SSC SSA UDC Limited Departmental Exam 2025 has been officially
announced by the Staff Selection Commission for 227 posts across
10 Central Government organisations.
URGENT NOTICE Online Application: 05 June 2026 to 26 June 2026 (11:00 PM) Hard Copy Forwarding Deadline: 03 July 2026 by 6:00 PM Application Mode: Online only at https://ssc.gov.in ⚠️ THIS IS A LIMITED DEPARTMENTAL EXAM — Only serving Central Govt. employees in specified cadres are eligible. General public cannot apply.
The Staff Selection Commission has officially released the notification for the Senior Secretariat Assistant / Upper Division Clerk Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2025 vide Notice No. 4/1/2026-CONF-5, uploaded on 05.06.2026. A total of 227 vacancies are on offer across 10 Central Government organisations — and the application window is open from 05 June to 26 June 2026.
Before anything else — one thing you must understand clearly:
This is NOT an open public recruitment. Only currently serving employees of the 10 specified cadres/services are eligible to appear. If you are not already working in one of these organisations in the JSA/LDC grade, this exam is not for you.
If you are eligible — read every word below. This post covers everything accurately,
Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Issuing Authority | Staff Selection Commission (SSC HQ), New Delhi |
| Notice No. | 4/1/2026-CONF-5 |
| Exam Name | SSA/UDC Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2025 |
| Exam Type | Limited Departmental — Current Central Govt. employees only |
| Total Vacancies | 227 (subject to availability) |
| Post | Senior Secretariat Assistant / Upper Division Clerk |
| Pay Level | Pay Level-4, Group ‘C’, Non-Gazetted |
| Pay Scale | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Exam Centre | Delhi NCR only |
| Official Website | https://ssc.gov.in |
| Regional Website | https://sscnr.nic.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Notification Upload Date | 05/06/2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 05/06/2026 |
| Online Application Closes | 26/06/2026 (2300 hours / 11:00 PM) |
| Hard Copy Forwarding Deadline (General) | 03/07/2026 by 6:00 PM |
| Hard Copy Forwarding Deadline (Abroad/A&N/Lakshadweep) | 10/07/2026 by 6:00 PM |
| Computer Based Examination (Tentative) | July – August 2026 |
| Exam Centre/City Upload on Website | 10 days before exam date |
| Admit Card Download | 3–4 days before exam date |
Critical Note: The exam is named “2025” but the application window is in June 2026. This is the delayed cycle for recruitment year 2025 — completely normal for SSC departmental exams. The exam cycle refers to the vacancy year, not the application year.
Vacancy Details — Organisation-Wise
| Organisation | UR | SC | ST | PwBD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Passport Organisation, Ministry of External Affairs | 46 | 19 | 11 | 04 |
| Armed Forces Headquarters Clerical Service | 31 | 07 | 04 | 03 (VH, HH & OH) |
| Railway Board Secretariat Clerical Service, Ministry of Railways | 13 | 04 | 02 | 03 PH (2B/LV, 01 D/HH) |
| Central Administrative Tribunal | 15 | 06 | 03 | 02 (01-OH, 01-VH) |
| Central Vigilance Commission | 05 | 01 | 00 | 01 (any category) |
| Election Commission of India | 09 | 02 | 01 | 01 (UR-OH) |
| Forest Survey of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change | 03 | 01 | 00 | NIL |
| National Technical Research Organisation | 07 | 01 | 00 | NIL |
| Directorate General, Defence Estates | 07 | 01 | 00 | NIL |
| Office of Development Commissioner, Ministry of MSME | 22 | 04 | 02 | 01 (VH) |
| TOTAL | 158 | 46 | 23 | 227 |
Important Notes: OBC and EWS categories are NOT mentioned anywhere in the official vacancy table. Vacancies are provisional and subject to availability at the time of actual engagement. The Commission has no role in determination of vacancies — these are reported by respective organisations.
Eligibility — Cadre-Wise (Very Important)
Each of the 10 organisations has its own crucial date and service conditions. Check your organisation carefully.
