DSSSB Recruitment 2026 – Legal Assistant, AE, JE & ASO Combined Examination

The DSSSB Recruitment 2026 notification has officially been released by the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) on 20th February 2026 under Advertisement No. 01/2026. This is one of the most awaited government job notifications from the NCT of Delhi in 2026, offering a combined total of 911 vacancies across four major post categories — Legal Assistant (Post Code 801/26), Assistant Engineer Civil (Post Code 802/26), Junior Engineer Civil (Post Code 803/26), and Grade-II (GNCTDSS) / Assistant Section Officer (Post Code 804/26). These posts are spread across multiple prestigious departments including Delhi Jal Board, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, New Delhi Municipal Council, Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board, Delhi Transport Corporation, and the Services Department of GNCTD.

If you are a law graduate, civil engineer, diploma holder in civil engineering, or a graduate looking for a stable government career in Delhi, this recruitment is tailor-made for you. Government jobs under DSSSB are highly sought after because they offer exceptional job security, 7th Pay Commission-based salary structures, health benefits, pension under NPS, and long-term career growth within the Government of NCT of Delhi framework.

The application window is open from 24th February 2026 (12:00 Noon) to 25th March 2026 (11:59 PM). With 911 vacancies available across diverse departments, competition is expected to be very intense — especially for the Grade-II/ASO and JE (Civil) posts, which have the highest vacancy counts. Candidates must read the full notification carefully before applying, as eligibility criteria vary department-by-department even within the same post code.

Recruitment Overview – DSSSB Advertisement No. 01/2026

DSSSB is one of India’s most credible and well-established state-level recruitment bodies, functioning under the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi. Established to conduct fair and transparent recruitment for various Delhi government departments, DSSSB has a strong track record of conducting Computer Based Tests (CBT) with robust normalization mechanisms. Candidates selected through DSSSB are placed in departments that serve millions of Delhi residents every day, making these roles both professionally rewarding and socially significant.

Important Dates – DSSSB Recruitment 2026

Application Fee – DSSSB 2026

The application fee of ₹100 is applicable only for General and OBC male candidates. All female candidates, SC/ST, PwBD, and eligible Ex-Servicemen are completely exempted. Payment must be made exclusively through SBI e-Pay — no other payment mode (UPI, net banking via other banks, demand draft, cash) will be accepted, and any payment made through unauthorized modes will be forfeited without refund. Application fees once paid are non-refundable under any circumstances.

Common mistake to avoid: Many candidates confuse SBI e-Pay with general UPI or NEFT transfers. SBI e-Pay is an integrated gateway within the DSSSB portal itself — you do not need to separately transfer money. Simply proceed to the payment step within the online application and use the built-in gateway. Attempting to pay via other channels will result in fee forfeiture.

*Note: Ex-Servicemen who have already secured Central/Delhi Government employment under ESM reservation quota are NOT eligible for fee exemption.

Age Limit – DSSSB Recruitment 2026

Age is calculated as on the closing date of application, i.e., 25th March 2026. To calculate your age correctly, subtract your date of birth from 25/03/2026. For example, if you were born on 26th March 1996, you would be exactly 30 years old as on the cut-off date — which means you do not meet the “not exceeding 30 years” criterion for most posts. OBC relaxation is applicable only for OBC (Delhi) candidates; candidates with OBC certificates from outside Delhi will be treated as unreserved (UR) category.

Eligibility Criteria – DSSSB 2026 Vacancy

The most common eligibility mistake made by candidates is applying for a post without carefully reading the department-specific requirements. For instance, under the same Post Code 801/26 (Legal Assistant), different departments have different experience requirements ranging from 1 year to 3 years. A candidate eligible for DTC’s Legal Assistant post may not be eligible for DUSIB’s Legal Assistant post. Similarly, for JE (Civil) under Delhi Jal Board, diploma holders are eligible — but only if they have 2 years of relevant work experience; a fresh diploma holder cannot apply.

Are final year students eligible? No. The eligibility — including educational qualification — is determined as on the closing date of application (25th March 2026). Candidates who are still in their final year or awaiting results are not eligible to apply. Only those who have already been awarded the relevant degree/diploma by the cut-off date may apply.

