The official SSC ASO LDCE Notification 2026 has been published, announcing 341 vacancies for the Assistant Section Officer (ASO) position. Prospective candidates can review the eligibility, vacancy breakdown, and selection procedure in this comprehensive guide.
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has launched the recruitment drive for 341 Assistant Section Officer/Assistant posts via the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE), 2025. The online registration for the SSC ASO LDCE 2026 is currently live on the official portal, www.ssc.gov.in, with the final submission deadline set for 16th July 2026.
SSC ASO LDCE Notification 2026 Out
The comprehensive SSC ASO LDCE 2026 notification is now available at www.ssc.gov.in, detailing the 341 available vacancies. Aspiring applicants are encouraged to carefully study the official notification PDF to understand the necessary eligibility requirements, application steps, fee structures, and the complete selection framework.
SSC ASO LDCE 2026- Summary
Applications for the Assistant Section Officer/Assistant Grade LDCE 2025 must be submitted exclusively through the online portal; offline submissions will not be entertained. Candidates who qualify for the next stage will be evaluated through a rigorous two-tier selection process, consisting of a computer-based examination and an APAR assessment.
| SSC ASO LDCE 2026- Overview | |
| Organization | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | Assistant Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2025 |
| Post | Assistant Section Officer (ASO) |
| Group | Group B, Non-Gazetted |
| Vacancy | 341 |
| Name of Service/Cadre | Central Secretariat Service (CSS) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Registration Dates | 25th June to 16th July 2026 |
| Selection Process | Computer-Based Examination APAR Evaluation |
| Pay Level | Level-7 (Rs. 44,900 – Rs. 1,42,400) |
| Official Website | www.ssc.gov.in |
SSC ASO LDCE 2026- Important Dates
The official notification outlines the entire recruitment schedule and registration timeline. The online application window will remain open until 16th July 2026. Please refer to the table below for all critical recruitment dates.
| Events | Dates |
| Apply Online Starts | 25th June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 16th July 2026 (11 pm) |
| Last Date for Departments to Submit Printed Applications | 23rd July 2026 (6:00 pm) |
| Last Date for Candidates Posted Abroad/Andaman & Nicobar/Lakshadweep | 30th July 2026 (6:00 pm) |
| Exam Date | August 2026 |
SSC ASO LDCE Vacancy 2026
The Staff Selection Commission has officially confirmed 341 vacancies for the post of Assistant Section Officer across the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Review the detailed vacancy distribution by service, cadre, and category provided below.
| Service / Cadre | UR | SC | ST | Total | PwBD |
| Central Secretariat Service (CSS), DoPT | 189 | 71 | 58 | 318 | 19* |
| Ministry of External Affairs (Cadre Cell) | 23 | – | – | 23 | – |
| Total | 212 | 71 | 58 | 341 | 19 |
SSC ASO LDCE Eligibility Criteria 2026
All applicants planning to participate in the SSC ASO LDCE must ensure they strictly meet the specified eligibility criteria mandated by the Commission.
- For the Central Secretariat Service (CSS), applicants must be serving as Upper Division Grade Officers of the Central Secretariat Clerical Service and should have completed at least six years of approved service as of 1 July 2025.
- Candidates applying under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) must be serving in the Upper Division Clerk (UDC) grade, have completed the prescribed mandatory training programs, and possess a minimum of six years of approved service as of 1 July 2025.
SSC ASO LDCE Apply Online 2026
Candidates interested in the Assistant Section Officer/Assistant Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (2025) can register via the official website, www.ssc.gov.in. The final date to submit the online application is 16th July 2026 (11:00 PM). We strongly advise candidates to submit their forms early to avoid potential last-minute technical congestion.
Steps to Apply for SSC ASO LDCE Recruitment 2026
Follow the step-by-step instructions provided below to successfully complete your online registration and application.
- Go to the official Staff Selection Commission (SSC) website at ssc.gov.in.
- Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) process if not done.
- Log in using the registration credentials that you have obtained.
- A new window will open; then click on the Assistant Section Officer/Assistant Grade LDCE 2025 application link.
- Fill in the required personal and service-related details.
- Upload the required documents such as a photograph and signature.
- Verify the details that you have entered and then submit the application form online.
- Download and print the application form.
- Submit the printed application along with the required documents through your head of department/head of office before the deadline as mentioned in the official notification.
SSC ASO LDCE Exam Pattern 2026
Candidates preparing for the SSC ASO LDCE should thoroughly review the exam pattern to understand the syllabus, marking scheme, and question distribution.
Part I: Computer-Based Test
Part-I consists of two Computer-Based Examinations (Paper-I and Paper-II), each worth 150 marks. Both papers will feature objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs). A penalty of 0.25 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer, and the entire examination will be conducted in English.
| Paper No. | Subject | Max. Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | (i) General awareness with focus on flagship programmes and path-breaking initiatives of the Government. (ii) Knowledge of Constitutional provisions and their general application in Government. (iii) Parliamentary procedure as per the Manual of Parliamentary Procedures in the Government of India and Office Memorandum/Instructions issued by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs from time to time. (iv) Reading comprehension in English/Hindi. (v) Central Secretariat Manual of Office Procedure. (vi) Allocation of Business Rules and Transaction of Business Rules. (vii) Noting & Drafting. |
150 | 3 hours (4 hours for candidates eligible for scribe) |
| Paper-II | (i) Service Rules such as Leave Rules, Conduct & CCA Rules, Pension and NPS Rules etc. (ii) Financial Rules such as TA, LTC etc. (iii) Legislations such as RTI Act, 2005, Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. (iv) Records Management. (v) PFRS Writing. |
150 | 3 hours (4 hours for candidates eligible for scribe) |
Part II: Evaluation of Record of Service (100 Marks)
- 100 marks are earmarked for evaluation of record of service (APARs). Marks obtained in Part II would be added for ascertaining the rank of the candidate.
- Once the APARs have been evaluated, no request for change in APAR grading, etc. at a subsequent date will be entertained by the Commission under any circumstances.
SSC ASO LDCE Salary 2026
Successful candidates appointed as Assistant Section Officers (ASO) in Central Government Ministries will receive compensation as per the Pay Level-7 matrix under the 7th Central Pay Commission, along with various government allowances and employee benefits.
| Post Name | Pay Scale |
| Assistant Section Officer (ASO) | Rs. 44,900/- to Rs. 1,42,400/- |
FAQs
How many vacancies are released under SSC ASO LDCE Recruitment 2026?
A total of 341 vacancies have been declared for the SSC ASO LDCE Recruitment 2026.
What is the selection process for SSC ASO LDCE posts?
The selection procedure for the SSC ASO LDCE consists of a Computer-Based Examination followed by an APAR Evaluation.
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