SSC ASO LDCE Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 341 Assistant Section Officer Posts Before July 16.The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially announced the Assistant Section Officer (ASO)/Assistant Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) 2026, opening the door for eligible Central Government employees to secure a promotion to one of the most sought-after positions in the Central Secretariat.
Through this recruitment drive, SSC will fill 341 Assistant Section Officer (ASO) vacancies in the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The online application process started on 25 June 2026 and will remain open until 16 July 2026, while the Computer-Based Examination (CBT) is tentatively scheduled for August 2026.
Unlike regular SSC recruitments, this examination is meant exclusively for eligible departmental employees who meet the prescribed service conditions. Selected candidates will be promoted to the post of Assistant Section Officer, a role that offers greater responsibilities, better pay, and excellent career progression within the Central Government.
SSC ASO LDCE Recruitment 2026 Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Examination Name | Assistant Section Officer (ASO) LDCE 2026 |
| Post Name | Assistant Section Officer (ASO) |
| Examination Type | Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) |
| Total Vacancies | 341 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Registration Starts | 25 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 16 July 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Exam Date | August 2026 (Tentative) |
| Exam Centre | Delhi-NCR Only |
| Website | https://ssc.gov.in/ |
SSC ASO LDCE Vacancy 2026
SSC has notified 341 vacancies under two Central Government services.
Vacancy Details
| Department | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Central Secretariat Service (CSS) | 318 |
| Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) | 23 |
| Total | 341 |
The vacancies will be filled through the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination conducted by SSC.
Important Dates
Candidates should keep the following schedule in mind.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 25 June 2026 |
| Online Registration Begins | 25 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 16 July 2026 |
| Last Date for Submission of Printed Application | 23 July 2026 |
| Last Date for Candidates Posted Abroad | 30 July 2026 |
| Computer-Based Examination | August 2026 (Tentative) |
Since the application process also involves submission of verified documents through the department, candidates are advised to complete all formalities well before the deadline.
Eligibility Criteria
This recruitment is only for departmental candidates working in eligible Central Government offices.
Educational Qualification
Candidates should fulfill the eligibility conditions prescribed under the relevant service rules.
Central Secretariat Service (CSS)
Applicants should:
- Be serving in the eligible feeder grade.
- Have completed at least six years of approved service as on 1 July 2025.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
Candidates should:
- Be working as Upper Division Clerks (UDCs).
- Have completed the required departmental training.
- Possess a minimum of six years of approved service.
Only candidates meeting the prescribed service requirements will be allowed to appear for the examination.
Age Limit
The official notification does not prescribe any separate age limit.
Eligibility is determined based on the candidate’s service conditions and departmental requirements.
Application Fee
No application fee has been prescribed for the SSC ASO Limited Departmental Competitive Examination.
Selection Process
The recruitment process consists of two stages.
Computer-Based Examination
Eligible candidates will first appear for a Computer-Based Test conducted by SSC.
The examination will assess candidates on subjects relevant to departmental promotion.
APAR Evaluation
After the written examination, the Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs) of eligible candidates will also be considered as part of the selection process.
The final selection will be made after evaluating performance in both stages according to SSC rules.
Exam Pattern
The examination will be conducted in Computer-Based mode.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Examination Centre | Delhi-NCR Only |
| Tentative Exam Month | August 2026 |
The detailed syllabus and examination scheme are available in the official notification.
Salary Structure
Candidates selected through the ASO LDCE will be promoted to the post of Assistant Section Officer under Pay Level-7 of the 7th Central Pay Commission.
Pay Scale
₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400
Apart from the basic pay, employees will also receive:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance
- Medical Benefits
- Leave Benefits
- Pension Benefits
- Other Central Government allowances
The promotion significantly enhances both salary and career prospects.
Documents Required
Candidates should keep the following documents ready before applying:
- One-Time Registration (OTR) Details
- Recent Live Photograph
- Scanned Signature
- Service Book (First Page)
- Departmental Service Certificate
- Identity Proof
- Disability Certificate (if applicable)
- Other documents specified by SSC
How to Apply for SSC ASO LDCE Recruitment 2026?
Eligible departmental candidates can apply by following these steps:
- Visit the official SSC website.
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR), if required.
- Log in using your registration credentials.
- Fill in the online application form carefully.
- Upload the required photograph and signature.
- Submit the online application.
- Download and print the application form.
- Get the printed application verified by the Head of Office.
- Submit the verified hard copy through the proper departmental channel before the prescribed deadline.
