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The Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) and Upper Division Clerk (UDC) are popular SSC CGL posts offering stable central government careers, attractive allowances, and nationwide posting opportunities. The official SSC CGL 2026 notification (F. No. HQ-C11018/1/2026-C-1, published on ssc.gov.in on 21 May 2026) lists SSA/UDC under Pay Level-4 (₹25,500 – ₹81,100), along with the Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant at the same pay level. This guide covers everything: pay, in-hand salary, allowances, ministry-wise postings, job work, exam requirements, and career growth.
SSC CGL SSA / UDC 2026 Notification PDF Download
The SSC CGL 2026 Notification PDF contains complete information about the SSA, UDC, Postal Assistant, Sorting Assistant, Tax Assistant, and other Level-4 posts. Candidates can download the official notification to check the latest salary structure, pay scale, allowances, eligibility criteria, age limit, selection process, vacancy details, and post-wise service conditions before submitting their application.
SSC CGL SSA / UDC Recruitment 2026: Highlights
1: In a certain code language, ‘ROK’ is written as ‘44’ and ‘MIG’ is written as ‘29’. What will be the code for ‘TAL’ in that code language?
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Post Names | Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA), Upper Division Clerk (UDC), Postal Assistant, Sorting Assistant, Tax Assistant |
| Job Category | Central Government Job |
| Group | Group C |
| Pay Level | Level 4 |
| Pay Scale | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 |
| Starting Basic Pay | ₹25,500 |
| Approx. In-Hand Salary | ₹39,000 – ₹48,000 per month |
| Age Limit | 18–27 Years |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University |
| Departments | Various Central Ministries, Department of Posts, CBDT, CBIC, MES, and other Government Offices |
| Selection Process | Tier-I CBT, Tier-II CBT, Document Verification |
| Job Nature | Administrative, Clerical, Record Management, Office Support |
| Promotion Path | SSA/UDC → Office Superintendent → Section Officer → Administrative Officer |
| Key Benefits | DA, HRA, TA, CGHS, LTC, NPS, CEA, Job Security |
| Posting Location | Across India |
| Application Dates | 21 May 2026 to 22 June 2026 |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC CGL 2026 Important Dates
Application fee: ₹100. Exempted for Women, SC/ST, Ex-Servicemen, and PwBD candidates.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 21 May 2026 |
| Application Opens | 21 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 22 June 2026 (23:00 hrs) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 23 June 2026 (23:00 hrs) |
| Application Correction Window | 29 June – 1 July 2026 (23:00 hrs) |
| Tier-I CBE (Tentative) | August–September 2026 |
| Tier-II CBE (Tentative) | December 2026 |
| Total Vacancies (All Posts) | ~12,256 |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
| Helpline (Toll Free) | 1800 309 3063 |
SSC CGL Salary 2026: SSA, UDC & Related Posts
As per the official SSC CGL 2026 notification, the following Pay Level-4 posts are available:
| # | Post Name | Ministry / Department | Group | Pay Level | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant | Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications | C | Level 4 | 18–27 years |
| 2 | Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) / Upper Division Clerk (UDC) | Central Govt. Offices / Ministries (non-CSCS cadres) | C | Level 4 | 18–27 years |
| 3 | Senior Administrative Assistant | Military Engineering Services, Ministry of Defence | C | Level 4 | 18–27 years |
| 4 | Tax Assistant | Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) | C | Level 4 | 18–27 years |
| 5 | Tax Assistant | Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) | C | Level 4 | 18–27 years |
| 6 | Sub-Inspector | Central Bureau of Narcotics, Ministry of Finance (CBN) | C | Level 4 | 18–27 years |
SSC CGL SSA / UDC Pay Scale 2026
Pay Level-4: ₹25,500 – ₹81,100
This is the 7th Pay Commission pay matrix range for Level-4. A fresh SSA/UDC joins at the entry cell of Level-4: ₹25,500 per month basic pay, moving up by 3% annually through automatic increments.
