SSC CHSL Exam pattern 2026
Stages, sections, marks, duration and negative marking.
Updated 22 October 2026
SSC CHSL exam pattern 2026
The SSC CHSL 2026 exam has two computer-based stages: Tier 1, a 100-question screening test, and Tier 2, which decides the merit list and includes a qualifying Computer Knowledge module and a typing or skill test. The current scheme has neither an interview nor a descriptive paper, and Tier 1 scores do not count towards the final merit.
SSC CHSL selection process
- Tier 1 – objective CBT, qualifying only.
- Tier 2 – objective CBT (merit-deciding) plus Computer Knowledge Test and Skill / Typing Test (both qualifying).
- Document verification after the Tier 2 result.
SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam pattern
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English Language | 25 | 50 |
| 2 | General Intelligence | 25 | 50 |
| 3 | Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| 4 | General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Tier 1 marking scheme
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Correct answer | +2 |
| Wrong answer | −0.50 |
| Duration | 60 minutes (75 minutes for visually handicapped candidates) |
| Mode | Computer Based Test |
| Normalisation | Applied when the exam runs in several shifts |
SSC CHSL Tier 2 exam pattern
Tier 2 is held on one day in two sessions. Session I covers Sections I, II and the Computer Knowledge module with sectional timers, about 2 hours 15 minutes in total. Session II, after a short break and re-registration, is the skill / typing test.
| Section | Module / subject | Questions | Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 180 (combined) | Merit |
| Section I | Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | Merit | |
| Section II | English Language and Comprehension | 40 | 180 (combined) | Merit |
| Section II | General Awareness | 20 | Merit | |
| Section III, Module I | Computer Knowledge Test | 15 | 45 | Qualifying (about 15 minutes) |
| Section III, Module II | Skill Test / Typing Test | – | – | Qualifying |
Taken together, the objective part has 135 questions for 405 marks. The merit list is based on Sections I and II, subject to clearing the computer module and the skill test.
Tier 2 marking scheme
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Correct answer | +3 |
| Wrong answer | −1 |
| Applies to | Sections I, II and the Computer Knowledge module |
The heavier negative marking makes blind guessing far more costly than in Tier 1.
SSC CHSL skill test and typing test
| Post | Test | Duration | Required speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| LDC / JSA | Typing test | 10 minutes | 35 wpm in English (10,500 key depressions per hour) or 30 wpm in Hindi |
| DEO (general) | Data Entry Speed Test | 15 minutes | 8,000 key depressions per hour |
| DEO Grade 'A' (specified departments) | Data Entry Speed Test | 15 minutes | 15,000 key depressions per hour |
The typing medium is chosen in the application form. From 2026, Hindi typing for LDC/JSA must use the Mangal font.
Normalisation
Because CHSL runs across many shifts, SSC adjusts raw marks for differences in paper difficulty between shifts. Normalised marks, not raw marks, are used for cut-offs and merit, for both tiers when held in multiple sessions. This is explained further on the SSC CHSL cut-off page.
SSC CHSL 2026 exam timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification | 7 September 2026 |
| Tier 1 | 30 November–31 December 2026 (proposed) |
| Tier 2 | After the Tier 1 result and cut-off |
| Document verification | After the Tier 2 result |
Preparing for the pattern
| Subject | Focus |
|---|---|
| English | Daily reading, grammar rules, timed comprehension |
| Maths | Formulas first, then topic-wise sets, then full mocks |
| Reasoning | Puzzles, coding-decoding and series for speed |
| General Awareness | Weekly static GK revision plus daily current affairs |
| Computer Knowledge | Hardware, software, MS Office and internet basics |
| Typing / skill test | Daily keyboard practice well before the exam |
Topic lists are on the SSC CHSL syllabus page, and a full plan is on SSC CHSL preparation.
Frequently asked questions
How many tiers does the SSC CHSL exam have?
Two. Tier 1 is an objective screening test, and Tier 2 is an objective test with a Computer Knowledge module and skill/typing test that decides the final merit.
What is the negative marking in SSC CHSL?
Tier 1 deducts 0.50 marks per wrong answer (with +2 for a correct one). Tier 2 deducts 1 mark per wrong answer (with +3 for a correct one).
Are SSC CHSL Tier 1 marks counted in the final merit?
No. Tier 1 is only qualifying. The final merit, rank and post allocation depend on Tier 2.
What typing speed is required for LDC and JSA?
You must type at 35 wpm in English (10,500 key depressions per hour) or 30 wpm in Hindi in a 10-minute test.
Is there an interview in SSC CHSL?
No. Selection is through Tier 1, Tier 2 with a qualifying skill or typing test, and document verification.
Always check the latest official notification on ssc.gov.in before applying.