SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026 - Check Tier 1 & Tier 2 Exam Pattern, Subject-Wise PDF
The Staff Selection Commission released the SSC CHSL Notification 2026 on 7 September 2026 for the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, with applications open till 7 October 2026. This article covers the SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern together, since knowing the subject-wise topics and the marks/questions/duration for each stage is what actually helps candidates plan a study timetable. Below you will find the Tier 1 and Tier 2 pattern, subject-wise syllabus, qualifying marks, PDF download link and a short preparation strategy.
SSC CHSL Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 - Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | Combined Higher Secondary Level Examination (SSC CHSL) 2026 |
| Notification Release Date | 7 September 2026 |
| Application Dates | 7 September 2026 to 7 October 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 (post-wise and category-wise break-up to be released separately) |
| Selection Stages | Tier 1 (CBT), Tier 2 (CBT + Skill Test/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 (Section-1, Section-2 and Section-3 Module-1 combined) |
| Negative Marking | Tier 1: 0.50 marks; Tier 2 (Section-1, Section-2, Module-1 of Section-3): 1 mark |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC CHSL Selection Process 2026
SSC CHSL recruitment is completed in three stages. Candidates must clear each stage to move to the next one, and the final merit list is prepared from Tier 2 marks.
- Tier 1 (Computer-Based Examination): An objective, multiple-choice screening test. Candidates who score at or above the Tier 1 cut-off are shortlisted for Tier 2. Tier 1 marks are used only for shortlisting, not for final merit.
- Tier 2 (Computer-Based Examination + Skill Test/Typing Test): Conducted in two sessions on the same day. Session 1 covers Section-1 (Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning & General Intelligence), Section-2 (English Language & Comprehension and General Awareness) and the Computer Knowledge Module of Section-3. Session 2 covers the Skill Test/Typing Test Module of Section-3. The Computer Knowledge Module and the Skill Test/Typing Test are qualifying in nature; final merit is prepared from the marks scored in Section-1 and Section-2 of Tier 2.
- Document Verification: Candidates provisionally shortlisted based on Tier 2 performance and category-wise cut-offs are called for document verification before final allocation of posts.
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026
Tier 1 Exam Pattern
Tier 1 is a single-session objective test 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: 0.50 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
Tier 2 Exam Pattern
Tier 2 has three sections, each split into two modules, and is conducted in 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 concerned Department/Ministry; Part B: Skill Test for DEO posts outside that Department/Ministry; Part C: Typing Test for LDC/JSA) | – | Qualifying | 15/15/10 minutes respectively |
- Negative Marking: 1 mark deducted for each wrong answer in Section-1, Section-2 and Module-1 of Section-3. There is no negative marking in the Skill Test/Typing Test module.
- Qualifying Nature: The Computer Knowledge Module and the Skill Test/Typing Test are qualifying only; they are not counted in the final merit score, which is based on Section-1 and Section-2 marks.
Minimum Qualifying Marks (Category-Wise)
The following minimum qualifying percentage applies to Tier 1 and to Section-1, Section-2 and Module-1 of Section-3 of Tier 2:
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| UR (Unreserved) | 30% |
| OBC / EWS | 25% |
| All other categories (SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen, etc.) | 20% |
SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026
The SSC CHSL syllabus is common across Tier 1 and Tier 2, with Tier 2 testing the same broad areas at a slightly higher (though still Class 10 to 12) difficulty level, plus Computer Knowledge and the Skill/Typing Test. Subject-wise topics are given below.
