Important Dates
Notification Released : 25 June 2026 Online Application Starts : 25 June 2026 Last Date to Apply Online : 16 July 2026 (11:00 PM) Last Date for Department to Forward Application : 23 July 2026 Last Date (Abroad/Andaman/Lakshadweep) : 30 July 2026 Computer Based Examination : August 2026 Answer Key : After Examination Result : To Be Announced
Description
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has invited online applications for the Assistant Section Officer (ASO) / Assistant Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) 2026. This departmental examination is conducted for eligible government employees to fill Assistant Section Officer vacancies in the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) and the Ministry of External Affairs (Cadre Cell). A total of 341 tentative vacancies have been announced. Eligible departmental candidates can submit their online applications through the SSC official website from 25 June 2026 to 16 July 2026. The Computer Based Examination is scheduled to be held in August 2026 in Delhi-NCR.
Eligibility
Candidates must satisfy all eligibility conditions prescribed by SSC. • Must be a serving departmental candidate in the eligible feeder cadre. • Must have completed at least 6 years of approved service as on 01 July 2025. • CSS candidates should be serving in the Upper Division Grade of the Central Secretariat Clerical Service. • Ministry of External Affairs candidates must have completed the prescribed mandatory training along with the required service. • Applications must be forwarded through the Head of Department/Office.
Selection Process
• Computer Based Examination (Paper-I) • Computer Based Examination (Paper-II) • Evaluation of APAR / Service Records • Final Merit List
Qualification
- Graduate
- Departmental Candidate
- Government Employee
- Upper Division Clerk (UDC)
- Central Secretariat Clerical Service
- Ministry of External Affairs (Eligible Candidates)
How to apply
1. Click on the **Apply Online** link provided above or visit the official SSC website. 2. Complete the **One-Time Registration (OTR)** if you have not already registered on the new SSC portal. 3. Log in using your registered credentials. 4. Fill in the online application form with accurate details. 5. Upload the required documents, live photograph, and signature as per the prescribed format. 6. Review all the information carefully before submitting the application. 7. Submit the online application on or before **16 July 2026 (11:00 PM)**. 8. Download and print the submitted application form for future reference. 9. Get the printed application form verified and forwarded by your **Head of Department/Head of Office** along with the required documents. 10. Ensure that the verified application reaches the **Regional Director, SSC (Northern Region), New Delhi** within the prescribed deadline mentioned in the official notification.