SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026: Tier 1 and Tier 2 Exam Pattern (Complete Guide)
Staff Selection Commission conducts the SSC CHSL exam to fill posts like Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO), and DEO Grade 'A' in central government offices. The exam has two stages, Tier 1 and Tier 2, and each stage tests different skills through a fixed set of subjects. Knowing the syllabus and pattern in detail helps you plan your study time and avoid last-minute confusion.
SSC CHSL 2026 Overview
This table gives you the basic facts about SSC CHSL 2026 before you go into the syllabus and pattern details.
Detail | Information |
Conducted by | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
Exam name | Combined Higher Secondary Level (10+2) Examination |
Posts | LDC, JSA, DEO, DEO Grade 'A' |
Notification date | 7 September 2026 |
Application deadline | 7 October 2026 |
Exam stages | Tier 1 and Tier 2 |
Mode of exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Official website |
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026 (Tier 1 & Tier 2 at a Glance)
SSC CHSL follows a two-tier selection process, and both tiers are computer-based. Tier 1 checks your basic ability in four subjects, while Tier 2 goes deeper and also includes a skill or typing test. You must clear Tier 1 to sit for Tier 2, and your final selection depends only on Tier 2 marks.
SSC CHSL Selection Process: 2 Tiers Explained
SSC CHSL recruitment has two main stages:
Tier 1 – A computer-based test with objective (multiple-choice) questions. It works as a screening round.
Tier 2 – A more detailed computer-based test with objective questions, a Computer Knowledge module, and a Skill Test or Typing Test depending on the post you apply for.
Only candidates who qualify in Tier 1 get a chance to appear for Tier 2. There is no interview in SSC CHSL.
SSC CHSL Tier 1 vs Tier 2 — Key Differences
Point | Tier 1 | Tier 2 |
Number of questions | 100 | 135 objective questions (plus Skill/Typing Test) |
Total marks | 200 | 405 (objective modules) |
Duration | 60 minutes | Two sessions on the same day |
Role in final result | Only qualifying, used for shortlisting | Used for final merit |
Sections | 4 | 3 sections, 5 modules |
Negative marking | 0.50 mark per wrong answer | 1 mark per wrong answer in objective sections |
SSC CHSL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026
Tier 1 is the first hurdle in SSC CHSL and works purely as a qualifying round. Your Tier 1 score decides whether you move to Tier 2, but it does not count toward your final merit list.
Tier 1 Subjects, Questions & Marks
Tier 1 has four sections, and each section carries equal weight.
Section | Subject | Questions | Marks |
1 | General Intelligence | 25 | 50 |
2 | General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
3 | Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
4 | English Language | 25 | 50 |
Total | — | 100 | 200 |
Each correct answer gives you 2 marks.
SSC CHSL Tier 1 Sectional Timing (15-Minute Rule)
SSC has added a sectional timer in Tier 1 from 2026 onward. You get exactly 15 minutes for each of the four sections, and you cannot move time from one section to another. For example, if you finish General Intelligence in 10 minutes, you cannot use the extra 5 minutes for Quantitative Aptitude.
This makes speed just as important as accuracy. Practice each subject separately with a 15-minute timer so you get used to working under this limit.
Negative Marking in SSC CHSL Tier 1
Every wrong answer in Tier 1 costs you 0.50 marks. There is no penalty for questions you leave unanswered. This means guessing blindly can hurt your score, so only attempt a question if you can eliminate at least two wrong options.
Mode & Duration of Tier 1 Exam
Tier 1 is conducted online as a Computer-Based Test. The total duration is 60 minutes, and candidates with benchmark disabilities (PwD) get 80 minutes. Since the exam is split into four timed sections, you cannot treat the 60 minutes as one single block.
SSC CHSL Tier 1 Syllabus 2026 (Subject-Wise)
Tier 1 syllabus covers school-level topics from Classes 10 to 12, so nothing here needs advanced study. The four subjects test your reasoning, awareness, calculation, and English basics.
General Intelligence & Reasoning Syllabus
This section checks how well you spot patterns and think logically. Common topics include:
Analogies and classification
Coding-decoding
Blood relations
Series completion (number and alphabet series)
Non-verbal reasoning (mirror images, paper folding, figure matching)
Venn diagrams and syllogism
Direction sense and ranking
Example: If A is B's brother and B is C's mother, the question asks how A is related to C. These questions test logic, not memory.
General Awareness Syllabus
This section tests your knowledge of current events and static facts. Key topics are:
History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern India)
Geography (Indian and world geography)
Indian Polity and the Constitution
Economics basics
General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology at school level)
Current affairs (last 6–12 months)
Sports, awards, books and authors
This is the fastest section to attempt if your basics are clear, since it needs recall, not calculation.
Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
This section checks basic maths skills up to Class 10 level. Topics include:
Number system
Percentage, profit and loss
Simple and compound interest
Ratio and proportion, averages
Time, speed and distance
Time and work
Algebra (basic)
Geometry and mensuration
Data Interpretation (tables, graphs, pie charts)
Practice mental calculation daily, since the sectional timer does not leave room for long working.
English Language Syllabus
This section checks grammar, vocabulary, and reading skills. Common topics are:
Spot the error
Fill in the blanks
Synonyms and antonyms
One-word substitution
Idioms and phrases
Sentence rearrangement (para jumbles)
Cloze test
Reading comprehension
English is often called a scoring section because most questions test rules rather than long calculations, so accuracy comes with regular practice.
SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026 (New Structure)
SSC revised the Tier 2 pattern to make it more structured. It now has three sections split into modules, and the whole exam runs in two sessions on the same day. Only candidates who clear Tier 1 sit for this stage.
Tier 2 Sections & Modules Explained (Section I, II, III)
Tier 2 has three sections, and each section has two modules.
Section | Module | Subject |
Section 1 | Module I | Mathematical Abilities |
Section 1 | Module II | Reasoning and General Intelligence |
Section 2 | Module I | English Language and Comprehension |
Section 2 | Module II | General Awareness |
Section 3 | Module I | Computer Knowledge Test |
Section 3 | Module II | Skill Test / Typing Test |
Sections 1 and 2 together carry 360 marks and decide your final merit. Section 3's Computer Knowledge module and the Skill/Typing Test are qualifying in nature, meaning you must clear them, but their marks do not add to your merit score.
Tier 2 Session-Wise Schedule (Session 1 & Session 2)
Tier 2 runs in two sessions on the same day:
Session 1: Covers Section 1, Section 2, and Module I of Section 3 (Computer Knowledge Test). This session has 135 objective questions worth 405 marks in total.
Session 2: Covers Module II of Section 3, which is the Skill Test or Typing Test, based on the post you have applied for.
You cannot skip Session 1 and go straight to Session 2. Both are compulsory parts of Tier 2.
Qualifying vs Merit-Based Sections in Tier 2
Not all parts of Tier 2 count toward your final rank. Here is the breakdown:
Merit-based: Section 1 (Mathematical Abilities + Reasoning) and Section 2 (English + General Awareness) — total 360 marks
Qualifying only: Computer Knowledge Test (Module I of Section 3) and Skill Test/Typing Test (Module II of Section 3)
You must pass the qualifying modules, but scoring extra marks there will not push you up the merit list. Focus your deeper preparation on Sections 1 and 2.
Negative Marking & Duration in Tier 2
Tier 2 has stricter negative marking than Tier 1. 1 mark is deducted for every wrong answer in Section 1, Section 2, and the Computer Knowledge module (Module I of Section 3). The Skill Test/Typing Test does not have this kind of negative marking since it is a practical, not objective, test.
Tier 2 has separate time limits for different sections, so treat each module as its own mini-exam rather than one long paper.
SSC CHSL Tier 2 Syllabus 2026 (Subject-Wise)
Tier 2 syllabus builds on Tier 1 but goes a little deeper, especially in Maths and Computer Knowledge. It also adds a practical Skill or Typing Test based on your chosen post.
Mathematical Abilities Syllabus
This module tests calculation speed along with concept clarity. Topics include:
Number systems and simplification
Percentage, profit-loss, discount
Ratio, proportion, and partnership
Time, work and wages
Time, speed and distance
Mensuration (area, volume, perimeter)
Trigonometry (basic)
Statistics and data interpretation
Algebra and geometry
Reasoning & General Intelligence Syllabus
This module tests logical thinking, similar to Tier 1 but with slightly harder questions. Key areas are:
Analogy and classification
Coding-decoding and series
Blood relations and direction sense
Non-verbal reasoning
Puzzle and seating arrangement
Statement and conclusion
Venn diagrams
English Language & Comprehension Syllabus
This module checks reading and writing skills in more depth than Tier 1. It includes:
Grammar rules (tenses, articles, prepositions)
Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitution)
Sentence correction and improvement
Para jumbles
Cloze test
Comprehension passages (longer than Tier 1)
General Awareness Syllabus
Tier 2 repeats the same broad subject areas as Tier 1 but expects updated knowledge:
History, Geography, Polity, Economics
General Science
Current affairs (national and international)
Static GK (state symbols, important days, schemes)
Keep a monthly current affairs habit going, since this section rewards recent updates the most.
Computer Knowledge Syllabus
This is a qualifying module that checks your basic computer skills, useful for daily office work. Topics include:
Computer basics (hardware, software)
MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Internet and email basics
Networking basics
Computer shortcuts and terminology
Cybersecurity basics
You do not need deep technical knowledge here, just clear working knowledge of common office tools.
