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SSC CHSL: Tier-I and Tier-II pattern, syllabus topics and a tracker

SSC CHSL is the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination of the Staff Selection Commission for Group C posts of Lower Divisional Clerk, Junior Secretariat Assistant and Data Entry Operator. Tier-I has four parts of 25 questions in one hour, and Tier-II has two objective sections, a Computer Knowledge Test and a skill or typing test.

AspirantGoal teamLast reviewed 23 October 202618 min read

AspirantGoal is an independent app. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Staff Selection Commission or any exam authority. This page repeats what the exam body’s own documents print, as checked on 23 October 2026. The exam body’s current notice is the authority, so read it before you plan around any figure.

SSC CHSL in brief

Recruitment to Group C posts of Lower Divisional Clerk/ Junior Secretariat Assistant and Data Entry Operators for various Ministries, Departments and Offices of the Government of India and various Constitutional Bodies, Statutory Bodies and Tribunals.

Tier-I

Item What the document says Where
Mode Computer Based Examination, conducted in two tiers: Tier-I and Tier-II [1] para 13.1, p. 16
Question types Objective type, multiple choice questions only [1] para 13.8.1, p. 17
Language or medium English, Hindi and any language opted by the candidate in the application form, as given at Annexure-XV, for Parts II, III and IV [1] para 13.8.1, p. 17; Annexure-XV, p. 76
Subjects or sections Part I English Language (Basic Knowledge), Part II General Intelligence, Part III Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill), Part IV General Awareness [1] para 13.8, scheme table, pp. 16 to 17
Order of subjects The scheme table heads the Subject column with the words Not in sequence [1] para 13.8, scheme table, p. 16
Questions and marks 25 questions and 50 maximum marks for each of the four Parts, printed as 25/ 50 [1] para 13.8, scheme table, pp. 16 to 17
Duration 60 Minutes for all four Parts, with a sectional timer of 15 minutes for each subject [1] para 13.8, scheme table, p. 16
Duration if eligible for a scribe 80 Minutes, with a sectional timer of 15+5=20 minutes for each subject [1] para 13.8, scheme table, p. 17; scribe eligibility in paras 7.1 to 7.3, p. 8
Negative marking 0.50 marks for each wrong answer [1] para 13.8.2, p. 17

Tier-II, overview (four sections, two sessions)

Item What the document says Where
Sections Four sections: Section-I, Section-II, Section-III Computer Knowledge Test, Section-IV Skill Test/Typing Test [1] paras 13.9.1 to 13.9.1.4, pp. 18 to 19
Sessions Session-I: Sections I, II and III, 2 hours and 15 minutes. Session-II: Section-IV. Both on the same day. [1] paras 13.9.2, 13.9.3 and 13.9.8, p. 19
Section timing Section-I and Section-II last one hour each and close automatically on completion of one hour [1] paras 13.9.4 and 13.9.5, p. 19
Question types Objective type or multiple choice questions, except Section-IV [1] para 13.9.10, p. 19
Language or medium English, Hindi and any language opted in the application form (Annexure-XV), except the English Language and Comprehension part of Section-II [1] para 13.9.10, p. 19; Annexure-XV, p. 76
Negative marking 1 mark for each wrong answer in Section-I, Section-II and Section-III [1] para 13.9.11, p. 19
Qualifying status Mandatory to qualify all the sections of Tier-II [1] para 13.9.9, p. 19; also para 17.5, p. 28

Tier-II, Section-I

Item What the document says Where
Subjects or sections A: Mathematical Abilities. B: Reasoning and General Intelligence. [1] para 13.9.1.1, p. 19
Questions and marks A: 30 questions. B: 30 questions. Total = 60 questions, maximum marks 60*3 = 180. [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 17
Duration 1 hour, with a sectional timer of 30 minutes each for Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning and General Intelligence [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 17
Duration if eligible for a scribe 1 hour and 20 minutes, with a sectional timer of 30+10=40 minutes for each subject [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 17
Negative marking 1 mark for each wrong answer [1] para 13.9.11, p. 19

