SSC CET Higher Secondary Level Exam 2026 | SSC CET Higher Secondary Level Exam Eligibility | SSC CET Higher Secondary Level Exam Syllabus | SSC CET Higher Secondary Level Exam Pattern | PYQ CET Higher Secondary Level SSC Exam 2026 | Mock Test SSC CET Higher Secondary Level Exam | SSC CET Higher Secondary Level Exam Dates | Previous Year Question Papers CET Higher Secondary Level SSC Exam 2026 | CET Higher Secondary Level SSC Recruitment 2026 Preparation Strategy & Career Growth
The SSC CET Higher Secondary Level Exam 2026 is one of the most important upcoming recruitment examinations for candidates who have passed Class 12 (10+2) and aspire to secure a Central Government job. Conducted under the new SSC Common Entrance Test (CET) framework, this exam aims to simplify the recruitment process by providing one common examination for multiple posts across various ministries, departments, and constitutional bodies of the Government of India.
With the introduction of SSC CET, candidates no longer need to appear for multiple preliminary exams like SSC CHSL, MTS, GD, etc., at the initial stage. Instead, the SSC CET Higher Secondary Level acts as a single gateway exam for 10+2 level posts, making the recruitment system more transparent, time-saving, and efficient.
Likh Padh will provide a well structured latest test series for SSC CET Higher Secondary Level exam 2026 along with all SSC exams with free PYQ, sample papers, mock test and previous year question papers bank. Likh Padh free online test series, PYQ for CET Higher Secondary Level SSC exam based on the trend analysis of SSC updates exam previously asked questions in CET Higher Secondary Level SSC exam.
In this article, you will find a complete and updated guide for SSC CET Higher Secondary Level Exam 2026, including notification details, eligibility criteria, age limit, syllabus, exam pattern, preparation strategy, book list, expected cut-off, career scope, salary structure, and FAQs.
What is SSC CET Higher Secondary Level Exam?
The SSC Common Entrance Test (CET) is a centralized recruitment exam introduced to streamline government hiring. The Higher Secondary Level CET is specifically designed for candidates who have completed 12th standard from a recognized board.
Purpose of SSC CET Higher Secondary Level
- To reduce multiple preliminary exams
- Create a common merit list for 10+2 level government jobs
- To ensure faster recruitment and transparency
- To give equal opportunity to rural and urban candidates
Once a candidate qualifies the SSC CET Higher Secondary Level Exam, they become eligible for the next stage of selection for multiple SSC exams such as:
- SSC CHSL (10+2 Level)
- Other clerical and assistant-level posts
- Data Entry Operator–type posts (where applicable)
SSC CET Higher Secondary Level Exam 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC CET Higher Secondary Level Exam 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Qualification Required | 10+2 (Higher Secondary) |
| Mode of Exam | Online (CBT) |
| Type of Questions | Objective (MCQs) |
| Selection Process | CET Score + Subsequent Tier Exams |
| Job Location | Across India |
SSC CET Notification 2026
The official SSC CET 2026 notification is expected to be released in mid-2026 on the SSC official website. The notification will provide complete information regarding:
- Application dates
- Exam schedule
- Detailed syllabus
- Exam pattern
- Reservation rules
- Score validity
Expected Timeline (Tentative)
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | June–July 2026 |
| Online Application Start | July 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | August 2026 |
| Admit Card | September 2026 |
| SSC CET Exam Date | October–November 2026 |
| Result Declaration | December 2026 |
SSC CET Eligibility Criteria 2026
Educational Qualification
- Candidate must have passed 12th (Higher Secondary) from a recognized board or university.
- Candidates appearing in the 12th exam may apply provisionally, subject to final qualification before document verification.
Age Limit
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General | 18 to 27 years |
| OBC | 18 to 30 years |
| SC/ST | 18 to 32 years |
| PWBD | As per government norms |
Age relaxation is applicable as per SSC rules for reserved categories, ex-servicemen, and other eligible candidates.
Nationality
- Indian citizen
- Subject of Nepal/Bhutan
- Tibetan refugee (as per SSC norms)
SSC CET Exam Pattern 2026
The SSC CET exam will be conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.
