Data Entry Operator (DEO)
डाटा एंट्री ऑपरेटर
Pay Level 4 post via SSC CHSL in central offices — high-speed data entry and record maintenance on computers.
Central government ministries and offices, including the C&AG
Exam
SSC CHSL
Qualification
12th pass
Age limit
18–27 years
Transfers
Within your allotted zone/region
Work hours
Regular office hours
Probation
2 years
Estimated in-hand / month
₹44,500
Gross ₹48,780 · CTC ≈ ₹6.5 lakh/yr
Where are you posted?
Data Entry Operator (DEO) · rates as of January 2026 (DA 60%). Excludes CGHS, GPF/insurance deductions and special allowances. Estimate only.
New to pay slips? Read how in-hand salary is worked out.
What you will actually do
- Entering data from documents into departmental software
- Verifying and correcting entered records
- Generating routine reports and statements
- Maintaining digital records and backups
- Supporting the section with typing and e-Office work
A typical day
Most of the day is spent at a computer keying in data: vouchers in an accounts office, returns in a tax office, or records in a ministry. Speed and accuracy are checked. When data entry is light you are used as a general clerk for typing and filing. It is quiet, seated work with little contact with the public.
Promotion path
Timelines are ranges and vary by cadre. See how promotions and MACP work.
Data Entry Operator (DEO) (joining)
Pay Level 4
₹42,000–₹50,000 in-hand
Data Entry Operator Grade B / Senior DEO
5–10 years · Level 5 · via dpc
₹48,000–₹56,000 in-hand
Higher DEO grades or Assistant level
Further 8–12 years · Level 6 · via dpc
₹57,000–₹67,000 in-hand
Promotion timelines vary by cadre and vacancies. If not promoted, MACP gives a pay upgrade after 10, 20 and 30 years.
How to get in
Staff Selection Commission
- 1.Tier-I computer-based test
- 2.Tier-II computer-based test with typing or skill test
- 3.Document verification
Eligibility: Class 12 pass. For DEO posts in the C&AG and some ministries, Class 12 in the Science stream with Mathematics is required. Skill test: 8,000 key depressions per hour (15,000 for C&AG). Age 18–27. SC/ST: 5 years, OBC: 3 years, PwBD: 10 years (more for SC/ST/OBC PwBD), as per the notification.
The good
- ✓ Level 4 pay after Class 12, two levels above LDC
- ✓ Simple, low-pressure work
- ✓ Fixed hours
The hard parts
- – Few vacancies each year
- – Narrow cadre with limited promotion steps
- – Long hours of screen work
Postings
Depends on the department that takes you. C&AG posts are in Accountant General offices in the states; ministry posts are largely in Delhi.
Questions people ask
What is the in-hand salary of Data Entry Operator (DEO)?+
Data Entry Operator (DEO) is a Pay Level 4 post with a starting basic pay of ₹25,500. At current rates (DA 60%, January 2026), the starting in-hand salary is roughly ₹42,000–₹50,000 a month, depending on whether you are posted in a Z, Y or X class city.
What is the qualification and age limit for Data Entry Operator (DEO)?+
Class 12 pass. For DEO posts in the C&AG and some ministries, Class 12 in the Science stream with Mathematics is required. Skill test: 8,000 key depressions per hour (15,000 for C&AG). Age: 18–27 years. Relaxation: SC/ST: 5 years, OBC: 3 years, PwBD: 10 years (more for SC/ST/OBC PwBD), as per the notification.
Which exam do I need to clear for Data Entry Operator (DEO)?+
SSC CHSL (Staff Selection Commission).
Do all DEO posts need Science with Maths?+
No. That condition applies to DEO posts in the C&AG and a few ministries. Check the post-wise eligibility in the notification.
Compare with similar posts
Lower Division Clerk / Junior Secretariat Assistant
अवर श्रेणी लिपिक / कनिष्ठ सचिवालय सहायक
Pay Level 2 clerical post via SSC CHSL in central government offices — typing, diary, dispatch and basic file work.
Postal Assistant
डाक सहायक
Pay Level 4 counter and back-office post in post offices, filled through SSC CGL — savings, mail booking and customer service.
Tax Assistant (CBDT / CBIC)
टैक्स असिस्टेंट
Pay Level 4 desk job in the Income Tax or GST/Customs department via SSC CGL — mostly office work, steady hours.
Books to prepare for SSC CHSL
- See on Amazon
Fast Track Objective Arithmetic
Rajesh Verma (Arihant)
Shorter and more shortcut-oriented than R.S. Aggarwal. Useful when time per question matters.
- See on Amazon
Lucent's General Knowledge
Lucent Publications
Compact static GK for history, polity, geography and science. It does not cover current affairs.
- See on Amazon
Lucent Samanya Gyan Hindi
Lucent Publications
The Hindi edition of Lucent's GK, widely used for SSC and railway exams.
All 7 books for SSC CHSL, MTS, GD, Stenographer and Delhi Police
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Sources
- SSC CHSL 2026 notice (official PDF)
- Staff Selection Commission — official website
- Comptroller and Auditor General of India
This profile is being reviewed. Confirm details in the latest official notification. Salary computed from pay rules as of January 2026.