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SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level) Pathway

India · Government Examination

Official BriefSSC CHSL Syllabus 2026 – OverviewSSC CHSL Tier 1 SyllabusSSC CHSL Tier 2 SyllabusOfficial SSC CHSL Syllabus, Exam Scheme & Previous Year PapersEligibility CriteriaExpert Preparation TipsSample Practice QuestionsCitizen Queries

Official Brief

The SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level) exam is a national-level examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to recruit Class 12 (10+2) qualified candidates for various Group B and Group C posts across ministries, departments and offices of the Government of India. Because it is open to candidates who have passed Class 12, it is one of the most popular government job exams among higher-secondary qualified aspirants. 

Through SSC CHSL, candidates are recruited to posts such as Lower Division Clerk (LDC) / Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) and Data Entry Operator (DEO / DEO Grade A) in different central government departments. The exam offers job security, a stable pay structure and good career growth, which makes it a sought-after option for 10+2 pass candidates. 

The SSC CHSL selection process is conducted in three stages — Tier I, a computer-based objective test, Tier II, a computer-based test that includes objective sections along with a skill/typing test component, followed by document verification. Candidates must clear each stage to move forward in the selection process. 

This page brings together everything you need for SSC CHSL — eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, cut off marks and preparation tips. For the official notification and updates, visit the SSC website at ssc.gov.in. 

 

SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026 – Overview

The SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026 covers two computer-based stages — Tier I and Tier II. Both tiers are built around four core subjects: English Language, General Intelligence (Reasoning), Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness. Tier I is a qualifying screening test, while Tier II tests the same subjects at a slightly higher level, adds a Computer Knowledge module, and includes a qualifying Skill/Typing Test — and it is Tier II that decides the final merit. The tier-wise syllabus is given below. For the marks and structure, see the SSC CHSL exam pattern.

SSC CHSL Tier 1 Syllabus

SSC CHSL Tier I is an objective screening test covering four subjects. The subject-wise topics are:

1. English Language:

  • Grammar: spotting errors, fill in the blanks, active and passive voice, direct and indirect narration, sentence improvement and cloze test
  • Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms, idioms and phrases, one-word substitution and spellings
  • Comprehension: reading comprehension and para jumbles

2. General Intelligence (Reasoning):

  • Verbal: analogies, classification, number and alphabet series, coding-decoding, blood relations, directions, syllogism and Venn diagrams
  • Logical: order and ranking, seating arrangements, statement and conclusion, statement and argument
  • Non-Verbal: mirror and water images, paper folding and cutting, embedded figures and figure completion

3. Quantitative Aptitude:

  • Arithmetic: number system, percentage, ratio and proportion, averages, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, time and work, time-speed-distance, and mixture and alligation
  • Advanced Maths: algebra, geometry, mensuration and trigonometry
  • Data Interpretation: tables, bar graphs, pie charts and line graphs

4. General Awareness:

  • Current Affairs: national and international events, sports, awards, and books and authors
  • Static GK: Indian history, geography, polity (Constitution), economics, and general science up to the Class 10 level

SSC CHSL Tier 2 Syllabus

SSC CHSL Tier II tests the same four core subjects at a slightly higher level and is the merit-deciding stage. It is organised into modules and additionally includes a Computer Knowledge module and a qualifying Skill/Typing Test.

1. Mathematical Abilities:

  • Arithmetic: number system, percentage, ratio and proportion, averages, profit and loss, interest, time and work, time-speed-distance, and mixture and alligation
  • Advanced Maths: algebra (identities and surds), geometry (triangles, circles and tangents), mensuration and trigonometry (heights and distances)
  • Data Interpretation: tables, bar graphs, pie charts and line graphs

2. Reasoning & General Intelligence:

  • Analogies, classification, series, coding-decoding, blood relations, directions and syllogism
  • Order and ranking, seating arrangements, statement-conclusion and statement-argument
  • Non-verbal reasoning — mirror/water images, paper folding and embedded figures