Expected Exam Pattern
| Section | Subjects | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section I | General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| Section II | General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Section III | Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| Section IV | English Language | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
- Time Duration: 90 minutes
- Negative Marking: 0.50 mark for each wrong answer
- Question Type: Objective MCQs
SSC CET Higher Secondary Level Syllabus 2026
1. General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Analogy
- Classification
- Series (Number/Alphabet)
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Venn Diagram
- Logical Reasoning
- Non-verbal Reasoning
2. Quantitative Aptitude
- Number System
- Percentage
- Profit & Loss
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Ratio & Proportion
- Time & Work
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Average
- Algebra (Basic)
- Geometry & Mensuration
- Data Interpretation
3. English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- One Word Substitution
- Error Spotting
- Sentence Improvement
- Fill in the Blanks
- Active & Passive Voice
- Direct & Indirect Speech
4. General Awareness
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- History of India
- Indian Polity & Constitution
- Geography
- Economics
- General Science
- Static GK
- Government Schemes
SSC CET Higher Secondary Level Selection Process 2026
- CET Examination
- Score Normalization & Merit List
- Shortlisting for Specific Exams (like SSC CHSL)
- Tier-II / Skill Test (Post-specific)
- Document Verification
SSC CET Higher Secondary Level Salary & Job Profile
Expected Posts
- Lower Division Clerk (LDC)
- Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA)
- Data Entry Operator (DEO)
- Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant
- Clerical posts in ministries
Salary Structure (Approx.)
| Post | Pay Level | Salary (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| LDC/JSA | Level-2 | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 |
| DEO | Level-4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 |
Additional benefits include:
- DA, HRA, TA
- Pension under NPS
- Job security
- Promotion opportunities
SSC CET Preparation Strategy 2026
The Likh Padh mobile test App provides everything which we have discussed above. Likh Padh test App provides free CBT mock papers for CET Higher Secondary Level SSC exam 2026 along with detailed explanation and solution. The Likh Padh Test App also provide CET Higher Secondary Level SSC exam 2026 free PYQ question papers that are asked in the previous years papers for CET Higher Secondary Level SSC exams. Likh Padh also provides free previous year question paper PDF download for SSC CET Higher Secondary Level exam 2026.
Step-by-Step Strategy
- Understand Syllabus & Pattern Clearly
- Build Basics First (Maths & English)
- Practice Previous Year Questions
- Daily Current Affairs Reading
- Weekly Mock Tests & Analysis
- Revise Regularly
Daily Study Plan (Sample)
- Quantitative Aptitude – 2 hours
- English – 1.5 hours
- Reasoning – 1 hour
- GK/Current Affairs – 1 hour
- Revision – 30 minutes
Best Books for SSC CET Exam
Quantitative Aptitude
- R.S. Aggarwal – Quantitative Aptitude
- Kiran SSC Maths Chapterwise
English Language
- Plinth to Paramount – Neetu Singh
- SP Bakshi – English Grammar
Reasoning
- Lucent Reasoning
- R.S. Aggarwal Reasoning
General Awareness
- Lucent GK
- Monthly Current Affairs PDFs
SSC CET Cut Off (Expected)
| Category | Expected Cut Off |
|---|---|
| General | 135–145 |
| OBC | 125–135 |
| SC | 115–125 |
| ST | 105–115 |
(Cut-off may vary based on exam difficulty and number of candidates.)
Why SSC CET Exam 2026 is Important?
- One exam, multiple opportunities
- Reduced exam stress
- Transparent selection
- Equal chance for all regions
- Faster recruitment process
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is SSC CET mandatory for SSC CHSL 2026?
Yes, SSC CET will act as the preliminary/common eligibility exam.
Q2. Can 12th appearing candidates apply?
Yes, provisionally.
Q3. Is CET score valid for multiple years?
Validity will be mentioned in official notification (expected 2–3 years).
Q4. Is there negative marking?
Yes, 0.50 marks per wrong answer.
Conclusion
The SSC CET Higher Secondary Level Exam 2026 is a game-changing reform in government recruitment for 10+2 level candidates. It offers a single platform, reduced burden, and fair opportunity for lakhs of aspirants dreaming of a stable and prestigious government job.
Likh Padh online mobile app free online test series, PYQ, mock test, previous year question papers to crack CET Higher Secondary Level SSC exam 2026. It is designed for SSC CET Higher Secondary Level exam 2026 and is developed according to the latest pattern of CET Higher Secondary Level SSC exams. These online test series are best for the exam preparation as it also covers the previous years asked questions of CET Higher Secondary Level SSC exam.
If you are a 12th pass candidate preparing for SSC exams, starting early with SSC CET-oriented preparation will significantly increase your chances of success in 2026.
Start today, stay consistent, and secure your future with SSC CET 2026.