Source URL:
What's in this article?
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the notification for the Assistant Section Officer (ASO) / Assistant Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) 2026. This recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 341 vacancies across the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Eligible departmental candidates are invited to apply online through the official SSC portal, ssc.gov.in, before the closing date of July 16, 2026. The computer-based examination is tentatively scheduled for August 2026.
SSC ASO / Assistant Grade LDCE 2026 Overview
projobalert.in |
|
|---|---|
| SSC Assistant Section Officer / Assistant Grade LDCE 2026 Advertisement No.:- 4/2/2026-CONF-5 | |
| Recruitment Authority | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Post Name | Assistant Section Officer (ASO) / Assistant Grade |
| Total Vacancies | 341 |
| Job Location | All India (Primarily Delhi-NCR, MEA posts may be abroad) |
| Start Date to Apply | 25 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 16 July 2026 (23:00 Hours) |
| Qualification | Departmental Candidates with 6 Years Approved Service |
| Age Limit | As per Departmental Rules |
| Selection Process | Computer Based Examination (CBE) & Evaluation of Service Records (APARs) |
| Salary | Pay Level-7 (Rs. 44,900 - 1,42,400) |
| Application Fees |
To be Notified |
| Application Mode | Online, followed by Departmental Submission |
| Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
| 👉 Apply Online Now | |
Important Date
- Notification Released: 25 June 2026
- Application Start: 25 June 2026
- Last Date : 16 July 2026 (23:00 Hours)
- Last Date for Departmental Submission (Normal): 23 July 2026 (18:00 Hours)
- Last Date for Departmental Submission (Abroad/Islands): 30 July 2026 (18:00 Hours)
- Exam Date: August 2026
- Admit Card: To be Notified
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: As per Departmental Rules
- Maximum Age: As per Departmental Rules
- Age Relaxation:
- Age relaxation is applicable as per Government of India rules for departmental candidates belonging to SC/ST/PwBD categories.
- Note: Kindly Read Full Official Notification Before Apply.
Application Fees
- General / OBC / EWS: To be Notified
- SC / ST / PwBD / Female: To be Notified
Qualification
- Central Secretariat Service (CSS): Candidates must be in the Upper Division Grade of the Central Secretariat Clerical Service and have rendered not less than six years’ approved service as of 01 July 2025.
- Ministry of External Affairs (Cadre Cell): Candidates must be in the Upper Division Clerk Grade, have successfully completed mandatory training programmes prescribed by MEA, and rendered not less than six years approved service in the grade as of 01 July 2025.
Full Eligibility
Candidates applying for the SSC ASO / Assistant Grade LDCE 2026 must meet specific departmental eligibility criteria, including a minimum of six years of approved service in their respective feeder grades as of the crucial date.
| Sl. No. | Name of Service/Cadre | Crucial Date for Counting Approved Service | Conditions of Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Central Secretariat Service (CSS), DoPT | 01 July 2025 | Any officer in Upper Division Grade of the Central Secretariat Clerical Service, who has rendered not less than six years’ approved service in the Grade. |
| 2 | Ministry of External Affairs (Cadre Cell) | 01 July 2025 | The Upper Division Clerk Grade of the Service who has undergone and successfully completed mandatory training programmes prescribed by the Ministry of External Affairs and rendered not less than six years approved service in the grade. |
Salary
Selected candidates for Assistant Section Officer / Assistant Grade positions will receive an attractive salary package as per Pay Level-7 of the 7th Central Pay Commission, reflecting their crucial administrative roles.
| Post Name | Pay Level | Pay Scale | Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Section Officer / Assistant Grade | Level-7 | Rs. 44,900 - Rs. 1,42,400 | Group ‘B’ Non-Gazetted |
- In addition to the basic pay, candidates will be eligible for various allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and other benefits as per Central Government rules.
- The salary structure ensures a competitive remuneration package for these administrative roles within the government.
