SSC ASO LDCE recruitment 2026: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the notification for Assistant Section Officer (ASO) / Assistant Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) 2026, announcing 341 vacancies in the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Eligible departmental candidates can submit online applications through SSC official portal from 25 June 2026 to 16 July 2026.The recruitment process includes a computer-based examination scheduled for August 2026. The examination will be conducted only in the centers located in Delhi-NCR.Vacancy details and recruitment processThe recruitment aims to fill 341 posts under Central Secretariat Service and Ministry of External Affairs through Departmental Limited Competitive Examination. Only eligible departmental candidates can apply in the recruitment process prescribed by the commission. Candidates have to complete the online application process within the notified period. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. The commission has also specified separate deadlines for departmental submission of printed applications and for candidates serving abroad or posted in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.Application planThe notification was released on June 25, 2026, and the online application window was opened on the same day. Applicants can submit their applications until 11:00 pm on July 16, 2026.Departments have to submit printed application forms from July 23, 2026, while candidates sent abroad, including those in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, have until July 30, 2026 to complete the required formalities.Application processApplications must be submitted through the official SSC portal at ssc.gov.in. Before filling the application form, candidates who have not registered on the new portal must complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process.The commission advised the candidates to complete the registration and submit their forms within the prescribed schedule. The computer-based exam is scheduled for August 2026 and will be conducted exclusively at exam centers in Delhi-NCR. Further updates, including the release of the answer key, are awaited, and as of today it has not been released.