| Year of Service | Approximate Basic Pay |
|---|---|
| Year 1 (Entry) | ₹25,500 |
| Year 3 | ₹27,100 |
| Year 5 | ₹28,700 |
| Year 10 | ~₹34,300 |
| Year 20 | ~₹46,200 |
| Maximum (Level-4 ceiling) | ₹81,100 |
SSC CGL SSA / UDC In-Hand Salary 2026
Despite the modest basic pay of ₹25,500, the in-hand salary is considerably higher due to DA, HRA, and Transport Allowance. Here is the complete city-wise calculation:
SSA / UDC In-Hand Salary (Basic Pay: ₹25,500)
| Component | X-Class City (Metro) | Y-Class City | Z-Class City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹25,500 | ₹25,500 | ₹25,500 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA @ ~55%) | ₹14,025 | ₹14,025 | ₹14,025 |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | ₹6,120 (24%) | ₹4,080 (16%) | ₹2,040 (8%) |
| Transport Allowance + DA on TA | ~₹3,240 | ~₹2,340 | ~₹1,800 |
| Gross Salary (approx.) | ~₹48,885 | ~₹45,945 | ~₹43,365 |
| NPS Deduction (10% of Basic + DA) | –₹3,953 | –₹3,953 | –₹3,953 |
| Net In-Hand Salary (approx.) | ~₹44,000–₹48,000 | ~₹41,000–₹45,000 | ~₹39,000–₹43,000 |
X-Class cities (HRA 24%): Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru Y-Class cities (HRA 16%): State capitals and cities with population above 5 lakhs Z-Class cities (HRA 8%): All other cities and towns
DA is revised every 6 months (January and July). Calculations use ~55% DA. Actual figures may vary by exact DA rate, posting city, and deductions.
Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant In-Hand Salary 2026
The Postal Assistant (PA) / Sorting Assistant (SA) under the Department of Posts also sits at Pay Level-4 (₹25,500 – ₹81,100) — the same as SSA/UDC. The gross and in-hand salary structure is therefore identical:
| Component | X-Class City | Y-Class City | Z-Class City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹25,500 | ₹25,500 | ₹25,500 |
| DA (~55%) | ₹14,025 | ₹14,025 | ₹14,025 |
| HRA | ₹6,120 | ₹4,080 | ₹2,040 |
| TA + DA on TA | ~₹3,240 | ~₹2,340 | ~₹1,800 |
| Gross Salary | ~₹48,885 | ~₹45,945 | ~₹43,365 |
| Net In-Hand | ~₹44,000–₹48,000 | ~₹41,000–₹45,000 | ~₹39,000–₹43,000 |
SSA / UDC 2026 Salary Growth Over the Years
The compounding effect of annual increments (3% per year) and DA revisions (typically 4–8% per year cumulatively) means the effective salary grows steadily:
| Year | Basic Pay | DA (~55%) | HRA (X-City, 24%) | Gross (X-City) | Approx. In-Hand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ₹25,500 | ₹14,025 | ₹6,120 | ~₹48,885 | ~₹45,000 |
| Year 5 | ~₹29,600 | ~₹16,280 | ~₹7,104 | ~₹56,424 | ~₹52,500 |
| Year 10 | ~₹34,300 | ~₹18,865 | ~₹8,232 | ~₹65,237 | ~₹61,500 |
| Year 15 | ~₹39,800 | ~₹21,890 | ~₹9,552 | ~₹75,082 | ~₹71,000 |
| Post-Promotion to SO (Level 6/7) | ₹35,400+ | Higher | Higher | ₹70,000+ | ₹65,000+ |
SSC CGL SSA / UDC 2026 – Allowances & Perks
1. Dearness Allowance (DA)
Currently approximately 55% of basic pay, revised by the central government every January and July. For a fresh SSA, DA adds ₹14,025/month. Over a 30-year career, cumulative DA growth contributes enormously to total salary — DA has grown from 0% to 55% of basic pay since the 7th Pay Commission’s implementation in 2016.
2. House Rent Allowance (HRA)
Linked to city of posting:
- X-Class (Metro) cities: 24% of Basic Pay → ₹6,120/month at entry
- Y-Class cities: 16% of Basic Pay → ₹4,080/month
- Z-Class cities: 8% of Basic Pay → ₹2,040/month
For SSA/UDC posted in Delhi or another metro city, HRA alone adds over ₹6,000/month — nearly 24% of basic pay on top of the basic.
3. Transport Allowance (TA)
For Level-4 employees:
- X-Class cities: ₹1,350 + DA on TA per month (~₹3,240 at current DA)
- Y/Z-Class cities: ₹900 + DA on TA per month (~₹1,800–₹2,340)
4. Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)
One of the biggest non-salary benefits of central government employment. SSA/UDC employees in CGHS-covered cities receive cashless medical treatment at empanelled hospitals for themselves, spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents. In non-CGHS cities, a medical allowance of ₹500/month is paid instead.
5. Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
Government-funded travel reimbursement for the employee and family:
- Home Town LTC: Once every 2 years
- All-India LTC: Once every 4 years
6. Children’s Education Allowance (CEA)
Up to ₹2,250 per child per month for school-going children (maximum two children), as per 7th Pay Commission norms.
7. National Pension System (NPS)
- Employee contribution: 10% of (Basic + DA) → ~₹3,953/month deducted
- Government contribution: 14% of (Basic + DA) → ~₹5,534/month added to NPS corpus
The government’s 14% NPS contribution is effectively additional compensation building a retirement corpus, not reflected in the in-hand salary.
