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SSC JSA/LDC LDCE Departmental Exam 2025 Notification Out: Apply Online for 149 Posts

📅 Posted: 05/06/2026 📝 Updated: 06/06/2026
Total Vacancy149
SalaryPay Level-2 (₹19,900 - ₹63,200) [Approx. ₹28,000–₹35,000/Month incl. DA, HRA]
LocationAll India
Last Date26/06/2026

Short Information: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has announced the Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) / Lower Division Clerk (LDC) Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2025 for additions to the Select List across 12 Central Government Services and Cadres. A total of 149 vacancies are available across departments including Central Passport Organisation, Armed Forces Headquarters Clerical Service, Ministry of External Affairs, Railway Board, NTRO, RGI, MSME, and others.

This is NOT an open recruitment — it is exclusively for serving Central Government Group 'C' / Multi-Tasking Staff employees who are regular and have completed at least 3 years of service in Level-1 of the Pay Matrix (₹18,000–₹56,900) and hold a 12th Class pass certificate. The post on promotion carries Pay Level-2 (₹19,900–₹63,200), a significant step up from Level-1 — translating to a meaningful monthly salary increase of approximately ₹5,000–₹10,000 plus revised allowances.

The examination is scheduled tentatively for July–August 2026 and will be conducted in Delhi-NCR only. Online applications are open from 05 June 2026 to 26 June 2026 (2300 hours). The printed application must be forwarded by your Head of Department to SSC (Northern Region) by 03 July 2026 (1800 hours). Missing the HOD forwarding deadline means automatic rejection.

SSC JSA LDC LDCE Departmental Exam 2025 Apply Online Form 2026Important Dates

Notification Released05/06/2026
Application Begin05/06/2026
Last Date to Apply Online26/06/2026 (11:00 PM)
Hard Copy Submission via HOD to SSC NR03/07/2026 (06:00 PM)
Hard Copy Deadline (Abroad / A&N / Lakshadweep)10/07/2026 (06:00 PM)
Computer Based Examination (Tentative)July–August 2026

SSC JSA LDC LDCE Departmental Exam 2025 Apply Online Form 2026Application Fee

All Categories₹0
Payment: N/A (No application fee for this Limited Departmental Competitive Examination)

SSC JSA/LDC LDCE Departmental Exam 2025 Notification Out: Apply Online for 149 PostsVacancy Details & Age Limit

Age Limit: Maximum 45 Years (50 Years for SC/ST) as on the crucial date — varies by cadre (see cadre-wise eligibility table)

(SC/ST: 5 Years, Defence Personnel disabled in operations (Other than SC/ST): 3 Years, Defence Personnel disabled in operations (SC/ST): 8 Years)

Post NameTotal PostEligibility
Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) / Lower Division Clerk (LDC)149
  • Group C / MTS in Level-1 (₹18,000–₹56,900), 3 years regular service, 12th Pass, Max Age 45 yrs (50 for SC/ST)
Total Vacancy149
Note: Limited Departmental Competitive Examination — open only to serving Central Govt Group C / MTS employees of 12 listed cadres.

Recruitment Table: Cadre / Service Wise Vacancy Details

S. No.Service / Cadre / OrganizationURSCSTTotal
1Central Passport Organisation, MEA500050
2Armed Forces Headquarters Clerical Service310031
3Ministry of External Affairs (Cadre Cell)6107
4Railway Board Secretariat Clerical Service82212
5Central Administrative Tribunal1214
6O/o Registrar General of India170017
7National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO)7119
8Dept. of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, MoAFW1001
9Office of Development Commissioner (MSME)121013
10Central Translation Bureau2002
11Official Language Wing, Legislative Dept., MoLJ1001
12Bureau of Police Research & Development, MHA2002
Total13874149
Note:Vacancies are tentative and subject to availability. OBC category vacancies not separately reported by CCAs. Advt No. 4/4/2026-CONF-5.

Recruitment Table: PwBD (Horizontal Reservation)

CategoryCadreVacancy
OH (Orthopaedic Handicapped)Ministry of External Affairs (Cadre Cell)1
VH (Visually Handicapped)Railway Board Secretariat Clerical Service2
VH (Visually Handicapped)Office of Development Commissioner (MSME)1

