Every year the Staff Selection Commission conducts the Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) exam to select hundreds of candidates across the country to various clerical positions across central departments. The commission uses the CHSL exam to hires applicants for the posts of Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC)/ Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operators (DEO), and Postal Assistant (PA)/ Sorting Assistant (SA). The SSC CHSL exam has two stages of tests followed by the skill tests. Every year CHSL recruitment attracts lakhs of applicants against the handful of vacant positions making this recruitment highly competitive. To pass this with flying colours one need to spend hours off to learn the tricks and shortcuts to ace the exam.
Prepare strategically for the SSC CHSL exam! Get Free Demo Classes Here!
Preparation Tips for SSC CHSL Exam 2025
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern
The SSC CHSL (10+2) exam pattern has a preliminary stage of the test, which would be objective and the second stage would be another CBT along with skill test.
Tier-I CHSL Preliminary Exam
| SL
No |
Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum
Marks |
Exam
Duration |
| 1 | English Language (Basic Knowledge) | 25 | 50 | 60 minutes (80 Minutes for PWD candidates) |
| 2 | General Intelligence | 25 | 50 | |
| 3 | Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic skill) | 25 | 50 | |
| 4 | General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
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Tier-I is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) with objective-type questions.
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It has 4 sections: English, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness.
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Each section has 25 questions, carrying 2 marks each (Total: 100 questions, 200 marks).
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The total time is 60 minutes. PwBD candidates using a scribe get 80 minutes.
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Negative marking: 0.50 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
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The exam is conducted in English, Hindi, and regional languages (except English section).
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All questions are multiple choice with four options.
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Questions test basic knowledge and reasoning ability.
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Marks of Tier-I are used for preparing the final merit list.
Tire – II Computer Based Test
| Session | Section | Subjects | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Time Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session-I | Section-I (A) | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 (30×3) | 1 hour |
| Section-I (B) | Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 (30×3) | (20 min extra for scribe-eligible) | |
| Section-II (A) | English Language and Comprehension | 40 | 120 (40×3) | 1 hour | |
| Section-II (B) | General Awareness | 20 | 60 (20×3) | (20 min extra for scribe-eligible) | |
| Section-III | Computer Knowledge Test | 15 | 45 (15×3) | 15 minutes (20 min for scribe) | |
| Session-II | Section-IV (A) | Skill Test for DEOs in Dept./Ministry (Para 8.1) | – | Qualifying | 15 minutes (20 min for scribe) |
| Section-IV (B) | Skill Test for DEOs in other Depts. | – | Qualifying | 15 minutes (20 min for scribe) | |
| Section-IV (C) | Typing Test for LDC/JSA | – | Qualifying | 10 minutes (15 min for scribe) |
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Tier-II is conducted in two sessions on the same day.
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Session-I has three sections:
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Section-I: Maths + Reasoning (1 hour total)
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Section-II: English + General Awareness (1 hour total)
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Section-III: Computer Knowledge (15 minutes)
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Each correct answer in Sessions I–III carries 3 marks.
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Negative marking: 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
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Session-II is for Skill/Typing Tests depending on the post:
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Part A: For Data Entry Operators in specific ministries.
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Part B: For other Data Entry Operators.
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Part C: For Lower Division Clerk (LDC) and Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA).
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Skill and Typing Tests are qualifying in nature, i.e., marks not counted in final merit.
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Extra time is given to scribe-eligible candidates as per rules.
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Questions are Objective/MCQ type and available in English, Hindi, and regional language (except English section).
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You must qualify all sections to be considered for selection.
The best way to start your Staff Selection Commission CHSL 2025 preparations is to start with the previous year question papers. They will help you in familiarizing the question patterns and difficulty levels. You can also start attempting these question papers with timers to get a hang of the actual exam. Click on the below links to download the SSC CHSL Tier-01 previous year papers pdf.
- R S Agarwal Chand Publications’s A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Kiran publication’s SSC Reasoning Chapter Wise Solved Papers 7200+ Objective Questions
- Magical Book on Puzzles- K. Kundan
- Lucent’s General Knowledge: Dr Binay Karna and Manwendra Mukul
- Classes VI-XII NCERT Textbooks of Social Science (History, Geography, Political Science, Economics), Mathematics, Science, and English Language.
Prepare strategically for the SSC CHSL exam! Get Free Demo Classes Here!
With lots of allowances and promotion opportunities, the clerical cader positions in various central departments are one of the best choices for anybody who wishes for a government career. Considering the high competition rate to aid you with your SSC CHSL 2025 exams, Entri is bringing tailored SSC courses. To get successful in the SSC CHSL 2025 you should attempt mock tests. Download ENTRI to get free access to CHSL mock tests, and video classes. You can now access current affairs updates, free study materials, expert mentorship, discussion groups with ENTRI SSC courses.
| SSC CHSL Exam Information Links | |
| SSC CHSL Notification | SSC CHSL Selection Process |
| SSC CHSL Syllabus | SSC CHSL Mock Test |
| SSC CHSL Exam Date | SSC CHSL Video Course |
| SSC CHSL Application Form | SSC CHSL Study Materials |
| SSC CHSL Vacancy | SSC CHSL Interview Questions |
| SSC CHSL Admit Card | SSC CHSL Job Profile |
| SSC CHSL Study Plan | SSC CHSL Salary |
| SSC CHSL Previous Question Papers | SSC CHSL Result |
| SSC CHSL Best Books | SSC CHSL Cutoff |
| SSC CHSL Eligibility Criteria | SSC CHSL Exam Analysis |
| SSC CHSL Answer Key | |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SSC CHSL exam?
It’s a Combined Higher Secondary Level exam conducted by the Staff Selection Commission for various government posts.
What subjects are included in the SSC CHSL syllabus?
Subjects include General Intelligence, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness.
How should I prepare for the SSC CHSL exam?
Follow a structured study plan, practice previous year papers, and focus on weak areas.
Are there any recommended study materials for SSC CHSL preparation?
Yes, use standard reference books, online resources, and mock tests for thorough preparation.
