SSC ASO Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 341 Assistant Section Officer / Assistant Posts
Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the SSC ASO Recruitment 2026 notification for 341 Assistant Section Officer / Assistant posts. This Limited Departmental Competitive Examination is open only for eligible departmental candidates from CSS and MEA cadres. Interested candidates can submit online applications through the SSC portal within the prescribed schedule.
Vacancy Details
| Organization Name | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Examination Name | Assistant Section Officer / Assistant Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2026 |
| Advertisement No. | 4/2/2026-CONF-5 |
| Post Name |
|
| Total Vacancies | 341 |
| Job Type | Government |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Location | All India |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| NOTIFICATION_PUBLISHED | 25 June 2026 |
| APPLICATION_START_DATE | 25 June 2026 |
| LAST_DATE_TO_APPLY | 16 July 2026 |
| LAST_DATE_FOR_HARD_COPY | 23 July 2026 |
| LAST_DATE_FOR_HARD_COPY_ABROAD | 30 July 2026 |
| COMPUTER_BASED_EXAM | 01 August 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
Qualification: Serving government employees of eligible feeder cadres with prescribed service conditions
• This examination is open only to eligible departmental candidates. • For Central Secretariat Service (CSS), candidates should be officers in the Upper Division Grade of Central Secretariat Clerical Service and must have completed at least six years of approved service as on 01 July 2025. • For Ministry of External Affairs (Cadre Cell), officers in the Upper Division Clerk Grade must have completed prescribed mandatory training programmes and should possess at least six years of approved service as on 01 July 2025. • General public candidates are not eligible to apply. • Candidates who resign or whose services are terminated after application submission shall not be eligible for appointment.
Salary Structure
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level-7 |
| Basic Pay | Rs. 44,900 – Rs. 1,42,400 |
| Post Category | Group B Non-Gazetted |
| Allowances | HRA, DA, TA and other allowances as per rules |
Documents Required
- Certified true copy of first page of Service Book
- Certified copy of particulars of service
- Certificate of Disability (for PwBD candidates)
- Certificate for physical limitation to write (if applicable)
- Live photograph
- Scanned signature
- Departmental forwarding documents
- Government Photo Identity Proof
Selection Process
- 1Computer Based Examination (Part-I)
- 2Evaluation of Service Records / APAR (Part-II)
- 3Final Merit List
Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Not Mentioned | 150 | 3 Hours |
| Paper-II | Not Mentioned | 150 | 3 Hours |
| APAR Evaluation | Not Applicable | 100 | Not Applicable |
The examination consists of two parts. Part-I includes two objective-type papers conducted in Computer Based Examination mode carrying a total of 300 marks. Part-II consists of evaluation of Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs) carrying 100 marks. Negative marking of 0.25 marks is applicable for each incorrect answer in both papers.
Syllabus
Candidates should prepare thoroughly on office procedures, government rules, constitutional provisions and service regulations. Regular practice of comprehension, noting and drafting will improve examination performance.
How To Apply
Visit the official SSC website at https://ssc.gov.in. Complete One Time Registration (OTR) on the new SSC portal if not already registered. Log in using your registration credentials. Click on the "Apply" link under Assistant Section Officer / Assistant Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2025. Fill all required departmental and service details carefully. Capture a live photograph and upload scanned signature. Upload all mandatory certificates and service documents. Review all information and submit the application form. Download and print the submitted application form. Forward the printed application through Head of Department / Head of Office to SSC Northern Region before the deadline.
Important Instructions
• OTR created on old SSC website is not valid on the new portal. • Candidates must create fresh OTR on ssc.gov.in. • Only departmental candidates are eligible for this examination. • Online application alone is insufficient; departmental forwarding is mandatory. • Applications not forwarded through HoD/HoO shall be rejected. • Only one application should be submitted by each candidate. • Upload clear signature and live photograph only. • Mobile phones and electronic gadgets are prohibited inside the examination hall.
Job Description
Introduction The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the SSC ASO Recruitment 2026 notification for recruitment to Assistant Section Officer / Assistant posts through a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination. Eligible departmental candidates can submit their applications online through the official SSC portal. Vacancy Overview SSC has announced a total of 341 vacancies for Assistant Section Officer / Assistant posts. Out of these, 318 vacancies are available under Central Secretariat Service (DoPT) and 23 vacancies are available under Ministry of External Affairs Cadre Cell. Eligibility Only departmental employees belonging to specified feeder cadres are eligible. Candidates from CSS should possess six years of approved service in the Upper Division Grade. MEA candidates must also complete mandatory training programmes in addition to prescribed service requirements. Age Limit The official notification has not specified any age limit for this recruitment examination. Salary Selected candidates will receive Pay Level-7 salary under the 7th CPC Pay Matrix. The salary range is Rs. 44,900 to Rs. 1,42,400 per month along with admissible allowances. Selection Process Selection will be based on a Computer Based Examination consisting of two papers followed by evaluation of Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs). Final merit will be prepared based on combined performance. Application Process Candidates need to complete One Time Registration on the SSC portal, fill the online application form, upload required documents and submit the form online. Printed copies must subsequently be forwarded through the concerned department. Important Dates • Notification Release Date: 25 June 2026 • Application Start Date: 25 June 2026 • Last Date to Apply: 16 July 2026 • Last Date for Hard Copy Submission: 23 July 2026 • Tentative Examination Date: August 2026 Conclusion SSC ASO Recruitment 2026 offers an excellent promotional opportunity for eligible departmental employees. Candidates should ensure timely completion of both online and departmental submission procedures to avoid rejection.