Preparing for the Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level examination requires a thorough understanding of the curriculum and structure. Whether you are looking for general SSC CHSL insights or a detailed breakdown of the SSC CHSL Exam Pattern, this guide covers everything you need to succeed in the upcoming cycle.
The examination consists of Tier 1, Tier 2, and Skill Test/Typing Test stages. The final merit list is prepared on the basis of candidates' performance in Tier 2, subject to qualifying the prescribed Skill Test/Typing Test. To begin your preparation, you can also download the SSC CHSL Syllabus PDF Download file for offline reference.
SSC CHSL Exam Syllabus Overview
The SSC CHSL Exam covers various tiers and test types designed to evaluate numerical abilities, linguistic capabilities, logical reasoning, general awareness, and computer literacy. Review the table below for a quick summary of the exam framework.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC CHSL 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Staff Selection Commission |
| Selection Process | Tier 1, Tier 2, Skill Test/Typing Test |
| Mode of Examination | Online |
| Tier 1 Subjects | English, Reasoning, Quant, GA |
| Tier 2 Subjects | Maths, Reasoning, English, GA, Computer Knowledge |
| Total Questions | Tier 1: 100 Tier 2: 135 |
| Total Marks | Tier 1: 200 Tier 2: 405 |
| Total Duration | Tier 1: 60 Mins Tier 2: 2 Hours 15 Minutes |
| Negative Marking | Yes, Tier 1: 0.50 mark Tier 2: 1 mark |
SSC CHSL Tier 1 Exam Pattern & Structure
Tier 1 consists of 4 sections (General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension) of 50 marks each (25 questions each). It is expected that each section in Tier 1 will have a sectional timing of 15 minutes. Negative marking in Tier 1 is 0.50 marks per incorrect answer.
| Section | Subjects | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 60 Minutes |
| B | General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 60 Minutes |
| C | Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | 60 Minutes |
| D | English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | 60 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 60 Minutes |
SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026
SSC CHSL Tier 2 has 135 total questions, 405 total marks, and a total duration of 2 hours 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours 30 mins including skill tests). Negative marking in Tier 2 objective sections is 1 mark per incorrect answer.
| Session | Section/Part | Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session-I | Section I (A) | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 1 Hour |
| Session-I | Section I (B) | Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 1 Hour |
| Session-I | – | Total | 60 | 180 | 1 Hour (per section) |
| Session-I | Section-II (A) | English Language & Comprehension | 40 | 120 | Included in Session-I |
| Session-I | Section-II (B) | General Awareness | 20 | 60 | Included in Session-I |
| Session-I | – | Total | 60 | 180 | 1 Hour (per section) |
| Session-I | Section-III | Computer Knowledge Test | 15 | 45 | 15 Minutes |
| Session-II | Part A | Skill Test for DEOs in specified Departments/Ministries | – | Qualifying | 15 Minutes |
| Session-II | Part B | Skill Test for DEOs (except specified Departments/Ministries) | – | Qualifying | 15 Minutes |
| Session-II | Part C | Typing Test for LDC/JSA | – | Qualifying | 10 Minutes |
| Grand Total | Grand Total | Grand Total | 135 | 405 | 2 Hours 30 Mins |
Detailed Syllabus Topics Checklists
A strong grasp of the subject-wise topics is vital. Review the following checklists categorized by sections:
SSC CHSL Tier 1 English Comprehension Syllabus Topics
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Spellings
- Phrases and Idioms
- One Word Substitution
- Sentence Correction
- Error Spotting
- Fill in the Blanks
- Para Jumbles
- Active/ Passive
- Narrations
SSC CHSL Tier 2 Reasoning and General Intelligence Syllabus Topics
- Semantic Analogy
- Symbolic operations
- Symbolic/Number Analogy
- Venn Diagrams
- Drawing inferences
- Punched hole/folding
- Embedded figures
- Critical Thinking
- Word Building
- Numerical operations
- Trends
- Figural Analogy
- Space Orientation
- Semantic Classification
- Symbolic/Number Classification
- Figural Classification
- Semantic Series
- Number/Figural Series
- Problem-Solving/Emotional Intelligence
- Social Intelligence/Coding
SSC CHSL Tier 2 English Language And Comprehension Syllabus Topics
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Sentence structure
- Fill in the Blanks
- Idioms & Phrases
- Improvement of Sentences
- Direct/Indirect Narration
- Passage Analysis
- Comprehension Passage
- Synonyms/Homonyms
- Antonyms
- Spot the Error
- Spellings/Mis-spelt words
- One-word Substitution
- Active/Passive Voice
- Sentence Shuffling
- Cloze Passage
SSC CHSL Tier 2 General Awareness Syllabus Topics
- History
- Culture
- Geography
- Economic Scene
- General Policy
- Scientific Research
- Current Events
- India and its Neighbours
SSC CHSL Preparation Strategies / Tips
- Understand the latest SSC CHSL syllabus before starting preparation.