Selection Process
The selection for SSC ASO / Assistant Grade LDCE 2026 involves a rigorous two-part process: a Computer Based Examination (CBE) followed by an Evaluation of Service Records (APARs), ensuring a comprehensive assessment of candidates.
- Computer Based Examination (CBE) - Part I: Candidates will first appear for a Computer Based Examination consisting of two objective-type papers (Paper-I and Paper-II), each carrying 150 marks.
- Evaluation of Record of Service (APARs) - Part II: Shortlisted candidates from the CBE will have their Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs) evaluated, which carries 100 marks.
- Final Merit List: The final selection will be based on the aggregate performance in both the Computer Based Examination and the Evaluation of Record of Service.
- Document Verification: Candidates will undergo verification of their service records and other necessary documents.
Exam Pattern
The SSC ASO / Assistant Grade LDCE 2026 examination comprises two objective-type papers covering general awareness, constitutional provisions, office procedures, and service/financial rules, followed by an evaluation of service records.
| Part | Paper No. | Subject | Max. Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part-I: Computer Based Examination | Paper-I | General awareness with focus on flagship programmes and path breaking initiatives of the Govt. Knowledge of Constitutional provisions and their general application in GoI. Parliamentary procedures as per the Manual of Parliamentary procedures in Government of India and Office Memoranda/ Instructions issued by Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs from time to time. Reading comprehension in English/ Hindi. Central Secretariat- Manual of Office Procedure. Allocation of Business Rules and Transaction of Business Rules. Noting & Drafting |
150 | 3 Hours (4 Hours for eligible scribes) |
| Paper-II | Service Rules such as Leave Rules, conduct & CCA Rules, Pension and NPS Rules etc. Financial Rules such as TA, LTC etc. Legislations such as RTI Act, 2005, Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. Records Management. Precis Writing. |
150 | 3 Hours (4 Hours for eligible scribes) | |
| Part-II: Evaluation of Record of Service (APARs) | 100 | Not Applicable | ||
| Total Marks | 400 | |||
- Objective Type: Questions in both Paper-I & Paper-II will be of Objective Type Multiple Choice only.
- Negative Marking: There will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks (25%) for each wrong answer in both Paper-I & Paper-II.
- Language: Candidates must attempt the examination only in the language (English/ Hindi) as opted in the online Application Form.
- Qualifying Marks: The Commission may fix minimum qualifying marks individually for Paper-I and Paper-II of Part-I.
- Exam Centers: The examination will be conducted only at centres located in Delhi-NCR.
Post / Category Wise Vacancy
The SSC ASO / Assistant Grade LDCE 2026 recruitment offers a total of 341 vacancies, distributed across the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), with reservations for various categories.
| Sl. No. | Name of Service/Cadre | UR | SC | ST | Total | PwBD* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Central Secretariat Service (CSS), DoPT | 189 | 71 | 58 | 318 | 19 |
| 2 | Ministry of External Affairs (Cadre Cell) | 23 | - | - | 23 | - |
| Grand Total | 341 | |||||
- *PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability) breakdown for CSS: 6-VH (Visually Handicapped), 4-OH (Orthopedically Handicapped), 4-HH (Hearing Handicapped), 5-Others.
- Reservation for Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) candidates will be as per the vacancy position reported by the respective Service/Cadre Controlling Authorities.
Job Profile & Responsibility
An Assistant Section Officer (ASO) or Assistant Grade plays a pivotal role in the smooth functioning of government ministries and departments. These positions involve a wide range of administrative and clerical duties, contributing significantly to policy implementation and public service delivery. Responsibilities include managing official files, drafting correspondence, assisting in policy formulation, and ensuring adherence to government rules and regulations. For those in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the role might also involve tasks related to foreign policy, diplomatic communications, and potentially postings abroad, offering a dynamic and impactful career path within the Central Government.
- File Management: Handling and maintaining official files, records, and documents.
- Correspondence: Drafting letters, notes, and other official communications.
- Policy Implementation: Assisting in the implementation of government policies and schemes.
- Administrative Support: Providing general administrative support to senior officers.
