SSC CHSL Eligibility 2025: Age Limit & Qualifications

Published on October 9, 2025
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7 Min read time

Table of Contents

The Staff Selection Commission sets the SSC CHSL eligibility criteria. Candidates must ensure they meet all the requirements regarding age, education, and documentation. Failure to meet the eligibility conditions may result in disqualification from the recruitment process.

Key highlights of SSC CHSL Eligibility include:

  • Age limit: 18 to 27 years
  • Educational qualification: Must have passed Class 12th
  • Valid supporting documents are required for eligibility claims
ssc chsl eligibility

SSC CHSL Eligibility Criteria

Understanding the complete SSC CHSL eligibility criteria is crucial for candidates. Those who fail to meet the specified conditions will face disqualification. The detailed eligibility guidelines are provided below.

SSC CHSL Eligibility: Nationality/Citizenship

Candidates applying for the SSC CHSL 2025 exam must be Indian nationals. However, individuals from certain other countries may also be eligible. These include subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, as well as persons of Indian origin (PIOs) who have migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and specific East African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia, intending to settle permanently in India. Candidates belonging to these categories must obtain a certificate of SSC CHSL eligibility issued by the Government of India to be considered for the exam.

Nationality/CitizenshipAdditional Requirements
Indian NationalNo additional requirements
Subject of NepalMust have a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India
Subject of BhutanMust have a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India
Person of Indian Origin (PIO) migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia)Must have a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India

SSC CHSL Eligibility: Age Limit

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has specified a defined age limit for candidates applying to various posts under the Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) Examination. According to the official guidelines, applicants must be at least 18 years old and not exceed 27 years of age as of the cut-off date provided in the notification. These age criteria are mandatory and must be strictly adhered to by all candidates.

SSC CHSL Eligibility: Age Relaxation

According to SSC CHSL eligibility criteria, candidates from reserved categories are eligible for relaxation in the upper age limit. The details are provided below.

Age Relaxation PermissibleCategories
5 yearsSC/ ST
3 yearsOBC
10 yearsPersons with Disabilities (PWD) (Unreserved)
13 yearsPWD + OBC
15 yearsPWD + SC/ ST
3 years after deduction of service periodEx-Servicemen
3 yearsDisabled Defence Personnel released after operations in hostile/disturbed areas
8 yearsSC/ST Defence personnel disabled in foreign/hostile operations and released
Up to 40 years of ageCentral Govt. civilian employees with 3+ years of continuous service
Up to 45 years of ageSC/ST Civilian Employees of Central Government with 3+ years of continuous service
Up to 35 years of ageWidows/Divorced Women/Women judicially separated and not remarried
Up to 40 years of ageWidows/Divorced Women/Women judicially separated and not remarried (SC/ST)

SSC CHSL Eligibility: Educational Qualification

According to the SSC CHSL eligibility criteria, candidates who have passed Class 12 are eligible to apply. The required qualifications vary by post and are detailed below.

SSC CHSL PostsEducational Qualification
LDC/ JSA, PA/ SA, DEO (except DEOs in C&AG)12th Standard pass or equivalent examination from a recognized board
DEO (Grade ‘A’) in the Office of Comptroller and Auditor General of India (C&AG)12th Standard pass in Science stream with Mathematics as a subject or equivalent examination

SSC CHSL Eligibility: Number Of Attempts

There is no specific limit on the number of attempts for SSC CHSL Recruitment 2025. However, candidates must adhere to the defined age criteria. You can apply for the exam as many times as you wish, provided you fall within the age bracket of 18 to 27 years at the time of application.

SSC CHSL Eligibility Criteria for Ex-Serviceman

Ex-servicemen applying for SSC CHSL 2025 and seeking age relaxation must meet specific eligibility conditions as per official guidelines. These include:

  • Service in any rank of the regular Army, Navy, or Air Force of the Indian Union.
  • Must be retired or released from service after earning a pension, discharged due to establishment downsizing, or medically boarded out with a disability pension.
  • Gallantry award recipients, including Territorial Army personnel, are also eligible.
  • Candidates who served for over six months in the Army Postal Service before 14/04/1987 are eligible to apply.