SSC JSA LDC LDCE Departmental Exam 2025 Apply Online FormEligibility Criteria

  • Must be a serving Central Government Group 'C' / Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) employee of one of the 12 participating Services/Cadres listed in the notification.
  • Must have rendered at least 3 years of regular service in Level-1 of the Pay Matrix (₹18,000–₹56,900) as on the crucial date applicable to their cadre.
  • Must have passed 12th Class or equivalent examination from a recognized Board.
  • Must be a permanent or regularly appointed employee; temporary appointments on deputation to ex-cadre post (with competent authority approval) are eligible if they retain a lien.
  • Age limit: Maximum 45 years (50 years for SC/ST) as on the crucial date specified for each cadre.
  • Crucial date varies by cadre: 01.07.2025 for CPO/AFHCS/MEA/BPR&D, 01.08.2025 for Railway Board, 01.01.2025 for CAT/RGI/NTRO/DAW/MSME/CTB/OLW.
  • Employees appointed to ex-cadre posts on transfer (without lien) are NOT eligible.
  • Railway Board candidates must additionally qualify a typewriting test (30 wpm English / 25 wpm Hindi on manual, or 35/30 wpm on computer) within one year of appointment.

SSC JSA LDC LDCE Departmental Exam 2025 Apply Online FormPay Scale / Salary Structure

Post NameSalary Level
Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) / Lower Division Clerk (LDC)Pay Level-2 (₹19,900 - ₹63,200) | Group 'C' Non-Gazetted

SSC JSA LDC LDCE Departmental Exam 2025 Apply Online FormSelection Process Steps

  1. Part-I: Computer Based Examination — Paper-II (CBE, 100 marks, Objective Type) acts as qualifying gate
  2. Part-I: Written Examination — Paper-I (Short Essay, 100 marks, Descriptive) evaluated only for candidates clearing CBE
  3. Part-II: Evaluation of APAR (Annual Performance Assessment Reports) — 60 marks
  4. Final merit based on aggregate of Part-I (200 marks) + Part-II (60 marks) = 260 marks total
  5. Separate merit lists prepared for each participating cadre/service

SSC JSA LDC LDCE Departmental Exam 2025 Apply Online FormDetailed Exam Pattern

Recruitment Details: Examination Overview

  • Mode: Part-I Paper-I = Written (Descriptive); Part-I Paper-II = Computer Based (Objective MCQ)
  • Exam Centre: Delhi-NCR only (no centre outside India)
  • Language: English or Hindi (as opted in application form)
  • Negative Marking: Yes — 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer in Paper-II (CBE only)
  • No Negative Marking in Paper-I (Descriptive / Essay)
  • Compensatory Time: 20 minutes per hour for eligible PwBD/PwD candidates (scribe facility available)
  • Answer Key Challenge: ₹50 per question (non-refundable); objections only via SSC website
  • Gate Condition: Candidates not qualifying Paper-II (CBE) are NOT evaluated for Paper-I or Part-II
  • Tie-Breaking Order: Paper-I marks → Paper-II Part(a) marks → Total Paper-II marks → Date of Birth (older first) → Alphabetical order

Recruitment Table: Part-I: Exam Pattern

PaperSubjectTypeMax MarksDuration
Paper-IShort Essay (400–500 words on specified topic)Descriptive (Written)1001 hr 30 min (2 hrs for scribe-eligible)
Paper-II (a)Language — General English or Samanya HindiObjective MCQ (CBE)502 hrs combined (2 hrs 40 min for scribe-eligible)
Paper-II (b)General KnowledgeObjective MCQ (CBE)502 hrs combined (2 hrs 40 min for scribe-eligible)
Total200

Recruitment Table: Part-II: APAR Evaluation

ComponentMarks
Evaluation of Record of Service (APARs)60

Recruitment Table: Cadre-Wise Crucial Date & Key Eligibility

Cadre / ServiceCrucial DateMin. ServiceAge Limit
Central Passport Organisation, MEA01/07/20253 years in Level-145 yrs (50 for SC/ST)
Armed Forces HQ Clerical Service01/07/20253 years as MTS/Group C Level-1Not specified
Ministry of External Affairs (Cadre Cell)01/07/20253 years as MTS Level-1Not specified
Railway Board Secretariat Clerical Service01/08/20253 years as Group C GP ₹180045 yrs (50 for SC/ST)
Central Administrative Tribunal01/01/20253 years in GP ₹180045 yrs (50 for SC/ST)
O/o Registrar General of India01/01/20253 years in Level-145 yrs (50 for SC/ST)
NTRO01/01/20253 years in Level-1Not specified
Dept. of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare01/01/20253 years in Level-145 yrs (50 for SC/ST)
Office of DC (MSME)01/01/20253 years in Level-145 yrs (50 for SC/ST)
Central Translation Bureau01/01/20253 years in GP ₹180045 yrs (50 for SC/ST)
Official Language Wing, Legislative Dept.01/01/20253 years in GP ₹180045 yrs (50 for SC/ST)
Bureau of Police Research & Development, MHA01/07/20253 years in Level-145 yrs (50 for SC/ST)

SSC JSA LDC LDCE Departmental Exam 2025 Apply Online FormSubject-wise Syllabus Topics

Syllabus for Part-I (Paper-I and Paper-II) of the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination as per SSC rules.

