SSC ASO Recruitment 2026 Apply Online for Assistant Grade Limited Departmental Competitive
Staff Selection Commission (SSC) will hold a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination tentatively in August 2026 for making additions to the Select List of Assistant Section Officer (ASO) / Assistant Grade [Pay Level-7, Group ‘B’ Non-Gazetted (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400)] of the Central Secretariat Service (CSS), DoPT and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Cadre Cell. Eligible candidates must apply online through the SSC website https://ssc.gov.in from 25 June 2026 to 16 July 2026. The printed copy of the application form must be forwarded by the respective Service/Cadre Controlling Authority to the SSC (Northern Region) by 23 July 2026.
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Check NowSSC ASO Recruitment 2026 – Over View
| Organization | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
|---|---|
| Examination Type | Limited Departmental Competitive Examination |
| Post Name | Assistant Section Officer (ASO) / Assistant Grade |
| Pay Level | Level-7, Group ‘B’ Non-Gazetted (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400) |
| Participating Cadres | Central Secretariat Service (CSS), DoPT & Ministry of External Affairs (Cadre Cell) |
| Total Vacancies | CSS: 831 (UR-189, SC-71, ST-58, PwBD-19*) + MEA: 23 |
| Application Mode | Online (OTR) + Hard Copy through Proper Channel |
| Exam Centre | Delhi – NCR only |
| Category | Central Govt / Departmental Examination |
| Online Application Dates | 25 June 2026 to 16 July 2026 (11:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Hard Copy | 23 July 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Tentative Exam Date | August 2026 |
| Official Website | https://ssc.gov.in |
*PwBD Vacancies in CSS: 6-VH, 4-OH, 4-HH, 5-Others
SSC ASO Recruitment 2026– Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 25 June 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 16 July 2026 (11:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Hard Copy (Forwarded by Cadre Authority) | 23 July 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Hard Copy (Remote Areas*) | 30 July 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Tentative Exam Date | August 2026 |
*Remote areas include candidates residing abroad, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
SSC ASO Recruitment 2026– Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| All Candidates | No Application Fee (Departmental Examination) |
SSC ASO Recruitment 2026– Eligibility
A. Service Eligibility (Crucial Date: 01 July 2025)
| Service/Cadre | Crucial Date | Conditions of Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Central Secretariat Service (CSS), DoPT | 01.07.2025 | Any officer in Upper Division Grade of CSCS who, on the relevant date, has rendered not less than 6 years’ approved service in the Grade |
| Ministry of External Affairs (Cadre Cell) | 01.07.2025 | Upper Division Clerk Grade who has successfully completed mandatory training programme(s) prescribed by MEA and rendered not less than 6 years’ approved service in the grade |
SSC ASO Recruitment 2026– Vacancy Details
| Sl. No. | Name of Service/Cadre | UR | SC | ST | Total | PwBD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Central Secretariat Service (CSS), DoPT | 189 | 71 | 58 | 831 | 19* |
| 2 | Ministry of External Affairs (Cadre Cell) | 23 | — | — | 23 | — |
| Total | 212 | 71 | 58 | 854 | 19 |
*PwBD: 6-VH, 4-OH, 4-HH, 5-Others
SSC ASO Recruitment 2026– Reservation for PwBD Candidates
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Scribe/Assistive Devices | Provided for candidates with Blindness and Cerebral Palsy (subject to request) |
| Compensatory Time | 20 minutes per hour of examination |
| Other PwBD Candidates | Scribe facility on production of certificate that the person has physical limitation to write (Annexure-II) |
| Less than 40% Disability | Scribe facility on production of certificate as per Annexure-III |
SSC ASO Recruitment 2026– How To Apply
Step 1 – One-Time Registration (OTR):
- Visit SSC website: https://ssc.gov.in
- Click on “Register Now” in the Login/Register section.
- Fill in all personal details, educational details, and contact information.
- Aadhaar-Based Authentication is recommended (though optional with document upload).
- Complete the registration within 14 days (otherwise data will be deleted).
Step 2 – Online Application:
- Login using Registration Number and Password.
- Click “Apply” for the examination under the “Live Exam” tab.
- Select your Department/Cadre/Service (CSS DoPT or MEA Cadre Cell).
- Fill in all service-related details (Joining Date, Length of Service, HOD details, etc.).
- Capture Live Photograph (must follow instructions – no caps, masks, or spectacles).
- Upload Signature (JPEG format, 10-20 KB, 6.0 cm x 2.0 cm).
- Submit the application online.
Step 3 – Forwarding by Cadre Controlling Authority:
- Take a printout of the submitted online application.
- The application must be verified and forwarded by the Head of Department/Office.
