SSC ASO/Assistant Grade LDCE Recruitment 2025-2026: Apply Online for 341 Posts

📅 Posted: 25/06/2026 📝 Updated: 25/06/2026

Total Vacancy341

SalaryPay Level-7 (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400) [Approx. ₹65,000–₹75,000/Month]

LocationAll India

Last Date16/07/2026

Short Information: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the notification for the Assistant Section Officer (ASO) / Assistant Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) 2025, with a total of 341 vacancies — 318 in the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) under DoPT and 23 in the Ministry of External Affairs (Cadre Cell). This is an internal promotion-based exam, so only serving government employees in the Upper Division Clerk (UDC) / Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) grade are eligible to apply. The online application window is open from 25 June 2026 to 16 July 2026, with the exam scheduled tentatively in August 2026 in Delhi-NCR only.

The post of ASO falls under Pay Level-7 (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400) in the Group 'B' Non-Gazetted category — a significant pay jump from the UDC/SSA grade. The role places candidates in responsible desk officer positions across Central Government Secretariat services, with long-term career growth into the gazetted officer cadre. Candidates need a minimum of 6 years of approved service in the UDC/SSA grade as on 01 July 2025. The selection involves a Computer Based Examination (300 marks) covering service rules, parliamentary procedures, RTI Act, office procedures, and general awareness, followed by APAR (service record) evaluation worth 100 marks.

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📅 Dates & Fees 📦 Vacancy 💰 Salary 🎯 Selection 📝 Pattern 📏 Standards 📖 Syllabus ❓ FAQs 🔗 Important Links

SSC ASO Assistant Grade LDCE Online Form 2026 2026Important Dates

Notification Released	25/06/2026
Application Begin	25/06/2026
Last Date to Apply Online	16/07/2026 (2300 hours)
Last Date for HoD to Forward Printed Application	23/07/2026 (1800 hours)
Last Date for Candidates Abroad / A&N / Lakshadweep	30/07/2026 (1800 hours)
Computer Based Examination	August, 2026 (Tentative)

SSC ASO Assistant Grade LDCE Online Form 2026 2026Application Fee

All Candidates (Departmental Exam)

₹0

Payment: N/A (No Fee Applicable)

SSC ASO/Assistant Grade LDCE Recruitment 2025-2026: Apply Online for 341 PostsVacancy Details & Age Limit

Age Limit: As per service eligibility conditions (see eligibility section)

(Age relaxation as per Central Government rules for SC/ST/PwBD candidates)

Post Name	Total Post	Eligibility
Assistant Section Officer (ASO) — CSS, DoPT	318	Upper Division Clerk (UDC) / SSA of CSS with minimum 6 years approved service as on 01/07/2025.
Assistant Grade — Ministry of External Affairs (Cadre Cell)	23	Upper Division Clerk of MEA Cadre Cell with 6 years approved service & mandatory training completed as on 01/07/2025.
Total Vacancy	341

Recruitment Table: Category Wise Vacancy Details

Service/ Cadre	UR	SC	ST	Total
CSS, DoPT	189	71	58	318
MEA Cadre Cell	23	0	0	23
Total	212	71	58	341
Note:OBC vacancies not separately reported in the official notification. PwBD quota of 19 is within CSS DoPT vacancies.

Recruitment Table: PwBD Horizontal Reservation (CSS DoPT Only)

Category	Vacancy
VH (Visually Handicapped)	6
OH (Orthopedically Handicapped)	4
HH (Hearing Handicapped)	4
Others	5

SSC ASO Assistant Grade LDCE Online Form 2026Eligibility Criteria

Candidate must be a serving Central Government employee in the Upper Division Clerk (UDC) / Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) grade of CSS (DoPT) or MEA Cadre Cell.
Must have rendered not less than 6 years of approved service in the grade as on 01 July 2025.
For MEA Cadre Cell: Candidate must have additionally completed the mandatory training programme(s) prescribed by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Application must be forwarded through proper channel by the Head of Department / Head of Office.
Candidates who resign, quit service, or are transferred out of their cadre after applying will be ineligible.
Candidates on deputation to an ex-cadre post (with competent authority approval) and retaining lien on their parent grade are eligible.