8. Group Insurance (CGEGIS)
Nominal premium group insurance cover under the Central Government Employees Group Insurance Scheme — life cover plus savings fund.
9. Other Benefits
- Festival Advance (interest-free)
- Earned Leave: 30 days per year
- Casual Leave: 8 days per year
- Access to government canteen/mess facilities in ministry offices
- Government guest house access during official travel
Total CTC-Equivalent for SSA/UDC (Delhi, Year 1)
| Component | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹25,500 |
| DA | ₹14,025 |
| HRA | ₹6,120 |
| TA + DA on TA | ₹3,240 |
| Govt. NPS Contribution (14%) | ₹5,534 |
| CEA (2 children, if applicable) | ₹4,500 |
| CGHS Value (estimate) | ₹2,000–₹3,000 |
| Effective Monthly CTC | ~₹60,000–₹62,000 |
SSA / UDC Ministry-Wise Postings 2026
One of the biggest advantages of the SSA/UDC post is the wide range of ministries and departments it spans. As per the SSC CGL 2026 notification and vacancy annexure, SSA/UDC posts are available across:
| Ministry / Department | Post Name |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) | Senior Secretariat Assistant |
| Ministry of Jal Shakti | Clerk (UDC) / Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) |
| Ministry of Health & Family Welfare | Clerk (UDC) / Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) |
| Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Ministry of Defence | Clerk (UDC) / Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) |
| Ministry of Science & Technology | Upper Division Clerk |
| Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare | Upper Division Clerk |
| Department of Water Resources | Upper Division Clerk / SSA |
| Ministry of Mines | Upper Division Clerk |
| Department of Atomic Energy | Upper Division Clerk |
| Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) | SSA / UDC |
| Department of Earth Sciences | Upper Division Clerk |
| Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises | Clerk |
| Ministry of Textiles | Upper Division Clerk |
| Department of Food & Public Distribution | Upper Division Clerk |
| Ministry of Consumer Affairs | Upper Division Clerk |
| Military Engineering Services, Ministry of Defence | Senior Administrative Assistant |
| Various Other Central Govt. Ministries / Offices | SSA / UDC |
SSC CGL SSA / UDC Job Profile 2026
Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA) / Upper Division Clerk (UDC) — Daily Work
The SSA/UDC is the operational backbone of central government offices — they keep files moving, records maintained, and administrative processes running smoothly at the section level.
Core responsibilities:
- File management: Opening, tracking, moving, and closing files in the ministry’s file management system
- Noting and drafting: Writing notes on files for consideration of higher officers, drafting official correspondence, office memoranda, and letters
- Data entry and documentation: Entering data in government systems (PFMS, SPARROW, eOffice, etc.), maintaining registers, and preparing returns
- Diarising and dispatch: Receiving and registering incoming dak (correspondence), dispatching outgoing communications
- Coordination: Coordinating with other sections, ministries, state governments, and external bodies as required
- Bill processing: Processing TA bills, salary claims, medical reimbursement bills, and other financial claims
- Parliament work: Helping prepare Parliament Questions (PQs), assisting in budget-related file work
- Record management: Weeding old files, indexing records, maintaining classified and unclassified records
Work environment: Generally desk-based in government offices (mainly New Delhi or state/regional offices depending on the ministry). The work is paperwork-heavy and system-oriented. Hours are regular (10 AM – 6 PM, Monday to Friday) with occasional extended hours during budget seasons or Parliament sessions.
Postal Assistant (PA) / Sorting Assistant (SA) — Job Profile
The Postal Assistant works in Head Post Offices and Administrative Offices of the Department of Posts, while the Sorting Assistant is posted in Mail Sorting Hubs and RMS (Railway Mail Service) offices.
Postal Assistant duties:
- Counter service (booking registered mail, speed post, money orders, parcels, passports)
- Savings bank and postal insurance operations
- Data entry and system operations at post office counters
- Maintaining daily accounts of transactions
- Handling PLI (Postal Life Insurance) and RPLI (Rural PLI) schemes
- Philately and stamp operations
Sorting Assistant duties:
- Sorting incoming and outgoing mail at speed-post hubs and RMS offices
- Operating mail-sorting machinery
- Bag packing and dispatch for rail/air/road postal channels
Posting locations: Department of Posts has a presence in every district in India — from major cities to taluk headquarters. Postings can be anywhere in India, though candidates typically prefer their home state.
Senior Administrative Assistant — Military Engineering Services (MES)
The Senior Administrative Assistant in MES (Ministry of Defence) provides administrative support to military engineering projects, cantonments, and defence infrastructure development across India.
