Contents
Vacancy Details
- Assistant Section Officer / Assistant Grade – Central Secretariat Service (CSS), DoPT: 318 vacancies
Qualification: Officer in Upper Division Grade of the Central Secretariat Clerical Service with not less than six years’ approved service in that grade as on 01 July 2025.- UR: 189
- SC: 71
- ST: 58
- PwBD: 19
- VH (Visually Handicapped): 6
- OH (Orthopedically Handicapped): 4
- HH (Hearing Handicapped): 4
- Others (PwBD): 5
- Assistant Section Officer / Assistant Grade – Ministry of External Affairs (Cadre Cell): 23 vacancies
Qualification: Officer in Upper Division Clerk Grade of the MEA who has completed prescribed mandatory training and rendered not less than six years’ approved service in that grade as on 01 July 2025.- UR: 23
- SC: 0
- ST: 0
- PwBD: 0
Qualification Requirements
Selection Process
- Stage 1 – Computer Based Examination (Part-I): Candidates take Papers I and II (objective MCQs) in a Computer Based Examination totaling 300 marks. There is negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
- Stage 2 – Evaluation of Service Records (Part-II): Shortlisted candidates from Part-I have their Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs) evaluated for 100 marks.
- Final Merit: Final selection is based on the combined aggregate of Part-I (300 marks) and Part-II (100 marks) for a total of 400 marks; selections are arranged separately for each cadre.
How to Apply
- Visit the official SSC website: https://ssc.gov.in
- Click ‘Register Now’ under Login or Register to complete One Time Registration (OTR) if not already done on the new website.
- During OTR, opt for Aadhaar-Based Authentication as advised by the Commission.
- Log in using your Registration Number and password after OTR is complete.
- Click the ‘Apply’ link under ‘Assistant Section Officer / Assistant Grade Limited Departmental Competitive Examination, 2025’ in the Live Exam tab.
- Fill in departmental details – select Cadre/Service, joining date of feeder service, and length of service.
- Capture a live photograph using webcam/smartphone when prompted (no pre-existing photo allowed).
- Upload scanned signature in JPEG format (10–20 KB, dimensions: 6 cm × 2 cm).
- Upload mandatory documents including certified true copy of Service Book (first page), particulars of service; PwBD candidates must upload disability certificate.
- Review entries, accept the declaration, and click ‘Submit Application’.
- Take a printout of the submitted application form.
- Submit the printed copy along with all required documents through your Head of Department / Head of Office to SSC (NR), New Delhi by 23-07-2026.
Important Links
Important Dates
- Notification Published:
- Online Application Start Date:
- Last Date to Apply Online:
- Last Date for Receipt of Hard Copy (General):
- Last Date for Receipt of Hard Copy (Abroad / A&N / Lakshadweep):
- Computer Based Examination (Tentative):
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply for the SSC ASO Limited Departmental Examination 2025?
Only serving government officers of the specified feeder cadres can apply. For CSS, officers in the Upper Division Grade of the Central Secretariat Clerical Service with not less than six years’ approved service in that grade as on 01-07-2025 are eligible; MEA officers need prescribed mandatory training plus six years’ approved service as on 01-07-2025.
How do I apply for the SSC ASO recruitment?
Apply online on https://ssc.gov.in by completing a fresh One Time Registration (OTR) on the new website, logging in, filling the departmental application, uploading the required documents and live photograph, submitting, printing the form, and having it forwarded by your Head of Department/Office to SSC (NR), New Delhi.
What is the last date to apply online for this SSC ASO recruitment?
The online application window is open from 25-06-2026 and the last date to apply online is 16-07-2026 (up to 11:00 PM).
What is the selection process for SSC ASO 2026?
Selection is two-stage: Stage 1 is a Computer Based Examination (Part-I) of 300 marks (Paper-I and Paper-II). Stage 2 is evaluation of APARs (Part-II) for 100 marks. Final merit is based on the combined aggregate of both parts (400 marks).
What is the pay scale for the Assistant Section Officer post?
The post is at Pay Level-7 in the 7th Pay Commission matrix with a pay range of Rs. 44,900 to Rs. 1,42,400 per month; additional allowances such as HRA, DA, and TA apply as per government rules.
