SSC CHSL Syllabus and Exam Pattern for 2026
Explore the comprehensive SSC CHSL Syllabus for 2026, detailing the subject-wise topics for Tier 1 and Tier 2, alongside the exam pattern, marking scheme, qualifying marks, and a strategic preparation guide. This information is vital for candidates to effectively plan their study schedules.
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) announced the notification for the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination for 2026 on September 7, 2026. Applications are open until October 7, 2026. This article consolidates the SSC CHSL Syllabus and Exam Pattern, providing essential insights into the subjects, marks distribution, timings for each tier, and strategic preparation tips.
Overview of SSC CHSL Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Higher Secondary Level Examination (SSC CHSL) 2026 |
| Notification Release Date | September 7, 2026 |
| Application Dates | September 7, 2026 to October 7, 2026 (11:00 PM) |
| Posts | Lower Division Clerk (LDC) / Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO), Data Entry Operator Grade 'A' |
| Tentative Vacancies | Approximately 2,536 (a detailed breakdown of posts and categories will be released later) |
| Selection Stages | Tier 1 (Computer-Based Test), Tier 2 (Computer-Based Test + Skill/Typing Test), Document Verification |
| Tier 1 Questions / Marks | 100 questions / 200 marks |
| Tier 1 Duration | 60 minutes (80 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates) |
| Tier 2 Marks | 405 marks (for Section-1, Section-2, and Section-3 Module-1 combined) |
| Negative Marking | For Tier 1: 0.50 marks; Tier 2 (Section-1, Section-2, Module-1 of Section-3): 1 mark |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
Selection Process for SSC CHSL 2026
The recruitment process for SSC CHSL is conducted across three stages. Candidates need to successfully complete each stage to advance further, with the final merit list being formulated based on Tier 2 scores.
Stage Breakdown:
- Tier 1 (Computer-Based Examination): This is an objective type multiple-choice screening test. Candidates scoring at or above the Tier 1 cut-off marks are eligible for Tier 2. Scores from Tier 1 are used only for shortlisting, not for final merit ranking.
- Tier 2 (Computer-Based Examination + Skill Test/Typing Test): This phase features two sessions within a single day. The first session encompasses Section-1 (Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning & General Intelligence), Section-2 (English Language & Comprehension and General Awareness), and the Computer Knowledge Module for Section-3. The second session involves the Skill Test/Typing Test for Section-3. Note that the Computer Knowledge and Skill Test/Typing Test are qualifying; the final merit depends on the results from Sections 1 and 2 of Tier 2.
- Document Verification: Candidates who qualify based on their Tier 2 performance and respective category cut-offs will be invited for document verification prior to final allocation of posts.
Exam Pattern for SSC CHSL 2026
Tier 1 Exam Structure
The Tier 1 examination consists of an objective test conducted in a single session covering four subjects.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Language | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Duration: 60 minutes (80 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates).
Negative marking: A penalty of 0.50 marks is applied for incorrect answers.
Tier 2 Exam Structure
Tier 2 consists of three sections, each divided into two modules, and occurs across two sessions on the same day.
| Session | Section | Module | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 (2 hours 15 minutes) | Section 1 | Module 1 | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 180 (60×3) | 1 hour for the section |
| Module 2 | Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | ||||
| Section 2 | Module 1 | English Language and Comprehension | 40 | 180 (60×3) | 1 hour for the section | |
| Module 2 | General Awareness | 20 | ||||
| Section 3 | Module 1 | Computer Knowledge Module | 15 | 45 (15×3) | 15 minutes | |
| Session 2 (25 minutes) | Section 3 | Module 2 | Skill Test/Typing Test (Part A: Skill Test for DEO in the relevant Department/Ministry; Part B: Skill Test for DEO positions outside that Department/Ministry; Part C: Typing Test for LDC/JSA) | - | Qualifying | 15/15/10 minutes respectively |
Negative marking applies: 1 mark will be deducted for each incorrect response in Section-1, Section-2, and Module-1 of Section-3; however, there is no deduction in the Skill Test/Typing Test module.
Note: The Computer Knowledge Module and the Skill/Typing Test are qualifying; they do not influence the overall merit score, which is derived from Section-1 and Section-2 results.
Minimum Qualifying Marks (Category-Wise)
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| UR (Unreserved) | 30% |
| OBC / EWS | 25% |
| All other categories (SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen, etc.) | 20% |
Subject-wise Syllabus for SSC CHSL 2026
The syllabus for the SSC CHSL exam is similar across both tiers, with Tier 2 assessing the same broad topics at a slightly elevated level of difficulty (equivalent to Class 10-12). Below is an outline of the subject-specific topics.