SSC ASO Assistant Grade LDCE Online Form 2026Pay Scale / Salary Structure

Post Name	Salary Level
ASO / Assistant Grade	Pay Level-7 (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400) — Group 'B' Non-Gazetted

SSC ASO Assistant Grade LDCE Online Form 2026Selection Process Steps

Part-I: Computer Based Examination (CBE) — 300 Marks (Paper-I + Paper-II, 150 marks each)
Part-II: Evaluation of Record of Service (APAR) — 100 Marks
Final merit list prepared on aggregate of Part-I + Part-II scores
Separate merit lists prepared for CSS (DoPT) and MEA Cadre Cell

SSC ASO Assistant Grade LDCE Online Form 2026Detailed Exam Pattern

Recruitment Details: Exam Overview

Mode: Computer Based Examination (CBE).
Total Marks: 400 (300 CBE + 100 APAR Evaluation).
Papers: 2 (Paper-I and Paper-II), 150 marks each.
Duration: 3 Hours per paper (4 Hours for scribe-eligible candidates).
Question Type: Objective Type Multiple Choice only.
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer in both papers.
Exam Centre: Delhi-NCR only.
Medium: English or Hindi as opted in the application form.

Recruitment Table: Paper-I Syllabus Topics

Topic
General Awareness — flagship programmes and path-breaking initiatives of the Government
Constitutional provisions and their general application in Government of India
Parliamentary Procedures — Manual of Parliamentary Procedures in Government of India
Reading Comprehension in English / Hindi
Central Secretariat — Manual of Office Procedure
Allocation of Business Rules and Transaction of Business Rules
Noting & Drafting

Recruitment Table: Paper-II Syllabus Topics

Topic
Service Rules — Leave Rules, Conduct & CCA Rules, Pension and NPS Rules
Financial Rules — TA, LTC etc.
Legislations — RTI Act 2005, Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2013
Records Management
Precis Writing

Recruitment Details: Part-II: APAR Evaluation

100 marks allocated for evaluation of Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs).
Candidates must qualify Part-I (CBE) to be eligible for APAR evaluation.
No request for change in APAR grading will be entertained after evaluation.
Final rank = Part-I marks + Part-II APAR marks.

Recruitment Table: Tie-Breaking Rules (Resolution of Equal Marks)

Priority	Criterion
1st	Higher marks in Paper-I
2nd	Higher marks in Paper-II
3rd	Date of Birth — older candidate placed higher
4th	Alphabetical order of candidate names

SSC ASO Assistant Grade LDCE Online Form 2026Subject-wise Syllabus Topics

The examination covers two objective-type papers of 150 marks each, focused on government service rules, office procedures, parliamentary procedures, constitutional provisions, and general awareness. Both papers are of the same standard relevant to the Upper Division Clerk / Senior Secretariat Assistant grade.

📚 Paper-I Topics

General Awareness (Flagship Government Programmes)
Constitutional Provisions & Application in GoI
Parliamentary Procedures (Manual of Parliamentary Procedures)
Reading Comprehension (English / Hindi)
Central Secretariat Manual of Office Procedure
Allocation of Business Rules & Transaction of Business Rules
Noting & Drafting

📚 Paper-II Topics

Leave Rules, Conduct & CCA Rules
Pension Rules and NPS Rules
Financial Rules — TA, LTC
RTI Act, 2005
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013
Records Management
Precis Writing

