SSC ASO / Assistant Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination 2025 – Notification, Eligibility & Apply Online
No. 4/2/2026-CONF-5 | Staff Selection Commission (SSC-HQ) | Notice Dated: 25.06.2026
Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the notification for the Assistant Section Officer (ASO) / Assistant Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2025. This is a Limited Departmental Examination — meaning it is open only to eligible serving employees of the Central Secretariat Service (CSS), DoPT and Ministry of External Affairs (Cadre Cell), and not to the general public. Online applications can be submitted from 25.06.2026 to 16.07.2026. This article covers eligibility, vacancies, exam pattern, selection process, and the complete application procedure.
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📋 Overview / Summary Table
| Organization | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Examination Name | ASO / Assistant Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2025 |
| Notice No. | 4/2/2026-CONF-5 |
| Post Name | Assistant Section Officer (ASO) / Assistant, Pay Level-7, Group 'B' Non-Gazetted |
| Total Vacancies | 341 (Tentative) – CSS (DoPT): 318, MEA Cadre Cell: 23 |
| Eligible Candidates | Serving SSA/UDC of CSS (DoPT) & MEA (Cadre Cell) only |
| Mode of Application | Online, via https://ssc.gov.in |
| Application Start Date | 25.06.2026 |
| Application Last Date | 16.07.2026 (11:00 PM) |
| Exam Date (Tentative) | August 2026 |
| Exam Centre | Delhi-NCR only |
| Selection Process | Computer Based Examination (300 marks) + Evaluation of Record of Service (100 marks) |
| Pay Level | Level-7 (Rs. 44,900 – Rs. 1,42,400) |
| Official Website | https://ssc.gov.in / https://sscnr.nic.in |
📅 Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Start of Online Application | 25.06.2026 |
| Last Date & Time for Online Application | 16.07.2026 (2300 hours) |
| Last Date for Receipt of Forwarded Application (India, via HoD/HoO) | 23.07.2026 (1800 hours) |
| Last Date for Receipt of Forwarded Application (Abroad / A&N Islands / Lakshadweep) | 30.07.2026 (1800 hours) |
| Computer Based Examination (Tentative) | August 2026 |
🧑💼 Vacancy Details (Cadre-wise, Tentative)
| Sl. No. | Service/Cadre | UR | SC | ST | Total | PwBD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Central Secretariat Service (CSS), DoPT | 189 | 71 | 58 | 318 | 19* |
| 2 | Ministry of External Affairs (Cadre Cell) | 23 | - | - | 23 | - |
*Of the 19 PwBD vacancies in CSS: 6-VH (Visually Handicapped), 4-OH (Orthopedically Handicapped), 4-HH (Hearing Handicapped), 5-Others. Vacancies are tentative and subject to availability as reported by the respective Cadre Controlling Authorities; the exam is competitive (not merely qualifying) and inclusion in the Select List is entirely at the discretion of the Government.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
Unlike open recruitment exams, this LDCE is restricted to serving Government employees in specific feeder cadres. The crucial date for counting approved service is 01.07.2025 for both cadres.
| Service/Cadre | Crucial Date | Eligibility Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Central Secretariat Service (CSS), DoPT | 01.07.2025 | Officers in Upper Division Grade of the Central Secretariat Clerical Service with not less than 6 years' approved service in the grade as on the crucial date |
| Ministry of External Affairs (Cadre Cell) | 01.07.2025 | Upper Division Clerk Grade employees who have completed mandatory MEA-prescribed training and have not less than 6 years' approved service in the grade |
- Candidates should not have resigned, been terminated, or lost lien on their SSA/UDC post (except deputation with competent authority approval) — they will not be eligible for appointment based on this exam.
- Reservation for SC/ST/PwBD will be as determined and communicated by the respective Service/Cadre Controlling Authority.
💰 Application Fee
No application fee has been prescribed in this Notice for the ASO/Assistant Grade LDCE, 2025. Candidates should refer to the official notice on https://ssc.gov.in for any updates in this regard.