1. General Intelligence and Reasoning
- Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Semantic Analogy, Symbolic/Number Analogy, Figural Analogy
- Classification (Semantic, Symbolic/Number, Figural)
- Series (Semantic, Number, Figural)
- Symbolic Operations, Trends, Space Orientation
- Venn Diagrams, Drawing Inferences
- Punched hole/pattern folding and unfolding
- Figural Pattern folding and completion, Embedded Figures
- Critical Thinking, Emotional Intelligence, Social Intelligence
- Word Building, Coding-Decoding, Numerical Operations, Problem Solving
2. English Language
- Spotting Errors, Fill in the Blanks
- Synonyms/Homonyms, Antonyms
- Spellings/Identifying misspelled words
- Idioms and Phrases, One Word Substitution
- Sentence Improvement, Active/Passive Voice
- Direct/Indirect Speech conversion
- Shuffling Sentence parts and whole Sentences within a passage
- Cloze Passage, Comprehension Passage
3. Quantitative Aptitude
- Number Systems: Computation of whole numbers, decimals, and fractions, relationships between numbers
- Fundamental Arithmetic: Percentages, Ratios and Proportions, Averages, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Discount, Partnerships, Mixture and Alligation, Time and Distance, Time and Work
- Algebra: Basic algebraic identities, elementary surds, graphs of linear equations
- Geometry: Properties of triangles, congruence and similarity, circles and chords, tangents, common tangents to circles
- Mensuration: Characteristics of Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Regular Polygons, Circle, Right Prism, Right Circular Cone/Cylinder, Sphere, Hemisphere, Rectangular Parallelepiped, Regular Right Pyramid
- Trigonometry: Ratios, complementary angles, heights and distances, standard identities
- Statistics and Data Interpretation: Tables and various graph types, including Histogram, Frequency Polygon, Bar diagram, Pie chart; Tier 2 also covers mean, median, mode, standard deviation, and elementary probability.
4. General Awareness
- Current Events of national and international relevance
- History, Culture, Geography of India and neighboring nations
- Political and Economic Awareness of India
- General Policies and Scientific Research
- Static General Knowledge: Awards and Honors, Literature, Sports
5. Computer Knowledge (Tier 2, Section 3, Module 1)
- Computer Basics: Components, Input/Output devices, memory organization, and backup methods, ports, Windows Explorer, keyboard shortcuts
- Operating Systems: Basics of Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint
- Internet & Email: Browsing, downloading/uploading, email management, e-banking
- Networking & Cyber Security: Devices, protocols, and security threats such as hacking, viruses, and protective measures
6. Skill Test / Typing Test (Tier 2, Section 3, Module 2)
- DEO/Grade 'A' Skill Test (within the respective Department/Ministry): 15,000 key depressions per hour on a passage of approximately 3,700–4,000 key depressions within 15 minutes
- DEO/Grade 'A' Skill Test (outside the respective Department/Ministry): 8,000 key depressions per hour on a passage of about 2,000–2,200 key depressions in 15 minutes
- Typing Test for LDC/JSA: A qualifying test lasting for 10 minutes
Preparation Tips for the SSC CHSL Exam 2026
- Initiate with the Syllabus: Focus on aligning your strengths and weaknesses with the syllabus before diving into practice sets to ensure effective use of study time.
- Create a Subject-specific Timetable: Daily practice of English and Reasoning is crucial since they are skill-intensive; alternate Days should be dedicated to Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness for in-depth concept understanding.
- Review Previous Years’ Papers: Familiarize yourself with the actual difficulty levels and recurring topics by analyzing the last 3-5 years of SSC CHSL question papers before taking mock tests.
- Engage in Mock Tests: After grasping the basics, transition to timed mock tests to enhance speed and efficiency for the 60-minute Tier 1 duration and Tier 2 sessions.
- Monitor Accuracy: Given the negative marking scheme (0.50 for Tier 1 and 1 mark for Tier 2), assess each mock test to identify and rectify guesswork mistakes.
- Don’t Overlook Computer Knowledge and Typing/Skill Test Practice: Although qualifying in nature, failing these can hinder overall success, even with strong Section-1 and Section-2 scores.
Important Links
- Direct Link to Download SSC CHSL Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026
- Check Official Website: https://ssc.gov.in/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026?
The syllabus encompasses General Intelligence, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness for Tier 1, along with Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, and a Skill Test/Typing Test for Tier 2. A distinct syllabus document for 2026 has not been published yet, but the scope remains consistent with previous cycles.
What is the SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026?
The Tier 1 exam consists of 100 questions and carries 200 marks, completed within 60 minutes. Tier 2 is segmented into three sections with six modules spread across two sessions on the same day, totalling 405 marks for the scoring sections, alongside a qualifying Computer Knowledge Module and Skill Test/Typing Test.
How many questions are included in the SSC CHSL exam?
The Tier 1 examination comprises 100 questions. In Tier 2, there are 90 questions in Section-1 (Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning), 60 questions in Section-2 (English and General Awareness), and 15 questions in the Computer Knowledge Module, in addition to the qualifying Skill Test/Typing Test.
Is the Skill Test/Typing Test mandatory for SSC CHSL?
Yes, it is compulsory for the applicable posts, although it is qualifying. LDC/JSA candidates must successfully complete a typing test, whereas DEO and DEO Grade 'A' candidates are required to pass a data entry skill test at specified speeds.
Where can I access the SSC CHSL Syllabus PDF?
The official syllabus is included with the SSC CHSL notification available on ssc.gov.in. The syllabus PDF download link will also be updated in the Important Links section above once available.