The SSC CHSL 2026 syllabus below is taken from the Staff Selection Commission’s own Notice of Advertisement for the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026, and was verified against it on 16 September 2026. Nothing here is copied from another coaching site.
Two things are worth knowing before you read any of it. Applications are open now and close on 7 October 2026. And your rank does not come from Tier-1 — the merit list is built on Tier-2 alone, and within Tier-2 only Sections I and II count, a total of 360 marks.
SSC CHSL 2026 at a glance
| Exam name | Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 |
| Conducting body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Vacancies | Approximately 2,536 (tentative) |
| Application window | 7 September 2026 to 7 October 2026 |
| Fee payment closes | 8 October 2026 (23:00 hrs) |
| Correction window | 14 October to 16 October 2026 |
| Tier-1 and Tier-2 dates | To be notified later by SSC |
| Application fee | ₹100 — General. Nil for women, SC, ST, PwBD and ex-servicemen |
| Qualification | 12th Standard pass (see eligibility below) |
| Age | 18–27 years as on 1 August 2026 |
| Mode | Computer Based Examination |
| Apply at | ssc.gov.in |
Applications close on 7 October 2026.
The fee must reach SSC by 8 October (23:00 hrs) — an application whose fee has not arrived is marked ‘Incomplete’ and rejected. The correction window runs 14–16 October and is the last chance to fix anything. Exam dates have not been announced yet; SSC will publish them on the Notice Board at ssc.gov.in.
Posts and pay levels
CHSL fills three kinds of post across Ministries, Departments and Offices of the Government of India.
| Post | Pay Level | Pay range |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Division Clerk / Junior Secretariat Assistant (LDC/JSA) | Level-2 | ₹19,900 – 63,200 |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Level-4 and Level-5 | ₹25,500 – 81,100 and ₹29,200 – 92,300 |
| Data Entry Operator, Grade ‘A’ | Level-4 | ₹25,500 – 81,100 |
Which post you end up in decides which skill test you sit — and the typing standards differ sharply between them. That is covered in the skill test section below.
SSC CHSL Tier-1 exam pattern 2026
Objective type, multiple choice, computer based. Note that CHSL puts English Language first, unlike CGL.
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | English Language (Basic Knowledge) | 25 | 50 | 15 min |
| II | General Intelligence | 25 | 50 | 15 min |
| III | Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill) | 25 | 50 | 15 min |
| IV | General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 15 min |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 60 min |
Negative marking is 0.50 marks per wrong answer. Candidates eligible for a scribe get 80 minutes in total, with the sectional timer extended to 20 minutes per subject.
Tier-1 is four separate 15-minute exams, not one 60-minute exam.
Each section has its own 15-minute window. Unused time does not carry forward, and a closed section cannot be reopened. If you practise in unbroken 60-minute blocks you train a pacing instinct the exam software will not allow — rehearse section by section, with a hard stop at each boundary.
Minimum qualifying marks
| Category | Minimum |
|---|---|
| UR | 30% |
| OBC / EWS | 25% |
| All other categories | 20% |
These apply to Tier-1 and to Sections I, II and III of Tier-2. They are the floor for being considered, not the score that gets you shortlisted — the actual cut-off is far higher and moves every year.
SSC CHSL Tier-1 syllabus 2026 (topic-wise)
SSC publishes this syllabus as running paragraphs. Below it is broken into topic lists for readability — the scope is SSC’s, the arrangement is ours.
1. English Language, Basic Knowledge (25 questions · 50 marks)
| Area | Topics |
|---|---|
| Vocabulary | Synonyms and homonyms; antonyms; spellings and detecting mis-spelt words; idioms and phrases; one-word substitution. |
| Grammar & usage | Spot the error; fill in the blanks; improvement of sentences; active and passive voice of verbs; conversion into direct and indirect narration. |
| Passage skills | Shuffling of sentence parts; shuffling of sentences in a passage; cloze passage; comprehension passage. |
2. General Intelligence (25 questions · 50 marks)
Both verbal and non-verbal questions.