3. English Language & Comprehension:

  • Grammar: spotting errors, sentence improvement, active and passive voice, narration and cloze test
  • Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms, idioms and phrases, one-word substitution and spellings
  • Comprehension: reading comprehension and para jumbles

4. General Awareness:

  • Current affairs, sports, awards, and books and authors
  • Static GK: Indian history, geography, polity, economics and general science

5. Computer Knowledge Module (qualifying):

  • Computer fundamentals: organisation of a computer, CPU, memory organisation, and input/output devices
  • Software: operating systems, and MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint
  • Internet and networking: web browsing, email and cyber security

6. Skill Test / Typing Test (qualifying):

  • Data Entry Operator (DEO): data entry speed of 8,000 key depressions per hour
  • LDC / JSA: typing speed of 35 WPM (English) or 30 WPM (Hindi)

Official SSC CHSL Syllabus, Exam Scheme & Previous Year Papers

For the complete and authoritative syllabus, exam scheme and practice papers, always refer to the official SSC website. Use the links below to access them directly.

Official SSC SyllabusScheme of ExaminationPrevious Year Papers

Eligibility Criteria

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SSC CHSL Nationality CriteriaTo be eligible for the SSC CHSL exam, a candidate must be either a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling here, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries (such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda and certain others) with the intention of permanently settling in India. Candidates other than Indian citizens must produce an eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India.
SSC CHSL Educational QualificationFor most posts — including Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Postal Assistant (PA), Sorting Assistant (SA) and most Data Entry Operator (DEO) posts — a candidate must have passed Class 12 (10+2) or an equivalent examination from a recognised board. For the post of DEO Grade 'A' in the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG), the candidate must have passed Class 12 in the Science stream with Mathematics as a subject. The qualification must be completed by the cut-off date specified in the official notification.
SSC CHSL Age LimitThe age limit for the SSC CHSL exam is 18 to 27 years, calculated as on the cut-off date specified in the official notification. A candidate's date of birth must fall within this range to be eligible (before relaxation). Upper-age relaxation is available to reserved categories as per government rules. Candidates should confirm the exact birth-date range from the SSC notification for their recruitment cycle.
SSC CHSL Age RelaxationCategory-wise upper-age relaxation, as per government norms, is given below:
CategoryAge Relaxation
SC / ST5 years
OBC3 years
PwBD (Unreserved)10 years
PwBD + OBC13 years
PwBD + SC / ST15 years
Ex-Servicemen (ESM)3 years after deduction of military service rendered
The exact relaxation and the categories eligible for it are listed in the official SSC notification.
SSC CHSL Number of AttemptsThere is no limit on the number of attempts for the SSC CHSL exam. A candidate can appear as many times as they wish, as long as they continue to meet the educational qualification and the age limit (including any applicable relaxation) for the recruitment cycle.

Expert Preparation Tips

SSC CHSL Exam – Quick Overview

SSC CHSL has two computer-based stages. Tier I is a 100-question, 200-mark screening test of 60 minutes across four sections — General Intelligence (Reasoning), General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Language — with 0.50 negative marking. Tier II is the merit-deciding stage, covering Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English, General Awareness and a Computer Knowledge module (with 1-mark negative marking), plus a qualifying Skill/Typing Test. Crucially, Tier I marks are not counted in the final merit — selection is based on Tier II, followed by document verification.

SSC CHSL Preparation Tips 2026

A focused 4–6 month plan — split between syllabus completion, heavy practice and mock tests, with daily typing practice — is the proven route to clearing SSC CHSL.

1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus First 

Start by getting the two-tier structure clear from the official SSC scheme of examination and syllabus. Know that Tier I only qualifies you for Tier II, while Tier II decides your rank — so plan to build real depth, not just enough to scrape through Tier I. 

2. Build Strength in Quantitative Aptitude 
Memorise core formulas and tables up to 30, then prioritise high-weightage topics like percentage, profit & loss, ratio and proportion, and data interpretation, before moving to advanced maths. Quant rewards speed, so daily timed practice is essential — and it carries heavy weight in Tier II. 

