SSC CHSL 2026: 5 Major Changes Every Candidates Must Know Before Applying

SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the notification for the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 on its website, ssc.gov.in. A total of 2536 tentative vacancies have been announced as of now. The application process has started from 07 September onwards and the eligible candidates can apply for the SSC CHSL 2026. Those candidates who are planning to apply should know that the SSC has made some changes in this year’s recruitment cycle by introducing the sectional timings, sliding mechanism & FRTA made mandatory, and some other changes.

SSC CHSL Recruitment 2026 Highlights

The SSC has released the CHSL notification on 07 September on its official website announcing a total of 2536 tentative vacancies. Check the highlights in the table below:

What are the Changes in the SSC CHSL 2026?

The SSC have announced some bigger changes in the CHSL 2026 notification which includes sectional timings, decreased vacancies, objection fee reduction, etc. These changes have been explained here.

Introduction of Sectional Timings

The SSC CHSL Tier 1 examination involves four sections- English Language, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness. The exam is held for a total duration of 1 hour. Previously, the candidates can attempt any section in this one hour duration and can also revisit the sections. But now, the SSC has introduced sectional timings i.e. the candidates will get 15 minutes for each section. Once the 15 minutes gets over, the next section will open on the screen.

50% Reduction in Answer Key Objection Fee

Once the exam is conducted, the SSC releases the provisional answer key so that the candidates can calculate their probable scores and if they find any discrepancy, they can raise objections. The candidates are required to pay an objection fee of Rs.100/- per challenge which has now been changed to Rs.50/- per challenge. This means the SSC has reduced the challenge fee to 50%.

Sliding Mechanism and Official Implementation of FRTA

The previous cycles of SSC CHSL included the sliding mechanism and First Round of Tentative Allocation (FRTA) after the identity verification stage. But, this time, the SSC has announced that this mechanism will apply starting from the selection of posts i.e. the preference for various posts and departments will be taken from the candidates through Online Option Form on the website of the Commission before declaration of final FRTA/Result. The option/preference once exercised by the candidates will be treated as final and irreversible. Candidates, who do not submit their post preferences on the website of the Commission within the stipulated time, will not be considered for any post in the FRTA/Result.

Number of Vacancies has been Reduced

This year, the SSC has announced a total of 2536 tentative vacancies which are less than the previous year cycle. In 2025, the SSC had announced a total of 3,131 vacant posts. This means that the vacancy announced this year are approx.19% lower than the 2025 cycle.

Aadhaar Authentication Made Optional

Previously, the aadhaar authentication was mandatory for the candidates to register themselves for the examination. This time, the aadhaar authentication is made optional i.e. the candidates can use either aadhaar or any other government ID to authenticate.

ALSO CHECK: SSC CHSL Vacancy 2026: Previous Year Trends