SSC ASO Assistant Grade LDCE Online Form 2026How to Apply

Visit the official SSC website: https://ssc.gov.in.
Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) on the new SSC website if not already done. OTR from the old website (ssc.nic.in) is NOT valid.
Login using your Registration Number and password.
Click 'Apply' under 'ASO/Assistant Grade LDCE 2025' in the Live Exam section.
Fill in departmental details including cadre joining date and length of service.
Capture live photograph and upload scanned signature (JPEG, 10–20 KB, 6.0cm x 2.0cm).
Upload required documents: Service Book copy (first page, duly attested) and particulars of service attested by HoD/HoO.
PwBD candidates must upload the relevant disability certificate.
Submit the online application before 16/07/2026 (2300 hours).
Take a printout of the submitted application form.
The printed application with all documents must be forwarded by your Head of Department / Head of Office to SSC Northern Region, New Delhi, to reach by 23/07/2026 (1800 hours). Applications received without HoD forwarding will be rejected.

Recruitment Note: About Staff Selection Commission (SSC)

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is a Government of India organization established in 1975 under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). SSC conducts recruitment examinations for various Group B and Group C posts across Central Government Ministries, Departments, and Organizations. Its headquarters is located at CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi. SSC operates through multiple Regional and Sub-Regional offices across India and conducts some of the largest competitive examinations in the country, including CGL, CHSL, MTS, CPO, and Stenographer exams. The Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) for ASO/Assistant Grade is a promotion-oriented exam conducted by SSC for serving government employees, enabling eligible UDC/SSA-grade personnel to move into Group B Non-Gazetted posts within the Central Secretariat Service and Ministry of External Affairs.

Recruitment Note: Job Profile — Assistant Section Officer (ASO)

The Assistant Section Officer (ASO) is a Group B Non-Gazetted post that serves as the backbone of Central Secretariat administration. An ASO handles file movement, noting and drafting of official communications, preparation of office memoranda, demi-official letters, and replies to parliamentary questions. They assist Under Secretaries and Section Officers in day-to-day administrative work and coordinate with other departments for inter-ministerial correspondence. ASOs in the MEA Cadre Cell additionally handle diplomatic correspondence, visa processing support, and ministry-level coordination tasks. The role involves steady desk work in a structured government office environment with fixed working hours. Career progression from ASO typically leads to Section Officer (SO), then Under Secretary, and further up the IAS-linked hierarchy through promotions and departmental exams.

Recruitment Note: Benefits & Perks Beyond Salary

ASO/Assistant Grade employees receive a comprehensive Central Government benefits package: HRA (8–24% of basic pay depending on city), Dearness Allowance (DA) revised quarterly, Transport Allowance, Medical coverage under CGHS for self and dependents, Leave Travel Concession (LTC) every 4 years, National Pension System (NPS), 8 Casual Leaves + 20 Earned Leaves annually, Child Care Leave for women employees, Children's Education Allowance, Group Insurance under CGEGIS, and Leave Encashment on retirement. Government quarters may be allotted subject to availability in Delhi. The post also provides job security, incremental pay progression, and access to Central Government canteen facilities.

Recruitment Note: Important: Proper Channel Forwarding is Mandatory

This is a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination — only serving government employees can apply, and their applications MUST be forwarded by their Head of Department or Head of Office to SSC Northern Region. No application submitted directly by the candidate (without HoD endorsement) will be entertained. The HoD must certify the candidate's eligibility, service details, category, and forward the printed application with all attachments to reach SSC NR by 23/07/2026 (1800 hours). Candidates residing abroad or in A&N/Lakshadweep have an extended deadline of 30/07/2026.

SSC ASO Assistant Grade LDCE Online Form 2026Important Official Links

Apply Online Application Window: 25/06/2026 to 16/07/2026	Click Here ↗
Download Notification Advt No. 4/2/2026-CONF-5	Click Here ↗
Official Website	Click Here ↗
SSC Northern Region Admit Card & Exam City info published here	Click Here ↗

Disclaimer Information provided here is for quick reference. Verify all details on the official website before taking action.