Tier-II, Section-II

Item What the document says Where
Subjects or sections A: English Language and Comprehension. B: General Awareness. [1] para 13.9.1.2, p. 19
Questions and marks A: 40 questions. B: 20 questions. Total = 60 questions, maximum marks 60*3 = 180. [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 18
Duration 1 hour, with a sectional timer of 40 minutes for English Language and Comprehension and 20 minutes for General Awareness [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 18
Duration if eligible for a scribe 1 hour and 20 minutes, with a sectional timer of 40+15=55 minutes for English Language and Comprehension and 20+5=25 minutes for General Awareness [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 18
Negative marking 1 mark for each wrong answer [1] para 13.9.11, p. 19

Tier-II, Section-III: Computer Knowledge Test

Item What the document says Where
Questions and marks 15 questions, maximum marks 15*3 = 45 [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 18
Duration 15 minutes [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 18; para 13.9.6, p. 19
Duration if eligible for a scribe 20 minutes [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 18
Negative marking 1 mark for each wrong answer [1] para 13.9.11, p. 19
Qualifying status Mandatory but qualifying in nature [1] para 13.9.12, p. 19

Tier-II, Section-IV: Skill Test/Typing Test (overview)

Item What the document says Where
Session Session-II, on the same day as Session-I [1] para 13.9.13.1, p. 19
Parts Part A and Part B: Skill Test for Data Entry Operators. Part C: Typing Test for LDC/JSA. [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 18
Questions and marks No number of questions is given. The scheme table shows a dash under Maximum Marks for all three Parts. [1] para 13.9, scheme table, p. 18
Qualifying status Skill Test and Typing Test are of qualifying nature [1] para 13.9.13.2, p. 20
Skill Test for DEOs Skill Test is mandatory for Data Entry Operators. No candidate is exempted from appearing in the Skill Test. [1] para 13.9.13.6 (i), p. 20
Evaluation Evaluated as per the evaluation guidelines on the website of the Commission. Skill Test errors are calculated up to 2 decimal places. [1] paras 13.9.13.3 and 13.9.13.4, p. 20

Tier-II, Section-IV, Part A: Skill Test for DEOs in the departments named at para 8.1

Item What the document says Where
Applies to posts Data Entry Operator (DEO) and DEO Grade ‘A’ in Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Staff Selection Commission and Ministry of Culture [1] para 8.1, p. 10; para 13.9.13.6 (ii), p. 20
Speed 15000 key depressions per hour, adjudged on the correct entry of words or key depressions as per the given passage [1] para 13.9.13.6 (ii), p. 20
Duration and passage 15 minutes. Printed matter in English with about 3700 to 4000 key depressions, entered in the computer. [1] para 13.9.13.6 (ii), p. 20; scheme table, p. 18
Duration if eligible for a scribe 20 minutes, after compensatory time of 5 minutes [1] para 13.9.13.6 (iv), p. 20

Tier-II, Section-IV, Part B: Skill Test for DEOs except in the departments named at para 8.1

Item What the document says Where
Applies to posts DEO and DEO Grade ‘A’ except in the Department/ Ministry mentioned at para 8.1 [1] para 13.9.13.6 (iii), p. 20; para 8.2, p. 10
Speed 8,000 key depressions per hour, adjudged on the correct entry of words or key depressions as per the given passage [1] para 13.9.13.6 (iii), p. 20
Duration and passage 15 minutes. Printed matter in English with about 2000 to 2200 key depressions, entered in the computer. [1] para 13.9.13.6 (iii), p. 20; scheme table, p. 18
Duration if eligible for a scribe 20 minutes, after compensatory time of 5 minutes [1] para 13.9.13.6 (iv), p. 20