| Area | Topics |
|---|---|
| Analogy & classification | Semantic analogy; symbolic and number analogy; figural analogy. Semantic classification; symbolic and number classification; figural classification. |
| Series | Semantic series; number series; figural series. |
| Coding & operations | Coding and decoding; symbolic operations; numerical operations; problem solving; word building. |
| Visual & spatial | Space orientation; Venn diagrams; drawing inferences; punched hole, pattern folding and unfolding; figural pattern folding and completion; embedded figures. |
| Reasoning & intelligence | Trends; critical thinking; emotional intelligence; social intelligence. |
3. Quantitative Aptitude, Basic Arithmetic Skill (25 questions · 50 marks)
| Area | Topics |
|---|---|
| Number systems | Computation of whole numbers; decimals; fractions; relationships between numbers. |
| Fundamental arithmetic | Percentages; ratio and proportion; square roots; averages; interest, simple and compound; profit and loss; discount; partnership business; mixture and alligation; time and distance; time and work. |
| Algebra | Basic algebraic identities of school algebra and elementary surds; graphs of linear equations. |
| Geometry | Triangle and its various kinds of centres; congruence and similarity of triangles; circle and its chords; tangents; angles subtended by chords; common tangents to two or more circles. |
| Mensuration | Triangle; quadrilaterals; regular polygons; circle; right prism; right circular cone; right circular cylinder; sphere; hemispheres; rectangular parallelepiped; regular right pyramid with triangular or square base. |
| Trigonometry | Trigonometric ratios; degree and radian measures; standard identities; complementary angles; heights and distances. |
| Statistical charts | Histogram; frequency polygon; bar diagram; pie chart. |
4. General Awareness (25 questions · 50 marks)
Questions test general awareness of the environment and its application to society, current events, and matters of everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspect — with reference to India and its neighbouring countries.
| Area | Topics |
|---|---|
| History | Ancient, medieval and modern India; the freedom movement. |
| Culture | Art, architecture, literature, festivals. |
| Geography | Physical, economic and social geography of India and the world. |
| Economic scene | The Indian economy, the Budget, banking, key indicators. |
| General policy | Government schemes, policies and initiatives. |
| Scientific research | General science; recent developments; space; defence. |
| Current affairs | National and international events, sports, awards, appointments, books and authors. |
Also preparing for SSC CGL?
CHSL and CGL share most of their Tier-2 structure — the same modules, the same 3 marks a question, the same rule that only Sections I and II count. If you are writing both, our SSC CGL syllabus guide covers that exam the same way, from the same official source.
SSC CHSL Tier-2 exam pattern 2026
Tier-2 is the paper that decides your rank. It runs in two sessions on the same day. Every question in Session-I carries 3 marks.
Session-I — 2 hours 15 minutes
| Section | Module | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section I | A · Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 1 hour, 30 min per module |
| Section I | B · Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | |
| Section I total | 60 | 180 | ||
| Section II | A · English Language and Comprehension | 40 | 120 | 1 hour, 40 + 20 min |
| Section II | B · General Awareness | 20 | 60 | |
| Section II total | 60 | 180 | ||
| Section III | A · Computer Knowledge Test | 15 | 45 | 15 min |
| Session-I total | 135 | 405 | 2 h 15 m |
Session-II
| Section | Module | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Section IV | A · Skill Test / Typing Test | Qualifying — not counted in merit |
Two of the four sections do not score — but you must pass all of them.
Section-III (Computer Knowledge) is mandatory but qualifying in nature, and Section-IV (Skill/Typing Test) is qualifying too. The merit list is prepared on Sections I and II only — 120 questions and 360 marks. The notification is explicit that it is mandatory to qualify all sections of Tier-2, so a fail in the typing test ends your candidature even with a strong written score.
What counts towards your rank
| Stage / section | Marks | Counts towards merit? |
|---|---|---|
| Tier-1 (all four sections) | 200 | No — screening only |
| Tier-2 Section I (Maths + Reasoning) | 180 | Yes |
| Tier-2 Section II (English + GA) | 180 | Yes |
| Tier-2 Section III (Computer Knowledge) | 45 | No — qualifying, but mandatory |
| Tier-2 Section IV (Skill / Typing Test) | — | No — qualifying, but mandatory |
| Total counting towards merit | 360 | Sections I and II only |
Negative marking
| Stage | Marks per question | Deducted per wrong answer |
|---|---|---|
| Tier-1 | 2 | 0.50 |
| Tier-2, Sections I, II and III | 3 | 1.00 |
The Tier-2 penalty is double the Tier-1 penalty in absolute terms, on a question worth three marks rather than two. An attempt strategy carried over unchanged from Tier-1 will quietly cost you marks.