3. Make General Intelligence (Reasoning) Your Scoring Section 
Reasoning is the most scoring area because it's logic-based, not memory-based. Practise puzzles, coding-decoding, blood relations, syllogism and series daily to build both accuracy and speed. Consistent practice turns these into near-certain marks. 

4. Prioritise English — It's Expanded in Tier II 
English carries a large share of Tier II (around 45 questions), so it's one of the highest-leverage subjects for your merit rank. Strengthen core grammar (tenses, articles, syntax), build vocabulary through daily newspaper reading, and practise reading comprehension and cloze tests regularly. 

5. Prepare General Awareness Smartly 
Focus on static GK — History, Geography, Polity and basic Science — plus the last 6 months of current affairs. Don't get lost in lengthy textbooks; use concise notes and daily news analysis so this section stays high-accuracy and time-efficient. 

6. Don't Skip the Computer Knowledge Module 
Tier II includes a dedicated Computer Knowledge module, which many candidates overlook. Revise computer fundamentals, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), the internet and email — it's a qualifying module, so clearing it is non-negotiable. 

7. Practise Typing Daily for the Skill Test 
Many candidates clear the written exam but fail the typing test. Dedicate 30–45 minutes daily to practice on a physical desktop keyboard (not a laptop), aiming for 35 words per minute in English or 30 WPM in Hindi for LDC/JSA posts. DEO candidates must hit around 8,000 key depressions per hour — so build a comfortable buffer above the minimum. 

8. Take Mock Tests and Solve Previous Year Papers 
Take sectional tests after each topic, then full-length mocks 1–2 months before the exam to simulate real conditions. The most valuable part is error analysis — review every wrong answer so you don't repeat it. Mind the differing negative marking too: 0.50 in Tier I but a steeper 1 mark in Tier II. 

9. Manage Negative Marking and Time 

With penalties in both tiers and a tougher 1-mark deduction in Tier II, avoid blind guessing — attempt the questions you're confident about first to lock in marks. Smart question selection often matters more than raw attempts. You can download official previous year question papers and check updates on the SSC website at ssc.gov.in. 

Sample Practice Questions

Q1: Select the option that expresses the given sentence in passive voice. The peon will post the letter.
  • A) The letter has been posted by the peon.
  • B) The letter would have been posted by the peon.
  • C) The letter is being posted by the peon.
  • D) The letter will be posted by the peon.
Answer: null
The original sentence is in future tense active voice: 'The peon will post the letter.' The correct passive voice form keeps the future tense and becomes 'The letter will be posted by the peon.' Option C matches this exactly.
Q2: Select the option that expresses the given sentence in active voice. Mathematical problems are never solved daily by him.
  • A) He has solved never mathematical problems daily.
  • B) He solve never mathematical problems daily.
  • C) He solves never mathematical problems daily.
  • D) He never solves mathematical problems daily.
Answer: null
The sentence in active voice should have the subject performing the action. 'He never solves mathematical problems daily' correctly changes the passive sentence to active voice with proper word order and negation.
Q3: Select the most appropriate ANTONYM of the given word. Hostile
  • A) Bitter
  • B) Nasty
  • C) Aggressive
  • D) Hospitable
Answer: null
'Hostile' means unfriendly or antagonistic, so its antonym is 'Hospitable,' which means friendly and welcoming. The other options (Bitter, Nasty, Aggressive) are synonyms or related negative terms, not antonyms.
Q4: In the context of the mesosphere, which of the following statements is NOT correct?
  • A) It is directly above the stratosphere.
  • B) It is the third layer of the atmosphere.
  • C) Meteorites burn up in this layer on entering from the space.
  • D) In this layer temperature rises very rapidly with increasing height.
Answer: null
In the mesosphere, temperature actually decreases with increasing height, making it the coldest layer of the atmosphere. Therefore, the statement that temperature rises very rapidly with height in this layer is incorrect.
Q5: Who became the first player in history to win the ‘Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy’ for ‘ICC Cricketer of the Year’?
  • A) Ravichandran Ashwin
  • B) Mahendra Singh Dhoni
  • C) Virat Kohli
  • D) Sachin Tendulkar
Answer: null
Sachin Tendulkar was the first player to win the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year. This award was introduced in 2004, and Tendulkar was its inaugural recipient.

