SSC CHSL 2026: What the Exam Is
SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level) is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit candidates for posts like Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Postal Assistant (PA), Sorting Assistant (SA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO) in various central government ministries and departments.
Unlike SSC CGL which requires a graduate degree, SSC CHSL is open to candidates who have passed Class 12 (10+2) from any recognised board. This makes it one of the most accessible government recruitment exams in India.
SSC CHSL 2026 Exam Pattern
Tier 1 — Computer Based Test (CBT)
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 60 minutes (80 min for PwD) |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic) | 25 | 50 | |
| English Language (Basic) | 25 | 50 | |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Negative marking: 0.50 marks per wrong answer
Tier 2 — Computer Based Test (CBT)
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1 (Mandatory) | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 2 hours 15 min |
| Section 1 | Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | |
| Section 2 | English Language & Comprehension | 40 | 120 | |
| Section 2 | General Awareness | 20 | 60 | |
| Section 3 | Computer Knowledge Module | 15 | 45 | 15 min |
| Section 3 (DEO posts only) | Skill Test / Typing Test | — | Qualifying | 15 min |
SSC CHSL Tier 1 Syllabus 2026
1. General Intelligence and Reasoning (50 marks)
- Number Series, Alphabet Series, Analogy (Verbal and Non-Verbal)
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction and Distance
- Syllogism (Venn Diagrams)
- Non-Verbal: Embedded Figures, Figure Completion, Mirror Image, Paper Folding, Dice
- Matrix, Word Formation, Odd One Out
- Mathematical Operations, Statement-Conclusion (basic)
Note: Non-verbal reasoning contributes 8–10 questions in every CHSL paper — do not underestimate this section.
2. General Awareness (50 marks)
- Current Affairs: Last 4–6 months — national events, sports, awards, appointments
- Indian History: Ancient, Medieval, Modern (NCERT Class 6–10 standard)
- Indian Geography: Physical features, rivers, states and capitals, national parks
- Indian Polity: Constitution basics, Parliament, Fundamental Rights, Supreme Court
- General Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology at Class 10 level
- Static GK: Important dates, currencies, capitals, headquarters of major organisations
3. Quantitative Aptitude — Basic Arithmetic (50 marks)
SSC CHSL Maths is at Class 10 level — notably simpler than SSC CGL. The topics:
- Number System: LCM, HCF, Fractions, Simplification
- Ratio and Proportion, Percentage
- Profit and Loss, Discount
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Time and Work, Pipes and Cisterns
- Speed, Distance and Time
- Mensuration: Basic 2D shapes (area, perimeter)
- Basic Geometry: Lines, Angles, Triangles (elementary level only)
- Data Interpretation: Simple tables, bar graphs, pie charts
- Average, Mixture and Alligation
No Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, or advanced Algebra in CHSL Tier 1 — this is the key difference from CGL.
4. English Language — Basic (50 marks)
- Reading Comprehension (1 passage, straightforward)
- Spot the Error
- Fill in the Blanks
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Spelling Correction
- Idioms and Phrases
- One-Word Substitution
- Active/Passive Voice
- Direct/Indirect Speech
- Para Jumbles (basic)
SSC CHSL Tier 2 Syllabus 2026
Mathematical Abilities (Paper Section 1)
All Tier 1 Maths topics at slightly higher difficulty. Mensuration includes 3D shapes at basic level. DI includes caselet format.
English Language & Comprehension (Paper Section 2)
All Tier 1 English topics at moderately higher difficulty. RC passages are slightly longer and may include one inference-based question.
Computer Knowledge Module (Paper Section 3)
- Computer Basics: History, types, components (CPU, RAM, ROM, storage)
- Software: OS, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) basics
- Networking and Internet: LAN, WAN, Internet protocols, email
- Cybersecurity: Virus, malware, antivirus basics
Typing / Skill Test (DEO posts only)
- Data Entry Operator (DEO in C&AG): Data entry speed of 8,000 key depressions per hour (KDPH)
- Postal/Sorting Assistant and LDC: Typing speed of 35 WPM in English or 30 WPM in Hindi on computer
- This test is qualifying in nature — it does not add to the merit score
SSC CHSL vs SSC CGL: Key Differences
| Parameter | SSC CHSL | SSC CGL |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Class 12 pass | Graduate degree |
| Age Limit | 18–27 years | 18–32 years (post-wise) |
| Maths Difficulty | Class 10 level (no Trig/Geometry depth) | Class 10–12 level (Trig, Coordinate Geometry) |
| Pay Scale | Level 2–4 (₹19,900–₹35,400) | Level 4–8 (₹25,500–₹47,600+) |
| Post Type | LDC, JSA, PA, DEO | Inspector, ASO, Tax Assistant, Auditor |
| Vacancies (2025) | ~3,000–4,000 | ~15,000–20,000 |
SSC CHSL 2026 Salary and Posts
| Post | Pay Level | Gross Salary (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC) / JSA | Level 2 | ₹19,900–₹28,000 |
| Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant | Level 4 | ₹28,000–₹36,000 |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Level 4 | ₹28,000–₹36,000 |
| DEO Grade A (C&AG) | Level 4 | ₹28,000–₹36,000 |
SSC CHSL 2026 Preparation Strategy
Tier 1 (60-day plan)
- Days 1–20: Arithmetic (R.S. Aggarwal) + Reasoning basics (series, analogy, non-verbal) + English grammar + GK static reading (Lucent)
- Days 21–40: Topic completion + non-verbal reasoning practice + vocabulary + current affairs starts
- Days 41–60: Full mock tests (minimum 20) + weak topic revision + current affairs revision
Target score: 150–165 out of 200 (General category safe score)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 12th-pass student crack SSC CHSL without coaching?
Absolutely. SSC CHSL Tier 1 Maths is at Class 10 level — any 12th-pass student already has the mathematical foundation. With R.S. Aggarwal QA, Lucent GK, Wren & Martin grammar, and 20+ mock tests from Adda247 or Testbook, self-study is fully sufficient to clear SSC CHSL.
Is SSC CHSL easier than SSC CGL?
Yes, in terms of Maths difficulty (no trigonometry or advanced geometry) and overall depth. However, CHSL has fewer vacancies (~3,000–4,000) versus CGL (~15,000–20,000), so the competition-to-vacancy ratio is broadly similar. The qualification bar is lower (12th pass vs graduate), which attracts a younger and sometimes less-prepared applicant pool.
Should I apply for both SSC CHSL and SSC CGL?
If you are a graduate, always apply for both. CGL has better posts and higher salary, but CHSL notification comes earlier in the year and provides an earlier opportunity for government employment. Many aspirants use CHSL as a “practice run” for CGL — the syllabi overlap by ~70%.