💵 Pay Scale / Salary
Selected candidates will be included in the Select List of Assistant Section Officer/Assistant, which is Pay Level-7, Group 'B' Non-Gazetted, with a pay scale of Rs. 44,900 – Rs. 1,42,400/-.
📝 Selection Process & Exam Pattern
Selection consists of two parts — a Computer Based Examination (CBE) and Evaluation of Record of Service (APARs).
Part-I: Computer Based Examination (300 Marks)
| Paper | Subject Coverage | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | General Awareness (flagship programmes/govt. initiatives), Constitutional provisions, Parliamentary procedures, Reading Comprehension (English/Hindi), Central Secretariat Manual of Office Procedure, Allocation/Transaction of Business Rules, Noting & Drafting | 150 | 3 hrs (4 hrs for scribe-eligible candidates) |
| Paper-II | Service Rules (Leave, Conduct & CCA, Pension/NPS), Financial Rules (TA, LTC), RTI Act 2005, POSH Act 2013, Records Management, Precis Writing | 150 | 3 hrs (4 hrs for scribe-eligible candidates) |
- Both papers are Objective Type (Multiple Choice) with negative marking of 0.25 marks (25%) for each wrong answer.
- Exam is conducted only in the language (English/Hindi) opted in the application; no Braille question paper is provided for VH candidates.
- The Commission may fix minimum qualifying marks individually for Paper-I and Paper-II.
Part-II: Evaluation of Record of Service (100 Marks)
100 marks are earmarked for evaluation of the candidate's Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs). These marks are added to the CBE score to determine final merit. No request for change in APAR grading after evaluation will be entertained.
Final Merit & Tie-Breaking
- Only candidates qualifying in Paper-I + Paper-II (Part-I) proceed to APAR evaluation (Part-II).
- Final selection is based on aggregate marks of Part-I (CBE) + Part-II (APAR Evaluation).
- SC/ST/PwBD candidates may be selected on relaxed standards where sufficient candidates are not otherwise available for reserved vacancies.
- Tie-breaking order: (1) Marks in Paper-I, (2) Marks in Paper-II, (3) Older candidate ranked higher, (4) Alphabetical order of names.
- This is a competitive, not merely qualifying, examination — no candidate has an automatic right to inclusion in the Select List.
🖥️ How to Apply – Online Application Procedure
The application process has two stages: One-Time Registration (OTR) on the new SSC website, followed by filling the Online Application for this specific examination.
Step 1: One-Time Registration (OTR)
- Visit https://ssc.gov.in and click "Register Now" under "Login or Register".
- Note: OTR generated on the old website (ssc.nic.in) is not valid on the new website — a fresh OTR is mandatory.
- Keep ready: mobile number, email ID, Aadhaar number (or alternate ID), and Matriculation (10th) Board/Roll Number/Year of Passing details.
- Fill Personal Details, create a password, fill Additional Details (category, nationality, disability, address), and complete the Declaration.
- Aadhaar-Based Authentication is recommended during OTR as per the Commission's Aadhaar Policy.
- Complete registration within 14 days, or your saved data will be deleted.
Step 2: Filling the Online Application
- Log in using your Registration Number and password.
- Click "Apply" under the ASO/Assistant Grade LDCE, 2025 section in the "Live Exam" tab.
- Select your Department/Cadre, enter joining date & length of service in the feeder grade, and confirm Examination Year (2025) and Centre (Delhi-NCR).
- Answer PwBD/scribe-assistance related questions if applicable, and select medium of examination.
- Provide employment details, Head of Department/Office details, and complete chronological service history.
- Upload required documents (attested Service Book extract, particulars of service, disability certificate if applicable).
- Capture live photograph (plain background, no cap/spectacles) and upload scanned signature (JPEG, 10–20 KB, 6cm x 2cm).
- Preview the form, agree to the declaration, enter the captcha, and submit.
- Take a printout of the submitted application for your records.