SSC CHSL Eligibility: Physical Disability Criteria

If you are applying for SSC CHSL under the physical disability relaxation category, please refer to the specific physical disability conditions outlined in the official SSC CHSL guidelines below –

Post NamePhysical Disability
DEOa) Low Vision b) Deaf, Hard of Hearing c) One Arm affected, Both Arms affected, One Leg affected, Both Legs affected One Arm and One Leg affected, Cerebral Palsy, Leprosy Cured, Dwarfism, Acid Attack Victim, Muscular Dystrophy, Spinal Deformity/Spinal Injury
LDC/JSAa) Low Vision and Blind b) Deaf, Hard of Hearing c) One Arm affected, Both Arms affected, One Leg affected, Both Legs affected One Arm and One Leg affected, Cerebral Palsy, Leprosy Cured, Dwarfism, Acid Attack Victim, Muscular Dystrophy, Spinal Deformity/Spinal Injury

SSC CHSL Disabilities Allowed

Candidates with benchmark disabilities will be granted compensatory time at the rate of 20 minutes per hour of the examination. They will also be allowed the assistance of a scribe, subject to specific conditions. Additionally, the use of assistive devices such as a talking calculator or scribe may be permitted, depending on the type and extent of the disability.

SSC CHSL Height for Male

Male candidates applying for the SSC CHSL exam must meet the required height standards as per SSC CHSL physical eligibility. The height requirement generally ranges between 152 cm and 162.5 cm, depending on the candidate’s region.

RegionPhysical Standards
Minimum HeightChestMinimum Weight
J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab Hills (Area South and west of the Inter State Border between Himachal Pradesh and Punjab and North and East of Road of Mukerian Hoshiarpur, Garh Shankar, Ropar and Chandigarh), Uttarakhand158 CmsMinimum 75 Cm (Unexpanded) and expansion by 5 Cm47.5 Kgs
Sikkim, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Assam & Hill region of West Bengal (Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts and Andaman Nicobar)152 CmsMinimum 75 Cm (Unexpanded) and expansion by 5 Cm47.5 Kgs
Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Western UP162.5 CmsMinimum 76 Cm (Unexpanded) and expansion by 5 Cm50 Kgs
Eastern UP, Bihar, West Bengal & Orissa and Jharkhand157 CmsMinimum 75 Cm (Unexpanded) and expansion by 5 Cm50 Kgs
Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, Dadar Nagar & Haveli, Daman & Diu and Chhattisgarh157 CmsMinimum 75 Cm (Unexpanded) and expansion by 5 Cm50 Kgs
Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana157 CmsMinimum 75 Cm (Unexpanded) and expansion by 5 Cm50 kgs

Special Provisions for Government Employees

  • Central Government employees with at least 3 years of service get age relaxation.
  • They must provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their department before appearing for the SSC CHSL exam.
  • Contractual government employees are not eligible for these relaxations.

SSC CHSL Eligibility Documents Required for Verification

During the document verification process, candidates must present the following documents:

  • Matriculation/10th class pass certificate
  • Certificates of educational qualifications
  • Caste or category certificate (for candidates claiming reservation)
  • PwD certificate in the prescribed format (for candidates with disabilities)
  • Serving defense personnel certificate (Annexure VII) for ex-servicemen
  • Discharge certificate for defense personnel who have left service
  • Relevant certificates supporting any claimed age relaxation
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current employer (for government employees)

SSC CHSL Disqualification or Debarment

Candidates applying for SSC CHSL 2025 must be aware that certain actions may result in disqualification, debarment, or legal action. Anyone found using unfair means or involved in impersonation during the examination will be disqualified from the selection process. Submission of fake or forged documents will lead to the cancellation of candidature. Additionally, candidates previously dismissed from government service for reasons related to indiscipline or lack of integrity will be deemed ineligible for this recruitment. Those previously debarred by SSC or UPSC in any recruitment will not be considered, and legal action may be taken against individuals involved in or supporting such malpractices.

