SSC CHSL Exam analysis 2026
Shift-wise difficulty level, good attempts and question trends.
Updated 22 October 2026
SSC CHSL exam analysis
This SSC CHSL exam analysis is based on memory-based questions from the Tier 1 shifts held on 14 November 2025. Overall the paper was easy to moderate: Reasoning was the most scoring section and Quantitative Aptitude took the most time. Use the section-wise breakdown below to fine-tune your final revision for the 2026 exam.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam | SSC CHSL Tier 1 |
| Questions / marks | 100 / 200 |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Negative marking | −0.50 per wrong answer |
| Basis | Memory-based papers, Tier 1 shifts of 14 November 2025 |
Difficulty level and good attempts
| Section | Difficulty | Good attempts (out of 25) |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | Easy to moderate | 20–22 |
| General Intelligence | Easy | 20–23 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Moderate | 17–20 |
| General Awareness | Easy to moderate | 16–19 |
| Overall | Easy to moderate | 74–83 (out of 100) |
English section analysis
The section leaned on grammar transformation and vocabulary, with one full comprehension passage.
| Topic | Questions (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Active / passive voice | 3–4 |
| Direct / indirect narration | 2–3 |
| Error spotting | 2 |
| Sentence improvement | 2–3 |
| Idioms and phrases | 2 |
| One-word substitution | 2 |
| Synonyms / antonyms | 3–4 |
| Spelling | 2 |
| Para jumbles | 1–2 |
| Reading comprehension | 5 (one passage) |
Reasoning section analysis
The most scoring section, mixing verbal reasoning with many non-verbal and situational questions.
| Topic | Questions (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Number / letter series | 3–4 |
| Coding-decoding | 2–3 |
| Analogy | 2 |
| Blood relation / seating arrangement | 2 |
| Dictionary order | 1–2 |
| Statement-conclusion / course of action | 2–3 |
| Situational / decision-making | 4–5 |
| Non-verbal (mirror image, figure counting, folding, series) | 6–7 |
| Venn diagram / classification | 2 |
Quantitative Aptitude section analysis
A balanced mix of arithmetic and advanced maths; questions were conceptually simple but calculation-heavy.
| Topic | Questions (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Simple / compound interest | 3–4 |
| Time and work | 2 |
| Percentage / profit and loss | 3 |
| Average and ratio | 2–3 |
| Trigonometry | 3–4 |
| Mensuration (2D / 3D) | 3 |
| Algebra and simplification | 3 |
| Number system | 2 |
| Coordinate geometry | 1–2 |
| Mixture, partnership, speed-distance | 3–4 |
General Awareness section analysis
Current affairs from late 2024 to mid-2025 had a strong share, along with standard static GK.
| Topic | Questions (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Current affairs (schemes, appointments, reports) | 6–7 |
| History (ancient to modern) | 4 |
| Polity (Constitution, Articles) | 3 |
| Economics (plans, policies, indices) | 4 |
| Static GK (folk dances, culture) | 3 |
| Science (physics, biology) | 4 |
| Geography | 1–2 |
Key takeaways
- Reasoning remains the most scoring and time-friendly section.
- Maths needs calculation speed more than difficult concepts.
- General Awareness is tilting towards recent current affairs.
- English rewards sound grammar more than memorised word lists.
- Situational and decision-making questions in Reasoning are becoming more frequent.
What to practise next
| Section | Focus |
|---|---|
| English | Revise voice and narration rules daily; one comprehension passage a day |
| Reasoning | Non-verbal drills (mirror images, figure series) and timed situational questions |
| Maths | Timed sets on interest, percentage and mensuration |
| General Awareness | Monthly current affairs plus short, repeated static GK cycles |
Compare these counts with the SSC CHSL syllabus and plan your priorities with SSC CHSL important topics. Check expected scores against the SSC CHSL cut-off.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult was the recent SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam?
It was easy to moderate overall, with Quantitative Aptitude the most time-consuming section.
What is a good attempt in SSC CHSL Tier 1?
Based on the 14 November 2025 shifts, 74 to 83 good attempts out of 100 was a solid overall range.
Which section had the highest good attempts?
Reasoning, with roughly 20 to 23 good attempts out of 25.
Was General Awareness focused on current affairs or static GK?
Current affairs had a slightly bigger share, especially schemes, appointments and reports, but static GK still made up a large part.
How many reading comprehension questions came in English?
One passage with about 5 questions on inference and vocabulary.
Always check the latest official notification on ssc.gov.in before applying.