DSSSB 2026 Vacancy Details – Category-wise Breakup

The Grade-II (GNCTDSS) / Assistant Section Officer category dominates the vacancy list with 587 seats — nearly 64% of all available posts. The unreserved (General) category holds the maximum seats across all posts, but OBC (Delhi) candidates also have a strong representation with 220 vacancies. The Junior Engineer (Civil) category is the second largest with 281 vacancies, making it an excellent opportunity for civil engineering diploma and degree holders. The Legal Assistant vacancies are limited to just 10, which means the competition ratio for those posts will be extremely high — potentially hundreds of qualified applicants per seat. Candidates with multiple post eligibilities are advised to carefully prioritize their preferences during the e-dossier calling stage.

DSSSB Selection Process 2026

DSSSB will conduct separate combined examinations for each post code. The selection process varies by post type:

For Legal Assistant (Post Code 801/26) — Two Tier (Technical-II)

The selection involves a Tier-I Examination (qualifying in nature, 200 marks, 2 hours) followed by a Tier-II Examination (300 marks, 3 hours). Tier-I shortlists candidates for Tier-II, and the final merit list is based entirely on Tier-II marks. Both tiers consist of objective MCQ-based questions.

Expert tip: Since Tier-I is only qualifying, focus on clearing the mandatory domain-specific minimum marks in Section-B (Legal subject) while ensuring your total combined score is strong enough for shortlisting.

For AE (Civil) & JE (Civil) (Post Codes 802/26 & 803/26) — One Tier Technical

These posts have a single-tier computer-based examination. Section-A covers general subjects (100 marks) and Section-B covers Civil Engineering domain questions at 2 marks each (200 marks), totalling 300 marks. The mandatory minimum qualifying marks apply only to Section-B, but the final merit is based on the combined marks of both sections.

Expert tip: Invest most of your preparation time in Civil Engineering core subjects since Section-B carries double the weightage. Previous year DSSSB engineering papers are the best resource for understanding the difficulty level.

For Grade-II (GNCTDSS) / ASO (Post Code 804/26) — Two Tier (General)

Tier-I (200 marks, 2 hours) is qualifying in nature and covers 5 general subjects. Tier-II consists of Part-I (MCQ, 200 marks) and Part-II (Descriptive, 100 marks — Essay, Letter/Application, and Précis writing in English). Final selection is based on combined marks of Part-I and Part-II of Tier-II.

Expert tip: The descriptive section in Tier-II is often the game-changer for Grade-II/ASO. Practice essay writing and précis writing regularly — candidates who neglect this section despite scoring well in MCQs often miss the cut-off.

Document Verification

Shortlisted candidates are required to submit online e-dossiers with scanned copies of all relevant documents. The user departments conduct document verification as per their Recruitment Rules. Any discrepancy found leads to immediate cancellation of candidature without notice.

Expert tip: Keep all original certificates — educational, caste, experience, age proof — organized and readily scannable from Day 1. Failing to upload the e-dossier within the given window means your candidature is cancelled permanently.

With 911 vacancies across multiple departments, DSSSB 2026 is a golden opportunity for eligible candidates. Each stage of the process requires consistent preparation and accuracy. The journey demands patience and focus — stay the course, prepare systematically, and your effort will yield results.

DSSSB 2026 Exam Pattern & Syllabus

Exam Pattern – Legal Assistant (Post Code 801/26) — Two Tier Technical-II

Exam Pattern – AE (Civil) & JE (Civil) (Post Codes 802/26 & 803/26) — One Tier Technical

Exam Pattern – Grade-II / ASO (Post Code 804/26) — Two Tier General

Syllabus Details (as per Official Notification)

Section-A / General Subjects (All Posts)

• General Awareness: Current affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Science, Economy, Awards, Sports, Books and Authors, Delhi-specific GK
• General Intelligence & Reasoning: Analogies, Similarities, Differences, Spatial Visualization, Problem Solving, Analysis, Judgment, Decision Making, Visual Memory, Discriminating Observation, Relationship Concepts, Arithmetical Reasoning, Verbal and Figure Classification, Coding-Decoding
• Arithmetical & Numerical Ability: Number Systems, Computation of Whole Numbers, Decimals, Fractions, Relationship between Numbers, Fundamental Arithmetical Operations, Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Averages, Interest, Profit & Loss, Discount, Mensuration, Time & Distance, Time & Work
• Test of Hindi Language: Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Sentence Structure
• Test of English Language: Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Sentence Correction, Synonyms/Antonyms

Section-B / Domain Subject – Legal Assistant

• Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, Law of Contract, Law of Torts
• Criminal Law (IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act), Civil Procedure Code
• Property Law, Transfer of Property Act, Specific Relief Act
• Environmental Law, Labour Laws, Consumer Protection Law
• Legal Reasoning and Application, Interpretation of Statutes