- Data Entry & Analysis: Compiling data, preparing reports, and assisting in basic analysis.
- Meeting Coordination: Arranging meetings, preparing agendas, and recording minutes.
- Budget & Accounts: Assisting in budget preparation and managing basic financial records.
- Public Grievances: Addressing and resolving public grievances as per established procedures.
- MEA Specific: For MEA, responsibilities may include consular services, passport assistance, and liaison with foreign missions.
How To Apply
To apply for the SSC ASO / Assistant Grade LDCE 2026, eligible departmental candidates must complete an online application on the official SSC portal, followed by the mandatory departmental submission of the printed application form.
- One-Time Registration (OTR): First, candidates who have not registered on the new SSC portal (ssc.gov.in) must complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process. This involves providing personal details, contact information, and educational qualifications.
- Fill Online Application Form: After OTR, log in using your Registration Number and password. Click on the "Apply" link for the "Assistant Section Officer/ Assistant Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2025" under the "Live Exam" tab.
- Provide Details: Fill in all required details in the online application form, including departmental information, joining date, and length of service.
- Upload Documents: Capture a live photograph as per instructions (no cap, spectacles, or mask, clear background) and upload your scanned signature (JPEG, 10-20 KB, 6.0 cm x 2.0 cm). Also, upload certified true copies of the first page of your Service Book, particulars of service, and disability certificate (if applicable).
- Preview and Submit: Carefully review all entered details using the "Preview/Print" option. Ensure the photograph and signature meet all specifications. After verification, click "I Agree" to the declaration and "Submit Application".
- Print Application: Take a printout of the submitted online application form for your records.
- Departmental Submission: The printed copy of the online application form, along with necessary documents, must be duly forwarded by your respective Service/Cadre Controlling Authority to "The Regional Director, Staff Selection Commission (Northern Region), Block No.12, C.G.O. Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003" by July 23, 2026 (18:00 hrs). Candidates residing abroad, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep have until July 30, 2026 (18:00 hrs).
- Important Note: Only applications forwarded by the Head of Department/Head of Office will be considered. Ensure timely submission through proper channels.
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
| Latest Govt Jobs 2026 | Click Here |
| All India Govt Jobs | Click Here |
| Delhi Jobs | Click Here |
| SSC Jobs | Click Here |
| Home Page | Click Here |
FAQs
What are the key dates for SSC ASO / Assistant Grade LDCE 2026?
The application window for SSC ASO / Assistant Grade LDCE 2026 opens on June 25, 2026, and closes on July 16, 2026 (23:00 Hours). The Computer Based Examination is tentatively scheduled for August 2026.
What is the total number of vacancies for SSC ASO / Assistant Grade LDCE 2026?
There are a total of 341 vacancies for Assistant Section Officer (ASO) / Assistant Grade posts. These vacancies are distributed across the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Who is eligible to apply for this departmental examination?
Only eligible departmental candidates can apply. For CSS, candidates must be in the Upper Division Grade of the Central Secretariat Clerical Service with 6 years of approved service. For MEA, candidates must be in the Upper Division Clerk Grade with 6 years of approved service and mandatory training.
What is the selection process for SSC ASO / Assistant Grade LDCE 2026?
The selection process consists of two main parts: a Computer Based Examination (CBE), which includes two objective-type papers, and an Evaluation of Record of Service (APARs). Final selection is based on the aggregate performance in both parts.
What is the salary for Assistant Section Officer / Assistant Grade?
Selected candidates will be placed in Pay Level-7, with a pay scale ranging from Rs. 44,900 to Rs. 1,42,400. This includes various allowances as per Central Government rules.
Is there any negative marking in the Computer Based Examination?
Yes, there will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in both Paper-I and Paper-II of the Computer Based Examination.
How do I submit my application after applying online?
After submitting the online application, you must print it and ensure it is duly forwarded by your respective Service/Cadre Controlling Authority to the SSC Northern Region office. The deadline for departmental submission is July 23, 2026 (or July 30, 2026, for specific locations).