Key duties:
- Administrative and clerical support to MES garrison engineer offices
- Processing bills for defence construction and maintenance projects
- Maintaining records of engineers, contractors, and project files
Posting: MES offices are spread across India, including cantonment areas and border infrastructure zones.
SSA / UDC 2026 Promotion and Career Growth
Despite being a Group C entry-level post, the SSA/UDC has a well-defined promotion ladder within central government service.
Expected Promotion Hierarchy
The first major jump is from UDC (Level 4) to Section Superintendent or Office Superintendent (Level 6) — a basic pay increase from ₹25,500 to ₹35,400 and an in-hand salary jump of approximately ₹20,000–₹25,000/month in Delhi.
| Post | Pay Level | Entry / Promotion Mode |
|---|---|---|
| SSA / UDC (Upper Division Clerk) | Level 4 (₹25,500) | SSC CGL direct recruit |
| Section Superintendent / Office Superintendent | Level 6 (₹35,400) | DPC / Departmental Exam (~4–8 yrs) |
| Section Officer / Admin Officer | Level 7 (₹44,900) | DPC (~10–15 yrs total) |
| Under Secretary equivalent | Level 10 (₹56,100) | DPC (senior service) |
Promotion timelines vary significantly by ministry. Ministries with large clerical establishments (Finance, Home, Defence) tend to have slower promotion channels due to higher competition. Smaller ministries may offer faster promotions.
Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant — Career Path
The Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) scheme also ensures that even if promotions are delayed, employees receive a pay upgrade to the next level after 10, 20, and 30 years of service — guaranteeing basic salary growth regardless of vacancies in higher posts.
| Post | Pay Level | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant | Level 4 (₹25,500) | Entry via SSC CGL |
| Postal Supervisor / LSG (Lower Selection Grade) | Level 5 (₹29,200) | MACP / DPC (~4–6 yrs) |
| HSG-II / HSG-I (Higher Selection Grade) | Level 6/7 (₹35,400–₹44,900) | DPC |
| Postmaster Grade-I / Assistant Superintendent | Level 7 (₹44,900) | DPC |
| Inspector Posts | Level 7 (₹44,900) | Direct competition / LDCE |
SSA / UDC vs Other Level-4 SSC CGL Posts
All Level-4 posts carry identical basic pay and allowance structure. The distinction lies in the nature of work and posting location.
| Post | Department | Pay Level | Basic Pay | In-Hand Metro | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSA / UDC | Various Ministries | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | ~₹44,000–48,000 | Wide ministry spread; desk work |
| Postal Assistant | Dept. of Posts | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | ~₹44,000–48,000 | Counter/sorting work; all India |
| Tax Assistant (CBDT) | Ministry of Finance | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | ~₹44,000–48,000 | Tax admin; DEST higher standard |
| Tax Assistant (CBIC) | Finance (Customs) | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | ~₹44,000–48,000 | Customs/excise admin |
| Senior Admin. Assistant | MES, Defence | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | ~₹44,000–48,000 | Defence engineering offices |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the in-hand salary of SSC CGL SSA / UDC in 2026?
A fresh SSA/UDC posted in a metro city (X-class, e.g., Delhi) earns approximately ₹44,000–₹48,000 per month in-hand, after DA (~55%), HRA (24%), Transport Allowance, and NPS deduction. In Y-class cities it’s ₹41,000–₹45,000, and in Z-class cities ₹39,000–₹43,000.
What is the pay scale of SSC CGL Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA)?
SSA and UDC are both at Pay Level-4: ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 as per the 7th Pay Commission pay matrix.
What is the difference between SSA and UDC in SSC CGL?
They are the same post with different names depending on the ministry. In secretariat offices, the post is called Senior Secretariat Assistant (SSA). In other central government offices and field offices, it is called Upper Division Clerk (UDC). Both are at the same pay level and have identical salary structures.
What is SSA/UDC BRO and is it different from regular SSA?
BRO (Border Roads Organisation) SSA/UDC is a unique variant that requires candidates to clear a Medical Board examination by HQ DGBR and pass a fitness test. BRO has all-India transfer liability — you can be posted in extreme terrain, high-altitude zones, and border areas. It has a quasi-military work culture governed by both CCS Rules and the Army Act.
Can SSA/UDC move to a Group B post later?
Yes. Through departmental examinations, LDCE (Limited Departmental Competitive Examination), or DPC, SSA/UDC employees can get promoted to Section Superintendent (Level 6) and later to Section Officer / Assistant Section Officer (Level 7, Group B). Some ministries also allow internal competitive exams for UDC to move to ASO grade within the same ministry.
