SSC JHT 2026: exam date, Paper I and II pattern, syllabus and how to apply
The SSC Combined Hindi Translators Examination, still widely called SSC JHT, is how the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) fills Hindi translator posts in central government: Junior Translation Officer, Junior Hindi Translator and Junior Translator (pay Level 6), and Senior Hindi Translator, Senior Translator and Senior Translation Officer (pay Level 7). Where things stand now: Paper I of the 2026 exam was held on 8 and 13 September 2026, and SSC published its tentative answer keys on 21 September 2026. The next stage is the descriptive Paper II, for which we found no date on ssc.gov.in when we checked on 20 October 2026. This guide covers the dates, eligibility, the pattern, the syllabus and how to prepare for Paper II or the next cycle.
SSC JHT at a glance
| Conducting body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Government of India |
| What it is for | Hindi translator posts (Group B non-gazetted) in central ministries and departments |
| Stages | Paper I (computer-based, objective), then Paper II (descriptive) |
| Paper I | 200 questions: 100 General Hindi, 100 General English, 2 hours |
| Paper II | Two translations and two essays, 200 marks, 2 hours |
| Marking | Paper I: +1, −0.25 |
| Final merit | Paper I at 50% weight plus Paper II in full |
| How often | Once a year, on SSC's calendar |
| Official website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC JHT exam date
From SSC's own notices, read on 20 October 2026:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online applications | 23 April to 14 May 2026 |
| Paper I (CBE) | 8 and 13 September 2026 (held) |
| Tentative answer keys, challenges | 21 to 24 September 2026 |
| Paper II (descriptive) | Not announced as of 20 October 2026 |
SSC first scheduled Paper I for 8 September 2026 in its notice of 12 August 2026; the answer key notice of 21 September 2026 says it was held on 8 and 13 September. The Paper I result, with the list of candidates shortlisted for Paper II, and the Paper II date will appear on ssc.gov.in.
The 2027 cycle has not been announced. In SSC's 2026-27 calendar the 2026 notice was planned for April and Paper I for August to September. We track dates on our SSC JHT exam-dates page.
How to apply for SSC JHT
The 2026 applications are closed. The 2026 notice describes this process:
- Make your One-Time Registration (OTR) on ssc.gov.in. OTRs from the old ssc.nic.in site do not work.
- Fill in the form on the website or the mySSC app, choosing your posts and exam centres. The form takes a live photograph.
- Pay the fee online. The 2026 notice set it at ₹100, with women, SC, ST, PwBD and eligible ex-servicemen candidates exempt (read in the notice on 20 October 2026).
Eligibility in the 2026 notice: a master's degree with Hindi and English at degree level (as subjects or as the medium), and either a recognised diploma or certificate in Hindi–English translation or experience of such translation in a central or state government office (two years for the junior posts, three for the senior). The age limit was 18 to 30 years on 1 August 2026, with the usual relaxations. Keep ready your degree certificates, translation diploma or experience certificate, Class 10 certificate and category certificate.
SSC JHT exam pattern
Paper I (computer-based, sectional timer):
| Part | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Hindi | 100 | 100 | 1 hour |
| General English | 100 | 100 | 1 hour |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 2 hours |
Each wrong answer loses 0.25, and time left in one part does not carry to the other. The minimum qualifying marks are 30% (UR), 25% (OBC, EWS) and 20% (others). Candidates are shortlisted for Paper II category-wise on Paper I marks.
Paper II (descriptive, 2 hours, 200 marks): one passage to translate from Hindi into English, one from English into Hindi, and an essay in each language. The notice does not give the marks for each part. Write your roll number where asked and never your name inside the answer book: that is treated as unfair means.
Final merit counts Paper I at 50% weight and Paper II in full, so Paper I still matters after shortlisting.
SSC JHT syllabus
The notice describes Paper I as degree level, testing the languages and their literature, the correct use of words, phrases and idioms, and correct, precise writing. In practice that means:
- General Hindi: sandhi, samas, prefixes and suffixes, tatsam and tadbhav, grammar; synonyms, antonyms, one word for a phrase, spelling; sentence correction; idioms and proverbs; Hindi literature; official terminology; unseen passages.
- General English: synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitution, idioms, spelling; error spotting and sentence improvement; voice and narration; sentence arrangement; cloze test and comprehension; English literature.
The full list is on our SSC JHT syllabus page.
A plan for the weeks ahead
If you wrote Paper I in September: score yourself from the answer key (+1 right, −0.25 wrong) and start Paper II work now rather than waiting for the result.
- Daily: translate one passage of about 200 words each way, from official notices, reports or newspaper editorials, against the clock. Compare with a good model and note the terms you lacked.
- Build a glossary of administrative terms (notice, circular, office memorandum, and the standard Hindi forms used in government).
- Twice a week: write an essay of about 400 to 500 words in each language in 30 to 35 minutes, on governance, society, technology and the environment.
- Once a week: a full 2-hour Paper II under timed conditions.
If you are aiming for the next cycle: take one full SSC JHT mock test now to see where you stand, then one every two weeks with a review as in how to analyse a mock test. Spend most of your time on whichever language is weaker, and keep translating daily: it is the skill the whole job rests on.
With one hour for 100 questions in each part, you have 36 seconds a question. Literature questions are quick if you know them and slow if you do not, so skip and return.
Useful links
- SSC website: login, results and notices
- Combined Hindi Translators Examination 2026 notice (PDF, ssc.gov.in)
- Paper I answer key notice of 21 September 2026 (PDF)
- Free SSC JHT mock tests
- SSC JHT syllabus
- SSC JHT exam dates
- Negative marking: when to guess
- SSC Stenographer: exam date and how to apply
Frequently asked questions
When is the SSC JHT 2026 Paper II?
SSC had not announced the Paper II date on ssc.gov.in when we checked on 20 October 2026. It follows the Paper I result, which lists the candidates shortlisted for Paper II.
Is there negative marking in SSC JHT?
Yes, in Paper I: each question carries 1 mark and a wrong answer loses 0.25. Paper II is descriptive and marked by examiners.
What is the qualification for SSC JHT?
A master's degree with Hindi and English at degree level, plus a Hindi–English translation diploma or certificate, or translation experience in a government office. The 2026 age limit was 18 to 30 years on 1 August 2026.
Does Paper I count in the SSC JHT final merit?
Yes. Final merit adds 50% of your Paper I marks to your full Paper II marks.
What is the SSC JHT pass mark?
The minimum qualifying marks in Paper I are 30% for UR, 25% for OBC and EWS and 20% for others. SSC sets the actual cut-offs category-wise after each paper.
Is SSC JHT the same as the Combined Hindi Translators Examination?
Yes. SSC now calls it the Combined Hindi Translators Examination; students still search for it as SSC JHT.