The Staff Selection Commission has released the official notification for the SSC ASO LDCE Recruitment 2026 on June 25, 2026.
This Limited Departmental Competitive Exam serves as a career-advancement pathway for in-service central government employees to secure regular, executive promotions in key central ministries.
Overview of SSC ASO LDCE Recruitment 2026
| Recruitment Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Staff Selection Commission |
| Exam Name | SSC ASO LDCE Recruitment 2026 |
| Post Name | Assistant Section Officer Grade ‘B’ |
| Pay Level | Pay Level-7 |
| Total Vacancies | 341 Tentative Vacancies |
| Application Mode | Online + Hard Copy Through Department |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Exam |
This promotional exam fills Grade ‘B’ Assistant Section Officer posts in Pay Level-7. Only specified departmental clerical cadre officials serving in Delhi-NCR are eligible to apply through this channel.
Important Dates
Track these critical timelines for the SSC ASO LDCE important dates 2026:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Window | June 25 to July 16, 2026 (11:00 PM) |
| Receipt of Hard Copy at Northern Region | July 23, 2026 |
| Receipt of Hard Copy for Remote Areas | July 30, 2026 |
| Computer-Based Exam | August 2026 |
Vacancy Details
A total of 341 tentative vacancies are announced for the 2025 recruitment cycle:
| Department | Vacancies | Category Details |
|---|---|---|
| CSS, DoPT | 318 | UR: 189, SC: 71, ST: 58, PwBD: 19 |
| Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) | 23 | UR: 23 |
| Total | 341 | Tentative Vacancies |
Eligibility Criteria
To meet the SSC ASO departmental eligibility standards, candidates must possess specified service:
- CSS / MEA Candidates: Must serve in the Upper Division Grade (CSCS/UDC) for a minimum of 6 years of approved service as of July 1, 2025.
- MEA Staff: Candidates serving under MEA must complete mandatory training as required.
- Departmental Requirement: Only eligible in-service central government personnel can apply through this recruitment channel.
Age Limit & Fee
There is no designated maximum age limit or application fee since this remains a purely departmental exam for existing central government personnel.
Selection Process
The SSC ASO LDCE selection process is organized as follows:
| Selection Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Part I – CBE | Two objective papers of 150 marks each, with 3 hours for each paper. |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer. |
| Part II – APAR Evaluation | 100 marks allocated for evaluation of APARs. |
| Final Selection | Final rank determines inclusion in select promotional lists. |
Salary & Benefits
The promotional SSC Assistant Section Officer salary conforms to Pay Level-7 under the 7th CPC (₹44,900 to ₹1,42,400). This includes standard government DA, HRA, and central pension plans.
How to Apply
Candidates navigating the SSC departmental ASO application process must register online:
- Generate a fresh OTR at ssc.gov.in.
- Fill form to apply online for SSC ASO departmental exam.
- Upload signature and live photo.
- Submit the online application form before the deadline.
- Route the printed form through proper departmental channels by July 23, 2026.
Apply Online Admit Card Updates
- Using Old OTR: Previous accounts on ssc.nic.in are inactive; candidates must use ssc.gov.in.
- No Hard Copy: Application is automatically rejected if the physical copy does not arrive on time.
- Improper Photo: Spectacles, hats, or dark settings can cause immediate rejection.
Preparation Advice
Focus intensely on the Central Secretariat Manual of Office Procedure and parliamentary instructions for Paper I. Revise Leave and CCA rules thoroughly for Paper II.
Important Links
Staff Selection Commission SSC Northern Region SSC Northern Region
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
July 16, 2026, online, and July 23, 2026, for physical copy arrivals.
Clerical cadre officials with 6 years of approved service as of July 1, 2025.
Pay Level-7 (₹44,900 to ₹1,42,400) plus allowances.
Register at ssc.gov.in and route the printed hard copy through your department head.
A 300-mark CBT consisting of Paper I and Paper II followed by a 100-mark APAR review.