Citizen Queries

Is there an interview in the SSC CHSL selection process?▾
No, there is no interview round for any SSC CHSL post. Selection is based entirely on the computer-based written examinations — Tier I and Tier II — along with the qualifying Skill/Typing Test and document verification. This makes SSC CHSL a purely merit-and-skill-based recruitment.
Is a specific stream required in Class 12 for the DEO post?▾
For the Data Entry Operator (DEO) Grade 'A' post in the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG), a candidate must have passed Class 12 in the Science stream with Mathematics as a subject. For all other posts — Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Postal Assistant (PA), Sorting Assistant (SA) and most DEO posts — any Class 12 stream is accepted.
Is the negative marking different in SSC CHSL Tier I and Tier II?▾
Yes. In Tier I, 0.50 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. In Tier II, the penalty is higher — 1 mark is deducted for every wrong answer in the objective sections (Section I, Section II and the Computer Knowledge module). Because of the steeper Tier II penalty, accuracy matters even more in the merit-deciding stage.
How many times can I attempt the SSC CHSL exam?▾
There is no limit on the number of attempts for the SSC CHSL exam. A candidate can appear as many times as they wish, provided they continue to meet the educational qualification and the age limit (including any applicable relaxation) for that recruitment cycle.
Are SSC CHSL Tier I marks counted in the final merit list?▾
No. Tier I is only a qualifying screening stage — its marks decide whether you advance to Tier II, but they are not added to the final merit. The final selection and ranking are based solely on your performance in Tier II (Section I and Section II), subject to qualifying the other modules.
What is normalisation in the SSC CHSL exam?▾
Since the SSC CHSL exam is conducted in multiple shifts across different days, the Staff Selection Commission applies a statistical normalisation formula to the raw scores. This adjusts for variations in the difficulty level of question sets across shifts, ensuring that all candidates are evaluated fairly regardless of which shift they appeared in.
Is the Computer Knowledge module in Tier II counted towards merit?▾
No. The Computer Knowledge module (Module I of Section III) in Tier II is mandatory but qualifying in nature. Candidates must score the minimum qualifying marks in it, but these marks are not added to the final merit score — the merit is built only from Section I and Section II of Tier II.
Are both sessions of SSC CHSL Tier II held on the same day?▾
Yes. Both sessions of Tier II are conducted on the same day. Session I is the objective test covering Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English Language and General Awareness, along with the Computer Knowledge module, while Session II is the Skill Test or Typing Test.
Is a medical or fitness test required for SSC CHSL selection?▾
It depends on the post and department. Most SSC CHSL clerical and data-entry posts do not require a physical or medical test. However, certain departments — such as the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) — prescribe specific physical and medical fitness standards that must be met after final allotment, before the appointment is confirmed.
What are the passing criteria for the SSC CHSL Skill and Typing Test?▾
The Skill Test and Typing Test (Tier II, Session II) are purely qualifying. For LDC/JSA posts, candidates must type at 35 words per minute in English or 30 WPM in Hindi; for DEO posts, the required data entry speed is around 8,000 key depressions per hour. Errors must stay within the permissible limit set by the commission, but these tests do not add marks to the final merit.
Does the SSC conduct document verification directly?▾
Document verification for SSC CHSL is generally carried out by the user department or ministry to which a candidate is finally allotted, rather than as a separate stage at the SSC's regional offices. Candidates should keep all their original documents and certificates ready for verification at the time of appointment.
When do I submit my post and department preferences in SSC CHSL?▾
Candidates submit their post and department preferences online through the official SSC portal, usually after the Tier II results are declared and before the final merit-based allotment. Choosing preferences carefully is important, as the final posting depends on your merit rank and the preferences you lock in.

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