SSC Exam Dates 2026 have been officially released by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) on its central portal at ssc.gov.in. In an official examination schedule notice issued for upcoming national recruitment drives, the Commission has finalized the Computer-Based Examination (CBE) dates for three major recruitments: Junior Engineer (Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical), Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs (CPO), and Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL 10+2). Over thirty lakh aspirants who submitted online application forms can now check their specific exam windows, shift patterns, marking schemes, and regional admit card release timelines. You can also explore our dedicated Exams and News Section for active government job notifications, answer keys, and cutoff analyses.
The Staff Selection Commission conducts these nationwide recruitment tests across designated examination centers in multiple shifts each day. With the announcement of the official calendar, candidates can structure their revision plans, complete mock tests, and track their regional city intimation slip releases. This complete guide provides the official exam timetable, paper-wise exam patterns, category-wise qualifying criteria, shift timings, and direct regional portal download links.
Overview of Official SSC Exam Dates 2026
The newly announced schedule outlines the examination windows for technical engineering posts, central police forces, and ministerial clerk cadres. The table below details the complete timeline notified under SSC Exam Dates 2026:
| Recruitment Examination | Target Posts & Departments | Official Exam Dates | Mode of Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC Junior Engineer (JE) 2026 | Junior Engineer (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical) in CPWD, MES, BRO, CWC | 2 November – 6 November 2026 | Computer-Based Examination (Paper 1) |
| SSC Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police & CAPFs (CPO) 2026 | Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police, SI (GD) in BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB | 20 November – 28 November 2026 | Computer-Based Examination (Paper 1) |
| SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) 2026 | Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO) | 30 November – 31 December 2026 | Computer-Based Examination (Tier 1) |
| SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) 2026 | Assistant Section Officer, Inspector (Income Tax, Excise), Sub-Inspector (CBI), Auditor | 30 September – 30 October 2026 | Computer-Based Examination (Tier 1 Active) |
Detailed Breakdown by Recruitment Examination
Each examination follows a distinct syllabus, eligibility requirement, and multi-stage selection process. Here is what registered candidates need to know for each specific examination cycle:
1. SSC Junior Engineer (JE) 2026 (Paper 1)
The SSC JE examination recruits diploma holders and graduate engineers into premier central engineering organizations. Paper 1 consists of 200 objective multiple-choice questions carrying 200 marks, with a total testing duration of 2 hours (120 minutes).
- Exam Dates: 2nd November to 6th November 2026.
- Exam Structure: General Intelligence and Reasoning (50 Questions, 50 Marks), General Awareness (50 Questions, 50 Marks), and Core Engineering Discipline – Civil/Electrical/Mechanical (100 Questions, 100 Marks).
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect response.
- Selection Pathway: Candidates qualifying Paper 1 will be shortlisted for the descriptive/computer-based Paper 2 technical examination.
2. SSC Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police & CAPFs (CPO) 2026 (Paper 1)
The SSC CPO recruitment is the gateway to becoming a Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and central paramilitary forces including BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, and SSB. Paper 1 tests general aptitude, reasoning, math, and English proficiency.
- Exam Dates: 20th November to 28th November 2026.
- Exam Structure: General Intelligence & Reasoning (50 Marks), General Knowledge & General Awareness (50 Marks), Quantitative Aptitude (50 Marks), and English Comprehension (50 Marks).
- Total Duration: 2 Hours (200 Questions, 200 Marks).
- Next Stages: Candidates clearing Paper 1 must appear for the Physical Standard Test (PST) / Physical Endurance Test (PET), followed by Paper 2 (English Language and Comprehension) and Detailed Medical Examination (DME).
3. SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL 10+2) 2026 (Tier 1)
SSC CHSL is one of the most widely taken 10+2 competitive examinations in India, offering ministerial clerk and data entry positions across central government ministries, attached offices, and constitutional bodies.
- Exam Dates: 30th November to 31st December 2026.
- Exam Structure: English Language (Basic Knowledge – 25 Questions, 50 Marks), General Intelligence (25 Questions, 50 Marks), Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skills – 25 Questions, 50 Marks), and General Awareness (25 Questions, 50 Marks).
- Total Duration: 60 Minutes (100 Questions, 200 Marks).
- Negative Marking: 0.50 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
Comparison of Exam Patterns, Marking Schemes, and Durations
The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of test duration, total question count, and marking rules across all three scheduled examinations:
| Exam Name | Total Questions | Total Marks | Exam Duration | Negative Marking | Language Medium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSC JE (Paper 1) | 200 Questions | 200 Marks | 120 Minutes (2 Hours) | 0.25 Marks per wrong answer | English & Hindi (Domain specific) |
| SSC CPO / Delhi Police (Paper 1) | 200 Questions | 200 Marks | 120 Minutes (2 Hours) | 0.25 Marks per wrong answer | English & Hindi (Bilingual) |
| SSC CHSL (Tier 1) | 100 Questions | 200 Marks | 60 Minutes (1 Hour) | 0.50 Marks per wrong answer | English, Hindi & 13 Regional Languages |
Salary Structure and Pay Scales Under 7th Central Pay Commission
All posts advertised under these recruitments carry secure central government benefits, Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) coverage. The table below details the pay matrices for each notified post:
| Designation | Pay Level (7th CPC) | Basic Pay Scale | Approximate Gross In-Hand Salary (X Cities) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC Junior Engineer (Civil/Mech/Elec) | Level 6 | ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400 | ₹55,000 to ₹65,000 per month |
| Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police & CAPFs | Level 6 | ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400 | ₹58,000 to ₹68,000 per month (incl. ration/risk allowances) |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO Grade A) | Level 4 | ₹25,500 to ₹81,100 | ₹42,000 to ₹48,000 per month |
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC) / JSA | Level 2 | ₹19,900 to ₹63,200 | ₹32,000 to ₹38,000 per month |
Standard Shift Timings and Reporting Protocols
The Staff Selection Commission conducts computer-based examinations in three standard shifts each day. Candidates must strictly follow the reporting and gate closing times mentioned on their e-admit cards:
- Shift 1 (Morning): Reporting Time: 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM | Gate Closes: 8:30 AM | Examination Window: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM (or 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM for 2-hour exams).
