scientific aspect, India & neighbours – History, Culture, Geography, Economics, Politics, Scientific research.

English Language & Comprehension Syllabus

• Vocabulary, spelling, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms, sentence completion, phrases, idioms, passage comprehension (matriculation level).

Paper-II – Noting, Drafting & Office Procedure (Descriptive)

• Manual of Office Procedure (Secretariat/Railways), Rules of Procedure of Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha, MHA orders on Hindi for official purposes, Reservation policy for SC/ST.

How to Apply

1. Visit SSC official website https://ssc.gov.in and generate One Time Registration (OTR) if not already done on the new portal.
2. Login with Registration Number and password, go to “Live Exam” tab.
3. Click “Apply” for “Senior Secretariat Assistant/UDC Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2025”.
4. Fill personal, service, and cadre details – ensure joining date, length of service, and cadre name match your service book.
5. Capture live photograph (no pre-existing photo) as per instructions – plain background, no cap/spectacles.
6. Upload signature (JPEG, 10-20 KB, dimension ~6cm x 2cm).
7. Preview entire application, verify all documents are attached (service book page, particulars of service, qualification certificate, disability certificate if any).
8. Submit application, take printout, and get it forwarded by your Head of Department to SSC Northern Region, New Delhi – 110003 by 03 July 2026.

FAQ

What is approximate in-hand salary for SSC SSA/UDC LDCE 2026?

Approximately ₹38,000 to ₹42,000 per month after NPS, HRA (X city), DA, and other deductions. Basic pay starts at ₹25,500 (Level-4). Actual varies by city class and DA rate.

What is the last date to apply for SSC SSA/UDC LDCE 2026?

Online application closes 26 June 2026 (2300 hours). However, the printed copy forwarded by your Head of Department must reach SSC Northern Region by 03 July 2026. No extension.

How many total vacancies are notified?

Total 995 vacancies across 10 participating cadres. The highest share is Armed Forces Headquarters Clerical Service (420 vacancies).

What is the minimum educational qualification for this exam?

A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is required for most cadres (e.g., Central Passport Organisation). Some cadres specify only service length without degree, but confirm from cadre’s eligibility table.

What is the age limit and relaxation for departmental candidates?

No general age limit across cadres. However, specific cadres like Directorate General Defence Estates prescribe max 45 years. Relaxation: SC/ST +5 years, OBC +3 years where age limit exists.

Can a JSA on deputation to ex-cadre post apply?

Yes, if the deputation has approval of competent authority and the candidate continues to hold lien in the JSA grade of the parent cadre. Provide proof of approval.

Is there negative marking in the exam?

Yes, for Paper-I (Computer Based Examination): 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer. No negative marking in Paper-II (descriptive).

Which exam center cities are available for this LDCE?

Examination centers are only in Delhi NCR as per notification. No other cities or Indian missions abroad.