The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the official notification for the Assistant Section Officer (ASO) / Assistant Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination 2025. Through this recruitment drive, 341 Assistant Section Officer/Assistant vacancies will be filled in the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Eligible departmental candidates can submit their online applications from 25 June 2026 to 16 July 2026 through the official SSC website. The Computer Based Examination (CBE) is expected to be conducted in August 2026.

SSC ASO Recruitment 2026 Overview

Important Dates

SSC ASO Vacancy 2026

A total of 341 vacancies have been announced

Category-wise Vacancy (CSS)

PwBD Reservation

• VH – 6
• OH – 4
• HH – 4
• Others – 5

SSC ASO Eligibility Criteria 2026

This recruitment is only for departmental candidates.

For CSS

Candidates working as Upper Division Grade (UDC) in the Central Secretariat Clerical Service with at least 6 years of approved service as on 01 July 2025 are eligible.

For MEA

Candidates working as Upper Division Clerk (UDC) in the Ministry of External Affairs with:

• Mandatory departmental training completed
• Minimum 6 years of approved service

Age Limit

The official notification does not prescribe any separate age limit. Candidates must fulfill the departmental eligibility conditions mentioned in the notification.

SSC ASO Application Fee 2026

No application fee has been mentioned in the official notification.

SSC ASO Salary 2026

Selected candidates will receive salary under Pay Level-7 of the 7th CPC.

Apart from basic pay, employees will also receive:

• Dearness Allowance (DA)
• House Rent Allowance (HRA)
• Transport Allowance (TA)
• Other Central Government benefits

SSC ASO Selection Process 2026

The selection process consists of two stages:

1. Computer Based Examination (300 Marks)
2. Evaluation of APAR/Service Records (100 Marks)

Final merit will be prepared based on 400 marks.

SSC ASO Exam Pattern 2026

Part-I Computer Based Examination

Paper-I Topics

• General Awareness
• Constitution
• Parliamentary Procedures
• Reading Comprehension
• Manual of Office Procedure
• Office Rules
• Noting & Drafting

Paper-II Topics

• Service Rules
• Leave Rules
• Conduct Rules
• Financial Rules
• RTI Act
• POSH Act
• Records Management
• Precis Writing

Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.

Part-II

Evaluation of Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APAR)

Marks: 100

Documents Required

Applicants should keep the following documents ready:

• Service Book (Certified Copy)
• Service Certificate
• Disability Certificate (if applicable)
• Scribe Certificate (if applicable)
• Live Photograph
• Scanned Signature

How to Apply for SSC ASO Recruitment 2026?

Follow these steps to apply online:

1. Visit the official SSC website.
2. Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) if not already registered.
3. Log in using your registration credentials.
4. Click on ASO/Assistant Grade LDCE 2025 under the Live Examination section.
5. Fill in all required personal and departmental details.
6. Capture the live photograph and upload your signature.
7. Upload the required documents.
8. Verify all details carefully and submit the application.
9. Download and print the application form.
10. Send the printed application through your Head of Department/Office so that it reaches SSC before the prescribed deadline.

Important Instructions

• Old SSC OTR created on ssc.nic.in is not valid.
• Create a new OTR on ssc.gov.in.
• Online application alone is not sufficient.
• The hard copy must be forwarded through the Head of Department.
• Multiple applications may lead to rejection.
• Ensure all details match your Matriculation Certificate.
• Mobile phones and electronic devices are strictly prohibited during the examination.

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)