📚 Paper-I: Short Essay (Descriptive)
  • One essay of 400–500 words to be written on any of the several specified subjects provided in the paper
  • Evaluated for language clarity, coherence, and relevance to the topic
📚 Paper-II (a): Language — General English or Samanya Hindi
  • Simple composition
  • Applied Grammar (tense, voice, punctuation, sentence correction, vocabulary usage)
📚 Paper-II (b): General Knowledge
  • Current events of national and international importance
  • Matters of everyday observation and experience
  • General information about India (history, geography, polity, economy, science)

SSC JSA LDC LDCE Departmental Exam 2025 Apply Online FormHow to Apply

  1. Generate One-Time Registration (OTR) on SSC website https://ssc.gov.in (old OTR from ssc.nic.in is NOT valid).
  2. Aadhaar-Based Authentication is recommended during OTR. Candidates without Aadhaar must upload alternate ID documents.
  3. Login using Registration Number and password. Click 'Apply' under JSA/LDC LDCE 2025 in the 'Live Exam' tab.
  4. Fill all cadre/service details, service length, department details, and PwBD/age relaxation information.
  5. Capture live photograph using webcam/mobile as per instructions (no pre-existing photograph allowed).
  6. Upload scanned signature in JPEG format (10–20 KB, 6.0 cm x 2.0 cm dimensions).
  7. Upload all mandatory documents: Service Book first page (attested), service particulars, 12th pass certificate, disability certificate (if applicable).
  8. Submit online application before 26/06/2026 by 11:00 PM.
  9. Print the submitted application form.
  10. Forward printed application with HOD certificate (Annexure-VI) through your Head of Department/Head of Office to: The Regional Director, SSC (Northern Region), Block No. 12, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003 by 03/07/2026 by 06:00 PM.
  11. Applications not forwarded through HOD will be summarily rejected.

Recruitment Note: About Staff Selection Commission (SSC)

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is a Central Government body under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India, headquartered at CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi. Established in 1975, SSC conducts competitive examinations for recruitment to Group B and Group C posts in various Central Government Ministries, Departments, and Organisations across India. SSC's major examinations include CGL, CHSL, MTS, CPO, JE, Steno, and Limited Departmental Competitive Examinations (LDCE) for internal promotions. With regional offices across the country, SSC is one of the largest recruitment bodies in the world by examination volume. The Northern Region office (SSC NR), which manages this LDCE, is based in New Delhi and handles examinations for Delhi-NCR and surrounding jurisdictions.

Recruitment Note: Job Profile — Junior Secretariat Assistant / LDC

Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) / Lower Division Clerk (LDC) is a Group 'C' Non-Gazetted clerical post in Central Government offices. Responsibilities include maintaining files and records, drafting routine official correspondence, data entry and documentation, processing dak (incoming/outgoing mail), preparation of bills, registers, and MIS reports, and providing administrative support to Section Officers and above. The work is primarily office-based, involves regular interaction with internal and external stakeholders, and may include computer operations, typing, and handling classified documents depending on the department. Employees serving in sensitive cadres like NTRO or MEA may have additional security clearance requirements.

Recruitment Note: Benefits & Perks Beyond Salary

Being a Central Government Group C post under Pay Level-2, JSA/LDC employees are entitled to Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA based on city category), Transport Allowance (TA), medical benefits under CGHS or equivalent, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), Provident Fund contributions, pension under NPS, gratuity on superannuation, children's education allowance, annual increments, group insurance (CGEGIS), and various advances (festival, computer, vehicle). Employees also get 30 days earned leave per year, half-pay leave, maternity/paternity leave, and casual leave as per CCS Leave Rules.

Recruitment Note: Important Notes on Application Process

Only ONE application per candidate is allowed — multiple applications lead to rejection. The photograph must be a live capture via webcam/smartphone at the time of applying; uploading a pre-existing photograph will result in summary rejection. Once submitted, no changes are allowed in the application. The examination is conducted in Delhi-NCR only; candidates serving abroad must travel to India at their own expense. Candidates admitted to the exam must carry their Departmental Identity Card (Original) along with the hard copy Admission Certificate on exam day.
Apply Online Application Window: 05/06/2026 to 26/06/2026 Click Here ↗
Download Notification Advt No. 4/4/2026-CONF-5 Click Here ↗
Official Website Click Here ↗
SSC Northern Region Website Click Here ↗
Disclaimer Information provided here is for quick reference. Verify all details on the official website before taking action.