SSC CHSL Tier-2 syllabus 2026 (topic-wise)
Section I, Module A — Mathematical Abilities
| Area | Topics |
|---|---|
| Number systems | Computation of whole numbers; decimals; fractions; relationships between numbers. |
| Fundamental arithmetic | Percentages; ratio and proportion; square roots; averages; interest; profit and loss; discount; partnership business; 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, chords and tangents; angles subtended by chords. |
| Mensuration | Triangle; quadrilaterals; regular polygons; circle; right prism; right circular cone and cylinder; sphere; hemispheres; rectangular parallelepiped; regular right pyramid. |
| Trigonometry | Trigonometric ratios; degree and radian measures; standard identities; complementary angles; heights and distances. |
| Statistics & probability | Use of tables and graphs — histogram, frequency polygon, bar diagram, pie chart; measures of central tendency — mean, median, mode, standard deviation; calculation of simple probabilities. |
Section I, Module B — Reasoning and General Intelligence
Both verbal and non-verbal. Semantic, symbolic, number and figural analogy; semantic, symbolic, number and figural classification; semantic, number and figural series; problem solving; word building; coding and decoding; numerical operations; 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.
Section II, Module A — English Language and Comprehension
Forty questions and 120 marks — the single largest module in the paper. It tests vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms and antonyms and their correct usage.
A detail worth planning around
The notification specifies that of the comprehension passages, at least one should be a simple passage based on a book or a story, and another based on a current affairs editorial or report. Reading one editorial a day is therefore not general advice here — it is preparation for a passage type the Commission has named.
Section II, Module B — General Awareness
The same scope as Tier-1: the environment and its application to society, current events, and India and its neighbouring countries with reference to History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy and Scientific Research. Twenty questions, 60 marks, twenty minutes — this module rewards recall, not working out.
Section III — Computer Knowledge Test
Fifteen questions, 45 marks, fifteen minutes, qualifying rather than scoring.
| Area | Topics |
|---|---|
| Computer basics | Organisation of a computer; input and output devices; memory; ports. |
| Software | Windows operating system; MS Word; MS Excel; MS PowerPoint. |
| Internet & e-mail | Working with the internet and e-mail; web browsers; searching; managing an e-mail account. |
| Networking & security | Basics of networking; network and information security threats and preventive measures. |
Skill Test and Typing Test — the part candidates underestimate
This is where CHSL differs most from CGL, and where prepared candidates lose nothing while unprepared ones lose everything. The standard depends on the post you applied for.
Data Entry Operators — Skill Test
| Applies to | Speed required | Passage | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A — DEO in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution; the Staff Selection Commission; and the Ministry of Culture | 15,000 key depressions per hour | English printed matter of about 3,700–4,000 key depressions | 15 minutes |
| Part B — all other DEO posts | 8,000 key depressions per hour | English printed matter of about 2,000–2,200 key depressions | 15 minutes |
No DEO candidate is exempt from the Skill Test.
The notification states the Skill Test is mandatory for Data Entry Operators and that no candidate is exempted from appearing in it. Errors are calculated to two decimal places, so there is no rounding in your favour.
LDC / JSA — Typing Test
| Medium | Speed required | Roughly | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 35 words per minute | about 10,500 key depressions per hour | 10 minutes |
| Hindi | 30 words per minute | about 9,000 key depressions per hour | 10 minutes |
If you choose Hindi, you must type in Mangal font.
Candidates opting for Hindi as the medium of the Typing/Skill Test for LDC/JSA are required to type in Mangal font only. If you have practised in Kruti Dev — as many candidates have — that practice will not transfer. Decide your medium early and practise in the font you will actually be tested in.
Candidates with disabilities who are certified by the competent medical authority as unable to type may be exempted from the Typing Test on submission of the certificate prescribed in the notification. Scribe-eligible candidates get 20 minutes for the Skill Test and 15 minutes for the Typing Test.
Eligibility
Educational qualification
| Post | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Most posts, including LDC/JSA | 12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognised Board or University. |
| DEO in certain ministries | 12th Standard pass in the Science stream with Mathematics as a subject. |
Check which condition attaches to the specific posts you are ranking in your preference list — the Science-with-Mathematics requirement is post-specific, not general.