Tier-II, Section-IV, Part C: Typing Test for LDC/JSA

Item What the document says Where
Applies to posts Lower Division Clerk (LDC)/ Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) [1] para 13.9.13.7, p. 20; para 1.1, p. 1
Medium Hindi or English, opted in the online Application Form. The choice is final. [1] para 13.9.13.7 (i) and (ii), p. 20
Typing speed English medium: 35 w.p.m. Hindi medium: 30 w.p.m. These correspond to about 10500 and about 9000 key depressions per hour. [1] para 13.9.13.7 (iii), p. 20
Duration 10 minutes. Speed is adjudged on the accuracy of typing a given text passage. [1] para 13.9.13.7 (iv), pp. 20 to 21; scheme table, p. 18
Duration if eligible for a scribe 15 minutes, after compensatory time of 5 minutes [1] para 13.9.13.7 (v), p. 21
Hindi font Candidates typing in Hindi must use Mangal Font only. Any other font leads to non-qualification. [1] para 13.9.13.7 (viii), p. 21
Mandatory Mandatory for all candidates except those exempted as per para 13.9.13.7 (vii) [1] para 17.6, p. 28
Exemption PwD candidates certified as unable to type by the competent Medical Authority may be exempted from passing the Typing Test [1] para 13.9.13.7 (vii), p. 21
Exemption, who is covered The term PwD here excludes visually and hearing handicapped candidates and covers only a physical disability that permanently prevents typing [1] para 13.9.13.7 (vii), p. 21

Selection and merit list

Item What the document says Where
Role of Tier-I Candidates are shortlisted for Tier-II on their Tier-I performance. Normalized scores are used to determine merit and final selection. [1] para 17.2, p. 27
Appearing in Tier-II Tier-II is held for all candidates qualified in Tier-I. All appear in all four sections, subject to the Typing Test exemption at para 13.9.13.7 (vii). [1] paras 17.4 and 17.6, p. 28; para 13.9.13.7 (vii), p. 21
Normalization Marks are normalized if the examination is held in multiple shifts, and normalized scores are used to determine final merit [1] para 13.2, p. 16
Merit list basis Merit list is prepared on the overall performance of candidates in Tier-II only [1] para 17.9, p. 28
Merit marks Aggregate marks in Section-I and Section-II of Tier-II only, subject to qualifying Section-III and Section-IV as per standards fixed by the Commission [1] para 17.9, p. 28
Final selection In each category, on overall performance in Tier-II and the preference of posts exercised by the candidate [1] para 17.10, p. 28

Document Verification (DV)

Item What the document says Where
Conducted by The User Ministries/ Departments/ Organizations, after declaration of the final result [1] para 16.1, p. 26; para 8.6, p. 11
What candidates bring Photocopies and original documents indicated in para 14.7, which lists Photo-ID proofs, as and when asked by the concerned authority [1] para 16.4, p. 26; para 14.7, pp. 24 to 25
Documents to submit Copies of the documents listed at para 16.5, including Matriculation/ Secondary Certificate and Educational Qualification Certificate [1] para 16.5, pp. 26 to 27

Qualifying rules

  • It is mandatory to qualify all the sections of Tier-II [1] paras 13.9.9 and 17.5, pp. 19 and 28
  • Section-III, the Computer Knowledge Test, is mandatory but qualifying in nature [1] paras 13.9.12 and 17.6, pp. 19 and 28
  • Section-IV, the Skill Test/Typing Test, is of qualifying nature. The Skill Test for DEOs is mandatory for all the qualified candidates. [1] paras 13.9.13.2 and 17.6, pp. 20 and 28
  • The Typing Test for posts other than DEOs is mandatory for all candidates except those exempted as per para 13.9.13.7 (vii), which covers PwD candidates certified as unable to type [1] paras 17.6 and 13.9.13.7 (vii), pp. 28 and 21

Syllabus, as the Staff Selection Commission prints it

The notice calls both syllabi indicative. General Awareness is written as sentences, so its units are the phrases printed there. History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene and General Policy and Scientific Research are printed as areas of questions relating to India and its neighbouring countries.