Section-B / Domain Subject – Civil Engineering (AE & JE)

• Building Materials, Construction Technology and Management
• Structural Engineering: RCC Design, Steel Structures, Theory of Structures
• Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering
• Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics, Hydrology, Water Supply Engineering
• Sanitary Engineering, Environmental Engineering
• Transportation Engineering: Highway, Railway, Airport Design
• Surveying and Levelling, Estimation and Costing

Computer Proficiency – Grade-II / ASO (Tier-II Part-I)

• MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet & Email Usage
• Basic Operating System Concepts, Data Entry and Processing
• Fundamentals of Computers, Networking Basics

Preparation Tips for DSSSB 2026 Exam

• For Legal Assistant: Revise bare acts thoroughly — especially IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act, and CPC. Focus on landmark Supreme Court judgments and their legal principles.
• For AE/JE Civil: GATE Civil Engineering previous year papers are an excellent resource. DSSSB’s Section-B emphasizes application of concepts, not just theory.
• For Grade-II/ASO: Invest significant time in descriptive writing. Practice précis writing daily — the ability to summarize in fewer words is a skill that needs consistent effort.
• Attempt DSSSB mock tests available on the official portal. The mock tests also familiarize you with the CBT interface and exam navigation.
• For all posts, General Awareness changes rapidly — read a quality newspaper and monthly current affairs digest regularly.

Salary & Pay Scale – DSSSB Recruitment 2026

The gross salary figures above are approximate and will vary based on your posting location, HRA entitlement (X, Y, or Z city category), and applicable Dearness Allowance (DA) at the time of joining. In-hand salary after standard deductions (NPS contribution, CGHS, professional tax) is typically 15–20% lower than the gross CTC. For example, a Level-7 employee with a basic pay of ₹44,900 at X-city HRA (27%) and current DA rates can expect a gross monthly salary of approximately ₹62,000–₹68,000 and a net in-hand of approximately ₹50,000–₹57,000.

Career progression for Group B posts typically involves promotion to the next pay level after completing the prescribed service period and clearing departmental exams where applicable. Compared to similar state government posts or PSU positions at the same qualification level, DSSSB posts offer superior job security, annual increments, and pensionary benefits under NPS — making them highly valuable long-term career options.

How to Apply Online – DSSSB 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

1. Register on DSSSB OARS Portal: Visit the official DSSSB recruitment portal and click on “New Registration” if you are a first-time user. Registration is a one-time activity — your user ID and password remain valid for all future DSSSB exams. Existing registered users can directly log in.
2. Complete Registration Details: Fill in your personal details including name, father’s name, gender, date of birth, and contact information carefully. These details cannot be changed once submitted. Verify your mobile number and email ID via OTP.
3. Log In and Fill Application Form: After registration, log in and navigate to the active post advertisement (Advertisement No. 01/2026). Select the post code you wish to apply for and fill in all required details.
4. Upload Photo and Signature: Upload a recent clear colour passport-size photograph (plain white/off-white background, full face, front view, eyes open) and your signature in the specified format and file size. Blurry or non-compliant photos lead to application rejection.
5. Pay Application Fee: General and OBC male candidates must pay ₹100 through the SBI e-Pay gateway integrated within the portal. Exempt category candidates proceed without payment.
6. Submit and Download Confirmation: Review all entries carefully before clicking the final submit button. Once submitted, no changes are allowed. Download and print the confirmation page and keep it safely for future reference.

Important Instructions for Candidates

Expert Tips to Crack DSSSB Recruitment 2026

1. Apply in the Very First Week

Government recruitment portals consistently experience heavy load in the final 2–3 days before closing. Apply within the first 7 days to avoid technical glitches, unexpected errors, or payment failures. It also gives you time to verify your confirmation slip and re-apply if something goes wrong — a luxury you lose near the deadline.

2. Read the Full Notification Before Applying

This DSSSB notification has department-specific eligibility variations even within the same post code. Skimming the notification is dangerous. Read every line applicable to your target post and department. Pay special attention to the experience requirements, age limits, PwBD suitability, and OBC (Delhi) vs. OBC (Outside Delhi) distinctions.

3. Organize All Documents in Advance

Maintain a dedicated folder (digital and physical) with all required documents: educational certificates, experience letters, category certificates, identity proof, photographs. For e-dossier submission (called after exam results), having pre-organized, properly scanned documents can save crucial time and prevent last-minute errors.