- Shift 2 (Afternoon): Reporting Time: 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM | Gate Closes: 12:15 PM | Examination Window: 12:45 PM to 1:45 PM (or 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM).
- Shift 3 (Evening): Reporting Time: 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM | Gate Closes: 4:00 PM | Examination Window: 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM (or 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM).
- Mandatory Photo Identity Documents: Candidates must carry their printed admit card, two recent passport-size color photographs, and an original government photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License, or PAN Card) bearing the exact same date of birth.
How to Download SSC City Intimation Slip and Admit Card
To access your exam city details and e-admit card under SSC Exam Dates 2026, follow these step-by-step instructions:
- Visit the Central Portal: Go to the official Staff Selection Commission website at ssc.gov.in.
- Access Regional Websites: Click on the “Admit Card” tab at the top of the homepage to view your specific regional SSC portal (NR, CR, WR, ER, SR, KKR, MPR, NWR, NER).
- Check City Intimation Status: Approximately 10 to 12 days before your exam date, click on “Know Your City and Date of Exam.” Enter your Registration Number and Date of Birth.
- Download Final Hall Ticket: Final e-admit cards containing your exact exam center name and address will be activated 3 to 4 days prior to your individual test date.
- Print and Verify Details: Print two clear copies of your admit card and verify your roll number, reporting shift, and center address.
Official Regional SSC Websites Directory
Candidates can download their regional city intimation slips and admit cards directly from their respective regional portals:
| SSC Region | States and Union Territories Covered | Official Regional Website |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Region (NR) | Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand | sscnr.nic.in |
| Central Region (CR) | Uttar Pradesh, Bihar | ssc-cr.org |
| Western Region (WR) | Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Daman & Diu | sscwr.net |
| Eastern Region (ER) | West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Andaman & Nicobar | sscer.org |
| Southern Region (SR) | Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Puducherry | sscsr.gov.in |
| KKR Region | Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep | ssckkr.kar.nic.in |
| Madhya Pradesh (MPR) | Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh | sscmpr.org |
| North Western (NWR) | Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Ladakh, Chandigarh | sscnwr.org |
| North Eastern (NER) | Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura | sscner.org.in |
Last 30-Day Preparation and Score Normalization Strategy
Because these tests are conducted across multiple days and shifts, the Staff Selection Commission applies an official score normalization formula to account for slight variations in difficulty levels across question sets. To maximize your normalized score, follow these proven preparation methods:
- Prioritize High-Scoring Reasoning & Math Topics: Syllogisms, coding-decoding, percentage calculations, ratio-proportion, and data interpretation provide quick scoring opportunities with high accuracy.
- Target Accuracy Over Blind Guessing: Because negative marking penalizes wrong answers (0.25 to 0.50 marks per error), avoiding speculative guesses directly protects your normalized percentile.
- Review Last 6 Months Current Affairs: Focus on government schemes, appointments, sports tournaments, awards, and science-technology breakthroughs released over the past half-year.
- Practice Full-Length Computer-Based Mocks: Complete at least 15 to 20 full timed mock tests matching the exact interface and timer countdown of the official SSC portal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About SSC Exam Dates
Q1: What are the official SSC exam dates 2026 for Junior Engineer (JE)?
Answer: The SSC Junior Engineer (Paper 1) Computer-Based Examination is scheduled to be conducted from 2nd November to 6th November 2026 across India.
Q2: When is the SSC Delhi Police and CAPFs Sub-Inspector (CPO) exam scheduled?
Answer: The SSC CPO (Paper 1) examination for Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police and CAPFs will take place from 20th November to 28th November 2026.
Q3: What are the exam dates for SSC CHSL 2026 Tier 1?
Answer: The SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL 10+2) Tier 1 examination will be conducted from 30th November to 31st December 2026.
Q4: Where can I check the official notification for SSC exam dates?
Answer: You can download the official examination schedule notification directly from the Staff Selection Commission website at ssc.gov.in under the Notice Board section.
Q5: When will the SSC city intimation slip be released for November 2026 exams?
Answer: The exam city intimation slip is typically released 10 to 12 days prior to the start of each examination on the respective regional SSC websites.
Q6: When can candidates download the final SSC admit card?
Answer: Final admit cards with exact test venue details become available for download 3 to 4 days before your specific exam date.
Q7: Is there negative marking in SSC JE and SSC CPO examinations?
Answer: Yes. Both SSC JE (Paper 1) and SSC CPO (Paper 1) deduct 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer. SSC CHSL Tier 1 deducts 0.50 marks per wrong answer.
Q8: Can I change my allotted examination city after the schedule is released?
Answer: No. The Staff Selection Commission does not permit changes in exam centers or test dates once the city allotment and admit cards are issued.
Q9: What items are strictly prohibited inside the SSC examination hall?
Answer: Mobile phones, electronic watches, calculators, bluetooth devices, metallic items, bags, and loose study papers are strictly forbidden inside the testing center.
Sources Checked and Editorial Verification
- Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Official Central Portal
- SSC Northern Region (NR) Official Website
- SSC Central Region (CR) Official Website
- SSC Western Region (WR) Official Website
Update Policy: This page will be revised immediately when the Staff Selection Commission publishes revised notices, shift intimation links, or regional admit card releases.