SSC Senior Secretariat Assistant / Upper Division Clerk Grade LDCE 2025 Notification 2026: Apply Online, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Salary, Last Date

SSC Senior Secretariat Assistant Recruitment 2026

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) / Upper Division Clerk (UDC) Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) 2025 Notification for employees of the Central Secretariat Clerical Service (CSCS), Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT). The examination will be conducted in August 2026 for filling 65 tentative vacancies in Pay Level-4 (₹25,500–₹81,100). Eligible departmental candidates can submit their online applications from 25 June 2026 to 16 July 2026.


SSC SSA Recruitment 2026 Overview

ParticularDetails
OrganizationStaff Selection Commission (SSC)
DepartmentDepartment of Personnel & Training (DoPT)
Examination NameSenior Secretariat Assistant / Upper Division Clerk Grade LDCE 2025
ServiceCentral Secretariat Clerical Service (CSCS)
Post NameSenior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) / Upper Division Clerk (UDC)
Total Vacancies65 (Tentative)
Job TypeCentral Government
Pay LevelLevel-4
Salary₹25,500 – ₹81,100
Mode of ApplicationOnline
Exam ModeComputer Based Examination
Exam LocationDelhi-NCR Only
Official Websitehttps://ssc.gov.in

Important Dates

EventDate
Notification Release25 June 2026
Online Application Starts25 June 2026
Last Date to Apply Online16 July 2026 (11:00 PM)
Last Date for Forwarding Hard Copy23 July 2026
Last Date (Andaman, Lakshadweep & Abroad)30 July 2026
Computer Based ExaminationAugust 2026 (Tentative)

SSC SSA Recruitment 2026 Vacancy

PostVacancies
Senior Secretariat Assistant / Upper Division Clerk65 (Tentative)

Category-wise vacancies will be notified separately.


Salary

Selected candidates will receive salary under Pay Level-4 of the 7th CPC.

Pay LevelSalary
Level-4₹25,500 – ₹81,100

Apart from basic pay, candidates will receive applicable Central Government allowances such as:

  • Dearness Allowance (DA)
  • House Rent Allowance (HRA)
  • Transport Allowance (TA)
  • Medical Benefits
  • Leave Benefits
  • Pension & Other Government Benefits

SSC Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must satisfy the following eligibility conditions to apply for the Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) / Upper Division Clerk (UDC) Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) 2025.

Educational Qualification

There is no separate educational qualification prescribed in this notification. This is a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) meant only for eligible departmental employees.

Service Eligibility

Applicants must fulfill all of the following conditions:

  • Must be a regularly appointed Lower Division Clerk (LDC) in the Central Secretariat Clerical Service (CSCS), Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT).
  • Must have completed at least 5 years of approved and continuous service in the Lower Division Grade as on 01 August 2025.
  • Candidates appointed as LDCs through Competitive Examination or Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) are eligible if:
    • The result of their recruitment examination was declared at least five years before 01 August 2025, and
    • They have rendered not less than four years of approved and continuous service in the Lower Division Grade.
  • LDCs serving on approved deputation to an ex-cadre post are also eligible, provided they retain a lien in the Lower Division Grade.
  • Candidates who have been permanently transferred to another service or cadre and do not retain a lien in the Lower Division Grade are not eligible.

Typewriting Test Requirement

Candidates must have passed the prescribed Typewriting Test conducted by UPSC or SSC, unless they have been officially exempted from passing the test for confirmation in the Lower Division Grade. The test must have been passed on or before the date of issue of the notification.

Crucial Date

The crucial date for determining eligibility and length of service is:

01 August 2025.

Important Note

This recruitment is not open to the general public. Only eligible departmental Lower Division Clerks (LDCs) of the Central Secretariat Clerical Service (CSCS), DoPT can apply. The minimum requirement is five years of regular service in the LDC grade, as specified in the official notification.

Age Limit

The notification does not prescribe any separate age limit. Eligibility is based on departmental service conditions and qualifying service as specified in the notification.


SSC Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) Recruitment 2026 Selection Process

The selection for Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) / Upper Division Clerk (UDC) is conducted through a two-stage process. Final selection is based on the combined performance in the Computer Based Examination and the evaluation of service records.

Stage 1: Computer Based Examination (CBE) – 200 Marks

Candidates must first appear for an online objective examination.

SubjectQuestionsMarks
Comprehension & General English5050
Parliamentary Procedure5050
General Knowledge5050
Noting & Drafting5050
Total200200

Key Highlights:

  • Objective Type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
  • Total Duration: 3 Hours
  • 4 Hours for eligible PwBD candidates using a scribe
  • Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for every incorrect answer.