Quick Overview

🚀 Recruitment Overview

Quick Summary of the Notification

Organization Government Board Logo SSC
Post Name JSA / LDC (Junior Secretariat Assistant / Lower Division Clerk)
Total Vacancy 149
Salary Pay Level-2 (₹19,900 - ₹63,200) [Approx. ₹28,000–₹35,000/Month incl. DA, HRA]
Job Location All India
Apply Mode Online
Last Date 26/06/2026
Official Website Visit Website ↗

💡 Expert Tip

The SSC LDCE has two critical deadlines that most candidates confuse: the online application closes 26 June 2026 at 11 PM, but the printed copy must reach SSC NR through your HOD by 03 July 2026 by 6 PM. Start the HOD forwarding process IMMEDIATELY after submitting online. Also note: candidates serving at Indian missions abroad must appear in India at their own expense — there is NO centre outside India. The final merit is a combination of Part-I exam (200 marks: Written Essay + CBE with 0.25 negative marking) and Part-II APAR evaluation (60 marks). Candidates who don't clear Paper-II (CBE) first are not even eligible for Paper-I evaluation — so prioritize Paper-II (GK + Language) preparation as it acts as the qualifying gate.

Common Questions (FAQs)

Q.1 What is the in-hand salary for JSA / LDC after selection through LDCE 2025?
Ans: The post is at Pay Level-2 (₹19,900–₹63,200) under 7th CPC. After adding DA (currently ~55%), HRA (8%–27% depending on city), and Transport Allowance, the approximate in-hand salary for a new JSA/LDC in a metro city like Delhi ranges from ₹30,000 to ₹38,000 per month. In non-metro postings, the take-home is lower due to reduced HRA — approximately ₹26,000 to ₹30,000.
Q.2 What is the last date to apply for SSC JSA/LDC LDCE 2025?
Ans: The last date for online application is 26 June 2026 by 11:00 PM. However, the printed application must also reach SSC Northern Region through the Head of Department by 03 July 2026 by 6:00 PM. For candidates serving abroad, Andaman & Nicobar, or Lakshadweep, the HOD forwarding deadline is 10 July 2026. Missing either deadline means rejection.
Q.3 Is there any negative marking in the SSC JSA/LDC LDCE exam?
Ans: Yes, there is negative marking — 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer in Paper-II (Computer Based Examination, Objective MCQ). However, there is NO negative marking in Paper-I (Short Essay / Descriptive paper). Unanswered questions in Paper-II carry no penalty. Candidates should attempt MCQs only when reasonably confident.
Q.4 What is the age limit for SSC LDCE 2025?
Ans: The maximum age limit is 45 years for General category candidates (50 years for SC/ST candidates) as on the crucial date specified for each cadre. SC/ST candidates additionally get 5 years relaxation. Defence personnel disabled in operations get 3 years (General) or 8 years (SC/ST) relaxation beyond the upper limit. The crucial date varies: 01.07.2025 for some cadres and 01.01.2025 for others.
Q.5 How to download the SSC JSA/LDC LDCE 2025 Notification PDF?
Ans: The official notification (No. 4/4/2026-CONF-5) is available on the SSC website at https://ssc.gov.in. For Admit Card and exam city details, candidates must check the SSC Northern Region website at https://sscnr.nic.in approximately 10 days before the examination. Admit Cards will not be sent by post and must be downloaded from the website.
Q.6 What is the educational qualification required for SSC LDCE 2025?
Ans: Candidates must have passed 12th Class or equivalent from a recognized Board. This is a departmental exam — candidates must already be serving Central Government MTS/Group 'C' employees in one of the 12 listed cadres with at least 3 years of regular service in Level-1 of the Pay Matrix (₹18,000–₹56,900). Railway Board candidates must also pass a typewriting test (30 wpm English or 25 wpm Hindi on manual typewriter).
Q.7 What is the selection process for SSC JSA/LDC LDCE 2025?
Ans: Selection is in two parts: Part-I is a 200-mark examination consisting of Paper-I (Short Essay, 100 marks, Descriptive) and Paper-II (CBE, 100 marks — 50 for Language + 50 for GK, with 0.25 negative marking). Paper-II is evaluated first; only qualifying candidates are evaluated for Paper-I. Part-II is APAR evaluation carrying 60 marks. Final merit is based on Part-I + Part-II aggregate out of 260 marks, with separate lists for each cadre.
Q.8 Can I apply for SSC LDCE 2025 if I am on deputation to an ex-cadre post?
Ans: Yes, but with conditions. If you are on deputation to an ex-cadre post with the approval of the competent authority, and you continue to retain a lien in your original MTS/Group 'C' cadre, you are eligible. The service rendered during deputation counts towards the 3-year minimum service requirement. However, if you have been transferred to another cadre and do NOT have a lien in your original Group 'C' post, you are NOT eligible.

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