Skill Test / Typing Test Requirements (post-wise)
The practical test in Session 2 depends on the post:
DEO and DEO Grade 'A': Take a Data Entry Speed Test, usually requiring around 8,000 key depressions per hour on a computer.
LDC and JSA: Take a Typing Test, with English typing at 35 words per minute or Hindi typing at 30 words per minute.
This test is qualifying in nature. Practice regularly on a computer keyboard, since typing speed builds only with consistent daily practice, not last-minute effort.
SSC CHSL Qualifying Marks 2026 (Category-Wise)
SSC sets separate minimum qualifying marks for different categories in Tier 1, Section I, Section II, and Module I of Section III (Computer Knowledge Test) of Tier 2. These marks change slightly with each cycle based on the official notification, so always check the latest SSC CHSL notification on ssc.gov.in for exact category-wise cut-offs before the result is declared. As a general rule, General category candidates need the highest qualifying marks, while relaxation applies for OBC, SC, ST, and PwD candidates as per government rules.
SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026 vs Previous Year: What's Changed
The subject list for SSC CHSL has stayed mostly the same across recent years, but the exam pattern has seen real changes in 2026:
Sectional timing added in Tier 1: Each of the four sections now has its own fixed 15-minute limit, which was not there earlier.
Tier 2 restructured into modules: Tier 2 now has 3 sections split into 5 modules instead of a single combined paper.
Two-session format in Tier 2: The objective sections and the Skill/Typing Test now happen in separate sessions on the same day.
Clear split between merit and qualifying sections: Section 1 and Section 2 now clearly decide merit, while Computer Knowledge and Skill/Typing Test remain qualifying only.
These changes affect how you should time your practice, even though the actual syllabus topics remain close to before.
SSC CHSL Preparation Strategy (Tier 1 & Tier 2)
A good SSC CHSL strategy balances all subjects instead of focusing too much on just one. Since Tier 1 syllabus overlaps with Tier 2, your early preparation covers both stages at once.
How to Prepare Subject-Wise
Quantitative Aptitude/Mathematical Abilities: Build speed with daily practice sets and learn shortcut methods for calculation.
Reasoning: Solve puzzles and pattern-based questions daily; this section improves quickly with practice.
English: Read short passages daily and revise grammar rules along with a fixed vocabulary list each week.
General Awareness: Set aside 20–30 minutes daily for current affairs and revise static GK in small chunks.
Computer Knowledge: Go through basic concepts once, since this module only needs clearing, not high scoring.
Best Books for SSC CHSL Syllabus
Some widely used books among SSC CHSL aspirants:
Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
Lucent's General Knowledge
Manorama Yearbook for current affairs
Pick one standard book per subject instead of switching between many, so you finish full revision cycles.
Free Mock Tests & PYQs
Solving previous year question (PYQ) papers helps you understand the real difficulty level and question pattern SSC follows. Mock tests, especially timed ones, train you to handle the sectional timer in Tier 1 and the module-wise structure in Tier 2. As your exam date approaches, aim to solve at least one full mock test weekly and review your mistakes carefully after each one.
Download SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026 PDF
You can download the official SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026 PDF from the SSC website at ssc.gov.in, along with the official notification. Keep this PDF handy through your preparation and cross-check your study plan against it from time to time.
FAQs on SSC CHSL Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Is there negative marking in SSC CHSL Tier 1 and Tier 2?
Yes. Tier 1 deducts 0.50 marks for each wrong answer. Tier 2 deducts 1 mark for each wrong answer in Section 1, Section 2, and the Computer Knowledge module.
What is the sectional timing in SSC CHSL 2026?
Tier 1 has a fixed 15-minute limit for each of its four sections. Tier 2 also has separate time limits for its different sections and modules.
How many sections are there in SSC CHSL Tier 2?
Tier 2 has 3 sections split into 5 modules: Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge Test, plus a Skill Test/Typing Test.
Is SSC CHSL Tier 2 syllabus different from Tier 1?
The core subjects overlap, but Tier 2 goes into more depth and adds Computer Knowledge along with a Skill Test or Typing Test, which Tier 1 does not have.
What is the qualifying mark for SSC CHSL 2026?
Qualifying marks vary by category (General, OBC, SC, ST, PwD) and are set separately for Tier 1 and for Section I, Section II, and Module I of Section III in Tier 2. Check the official SSC CHSL notification for the exact figures.
Conclusion
SSC CHSL syllabus and pattern reward steady, well-planned preparation over last-minute cramming. Tier 1 tests your basic ability across four subjects under a strict sectional timer, while Tier 2 goes deeper with structured modules and a practical Skill or Typing Test.
Once you understand which sections count toward merit and which are only qualifying, you can direct your study hours where they matter most. Keep practicing with timed mock tests, track the official SSC notification for exact dates and qualifying marks, and build your preparation subject by subject rather than trying to cover everything at once.
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