Stage 2: Evaluation of Service Record (APAR) – 100 Marks

Candidates who qualify in the Computer Based Examination will be shortlisted for the evaluation of their Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs).

  • Total Marks: 100
  • APARs are evaluated by the Commission.
  • Once APAR evaluation is completed, no request for revision or change in grading will be accepted.

Final Merit List

The final merit list is prepared by combining:

  • Computer Based Examination (200 Marks)
  • APAR Evaluation (100 Marks)

Total Marks for Final Merit: 300 Marks

Candidates are selected strictly on the basis of their aggregate marks, subject to eligibility, reservation rules, and available vacancies.


Tie-Breaking Criteria

If two or more candidates secure the same aggregate marks, the tie will be resolved in the following order:

  1. Higher marks in the Computer Based Examination (CBE)
  2. Higher marks in Comprehension & General English
  3. Higher marks in Parliamentary Procedure
  4. Higher marks in General Knowledge
  5. Older candidate (earlier date of birth)
  6. Alphabetical order of the candidate’s name.

Selection Process Summary

  • ✅ Computer Based Examination (200 Marks)
  • ✅ APAR/Service Record Evaluation (100 Marks)
  • ✅ Final Merit Based on 300 Marks
  • ✅ Document Verification and eligibility confirmation before final appointment.

SSC SSA 2026 Syllabus

General English

  • Grammar
  • Vocabulary
  • Sentence Improvement
  • Comprehension
  • English Usage

Parliamentary Procedure

  • Sessions of Parliament
  • Parliamentary Questions
  • Parliamentary Practices

General Knowledge

  • Current Affairs
  • Indian History
  • Geography
  • Constitution
  • Economy
  • Science
  • Everyday General Awareness

Noting & Drafting

Questions from latest CSMOP covering:

  • Official Noting
  • Official Drafting
  • Government Communication
  • File Procedure

Documents Required

Candidates should upload:

  • Service Book (First Page)
  • Service Particular Certificate
  • Disability Certificate (if applicable)
  • Live Photograph
  • Signature
  • Other prescribed departmental documents

After online submission, candidates must send the printed application through their Head of Department/Office to SSC Northern Region before the prescribed deadline.


How to Apply Online for SSC Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) Recruitment 2026

Eligible departmental candidates can submit their application through the official SSC portal.

Apply Online

Official SSC Application Portal:
Apply Online – SSC Portal

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Visit the official SSC website.
  2. Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) if you have not already registered on the new SSC portal.
  3. Log in using your registration number and Password.
  4. Under the Live Exam section, select Senior Secretariat Assistant / Upper Division Clerk Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2025 (CSCS, DoPT).
  5. Fill in all required service and personal details carefully.
  6. Upload:
    • Live photograph
    • Scanned signature
    • Service Book (first page)
    • Service Certificate
    • Disability certificate (if applicable)
  7. Preview the application and submit it online.
  8. Download and print the submitted application form.
  9. Get the printed application verified and forwarded by your Head of Department/Head of Office.
  10. Send the verified application with the required documents to:

The Regional Director
Staff Selection Commission (Northern Region)
Block No. 12, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road,
New Delhi – 110003.


Examination Centre

The Computer Based Examination will be conducted only in Delhi-NCR. No request for change of examination centre will be entertained.


Reservation

Reservation for:

  • Scheduled Castes (SC)
  • Scheduled Tribes (ST)
  • Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)

will be applicable as per Government of India rules and vacancy position communicated by the Cadre Controlling Authority.


Important Instructions

  • Only one application is permitted.
  • Aadhaar-based authentication is recommended.
  • Live photograph is mandatory.
  • Applications with incorrect photographs or signatures may be rejected.
  • Hard copy must be forwarded through the proper departmental channel.
  • Admit Cards will be available online only.
  • No TA/DA will be provided for appearing in the examination.

Why This Recruitment is Important

The SSC Senior Secretariat Assistant LDCE offers an excellent promotional opportunity for eligible Lower Division Clerks working in the Central Secretariat. With Pay Level-4 salary, secure Central Government service, career advancement, and transparent selection through Computer Based Examination and APAR evaluation, this departmental examination is one of the most important promotional exams conducted by SSC every year.


Important Links

ParticularLink
Apply Onlinehttps://ssc.gov.in
Official NotificationClick Here
Official Websitehttps://ssc.gov.in

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