The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts various exams for recruitment to different posts in government departments and ministries. The eligibility criteria for SSC exams vary depending on the specific exam you are applying for. Below is a detailed breakdown of the general eligibility criteria for various SSC exams:
1. Age Criteria:
Age requirements typically range from 18 to 32 years, but this can vary depending on the specific exam and category.
- General: For most exams, candidates must be between 18 and 32 years old.
- Relaxation for Reserved Categories:
- SC/ST: Age relaxation of 5 years.
- OBC: Age relaxation of 3 years.
- PwD (Persons with Disabilities): 10 years (15 years for SC/ST, 13 years for OBC).
- Ex-Servicemen: Relaxation as per the government rules.
- Candidates from Jammu & Kashmir: Relaxation for a maximum of 5 years.
Exam-Specific Age Limits:
- SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level): 20 to 32 years (depending on the post).
- SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level): 18 to 27 years.
- SSC MTS (Multi-Tasking Staff): 18 to 25 years.
- SSC JE (Junior Engineer): 18 to 32 years.
2. Educational Qualifications:
The required educational qualification generally depends on the nature of the SSC exam you're applying for.
3. Nationality/Citizenship:
The candidate must be a citizen of India, or:
- A subject of Nepal, Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1962 with the intention of settling permanently in India, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, Vietnam) with the intention of settling in India permanently.
4. Physical Standards (for specific posts):
Certain exams, such as SSC GD Constable and other law enforcement roles, require candidates to meet physical standards (height, chest, weight, etc.), which may vary according to the post and gender:
- Height:
- For male candidates, it typically ranges from 170 cm to 180 cm (varies by post).
- For female candidates, it typically ranges from 157 cm to 165 cm (varies by post).
- Chest Measurement (for male candidates):
- Unexpanded: 80 cm to 85 cm (varies by post).
- Expanded: 5 cm additional expansion required in many cases.
5. Other Criteria:
- Candidates with backlogs: Some SSC exams may not allow candidates with pending backlogs in their qualifications to appear. However, candidates who are in their final year of study may be eligible to apply, provided they meet the educational criteria by the time of document verification.
- Typing Skill (for certain posts): Some posts (like those in the SSC CHSL exam) require candidates to pass a typing test with a certain typing speed (e.g., 35 words per minute in English or 30 words per minute in Hindi).
6. Application Process:
- Online Form: Candidates must submit their applications through the official SSC website. The application is typically released in multiple stages depending on the exam.
- Fees:
- The application fee for SSC exams is typically ₹100 for General and OBC candidates. SC, ST, Women, and PwD candidates are usually exempt from the application fee.
- The fee is to be paid online or through a bank challan.
7. Important Notes:
- Documents and Proof: Candidates must ensure they provide correct and authentic documents during the document verification process. Any discrepancies in educational qualifications, date of birth, or other details can lead to disqualification.
- SSC Exam Pattern: The pattern for most SSC exams includes a computer-based test (CBT), followed by skill tests (like typing or physical tests) and document verification.
Conclusion:
The eligibility criteria for SSC exams generally include a minimum educational qualification, age limit based on the exam, and physical requirements for certain posts. Ensure to verify the specific eligibility details for the exam you're applying for, as there are sometimes differences depending on the particular post or exam.
If you're planning to apply, it's always a good idea to regularly check the official SSC notification and the official website for the most up-to-date and detailed eligibility criteria.