How to Apply for SSC Exams Online 2026: OTR, Application Form, Fee and Correction Window

Applying for an SSC exam is simple if you follow the steps in the right order. You first complete a One Time Registration (OTR) on the SSC website, and then you apply for the exam you want with your registration details. This guide explains every step, the documents you need, the exam fee and the exemptions, and how the correction window works.

Documents and Details to Keep Ready

• Class 10 certificate for your name, parents' names and date of birth.
• Educational certificates (class 12 or graduation) as required by the exam.
• A valid mobile number and email ID that you can access for OTP and updates.
• Aadhaar or another valid photo ID.
• Recent passport-size photograph and signature in the format given in the notification.
• Category certificate (OBC-NCL, SC, ST, EWS), PwD or ex-servicemen certificate if applicable.
• Online payment option: UPI, net banking, debit card or credit card.

Step 1: Complete the One Time Registration (OTR)

1. Go to the official website ssc.gov.in and click on the Register link on the home page.
2. Fill in the basic details: name, father's name, mother's name, date of birth, mobile number and email ID exactly as per your matriculation certificate.
3. Fill in the additional details such as address, education and identification marks.
4. Upload your photograph and signature as per the size and format required.
5. Create a password and note down your registration number. You will use it for all future SSC exams.

Step 2: Login and Apply for the Exam

1. Login with your registration number and password.
2. Choose the exam (for example CGL, CHSL, MTS or GD) from the list of open notifications.
3. Check and confirm your details from the OTR profile.
4. Select the preferences if the exam has more than one post or department.
5. Select the exam centre preferences in the order of your choice.
6. Answer the questions about eligibility and declaration.

Step 3: Pay the Exam Fee and Submit

• The application fee for most SSC exams is Rs 100.
• Women candidates, SC, ST, PwD and ex-servicemen eligible for reservation are exempted from the fee.
• Pay online through UPI, net banking or card, as allowed in the notification.
• After the payment, submit the application and download the confirmation page for your record.

Fee, exemptions and payment options can change in a new notification, so always check the latest details.

Application Correction Window

• SSC gives a correction window for a few days after the last date of the application.
• Corrections may be allowed in details such as name, father's name, date of birth, category, education and photo or signature.
• A correction fee applies (for example Rs 200 for the first correction and Rs 500 for the second), as given in the notification.
• Some details cannot be changed at all, so fill in the form carefully the first time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Entering a name or date of birth that does not match the matriculation certificate.
• Using a mobile number or email ID that you cannot access.
• Uploading a blurred photograph or a signature in capital letters when only small letters are accepted.
• Choosing the wrong category (OBC without a valid certificate or EWS without income proof).
• Applying at the last minute when the website is slow.
• Not saving the final confirmation page after payment.

What to Do After Applying

• Keep checking the SSC website for the admit card and the city intimation slip.
• Keep a printout of the application and the fee receipt.
• Start the preparation according to the exam pattern and the syllabus if you have not started yet.
• Do not share your login details with anyone.

OTR Profile: Details You Must Fill Carefully

The One Time Registration is the base of all your future SSC applications, so any mistake in it can create problems for years. The profile asks for your personal details, contact details, education details and identification marks. The name, father's name, mother's name and date of birth must match your matriculation certificate exactly, including the spelling and the order of the names. Use a mobile number and an email address that will remain active for a long time, because all communication, OTPs and updates will come on them. Make sure your photograph is clear, recent and in the right format, and keep the original files saved on your phone or computer for future use.

• Do not use a shortened name or an alias in the profile.
• Use the same mobile number for all applications to avoid confusion.
• Keep your registration number and password in a safe place.
• Update your profile only through the options allowed on the portal.

What to Do If the Website Is Slow on the Last Day

On the last day of the application, thousands of candidates log in at the same time, which can slow down the SSC website and the payment gateway. To avoid problems, apply at least five to seven days before the last date. If the page does not load, wait for a few minutes and try again instead of refreshing it repeatedly. If the payment is deducted but the application does not show as complete, wait for 24 hours, check your bank statement and use the status option on the portal. Contact the helpline given in the notification if the problem continues, and keep the screenshot of the payment as proof.

Application Checklist Before You Click Submit

1. Check your name, parents' names and date of birth against the matriculation certificate.
2. Check the category you have selected and make sure you have the valid certificate for it.
3. Check the post preferences and the exam centre choices.
4. Check that your photograph and signature are clear and in the right format.
5. Check your mobile number and email ID.
6. Read the declaration and the instructions again before accepting.
7. Pay the fee (if applicable) and download the final confirmation.

Taking five minutes for this checklist can save you from a rejection that cannot be corrected later. Many candidates lose a full attempt because of a mistake that could have been found in a single review.

Frequently Asked Practical Problems During the Application

• I forgot my password: use the reset option with your registration number and registered mobile or email.
• The OTP is not coming: check the network, wait for a few minutes and then request a new OTP; do not request it again and again.
• The category is not selectable: it depends on the details in your profile; correct it through the profile option if the portal allows.
• Payment failed but money deducted: wait 24 to 48 hours; the amount is usually refunded or the application status updates automatically.
• I made a mistake after final submission: use the correction window as per the notice and pay the correction fee.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is OTR in SSC?

OTR means One Time Registration. You register once on the SSC website, get a registration number and use it to apply for all exams.

2. What is the SSC application fee?

The fee for most exams is Rs 100. Women, SC, ST, PwD and eligible ex-servicemen are exempted.

3. Can I change my details after submitting the SSC form?

You can change some details during the correction window by paying the prescribed correction fee.

4. How many exam centres can I choose in SSC?

The form lets you choose centre preferences from the list given for each region. Select the nearest centres in the order of your choice.

5. Which details should match my 10th certificate?

Your name, father's name, mother's name and date of birth should match your matriculation certificate.

6. Which payment methods are accepted for the SSC fee?

The fee can be paid online through UPI, net banking and cards, as given in the notification.

7. Do I need to register again for every SSC exam?

No. OTR is a one time process. Next time, login with your registration number and apply for the exam.

8. What if I forget my SSC registration password?

Use the forgot password option on the login page and reset it with your registration number or the registered mobile and email.

9. Is Aadhaar compulsory for SSC registration?

Check the latest rules in the notification. A valid photo ID is needed for the exam in any case.

10. Where can I apply for SSC exams?

You can apply only on the official website ssc.gov.in. Do not trust any other website that asks for money.