Tier-I

English Language

  1. Spot the Error
  2. Fill in the Blanks
  3. Synonyms/ Homonyms
  4. Antonyms
  5. Spellings/ Detecting mis-spelt words
  6. Idioms & Phrases
  7. One word substitution
  8. Improvement of Sentences
  9. Active/ Passive Voice of Verbs
  10. Conversion into Direct/ Indirect narration
  11. Shuffling of Sentence parts
  12. Shuffling of Sentences in a passage
  13. Cloze Passage
  14. Comprehension Passage

General Intelligence

  1. Semantic Analogy
  2. Symbolic operations
  3. Symbolic/ Number Analogy
  4. Trends
  5. Figural Analogy
  6. Space Orientation
  7. Semantic Classification
  8. Venn Diagrams
  9. Symbolic/ Number Classification
  10. Drawing inferences
  11. Figural Classification
  12. Punched hole/ pattern-folding & unfolding
  13. Semantic Series
  14. Figural Pattern-folding and completion
  15. Number Series
  16. Embedded figures
  17. Figural Series
  18. Critical Thinking
  19. Problem Solving
  20. Emotional Intelligence
  21. Word Building
  22. Social Intelligence
  23. Coding and de-coding
  24. Numerical operations

Quantitative Aptitude

  1. Number Systems
  2. Fundamental arithmetical operations
  3. Algebra
  4. Geometry
  5. Mensuration
  6. Trigonometry
  7. Statistical Charts

General Awareness

  1. General awareness of the environment around him and its application to society
  2. Current events
  3. Everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspect
  4. History
  5. Culture
  6. Geography
  7. Economic Scene
  8. General policy and scientific research

Tier-II

Mathematical Abilities

  1. Number Systems
  2. Fundamental arithmetical operations
  3. Algebra
  4. Geometry
  5. Mensuration
  6. Trigonometry
  7. Statistics and probability

Reasoning and General Intelligence

  1. Semantic Analogy
  2. Symbolic operations
  3. Symbolic/ Number Analogy
  4. Trends
  5. Figural Analogy
  6. Space Orientation
  7. Semantic Classification
  8. Venn Diagrams
  9. Symbolic/ Number Classification
  10. Drawing inferences
  11. Figural Classification
  12. Punched hole/ pattern-folding & unfolding
  13. Semantic Series
  14. Figural Pattern-folding and completion
  15. Number Series
  16. Embedded figures
  17. Figural Series
  18. Critical Thinking
  19. Problem Solving
  20. Emotional Intelligence
  21. Word Building
  22. Social Intelligence
  23. Coding and de-coding
  24. Numerical operations

English Language and Comprehension

  1. Vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms and their correct usage
  2. Spot the Error
  3. Fill in the Blanks
  4. Synonyms/ Homonyms
  5. Antonyms
  6. Spellings/ Detecting mis-spelt words
  7. Idioms & Phrases
  8. One word substitution
  9. Improvement of Sentences
  10. Active/ Passive Voice of Verbs
  11. Conversion into Direct/ Indirect narration
  12. Shuffling of Sentence parts
  13. Shuffling of Sentences in a passage
  14. Cloze Passage
  15. Comprehension Passage

General Awareness

  1. General awareness of the environment around them and its application to society
  2. Current events
  3. Everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspect
  4. History
  5. Culture
  6. Geography
  7. Economic Scene
  8. General policy and scientific research

Computer Knowledge/Proficiency

  1. Computer Basics
  2. Software
  3. Working with Internet and e-mails
  4. Basics of networking and cyber security

A free tracker for these 111 units

Download the SSC CHSL tracker as a CSV file. It has one row for each unit above, in the same columns as the printable syllabus tracker: minutes studied and the date you finish the first pass sit in separate columns, so a long session cannot pass for a finished unit. Add a row with Round 2 when you go through a stage again. It is free and needs no sign-up.