Age limit
| Age as on 1 August 2026 | 18 to 27 years |
| Date of birth | Not before 2 August 1999 and not later than 1 August 2008 |
| Relaxation | Category-wise relaxations apply, up to 15 years for some categories. The exact entitlement is in the notification. |
Verify your own eligibility on ssc.gov.in.
Everything on this page is a summary written to help you orient yourself. Age relaxations are category-specific and carry conditions no summary can hold. Getting it wrong means finding out at document verification, after you have prepared for a year.
How to use this syllabus
Three things follow directly from the pattern above:
- Build Tier-2 depth from week one. Merit comes from Tier-2 alone, so preparation aimed at Tier-1 prepares you thoroughly for a screening test and barely at all for the paper that produces your rank.
- Start typing practice today, not in the last month. It adds no marks, but it is mandatory, and it is the one requirement you cannot cram. Twenty minutes a day for two months clears 8,000 key depressions an hour comfortably; the 15,000 standard needs longer.
- Give English the weight it carries. At 40 questions and 120 marks it is the biggest single module in Tier-2, worth a third of your merit score.
If you are also writing SSC CGL, the two exams overlap heavily in Tier-2 — our SSC CGL syllabus guide covers that exam from the same source, and the 90-day preparation plan is built around the same section-wise approach.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date to apply for SSC CHSL 2026?
7 October 2026 for the application, and 8 October 2026 (23:00 hrs) for the fee. An application whose fee has not reached SSC is shown as ‘Incomplete’ and is summarily rejected, so confirm the status in your account rather than assuming a bank debit means it went through.
Do Tier-1 marks count towards the SSC CHSL merit list?
No. The notification states the merit list is prepared on the basis of performance in the Tier-2 examination only, and within Tier-2 on Sections I and II — 360 marks.
How many marks is SSC CHSL Tier-2 out of?
Session-I is 135 questions and 405 marks, at 3 marks a question. Only 360 of those marks count towards merit, because Section-III (Computer Knowledge) and Section-IV (Skill or Typing Test) are qualifying rather than scoring.
Is the typing test compulsory?
Yes, and it is qualifying — it adds no marks but you must pass it. The notification states the Skill Test is mandatory for Data Entry Operators with no exemption. Candidates with disabilities certified as unable to type may be exempted on submission of the prescribed certificate.
What typing speed do I need for SSC CHSL?
For LDC/JSA: 35 words per minute in English or 30 words per minute in Hindi, over 10 minutes. For Data Entry Operators: 8,000 key depressions per hour, or 15,000 for DEO posts in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, the Staff Selection Commission and the Ministry of Culture.
Which font is used for the Hindi typing test?
Mangal font only, for candidates opting for Hindi as the medium for the LDC/JSA Typing/Skill Test. Practice in Kruti Dev will not transfer, so choose your medium early.
What is the minimum qualification for SSC CHSL?
12th Standard or equivalent from a recognised Board. Data Entry Operator posts in certain ministries additionally require 12th in the Science stream with Mathematics.
Is there negative marking in SSC CHSL?
Yes. Tier-1 deducts 0.50 marks per wrong answer on 2-mark questions. Tier-2 Sections I, II and III deduct 1.00 mark per wrong answer on 3-mark questions.
When is the SSC CHSL 2026 exam?
SSC has not announced Tier-1 or Tier-2 dates yet — the notification says they will be notified later. Check the Notice Board at ssc.gov.in; that is where every genuine change appears first.
How is SSC CHSL different from SSC CGL?
CHSL is a 12th-standard-level examination for clerical and data entry posts; CGL is graduate-level for Group B and C posts. The Tier-2 structures are similar but not identical — CHSL has 40 English questions to CGL’s 45, 15 computer questions to CGL’s 20, and a compulsory typing or skill test.
Source and verification
| Conducting body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Primary source | Notice of Advertisement — Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 |
| Official website | ssc.gov.in |
| Verified on | 16 September 2026 |
| Next review | On any SSC corrigendum, or when exam dates are announced |
This page is not an official publication.
JobShouter.com is an independent information website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or authorised by the Staff Selection Commission. Where this page and the official notification differ, the official notification prevails. Verify eligibility, dates, fees and pattern on ssc.gov.in before you apply.
More free syllabus guides: Exam Guides · Syllabus & Exam Notifications
