SSC CHSL - Syllabus, Exam Pattern & Free Mock Tests
SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level) recruits 12th-pass candidates for posts like Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO) across ministries. The Tier-1 CBT is a fast-paced 100-question test worth 200 marks, carrying a penalty of −0.5 marks for wrong answers.
Under 10 minutes · no account needed · real percentile at the end
SSC CHSL at a glance
| Conducting body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
|---|---|
| Education | Class 12 (or equivalent) pass. Data Entry Operator posts in some departments need the Science stream with Mathematics. |
| Age limit | 18 to 27 years, with category relaxations. The cut-off date is fixed in each notification. |
| Stages | Tier-1 and Tier-2, both computer-based, then document verification. Tier-2 runs in two sessions on the same day: Session-I has Maths, Reasoning, English, General Awareness and a qualifying Computer Knowledge section; Session-II is the qualifying skill/typing test. |
| Tier-1 format | 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes, with a 15-minute sectional timer for each subject in the latest notice. |
| Marking | +2 per correct answer, −0.5 per wrong answer in Tier-1. |
| Posts | Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC) / Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO) and DEO Grade A (as listed in the 2026 notice). |
| Pay level | Pay Levels 2 to 5 of the 7th CPC pay matrix: LDC/JSA at Level 2, DEO at Level 4 or 5, DEO Grade A at Level 4. |
| Languages | English and Hindi. |
| Notification | 30 April 2026 |
| Application deadline | 31 May 2026 |
Every SSC CHSL mock here is a fixed paper, so your percentile compares you with everyone who sat the same questions. How the percentile is calculated →
What is the SSC CHSL exam pattern?
Tier-1 is a qualifying CBT containing 25 questions in each of the four standard sections: English, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness. Tier-2 consists of mathematical, verbal reasoning, English, and computer testing sessions, alongside a typing/skill test.
| Section | Questions | Max Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 25 | 50 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
Full exam pattern: Tier-wise marks, timers and qualifying rules →
What is the SSC CHSL syllabus?
Quantitative Aptitude focuses on arithmetic (ratios, percentages, interest, averages, time & work) alongside basic algebra, geometry, and mensuration. English covers vocabulary, spellings, synonyms, grammar, spot the error, and cloze tests. Reasoning tests verbal and non-verbal skills. General Awareness covers static GK, general science, and current events.
Complete syllabus, subject by subject →
What is a good SSC CHSL cut-off?
Cut-offs are generally higher compared to CGL because of the larger number of applicants and lower post counts. Safe target score stands in the 140-160 range.
Official cut-offs and vacancies →
How should I prepare for SSC CHSL?
Obsessive practice on English vocabulary and speed math tricks will help save precious time, giving you more headroom for tough reasoning and aptitude questions.
Preparation strategy built on the marks and timers →
⌨️Frequently asked questions
What is the typing speed required for CHSL?
English typing requires 35 words per minute, and Hindi requires 30 words per minute on computers.
Is CHSL Tier-1 qualifying in nature?
Yes, Tier-1 is qualifying. Marks obtained in Tier-2 determine final merit.
What is the educational qualification for SSC CHSL?
Class 12 (or equivalent) pass. Data Entry Operator posts in some departments need the Science stream with Mathematics. (Source: Staff Selection Commission (ssc.gov.in); as of 2026-09-21.)
What is the age limit for SSC CHSL?
18 to 27 years, with category relaxations. The cut-off date is fixed in each notification. (Source: Staff Selection Commission (ssc.gov.in); as of 2026-09-21.)
What are the stages of the SSC CHSL exam?
Tier-1 and Tier-2, both computer-based, then document verification. Tier-2 runs in two sessions on the same day: Session-I has Maths, Reasoning, English, General Awareness and a qualifying Computer Knowledge section; Session-II is the qualifying skill/typing test. (Source: Staff Selection Commission (ssc.gov.in); as of 2026-09-21.)
What is the pay level for SSC CHSL?
Pay Levels 2 to 5 of the 7th CPC pay matrix: LDC/JSA at Level 2, DEO at Level 4 or 5, DEO Grade A at Level 4. (Source: Staff Selection Commission (ssc.gov.in); as of 2026-09-21.)
What is the marking scheme and negative marking in SSC CHSL?
+2 per correct answer, −0.5 per wrong answer in Tier-1. (Source: Staff Selection Commission (ssc.gov.in); as of 2026-09-21.)