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Quick Overview

🚀 Recruitment Overview

Quick Summary of the Notification

Organization	SSC
Post Name	ASO / Assistant Grade
Total Vacancy	341
Salary	Pay Level-7 (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400) [Approx. ₹65,000–₹75,000/Month]
Job Location	All India
Apply Mode	Online
Last Date	16/07/2026
Official Website	Visit Website ↗

💡 Expert Tip

This exam is tricky because there is negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer across both papers — many candidates lose crucial marks by attempting all 150 questions per paper. Focus on Paper-II specifically (Service Rules, Leave Rules, LTC, NPS Rules, RTI Act 2005) since most UDC-grade candidates neglect these areas. Your APAR ratings directly count for 100 marks in Part-II — if your recent APARs are 'Very Good' or 'Outstanding', that is a built-in advantage. Make sure your Head of Department forwards your printed application well before the 23 July 2026 deadline — applications not forwarded through proper channel are summarily rejected, regardless of how well you fill the online form.

Common Questions (FAQs)

Q.1 What is the in-hand salary for ASO / Assistant Grade post? ▼

Ans: The post is at Pay Level-7 (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400). At the entry basic pay of ₹44,900, adding Dearness Allowance (currently ~55%), HRA (depending on city), and Transport Allowance, the gross in-hand salary works out to approximately ₹65,000 to ₹75,000 per month in a metro city like Delhi — significantly higher than the UDC/SSA pay scale.

Q.2 What is the last date to apply online for SSC ASO LDCE 2025? ▼

Ans: The last date to submit the online application is 16 July 2026 up to 2300 hours. Additionally, the printed application with documents must be forwarded by the Head of Department to SSC Northern Region to reach by 23 July 2026 (1800 hours). For candidates abroad or in A&N Islands/Lakshadweep, the forwarding deadline is 30 July 2026.

Q.3 Is there any negative marking in the SSC ASO LDCE 2025 exam? ▼

Ans: Yes. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks (i.e., 25% of the marks allotted to that question) for each wrong answer in both Paper-I and Paper-II of the Computer Based Examination. Candidates should avoid guessing on uncertain questions to protect their score.

Q.4 What is the age limit for SSC ASO LDCE 2025? ▼

Ans: There is no specific upper age limit mentioned for this departmental exam. Eligibility is based on service length — candidates must have completed a minimum of 6 years of approved service in the UDC / Senior Secretariat Assistant grade as on 01 July 2025. The crucial date for counting approved service is 01/07/2025.

Q.5 How to download the SSC ASO LDCE 2025 Notification PDF? ▼

Ans: Visit the official SSC website at https://ssc.gov.in. The notification (Advt No. 4/2/2026-CONF-5) is available under the 'Latest News' or 'Examinations' section. Admit Cards and exam city information will be published on the SSC Northern Region website at https://sscnr.nic.in approximately 10 days before the exam.

Q.6 What is the educational qualification required for ASO / Assistant Grade? ▼

Ans: This is a limited departmental exam, so formal educational qualification is not the criterion. Candidates must be serving Upper Division Clerks (UDC) / Senior Secretariat Assistants (SSA) of CSS (DoPT) or MEA Cadre Cell with at least 6 years of approved service in the grade as on 01 July 2025. For MEA, completion of mandatory training programmes is also required.

Q.7 What is the selection process for SSC ASO LDCE 2025? ▼

Ans: Selection involves two parts: Part-I is a Computer Based Examination (CBE) with two objective-type papers of 150 marks each (total 300 marks) covering office procedures, service rules, general awareness, and parliamentary procedures, with 0.25 negative marking. Part-II is APAR evaluation worth 100 marks. Final merit is based on the combined score of 400 marks, with separate lists for CSS (DoPT) and MEA Cadre Cell.

Q.8 Who can apply for SSC ASO LDCE 2025 — is it open to all candidates? ▼

Ans: No. This is a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination exclusively for in-service government employees. Only those currently working as Upper Division Clerks (UDC) / Senior Secretariat Assistants (SSA) under CSS (DoPT) or MEA Cadre Cell, with at least 6 years of approved service as on 01/07/2025, are eligible. External / fresh candidates cannot apply.