SSC CHSL DEO 2026: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) recruits Data Entry Operators (DEO) and Data Entry Operators Grade 'A' through the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination. Candidates interested in the DEO post can check the SSC CHSL DEO eligibility, age limit, salary, selection process, skill test, job profile and career growth here.
The SSC CHSL 2026 notification has been released on September 7, 2026. The examination is conducted for Group C posts, including DEO and DEO Grade 'A', in various Ministries, Departments, Offices, Constitutional Bodies, Statutory Bodies and Tribunals.
Check SSC CHSL DEO important highlights here:
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Post | Data Entry Operator (DEO) / DEO Grade 'A' |
| Recruiting Body | Staff Selection Commission |
| Exam | SSC CHSL 2026 |
| Total Tentative Vacancies | Approx. 2,536 across CHSL posts |
| Age Limit | 18 to 27 years |
| Educational Qualification | 12th Standard or equivalent |
| Special DEO Qualification | 12th Science with Mathematics for specified departments |
| DEO Pay Level | Level 4 and Level 5 |
| DEO Grade 'A' Pay Level | Level 4 |
| Selection | Tier-I, Tier-II and qualifying DEO Skill Test |
The age limit for SSC CHSL 2026 posts is 18 to 27 years as on August 1, 2026.
Candidates must have been born not before August 2, 1999, and not later than August 1, 2008, to be eligible.
Age relaxation is applicable to reserved and other eligible categories as per Government of India rules.
| Category | Upper Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
| ESM | As per SSC rules |
| Central Government Civilian Employees | Up to 40/45 years, as applicable |
| Widows/Divorced Women/Women judicially separated | Up to 35/40 years, as applicable |
Candidates should refer to the official notification for category-specific conditions and eligibility requirements.
The educational qualification depends on the department/post.
Candidates applying for DEO/DEO Grade 'A' in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Staff Selection Commission and Ministry of Culture must have passed Class 12 in the Science stream with Mathematics as a subject from a recognised Board or equivalent.
Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognised Board or University.
Candidates appearing in their Class 12 examination can also apply, but they must possess the required qualification on or before October 7, 2026.
Important: A graduation degree is not required for SSC CHSL DEO if the candidate fulfils the prescribed Class 12 qualification.
The SSC CHSL 2026 notification specifies different pay levels for DEO posts.
| Post | Pay Level | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Level 4 | ₹25,500–₹81,100 |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Level 5 | ₹29,200–₹92,300 |
| Data Entry Operator Grade 'A' | Level 4 | ₹25,500–₹81,100 |
The exact salary received by a selected candidate will depend on the post, department and applicable government allowances and deductions.
The SSC CHSL selection process consists of Tier-I and Tier-II Computer-Based Examinations. Candidates applying for DEO posts must also qualify the mandatory DEO Skill Test in Tier-II.
Tier-I is an objective Computer-Based Examination consisting of:
It carries 100 questions for 200 marks and has a duration of 60 minutes. There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer.
Tier-II is conducted in two sessions on the same day.
The Computer Knowledge Test is mandatory but qualifying, while the Skill Test/Typing Test is also qualifying in nature. Candidates must qualify all applicable sections.
The DEO Skill Test is mandatory and no candidate is exempted from appearing in it.
| DEO Category | Required Speed | Test Duration |
|---|---|---|
| DEO/DEO Grade 'A' in specified departments | 15,000 key depressions per hour | 15 minutes |
| Other DEO/DEO Grade 'A' posts | 8,000 key depressions per hour | 15 minutes |
Candidates eligible for a scribe receive 5 minutes of compensatory time, making the Skill Test duration 20 minutes.
An important point for DEO aspirants is that Tier-I is not used for preparing the final merit list.
SSC will prepare the merit list based on the aggregate marks obtained in Sections I and II of Tier-II, subject to the candidate qualifying Sections III and IV and according to the post preferences submitted by the candidate.
Therefore, DEO candidates should not focus only on Tier-I. Performance in Tier-II Sections I and II, along with qualifying the Computer Knowledge Test and DEO Skill Test, is crucial for final selection.
A Data Entry Operator works with computer-based data and official records in the allotted Ministry, Department or organisation. The exact duties may vary depending on the department and post.
Common responsibilities may include:
The actual duties and responsibilities will depend on the User Department to which the candidate is allotted.
Career growth is dependent upon various factors including experience, departmental promotions, performance, and category. Following a promotion, candidates may progress through the career hierarchy in the following sequence: 1. Console Operator 2. Senior Console Operator 3. Data Processor 4. Senior Data Processor 5. Data Managers This growth offers individuals opportunities for professional growth and increased responsibilities as they gain experience and showcase their capabilities within the organization.
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| Other Links Related to SSC CHSL | |
| SSC CHSL Notification | SSC CHSL Apply Online |
| SSC CHSL Exam Pattern | SSC CHSL Syllabus |
| SSC CHSL Eligibility Criteria | SSC CHSL Previous Year Question Papers |
| SSC CHSL Salary | SSC CHSL Vacancy |
| SSC CHSL Cut Off | SSC CHSL Selection Process |