1. Central Passport Organisation, Ministry of External Affairs
- Crucial Date: 01.07.2025
- Eligible Post: Junior Passport Assistant
- Service Requirement: 6 years service in the grade on regular basis
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university
2. Armed Forces Headquarters Clerical Service
- Crucial Date: 01.07.2025
- Eligible Post: Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA)
- Service Requirement: 5 years approved continuous service in JSA Grade — OR — 4 years if appointed via competitive exam whose result was announced 5+ years before crucial date
- Deputation: JSA on deputation to ex-cadre posts (with competent authority approval) with lien in JSA grade are eligible
3. Railway Board Secretariat Clerical Service, Ministry of Railways
- Crucial Date: 01.08.2025
- Eligible Post: Lower Division Clerk / Junior Secretariat Assistant Service Requirement: 5 years approved continuous service in LDC grade — OR — 4 years if appointed via competitive exam result announced 5+ years before crucial date
- Typewriting Test: Must have passed (unless exempted) before notification date Age: Must NOT be more than 50 years on the crucial date
4. Central Administrative Tribunal
- Crucial Date: 01.01.2025
- Service Requirement: 5 years regular service in LDC Grade
5. Central Vigilance Commission
- Crucial Date: 01.01.2025
- Eligible Post: Junior Secretariat Assistant
- Service Requirement: 5 years regular service in pay matrix level
6. Election Commission of India
- Crucial Date: 01.07.2025
- Eligible Post: Junior Secretariat Assistant / Lower Division Clerk
- Service Requirement: Minimum 3 years regular service — OR — 2 years if appointed via competitive exam result announced 3+ years before crucial date
7. Forest Survey of India, MoEF&CC
- Crucial Date: 01.01.2025
- Eligible Post: Lower Division Clerk of Forest Survey of India
- Service Requirement: 5 years regular service in the grade
8. National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO)
- Crucial Date: 01.01.2025
- Eligible Post: JSA / LDC of NTRO
- Service Requirement: 5 years regular service in the grade
9. Directorate General, Defence Estates
- Crucial Date: 01.01.2025
- Eligible Post: Hindi Typist
- Service Requirement: 5 years regular service
- Age: Must NOT be more than 45 years on the crucial date
10. Office of Development Commissioner, Ministry of MSME
- Crucial Date: 01.01.2025
- Eligible Post: LDC of MSME-DO in Level-2 (7th CPC)
- Service Requirement: 5 years regular service in the grade
Employees on deputation to ex-cadre posts with competent authority approval, and those having lien in the JSA/LDC grade, are eligible across most cadres. Employees appointed on transfer without lien are NOT eligible.
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST candidates | 5 years above prescribed upper age limit |
| Defence Personnel disabled in operations (released as a consequence) | 3 years |
| Defence Personnel disabled in operations — SC/ST | 8 years |
Note: Railway Board has a specific upper age cap of 50 years. Defence Estates has a specific upper age cap of 45 years — as on their respective crucial dates.
Exam Pattern & Scheme
PART I — Computer Based + Written Examination (300 Marks)
| Subject | Type | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | Objective MCQ | 100 marks | 2 hours combined (2 hr 40 min for scribe-eligible) |
| English Language & Comprehension | Objective MCQ | 100 marks | (combined with above) |
| Noting, Drafting & Office Procedure | Descriptive/Conventional | 100 marks | marks2 hours (2 hr 40 min for scribe-eligible) |
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer in Paper-I (CBE) only. No negative marking in Paper-II. Medium: English or Hindi — as opted in the online application form. No Braille question paper available for any paper.
PART II — Evaluation of Record of Service / APARs (100 Marks)
Total marks for final merit: Paper-I (200) + Paper-II (100) + APARs (100) = 400 Marks
Mode of Selection
- Qualify Paper-I (CBE) → shortlisted for Paper-II evaluation
- Qualify Paper-I + Paper-II → shortlisted for APAR/Record of Service evaluation
- Final selection based on aggregate of Paper-I + Paper-II + APAR marks
- Separate merit lists prepared for each participating cadre/organisation
- Success in exam does NOT guarantee selection — cadre authority must also be satisfied about candidate’s conduct in service
Tie-Break Rule (applied in this order)
- Higher marks in Paper-II
- Higher marks in English Language & Comprehension (part b of Paper-I)
- Date of birth — older candidate ranked higher
- Alphabetical order of names
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
⚠️ Old OTR on ssc.nic.in is NOT valid. You must create a new One Time Registration on the new website ssc.gov.in.
Step 1 — Complete One Time Registration (OTR) at https://ssc.gov.in
- Click “Register Now” on the SSC website
- Fill personal details — name exactly as in Matriculation certificate, DOB, father’s name, mother’s name, mobile, email
- Opt for Aadhaar-Based Authentication (strongly recommended)
- Create password and answer security questions
- Complete registration within 14 days of starting — else data will be deleted
- Save your Registration Number
Step 2 — Fill Online Application Form
- Login using Registration Number and password
- Click “Apply” under SSA/UDC Limited Departmental Competitive Examination 2025
- Select your Department/Cadre/Service
- Enter joining date and length of service in feeder cadre
- Capture live photograph — no pre-existing photo upload allowed
- Upload signature in JPEG format (10–20 KB, 6.0cm × 2.0cm)
- Upload all required documents
- Select medium of examination (English/Hindi)
- Preview carefully, click “I Agree” and submit
- Take printout of submitted application
Step 3 — Forward Hard Copy through Department
- Get printed application verified and endorsed by Head of Department/Office
- HOD must forward to: The Regional Director, SSC (Northern Region), Block No.12, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003
- Must reach by 03.07.2026 (6:00 PM) for general candidates
- Must reach by 10.07.2026 (6:00 PM) for candidates abroad/A&N Islands/Lakshadweep
Without HoD forwarding, your candidature will NOT be considered — even if you submitted the online form perfectly. This step is non-negotiable.
