Overview
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) selects candidates for Lower Division Clerk/Junior Secretariat Assistant (LDC/JSA) and Data Entry Operator (DEO) posts through the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, or CHSL. This guide explains the exam pattern, marking scheme, qualifying marks and syllabus exactly as set out in the SSC CHSL 2026 Notice of Examination (uploaded on 07-09-2026). The pattern can change from one year to the next, so if you are reading this for a later cycle, check that year’s notice on ssc.gov.in.
If you have applied for CHSL 2026, see our SSC CHSL 2026 recruitment post for eligibility and pay levels, and our SSC exam dates post for the Tier-I schedule.
Also read
CHSL 2026 Exam Structure in Short
- Two computer-based tiers: Tier-I and Tier-II.
- Tier-I is a screening test. Its marks decide who goes to Tier-II.
- The final merit list is based only on Tier-II Section-I and Section-II marks, provided you also pass the qualifying sections.
- Scores from multiple shifts are normalised as per the SSC procedure notified on 02-06-2025.
- There is no re-evaluation or re-checking of scores at any stage.
Tier-I Exam Pattern
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | English Language (Basic Knowledge) | 25 | 50 |
| II | General Intelligence | 25 | 50 |
| III | Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill) | 25 | 50 |
| IV | General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Total time is 60 minutes, and each subject has its own 15-minute sectional timer. Candidates eligible for a scribe get 80 minutes (20 minutes per subject). All questions are multiple choice, and 0.50 marks are deducted for every wrong answer. Each question carries 2 marks, so one wrong answer cancels a quarter of a correct one. Apart from the English part, questions are available in English, Hindi and the regional language chosen in the application form.
Tier-II Exam Pattern
Tier-II is held on one day in two sessions. Session-I (2 hours 15 minutes) has Sections I, II and III back to back. Session-II has the skill or typing test.
| Section | Subjects | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section-I | Mathematical Abilities (30) and Reasoning & General Intelligence (30) | 60 | 180 | 1 hour (30 minutes per module) |
| Section-II | English Language & Comprehension (40) and General Awareness (20) | 60 | 180 | 1 hour (40 + 20 minutes) |
| Section-III | Computer Knowledge Test (qualifying) | 15 | 45 | 15 minutes |
| Section-IV | Skill Test (DEO) or Typing Test (LDC/JSA), qualifying | – | – | 15 minutes (DEO) / 10 minutes (typing) |
Each question in Sections I to III is worth 3 marks and every wrong answer costs 1 mark. Each section closes automatically when its time runs out, so you cannot carry unused time forward. You must appear in, and qualify, all four sections of Tier-II.
Typing Test and Skill Test
- Typing test (LDC/JSA): 35 words per minute in English or 30 words per minute in Hindi, judged on accuracy over a 10-minute passage. The medium you chose in the application form is final. Hindi typing must be done in Mangal font only.
- Skill test (DEO): compulsory for every DEO candidate. It lasts 15 minutes. Candidates for DEO posts in the departments listed at Para 8.1 of the notice get a longer English passage of 3,700 to 4,000 key depressions, while other DEO candidates get one of 2,000 to 2,200 key depressions.
- Scribe-eligible candidates get 5 extra minutes. Some PwBD candidates who are medically certified as unable to type can be exempted from the typing test, with the certificate in the prescribed format.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Category | Minimum marks (Tier-I and Tier-II Sections I, II, III) |
|---|---|
| UR | 30% |
| OBC / EWS | 25% |
| All other categories | 20% |
Reaching these marks only makes you eligible. Actual cut-offs are usually higher and are fixed category-wise, and SSC may set separate cut-offs for DEO posts in the Para 8.1 departments, other DEO posts, and LDC/JSA.
Tier-I Syllabus (as listed in the notice)
- English Language: error spotting, fill in the blanks, synonyms and antonyms, spellings, idioms and phrases, one-word substitution, sentence improvement, active/passive voice, direct/indirect speech, sentence and paragraph rearrangement, cloze test and comprehension.
- General Intelligence: verbal and non-verbal reasoning such as analogy, classification, series, coding-decoding, Venn diagrams, paper folding and punched hole, embedded figures, space orientation, critical thinking and problem solving.
- Quantitative Aptitude: number system, percentage, ratio, averages, simple and compound interest, profit and loss, discount, partnership, mixture and alligation, time and distance, time and work, basic algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, and reading tables and charts.
- General Awareness: current events, everyday science, and questions on India and its neighbours covering history, culture, geography, economy, general policy and scientific research.
What Changes in the Tier-II Syllabus
The Tier-II topics are largely the same as Tier-I, but at greater depth. Two additions stand out. Mathematical Abilities adds statistics and probability (mean, median, mode, standard deviation and simple probability). English comprehension uses two or more passages, at least one simple story-type passage and one based on a current-affairs editorial or report. The Computer Knowledge Test covers computer basics and memory, keyboard shortcuts, Windows and MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), internet, email and e-banking, and the basics of networking and cyber security.
Preparation Tips Based on the Pattern
- Practise with a 15-minute timer per subject for Tier-I, because a weak section cannot borrow time from a strong one.
- Be careful with guesses in Tier-II: a wrong answer costs 1 mark against 3 for a correct one.
- Do not ignore the Computer Knowledge Test. It is only qualifying, but failing it ends your chance in that cycle.
- Start typing practice early in the medium you selected, and practise on a computer rather than a phone.
- Fill the post preference form on time when SSC opens it. Candidates who skip it are not considered for any post.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tier-I marks added to the final merit? No. As per the CHSL 2026 notice, the final merit list uses only the aggregate of Tier-II Section-I and Section-II, subject to qualifying Sections III and IV.
Is there negative marking in the computer test? Yes. The notice applies a 1-mark penalty for each wrong answer in Sections I, II and III of Tier-II.
Can I change my typing medium later? No. The choice of Hindi or English made in the application form is final.
Can my scores be rechecked? No. SSC does not offer re-evaluation, but you can challenge the tentative answer key online by paying Rs 50 per question within the time allowed.
Official Links
This is a private information website and is not connected with any government body. Always confirm details on the official website.