Reasons for SSC CHSL Disqualification or Debarment

  1. Providing false information
    • Submitting fake documents or false details in the application form
    • Misrepresenting eligibility criteria like age, education, or category
  2. Use of unfair means
    • Copying or using unauthorized material in the exam hall
    • Using electronic devices like mobile phones, smart watches, or Bluetooth devices
    • Impersonation (someone else appearing on behalf of the candidate)
  3. Indiscipline or misbehavior
    • Misconduct with invigilators or other candidates
    • Creating disturbances inside the exam hall
    • Refusing to follow instructions given by exam authorities
  4. Multiple applications
    • Submitting multiple applications for the same exam cycle
    • Using different details (name, date of birth, or contact information) to submit multiple applications
  5. Non-compliance with exam rules
    • Leaving the exam hall before the allowed time
    • Failing to submit biometric verification
    • Carrying prohibited items into the examination center
  6. Tampering with answer sheets or the exam process
    • Damaging or altering answer sheets
    • Attempting to bribe or influence officials involved in the exam process

Debarment Period for SSC CHSL

  • Up to 3 years: First-time offenders involved in minor violations (like using a mobile phone)
  • Up to 5 years: Candidates caught cheating, impersonating, or submitting fake documents
  • Up to 7 years or permanent debarment: Involvement in serious misconduct like large-scale cheating or impersonation

How to Avoid Disqualification?

  • Read the official SSC CHSL guidelines carefully before appearing for the exam
  • Do not carry any restricted items like mobile phones or study materials
  • Ensure that all personal details and documents are genuine and accurate
  • Follow exam hall instructions strictly and maintain discipline

By following these guidelines, candidates can avoid disqualification and ensure a smooth examination process.

List of other essential documents that need to be submitted

  • Matriculation or Secondary School Certificate for age and education proof.
  • Educational Qualification Certificate to validate academic eligibility.
  • Certificate for Serving Defence Personnel (for Ex-Servicemen).
  • Discharge Certificate (if the candidate has been released from the Armed Forces).
  • Certificate for candidates applying for age relaxation.
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) for candidates currently employed in government or government undertakings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the SSC CHSL eligibility criteria for an exam is crucial for aspiring candidates aiming to secure a position in the government sector. By meeting the educational qualifications, age limits, and other requirements outlined by the Staff Selection Commission, candidates can ensure they are well-prepared for this competitive examination. Staying informed about any updates or changes in the eligibility criteria is also essential, as it can impact your application process. Whether you’re a recent graduate or looking to switch careers, the SSC CHSL offers a promising opportunity for growth and stability.

Competing for the SSC CHSL Eligibility exam is not easy. If you need help, whether with doubts about SSC CHSL eligibility or with anything study-related, sign up here and ease your worries.

Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQ’s)

What is the SSC CHSL age limit?

Ans. As per the SSC CHSL eligibility criteria, the age limit to appear for the exam is a minimum of 18 years and a maximum of 27 years. However, there are certain exceptions to the reserved category candidates.

Is the 12th percentile required for the SSC CHSL Examination?

Ans. SSC CHSL exam does not require a minimum percentage. One has to pass Grade XII from a recognized board to be eligible for the exam.

Does SSC CHSL require height?

Ans. There are specific height requirements per the SSC CHSL eligibility criteria. However, the height requirements vary drastically based on your region. Some relaxations are also provided for certain categories. The required height is as follows: Western Himalayan – 158 cm Eastern Himalayan – 152 cm Western Plain Region – 162.5 cm Eastern Plain Region – 157 cm Central Region – 157 cm Please browse the SSC official portal for exact details and information regarding height and weight.

Does SSC CHSL Eligibility require physical Fitness?

Ans. There is no physical fitness test for the SSC CHSL exam. Physical fitness is not of inherent requirement (excluding the minimum height and weight requirements) but a medical certificate authorized and signed by a government hospital is required during enlistment and a skill test is also conducted based on the exam type. This doesn’t mean that one shouldn’t focus on one’s physical fitness, as things like body posture are an important part of any work, irrespective of the type.

Who is eligible for SSC CHSL?

Ans. The age of the applicants must be between 18-27 years. Candidates must have passed class 12th to be eligible for the exam. Candidates must have valid documents to support their claim of fulfilling the SSC CHSL Eligibility.

Authored by, Nidhi Kukreja
Exam Prep Advisor

Nidhi is a passionate writer who specializes in long-form, research-backed content that delivers real value. Whether she’s writing blog articles or creating educational modules, she focuses on making complex topics clear, detailed, and easy to understand. Her content is designed to build knowledge and credibility, helping readers gain deeper insights with every piece.

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