1. General Intelligence and Reasoning
Covers verbal and non-verbal reasoning:
- Semantic Analogy, Symbolic/Number Analogy, Figural Analogy
- Semantic Classification, Symbolic/Number Classification, Figural Classification
- Semantic Series, Number Series, Figural Series
- Symbolic Operations, Trends, Space Orientation
- Venn Diagrams, Drawing Inferences, Punched hole/pattern folding & 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
- Spot the Error, Fill in the Blanks
- Synonyms/Homonyms, Antonyms
- Spellings/Detecting misspelt words
- Idioms and Phrases, One Word Substitution
- Improvement of Sentences, Active/Passive Voice
- Direct/Indirect Narration conversion
- Shuffling of Sentence parts and of Sentences in a passage
- Cloze Passage, Comprehension Passage
3. Quantitative Aptitude
(Also tested as "Mathematical Abilities" in Tier 2, at the same syllabus scope)
- Number Systems: Computation of whole numbers, decimals and fractions, relationship between numbers
- Fundamental Arithmetic: Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Square roots, Averages, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Discount, Partnership, Mixture and Alligation, Time and Distance, Time and Work
- Algebra: Basic algebraic identities, elementary surds, graphs of linear equations
- Geometry: Triangles and their centres, congruence and similarity, circles and chords, tangents, common tangents to circles
- Mensuration: Triangle, Quadrilaterals, Regular Polygons, Circle, Right Prism, Right Circular Cone/Cylinder, Sphere, Hemisphere, Rectangular Parallelepiped, Regular Right Pyramid
- Trigonometry: Trigonometric ratios, complementary angles, heights and distances, standard identities
- Statistics and Data Interpretation: Tables and graphs, Histogram, Frequency Polygon, Bar diagram, Pie chart; (Tier 2 also includes mean, median, mode, standard deviation and simple probability)
4. General Awareness
- Current Affairs and events of national and international importance
- History, Culture, Geography of India and neighbouring countries
- Indian Polity and Economic Scene
- General Policy and Scientific Research
- Static GK: Awards and Honours, Books and Authors, Sports
5. Computer Knowledge (Tier 2, Section 3, Module 1)
- Computer Basics: Organisation of a computer, CPU, Input/Output devices, memory and memory organisation, back-up devices, ports, Windows Explorer, keyboard shortcuts
- Software: Windows Operating System basics, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint
- Internet and Email: Web browsing and searching, downloading/uploading, managing an email account, e-banking
- Networking and Cyber Security: Networking devices and protocols, threats like hacking, viruses, worms and Trojans, and preventive measures
6. Skill Test / Typing Test (Tier 2, Section 3, Module 2)
- Skill Test for DEO/DEO Grade 'A' (within the concerned Department/Ministry): Speed of 15,000 key depressions per hour, on a passage of about 3,700–4,000 key depressions, in 15 minutes
- Skill Test for DEO/DEO Grade 'A' (outside the concerned Department/Ministry): Speed of 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: Qualifying typing test conducted for 10 minutes
How to Prepare for SSC CHSL Exam 2026
- Start with the syllabus, not question banks: Map every topic above to your strong and weak areas before picking up practice sets, so you don't waste time on topics outside the actual syllabus.
- Build a subject-wise timetable: Give English and Reasoning daily practice since they are largely skill-based, and rotate Quant and GA on alternate days for concept-building.
- Solve previous year papers first: Before mock tests, go through 3–5 years of SSC CHSL PYQs to understand the actual difficulty level and recurring topics.
- Take sectional and full-length mock tests: Once basics are covered, shift to timed mocks to build speed and manage the 60-minute Tier 1 window and the Tier 2 sessions.
- Track accuracy, not just attempts: With 0.50 and 1-mark negative marking in Tier 1 and Tier 2 respectively, review every mock to identify guesswork errors and correct them.
- Don't ignore Computer Knowledge and Typing/Skill Test practice: Both are qualifying, but failing to clear them can cost you a seat even after doing well in Section-1 and Section-2 of Tier 2.
SSC CHSL Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026 - Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026?
The SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026 covers General Intelligence, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness for Tier 1, plus Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge and a Skill Test/Typing Test for Tier 2. A dedicated 2026 syllabus annexure has not been separately published yet; the syllabus scope has stayed consistent across recent cycles.
What is the SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026?
Tier 1 is a 100-question, 200-mark objective test of 60 minutes. Tier 2 has three sections split into six modules across two sessions on the same day, carrying 405 marks in the scoring sections plus a qualifying Computer Knowledge Module and Skill Test/Typing Test.
How many questions are asked in the SSC CHSL exam?
Tier 1 has 100 questions. Tier 2 has 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, apart from the non-MCQ Skill Test/Typing Test.
Is the Skill Test/Typing Test compulsory for SSC CHSL?
Yes, it is compulsory for the relevant post, though it is qualifying in nature. LDC/JSA candidates must clear a typing test, while DEO and DEO Grade 'A' candidates must clear a data entry skill test at the prescribed speed.
Where can I download the SSC CHSL Syllabus PDF?
The official syllabus is published along with the SSC CHSL notification on ssc.gov.in. You can also use the syllabus PDF download link provided in the Important Links section above once it is updated with the 2026 annexure.