Document Checklist
☐ Certified true copy of first page of Service Book (attested by HoD/HoO) — showing name, father’s name, nationality, SC/ST category, DOB
☐ Certified copy of service particulars showing posts held, pay scale, and capacity (substantive/officiating/permanent/temporary) — attested by HoD/HoO
☐ Certificate of essential educational qualification (if applicable)
☐ Certificate for disabled Defence Personnel while in service (if applicable)
☐ Certificate of disability for PwBD candidates (Annexure-VII or Annexure-VIII)
☐ Scanned signature (JPEG, 10–20 KB)
☐ Live photograph captured on application portal
☐ For Railway Board candidates — Typewriting Test pass certificate (or exemption order)
☐ If CGPA/Grade Point marks — conversion formula/certificate
At Examination Centre, carry:
☐ Departmental Identity Card (Original) issued by employer
☐ Hard copy of Admission Certificate
☐ If not Aadhaar-authenticated — 2 passport-size photos + Photo ID with DOB
☐ PwBD candidates — Medical Certificate/Undertaking/Scribe ID proof as applicable
Key Rules & Disclaimers
- This is a competitive exam, not a qualifying exam — no right to selection based on appearing alone
- Exam will be held in Delhi NCR only — candidates serving abroad must come to India at their own expense. No centre at Indian missions abroad
- No TA from SSC for attending the examination
- No request for change of examination centre will be entertained under any circumstances
- Appearing at a different centre than allotted = paper not evaluated + candidature cancelled
- No re-evaluation or re-checking of scores at any stage
- Answer key challenge: ₹50 per question, non-refundable, only via online representation
- Multiple application submissions will lead to cancellation of candidature
- Candidates who resign, quit, or get their services terminated after applying become ineligible
- Canvassing in any form will disqualify the candidate
- False information, suppression of facts, fabricated documents — liable for debarment from 1 to 7 years depending on nature of malpractice
- Possession of mobile phone/Bluetooth/wireless devices at exam: debarment of 3–5 years
- Impersonation: debarment of 7 years
- OTR data, once submitted, cannot be edited/modified — fill with extreme care
Syllabus
Paper-I — General Awareness
Questions testing general awareness of environment, current events, everyday observations, and scientific aspects. Includes topics on India and neighbouring countries — History, Culture, Geography, Economics, Science, General Politics, Scientific Research.
Paper-I — English Language & Comprehension
Tests vocabulary, spelling, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms, sentence completion, phrases, idiomatic use of words, and comprehension of a passage. Questions at Matriculation level.
Paper-II — Noting, Drafting & Office Procedure
Tests knowledge of office procedure in Secretariat and Attached Offices, ability to write and understand notes and drafts. Candidates must study:
- Manual of Office Procedure (MoEF/Ministry of Railways as applicable)
- Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
- Handbook of orders for use of Hindi in official purposes
- Reservation Policy for SC/STs and related Government orders
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
|---|---|
| Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| For More Update | Click Here |
FAQ
Q1. I work as an LDC in a Central Government ministry not listed in the 10 organisations. Can I apply?
No. This is a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination strictly for employees of the 10 specified services/cadres listed in the notification. Employees from other Central Government ministries or departments not in this list are not eligible.
Q2. The exam is called “2025” but I am applying in June 2026. Is this correct?
Yes, this is correct. “2025” refers to the recruitment year — the cycle for which vacancies were reported. SSC departmental exams are often notified in the following year. Your application in June 2026 is for the 2025 vacancy cycle.
Q3. I had registered on the old SSC website (ssc.nic.in). Do I need to register again?
Yes, absolutely. The notification clearly states that OTR generated on the old website (ssc.nic.in) will not be functional on the new website (ssc.gov.in). You must complete a fresh One Time Registration on ssc.gov.in before applying.
Q4. Can I choose a city other than Delhi NCR for the exam?
No. The examination will be conducted in Delhi NCR only. There is no other centre. If you are posted outside Delhi or even abroad, you must travel to Delhi NCR at your own expense to appear for the exam.
Q5. I submitted my online form. Am I done?
No. You must also get a printed copy of your application forwarded by your Head of Department or Head of Office to SSC (Northern Region), New Delhi — so it reaches by 03.07.2026 (6:00 PM). Without this forwarding, your candidature will not be considered at all.
Q6. What happens if two candidates have the same total marks?
Tie-break is applied in this order: higher marks in Paper-II first, then higher marks in English section of Paper-I, then older candidate by date of birth, and finally alphabetical order of names.
Q7. I am a PwBD candidate. Will I get a scribe?
Blind/Cerebral Palsy candidates get a scribe/assistive technology automatically on request (with required certificate). Other PwBD candidates with physical limitation to write need a certificate from a Chief Medical Officer/Civil Surgeon. A compensatory time of 20 minutes per hour is also provided to all scribe-eligible candidates.
Q8. Is there any application fee?
The notification does not mention any application fee for this examination. No fee has been prescribed in the notice.