- Forwarded hard copy must reach:
The Regional Director
Staff Selection Commission (Northern Region)
Block No. 12, C.G.O. Complex, Lodhi Road
New Delhi – 110003
Last Date: 23 July 2026 (6:00 PM)
SSC ASO Recruitment 2026– Important Web-Links
| Online Application Form | Click here |
| Advertisement Details | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click here |
SSC ASO Recruitment 2026– Selection Process
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| 1 | One-Time Registration (OTR) on SSC website |
| 2 | Online Application for the examination |
| 3 | Forwarding of hard copy by Cadre Controlling Authority |
| 4 | Computer Based Examination (CBE) – Paper I & II |
| 5 | Shortlisting based on aggregate performance in Paper-I + Paper-II |
| 6 | Evaluation of Record of Service (APARs) – Part-II (100 marks) |
| 7 | Final Selection – Based on aggregate performance in Part-I + Part-II |
| 8 | Merit List – Separate lists for CSS and MEA cadres, in order of merit subject to reservation |
Note:
- The Commission may fix minimum qualifying marks individually for Paper-I and Paper-II of Part-I.
- Candidates not qualified in Paper-I + Paper-II will not be eligible for evaluation of record of service.
- This is a competitive examination, not merely qualifying.
- Success in the examination confers no right to selection unless the cadre authority is satisfied about the candidate’s suitability.
SSC ASO Recruitment 2026 – Important Instructions
| S.No. | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Only those candidates whose application is forwarded by their Head of Department/Office will be considered. |
| 2 | Applications received after the prescribed last date will be summarily rejected. |
| 3 | No change in entries made in the online application shall be allowed at any stage. |
| 4 | The examination shall be conducted in Delhi – NCR only. |
| 5 | Candidates must carry Departmental Identity Card (Original) along with hard copy of Admission Certificate. |
| 6 | No TA/DA will be provided for attending the examination. |
| 7 | Mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, wireless devices, electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited. |
| 8 | Candidates who have not undergone Aadhaar Authentication must carry two recent passport size photographs and original valid Photo-ID proof with date of birth. |
| 9 | PwBD candidates availing scribe facility must carry requisite Medical Certificate/Undertaking. |
SSC ASO Recruitment 2026 – Documents Required
| S.No. | Document |
|---|---|
| 1 | Certified true copy of first page of Service Book (duly attested by Head of Department/Office) – showing name, father’s name, nationality, caste, date of birth |
| 2 | Certified particulars of service (posts held with scale of pay, substantive/officiating/temporary/permanent) |
| 3 | Disability Certificate – for PwBD candidates |
Note: Only self-attested photocopies should be enclosed. No original documents should be submitted at this stage.
SSC ASO Recruitment 2026– Scheme of Examination
Part-I: Computer Based Examination (CBE) – 300 Marks
| Paper | Subject | Type | Max. Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | (i) General awareness with focus on flagship programmes and path breaking initiatives of the Govt. (ii) Knowledge of Constitutional provisions and their general application in GoI. (iii) Parliamentary procedures as per Manual of Parliamentary procedures and OM/Instructions issued by Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. (iv) Reading comprehension in English/Hindi. (v) Central Secretariat-Manual of Office Procedure. (vi) Allocation of Business Rules and Transaction of Business Rules. (vii) Noting & Drafting | Objective | 150 | 3 hours (4 hours for scribe eligible) |
| Paper-II | (i) Service Rules such as Leave Rules, conduct & CCA Rules, Pension and NPS Rules etc. (ii) Financial Rules such as TA, LTC etc. (iii) Legislations such as RTI Act, 2005, Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013. (iv) Records Management. (v) Precis Writing. | Objective | 150 | 3 hours (4 hours for scribe eligible) |
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in both Paper-I & Paper-II.
Medium: English / Hindi (as opted). No Question Paper in Braille.
Part-II: Evaluation of Record of Service (APARs) – 100 Marks
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Marks | 100 marks are earmarked for evaluation of record of service (APARs) |
| Addition | Marks obtained in Part-II would be added for ascertaining the rank of the candidate |
| Final Selection | Based on aggregate performance in Part-I (CBE) and Part-II (APAR Evaluation) |
Note: Once APARs have been evaluated, no request for change in APAR grading at a subsequent date will be entertained.
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SSC ASO Recruitment 2026– FAQs
Q1. What is the last date for online application?
The last date for online application is 16 July 2026 (11:00 PM) .
Q2. What is the last date for forwarding the hard copy?
The hard copy must reach SSC (NR) by 23 July 2026 (6:00 PM) .
Q3. Who is eligible to apply?
Officers in Upper Division Grade of CSCS (CSS, DoPT) or Upper Division Clerk of MEA Cadre Cell with 6 years’ approved service as on 01.07.2025 .
Q4. What is the pay scale for the post?
Level-7, Group ‘B’ Non-Gazetted – ₹44,900 to ₹1,42,400.
Q5. Where will the examination be held?
Delhi – NCR only.
Q6. What is the scheme of the examination?
Two Papers (Objective) – Paper I & II (150 marks each) + Evaluation of Record of Service (APARs) – 100 marks.
Q7. Is there negative marking?
Yes, 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in both Paper-I & Paper-II.
Q8. What is the duration of the examination?
3 hours per paper (4 hours for candidates eligible for scribe).
Q9. Can I change my application after submission?
No. No change in entries made in the online application shall be allowed at any stage.
Q10. Is there any application fee?
No application fee for this departmental examination.
Q11. How many vacancies are available?
CSS, DoPT: 831 vacancies; MEA Cadre Cell: 23 vacancies – Total 854 vacancies.
Q12. What is the medium of examination?
Candidates can opt for English or Hindi as the medium of examination.