Overview
SSC CHSL recruits 12th-pass candidates for Lower Division Clerk (LDC) / Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO), Postal Assistant and Sorting Assistant posts across central government offices. The exam runs in two tiers — Tier I is a qualifying computer-based screening test, and Tier II combines a second, slightly more advanced computer-based test with a mandatory Skill Test or Typing Test depending on the post applied for. Because the written syllabus stays common across all CHSL posts, the real differentiator between applicants is typing/data-entry speed at the final stage, so candidates should start practising on a physical keyboard well before the written stage is even over.
What's New in the 2026 Cycle
What changed in the 2026 cycle
- Tier I: 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes, with an expected 15-minute sectional timer per subject (confirmed with the official notification).
- Tier II includes an additional Computer Knowledge module plus a Skill/Typing Test not present in Tier I.
- DEO posts require a data-entry speed test (about 8,000–15,000 key depressions/hour depending on department); LDC/JSA posts require a typing test (English 35 wpm or Hindi 30 wpm).
- Tie-break rule: Tier II total marks decide first, then Tier I marks, then date of birth (older candidate ranked higher), then alphabetical order.
Eligibility Criteria
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | 18–27 years (as on the cut-off date; standard SSC relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/ESM) |
| Educational Qualification | Passed Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent from a recognised Board; DEO posts in some departments may require Science stream with Maths at 12th level |
| Nationality | Indian citizen (per standard SSC nationality clauses) |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (General/OBC/EWS male candidates). Women and SC/ST/PwD/ESM candidates are exempted. |
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern
The SSC CHSL selection process runs through tier i + tier ii. Each stage has its own timing, marking scheme and qualifying rules, detailed below.
Tier I (Computer-Based Test)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Language | 25 | 50 |
Tier II (Computer-Based Test + Skill/Typing Test)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 |
| Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 |
| English Language & Comprehension | 40 | 120 |
| General Awareness | 20 | 60 |
| Computer Knowledge | 15 | 45 |
| Skill Test / Typing Test (qualifying) | — | Qualifying |
SSC CHSL Detailed Subject-Wise Syllabus
Below is the complete topic-wise SSC CHSL syllabus for every subject tested across all stages, with a short note on what each section actually rewards — use this to build a section-wise study plan rather than relying on generic topic summaries.
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Largely overlaps with CGL's reasoning syllabus — pattern-based questions that reward regular timed practice.
- Classification, analogy & coding-decoding
- Matrix and word formation
- Venn diagrams
- Direction & distance, blood relations
- Series (number, alphabet, figure)
- Verbal and non-verbal reasoning
- Mirror & water images
- Paper folding, figure completion
- Seating arrangement & puzzles
- Emotional intelligence & logical reasoning
Quantitative Aptitude / Mathematical Abilities
Slightly more foundational than CGL's Tier II maths, but still demands strong basics across arithmetic and algebra.
- Number system — whole numbers, decimals, fractions
- Percentage, ratio & proportion, averages
- Profit, loss & discount
- Simple & compound interest, partnership
- Time, speed & distance, time & work
- Mensuration — triangle, quadrilateral, circle, prism, cone, cylinder, sphere
- Basic algebra & elementary surds
- Graphs of linear equations
- Data interpretation (charts, tables)
English Language
Tests everyday professional English rather than advanced literature — grammar accuracy is the biggest scoring lever.
- Parts of speech, tenses, active-passive, direct-indirect
- Articles, prepositions, subject-verb agreement
- Error detection
- Synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitution
- Idioms & phrases, spellings
- Cloze passage, sentence rearrangement
- Reading comprehension
General Awareness
Broad, current-affairs-heavy section best tackled with short daily revision rather than long study blocks.
- Current affairs — national & international
- Static GK — history, culture, geography
- Indian polity & constitution basics
- Economic scene & government schemes
- General science
- Sports, books & authors, awards & honours
- People in the news, important schemes & portfolios
Computer Knowledge (Tier II)
Covers office-computing basics; most candidates with regular computer use will find this section quick to clear.
- Computer basics & organisation
- Software, operating systems, MS Office
- Internet, email, networking
- Communication & web browsing basics
Skill Test / Typing Test
The true differentiator in CHSL selection — dedicate consistent practice time on an actual keyboard well before the written result.
- DEO posts: data entry speed test — approx. 8,000–15,000 key depressions per hour (post-dependent)
- LDC/JSA posts: typing test — English 35 words per minute OR Hindi 30 words per minute
Selection Process
- Tier I — Computer-Based Test (qualifying/screening).
- Tier II — Computer-Based Test (merit-deciding) plus Skill Test/Typing Test (qualifying, mandatory).
- Document Verification.
- Final merit list and post allotment based on Tier II marks.
Salary & Job Profile
LDC/JSA posts fall under Pay Level 2 (₹19,900–₹63,200), while DEO posts are placed in Pay Level 4 (₹25,500–₹81,100) in most departments, with Dearness Allowance, HRA and Transport Allowance added on top of the basic pay depending on posting location.
Best Books for SSC CHSL Preparation
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations — R.S. Aggarwal
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning — R.S. Aggarwal
- Objective General English — S.P. Bakshi (Arihant)
- Lucent's General Knowledge
Previous Cut-off Trends
Approximate — always verify officially
SSC CHSL Tier I cut-offs have generally fallen in the 130–155 range (out of 200) for unreserved candidates in recent years, with lower cut-offs for reserved categories. Because Tier II now decides final merit and the skill/typing test is a hard qualifying gate, treat Tier I cut-off trends only as a rough screening benchmark — always verify against the official cut-off notification for your category.
Preparation Tips
- Since Tier I marks don't count toward final merit, treat it strictly as a clearance hurdle and shift focus to Tier II once you're safely past the expected cut-off.
- Start typing practice on a physical keyboard from week one — typing speed is qualifying but non-negotiable and is the most commonly underestimated part of CHSL prep.
- English and Reasoning are typically the fastest-scoring sections; build early momentum there before tackling GA's broad syllabus.
- Revise current affairs weekly using short daily notes rather than long revision sessions right before the exam.
Exam Day Guidelines
- Carry the Document Checker and a valid original photo ID — SSC accepts Aadhaar, PAN, passport, driving licence or voter ID.
- Arrive at least an hour before reporting time; biometric and document checks take longer during peak entry hours.
- No electronic gadgets, smartwatches or written material are allowed inside the exam hall.
- For the Skill/Typing Test stage, familiarise yourself with the specific keyboard layout used at test centres beforehand if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Tier I marks are only used to qualify for Tier II — your final selection depends solely on Tier II performance plus clearing the qualifying skill/typing test.
The written exam syllabus is identical for all posts; only the final skill/typing test requirement differs — DEO posts need a data-entry speed test, while LDC/JSA posts need a typing test.
LDC/JSA candidates need 35 words per minute in English or 30 wpm in Hindi; DEO posts require a data-entry speed of roughly 8,000–15,000 key depressions per hour, depending on the recruiting department.
Yes — 0.50 marks are deducted per wrong answer in Tier I, and 1 mark is deducted per wrong answer in the objective modules of Tier II.
First by total Tier II marks, then by total Tier I marks, then by date of birth (older candidates ranked higher), and finally by alphabetical order of first name.
Related Exams
Back to Syllabus Hub — browse all government exam syllabus pagesSyllabus content on this page is compiled and reviewed against the official Staff Selection Commission notification as of 11 Jul 2026. Exam patterns, vacancies, salary figures and cut-offs are subject to change — always cross-check with the official notification at ssc.gov.in before applying.