📮 Forwarding of Application (Mandatory)
After submitting the online application, candidates must print it along with the required documents (as per Annexure-I) and get it forwarded by their Head of Department/Head of Office to:
The Regional Director, Staff Selection Commission (Northern Region), Block No.12, C.G.O. Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003
- Candidates in India: must reach by 23.07.2026 (1800 hrs)
- Candidates abroad / Andaman & Nicobar / Lakshadweep: must reach by 30.07.2026 (1800 hrs)
Applications not forwarded by the Head of Department/Office, or received after the deadline, will not be considered under any circumstances.
📄 Documents Required
- Certified true copy of the first page of the Service Book (attested by HoD/HoO)
- Certified true copy of particulars of service showing posts held, scale of pay, and capacity (substantive/officiating/permanent/temporary)
- Disability Certificate (for PwBD candidates), as per Annexure-VII/VIII format
- Medical Certificate/Undertaking for Scribe/Technology/Assistive Device assistance (Annexure-II or III), where applicable
- HoD/HoO Forwarding Certificate (Annexure-VI)
- Departmental Identity Card (Original) and hard copy of Admission Certificate, to be produced at the exam venue
♿ Facilities for PwBD Candidates
- Scribe/Technology/Assistive Device assistance available for Blindness & Cerebral Palsy categories (subject to certificate upload) and other PwBD categories with a physical writing limitation, upon appropriate certification.
- PwD candidates with less than 40% disability but genuine writing difficulty may also avail scribe assistance on production of a certificate as per Annexure-III.
- A compensatory time of 20 minutes per hour of examination is provided to all eligible candidates, whether or not they avail scribe/assistive device support.
⚠️ Malpractice & Debarment
SSC conducts detailed post-exam scrutiny including log analysis, photo/biometric verification, and CCTV review. Malpractices such as impersonation, use of unfair means, possession of electronic gadgets, or hacking attempts attract debarment ranging from 1 year to 7 years (or permanent debarment), besides potential criminal prosecution. Candidates are advised to strictly follow examination hall rules and identity verification norms.
🔗 Important Links
Apply Online / OTR: https://ssc.gov.in
Regional Office Updates (Exam City/Centre/Admit Card): https://sscnr.nic.in
Help Desk (SSC-HQ): 1800 309 3063 (Toll Free)
SSC (NR) New Delhi: 011-24363343
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Who can apply for the SSC ASO/Assistant Grade LDCE 2025?
Only serving Senior Secretariat Assistants/Upper Division Clerks of CSS (DoPT) and MEA (Cadre Cell) with at least 6 years' approved service as on 01.07.2025 are eligible. It is not open to the general public.
Q2. What is the last date to apply online?
The online application window closes on 16.07.2026 at 2300 hours.
Q3. How many total vacancies are there?
318 vacancies in Central Secretariat Service (DoPT) and 23 in Ministry of External Affairs (Cadre Cell) — 341 total (tentative), subject to actual availability.
Q4. Where will the exam be conducted?
The Computer Based Examination will be conducted in Delhi-NCR only.
Q5. What is the exam pattern?
Two objective papers of 150 marks each (300 total) with 0.25 negative marking per wrong answer, plus 100 marks for Evaluation of Record of Service (APARs) — 400 marks overall.
Q6. Is there an application fee?
No application fee has been specified in this notice.
Q7. Does the online application alone complete the process?
No. The printed application with documents must also be forwarded by the candidate's Head of Department/Office to SSC's Northern Regional Office by the prescribed deadline (23.07.2026 for India-based candidates).
Q8. What pay level is offered to selected candidates?
Selected candidates are placed in Pay Level-7, Group 'B' Non-Gazetted (Rs. 44,900 – Rs. 1,42,400).
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is based on the official SSC Notice No. 4/2/2026-CONF-5 dated 25.06.2026. This is a Limited Departmental Examination meant only for eligible serving Central Government employees. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official SSC website (https://ssc.gov.in) and their Regional Office (https://sscnr.nic.in) before applying. In case of any discrepancy, the official notification shall prevail.