How AspirantGoal handles SSC CHSL

AspirantGoal ships a syllabus template for SSC CHSL, checked against app version 1.0.0 on 22 October 2026. It is an editable study aid built from published exam information, so compare it with the units above and edit what differs. You can also set the exam up as a goal of your own, which plans, times and tracks the same way.

Questions

How many tiers does SSC CHSL 2026 have?

Two tiers, both computer based. Tier-I has four Parts of 25 questions and 50 marks each, in 60 minutes. Tier-II has four sections: Mathematical Abilities with Reasoning, English with General Awareness, a Computer Knowledge Test, and a Skill Test or Typing Test. [1] paras 13.1, 13.8 and 13.9, pp. 16 to 18

Is there negative marking in SSC CHSL 2026?

Yes. Tier-I: 0.50 marks for each wrong answer. Tier-II: 1 mark for each wrong answer in Section-I, Section-II and Section-III. [1] paras 13.8.2 and 13.9.11, pp. 17 and 19

Which Tier-II sections are only qualifying?

Section-III, the Computer Knowledge Test, and Section-IV, the Skill Test or Typing Test, are qualifying in nature. The merit list uses aggregate marks in Section-I and Section-II of Tier-II only. [1] paras 13.9.12, 13.9.13.2 and 17.9, pp. 19, 20 and 28

Who takes the Skill Test and who takes the Typing Test?

Data Entry Operators take the Skill Test, Part A or Part B depending on the department. LDC/JSA candidates take the Typing Test, Part C, in Hindi or English as opted in the application form. [1] paras 13.9.13.6 and 13.9.13.7, p. 20

What speeds does the CHSL Skill Test and Typing Test require?

Skill Test Part A: 15000 key depressions per hour. Part B: 8,000 key depressions per hour. Typing Test: 35 w.p.m. for English and 30 w.p.m. for Hindi, judged on typing a passage in 10 minutes. [1] paras 13.9.13.6 and 13.9.13.7, pp. 20 to 21

Which departments take the faster Skill Test, Part A?

Data Entry Operator and DEO Grade ‘A’ posts in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Staff Selection Commission and Ministry of Culture, the departments named at para 8.1. [1] para 8.1, p. 10; para 13.9.13.6 (ii), p. 20

In which languages is the CHSL exam set?

Tier-I Parts II to IV and Tier-II questions other than English Language and Comprehension are set in English, Hindi and the language opted in the application form. Annexure-XV adds Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Odiya, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu. The Typing Test is in Hindi or English. [1] paras 13.8.1, 13.9.10 and 13.9.13.7 (i), pp. 17, 19 and 20; Annexure-XV, p. 76

Who conducts Document Verification, and when?

The User Ministries, Departments or Organizations conduct Document Verification after the final result is declared. Candidates bring photocopies and originals of the documents indicated in para 14.7, which lists Photo-ID proofs, as and when asked, and submit copies of the documents listed at para 16.5. [1] paras 16.1, 16.4 and 16.5, pp. 26 to 27; para 14.7, pp. 24 to 25

What this page leaves out

Dates, fees, age limits, attempts, eligibility and cut-offs change every cycle, so this page does not repeat them. Read them in the current notice.

Notes on the documents:

  • SSC’s static scheme page for CHSL (CHSL.pdf) carries no cycle or date and differs from the 2026 notice: it calls the parts Modules and shows the Skill Test and Typing Test as Module-II of Section-III. This page follows the 2026 notice.
  • The scheme table gives no number of questions for the Skill Test and the Typing Test and shows a dash under maximum marks. The qualifying standard for Section-IV is fixed by the Commission, and the notice points to evaluation guidelines on its website, which were not read for this page.
  • Marks per question in Tier-I are not stated in words, only 25/50 for each part. The subject column of the scheme table is headed Not in sequence, so the order of the parts is not stated.
  • The CHSL notice has no paragraph stating the level of questions.

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