4. Start Exam Preparation Immediately

The exam date is yet to be announced, but history shows that DSSSB exams are typically scheduled 4–8 months after the application closing date. That gives you sufficient time for structured preparation. Create a study schedule from Day 1 — divide time between General Subjects (Section-A) and your domain subject (Section-B). The domain subject carries more marks and has mandatory qualifying criteria, so it deserves the most attention.

5. Avoid Common Rejection Reasons

The most common reasons for candidature cancellation in DSSSB are: mismatch between certificate details and application form, non-compliance with photo/signature specifications, submission of invalid OBC certificates, and failure to upload e-dossiers on time. A small administrative error can undo months of exam preparation — be meticulous at every step.

6. Be Cautious About Negative Marking

DSSSB has negative marking: 0.25 marks deducted per wrong 1-mark MCQ, and 0.50 marks deducted per wrong 2-mark MCQ. This significantly impacts strategy. Do not blindly guess — attempt questions only when you can eliminate at least 2 wrong options. A score built on accuracy beats one built on volume every time in competitive government exams.

Frequently Asked Questions – DSSSB Recruitment 2026

1. How many total vacancies are available in DSSSB Recruitment 2026?

There are a total of 911 vacancies (tentative) across four post categories: Legal Assistant (10), Assistant Engineer Civil (33), Junior Engineer Civil (281), and Grade-II/ASO (587). These are spread across multiple departments of the Government of NCT of Delhi.

2. Who can apply for DSSSB 2026 – what are the educational qualifications?

Qualifications vary by post: Legal Assistant requires a Law degree with relevant experience; AE (Civil) requires a Civil Engineering degree; JE (Civil) requires a Civil Engineering degree or diploma with experience; and Grade-II/ASO requires a Bachelor’s degree from any recognized university. Check the section-wise eligibility table for department-specific details.

3. What is the age limit for the General category?

The upper age limit for most posts is 30 years for the General/UR category. However, for DTC’s Legal Assistant post it is 35 years, for DAMB’s AE (Civil) it is 32 years, and for NDMC’s JE (Civil) it is 32 years. The minimum age is 18 years for most posts and 21 years for Grade-II/ASO (Services Dept).

4. What is the application fee for OBC/General candidates?

The application fee is ₹100/- for General and OBC (Delhi) male candidates. All female candidates, SC, ST, PwBD, and eligible Ex-Servicemen are completely exempted from the fee.

5. What is the last date to apply online for DSSSB 2026?

The last date to apply online is 25th March 2026 (11:59 PM). After this time, the application link will be disabled and no further applications will be accepted. It is strongly advised not to wait till the last day.

6. How many stages are there in the DSSSB 2026 selection process?

AE and JE (Civil) posts have a One-Tier (single exam) selection process. Legal Assistant and Grade-II/ASO posts have a Two-Tier process (Tier-I qualifying + Tier-II for merit). All posts are followed by e-dossier submission and document verification by the user department.

7. What is the expected in-hand salary after joining?

For Level-6 posts (JE Civil, Legal Asst.), the approximate in-hand salary is ₹38,000–₹48,000 per month after standard deductions. For Level-7 posts (AE Civil, ASO, Legal Asst. DUSIB), it is approximately ₹50,000–₹58,000 per month. Exact figures depend on HRA city category and DA rate at the time of joining.

8. Is there negative marking in the DSSSB exam?

Yes. 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer in 1-mark MCQ questions, and 0.50 marks are deducted for each wrong answer in 2-mark MCQ questions. There is no negative marking for unattempted questions.

9. Can final year students apply for DSSSB Recruitment 2026?

No. Educational qualifications and all other eligibility criteria are determined as on the closing date of application (25th March 2026). Candidates who have not completed their degree/diploma by that date are not eligible to apply.

10. What documents are needed for verification after selection?

Documents required typically include: original educational certificates (degree/diploma, marksheets), category certificate (OBC/SC/ST/EWS), date of birth proof (Class X certificate), experience letters (where applicable), identity proof, and recent passport-size photographs. Candidates should also have OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) certificates valid for FY 2025-26.

11. Is there age relaxation for PwBD candidates?

Yes. PwBD candidates receive 10 years of age relaxation in the upper limit (General/EWS), 13 years for PwBD+OBC, and 15 years for PwBD+SC/ST. This relaxation applies irrespective of whether the post is reserved or unreserved, provided the post is identified as suitable for the relevant disability category.

12. Where can I check the admit card and result for DSSSB 2026?

Admit cards and results will be published on the official DSSSB websites. Candidates should regularly check for updates and also ensure their registered email ID and mobile number are active, as the Board sends notifications through these channels as well.