- Prepare a daily study timetable covering all subjects.
- Focus on Mathematics and Reasoning through regular practice.
- Read newspapers daily for Current Affairs.
- Practice English grammar and vocabulary consistently.
- Attempt previous year question papers.
- Solve mock tests every week.
- Revise important formulas and short notes regularly.
- Improve typing speed if applying for LDC/JSA or PA/SA posts.
- Analyze mistakes after every mock test.
Additional Syllabus Tables & Subject Breakdowns
| Topic (English) | विषय (Hindi) |
|---|---|
| Classification | वर्गीकरण |
| Analogy | सादृश्यता |
| Coding–Decoding | कोडिंग-डिकोडिंग |
| Paper Folding Method | पेपर फोल्डिंग विधि |
| Matrix | आव्यूह/मैट्रिक्स |
| Word Formation | शब्द निर्माण |
| Venn Diagram | वेन आरेख |
| Direction and Distance | दिशा और दूरी |
| Blood Relations | रक्त संबंध |
| Verbal Reasoning | शाब्दिक तर्कशक्ति |
| Non-Verbal Reasoning | अशाब्दिक तर्कशक्ति |
| Seating Arrangement | बैठक व्यवस्था |
| Puzzle | पहेली |
| Series | श्रृंखला |
| Topic (English) | विषय (Hindi) |
|---|---|
| Static General Knowledge | स्थैतिक सामान्य ज्ञान |
| Science | विज्ञान |
| Current Affairs | करंट अफेयर्स |
| Sports | खेल |
| Books and Authors | पुस्तकें और लेखक |
| Important Schemes | महत्वपूर्ण योजनाएँ |
| Portfolios | पदभार/विभाग |
| People in the News | चर्चा में रहे व्यक्ति |
| History | इतिहास |
| Culture | संस्कृति |
| Geography | भूगोल |
| Economics | अर्थशास्त्र |
| Awards and Honours | पुरस्कार और सम्मान |
| Topic (English) | विषय (Hindi) |
|---|---|
| Simplification | सरलीकरण |
| Interest (Simple & Compound) | ब्याज (साधारण और चक्रवृद्धि) |
| Averages | औसत |
| Percentage | प्रतिशत |
| Ratio and Proportion | अनुपात और समानुपात |
| Problems with Ages | आयु संबंधी समस्याएँ |
| Speed, Distance, and Time | चाल, दूरी और समय |
| Number System | संख्या पद्धति |
| Mensuration | क्षेत्रमिति |
| Data Interpretation | आंकड़ों की व्याख्या |
| Time and Work | समय और कार्य |
| Algebra | बीजगणित |
| Trigonometry | त्रिकोणमिति |
| Geometry | ज्यामिति |
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Number Systems | Number Systems Computation of Whole Numbers Decimals and Fractions Relationship Between Numbers |
| Arithmetic | Percentages Ratio and Proportion Square Roots Averages Interest (Simple and Compound) Profit and Loss Discount Partnership Business Time and Distance Time and Work |
| Algebra | Basic Algebraic Identities Elementary Surds Graphs of Linear Equations |
| Geometry | Elementary Geometric Figures Triangles Congruence and Similarity of Triangles Circles and Their Properties Tangents Angles Subtended by Chords Common Tangents to Circles |
| Mensuration | Triangle Quadrilaterals Regular Polygons Circle Right Prism Right Circular Cone Right Circular Cylinder Sphere Hemispheres Rectangular Parallelepiped Regular Right Pyramid with Triangular or Square Base |
| Trigonometry | Trigonometric Ratios Complementary Angles Height and Distances Standard Identities |
| Statistics & Probability | Use of Tables and Graphs Histogram Frequency Polygon Bar-Diagram Pie-Chart Measures of Central Tendency (Mean, Median, Mode) Standard Deviation Calculation of Simple Probabilities |
| Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Computer Basics | • Organisation of a Computer • Central Processing Unit (CPU) • Input Devices • Output Devices • Computer Memory • Memory Organisation • Backup Devices • Ports (USB, HDMI, etc.) • Windows Explorer • Keyboard Shortcuts |
| Software and Applications | • Windows Operating System • System Software • Application Software • Features of MS Office • File Management |
| Microsoft Office | • MS Word (Formatting, Editing, Tables) • MS Excel (Functions, Formulas, Charts) • MS PowerPoint (Slides, Animations, Presentations) |
| Internet and E-mail | • Internet Basics • Web Browsing and Searching • Downloading Files • Uploading Files • Managing an E-mail Account • Sending and Receiving E-mails • E-mail Attachments • E-Banking Services |
| Networking and Cybersecurity | • Basics of Computer Networks • Networking Devices (Router, Switch, Modem) • Network Protocols • LAN, WAN, MAN • Information Security Threats • Hacking • Viruses • Worms • Trojans • Malware Attacks • Phishing • Preventive Security Measures |
| Computer Security | • Password Protection • Antivirus Software • Firewall Basics • Data Privacy and Protection • Safe Browsing Practices |
| Digital Banking & Online Services | • Internet Banking • Mobile Banking • UPI and Digital Payments • NEFT, RTGS, IMPS • Online Transaction Security • E-Wallets and Payment Gateways |
Minimum Qualifying Marks & Typing Test Requirements
Candidates must achieve the minimum required percentage across categories and meet the designated typing or data entry speeds depending on their applied post.
| Category | Percentage |
|---|---|
| UR | 30% |
| OBC/EWS | 25% |
| All other categories | 20% |
| Post | Test Type | Speed Required | Passage/Task |
|---|---|---|---|
| LDC/JSA | Typing Test | 35 WPM in English or 30 WPM in Hindi | Printed matter; 10 minutes |
| PA/SA | Typing Test | 35 WPM in English or 30 WPM in Hindi | Printed matter; 10 minutes |
| DEO (Ministry/Department) | Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) | 8,000 key depressions per hour | English document (approximately 2,000-2,200 key depressions); 15 minutes |
| DEO Grade A (C&AG Office) | Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) | 15,000 key depressions per hour | English printed matter (approximately 3,700-4,000 key depressions); 15 minutes |
Scoring Analysis & Recommended Books
Knowing which sections are high-scoring versus challenging can help optimize your study plan.
| Section | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|
| English Language | Scoring |
| Reasoning | Scoring |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Difficult |
| General Awareness | Difficult |
Utilize the best study materials available, such as the Result91 SSC CHSL Study Kit, to cover all syllabus components efficiently.
| Subject | Recommended Resource |
|---|---|
| All Subjects | Result91 SSC CHSL Study Kit – Covers all subjects |
| Practice & Mock Tests | SSC CHSL Mock Test Series by Result91 |
| English | Plinth to Paramount + Result91 English Books |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Fast Track Arithmetic + Result91 Quantitative Aptitude Practice Sets |
| General Awareness | Result91 Monthly Current Affairs PDF |
| Computer Knowledge | Objective Computer Awareness |