The Staff Selection Commission conducts the annual Combined Higher Secondary Level, CHSL (10+2) exam to select eligible candidates across the country to various Ministries or organizations. Through this recruitment, the commission hires candidates to positions like Lower Division Clerk, Junior Secretariat Assistant, Postal Assistant, Sorting Assistant, and Data Entry Operators. The SSC CHSL selection process has three stages screening process; two stages of exams and skill tests. Since the required education qualification is of a higher secondary level, candidates can expect questions of the same level. Let’s check the SSC CHSL Syllabus 2025 and exam pattern.Â
SSC CHSL Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2025
The Staff Selection Commission’s Combined Higher Secondary Level recruitment has three stages of screening, and they are:Â
| Stage | Type | Exam Mode |
| Tier: I | Objective Multiple Choice | Computer-Based Exam |
| Tier: II | Descriptive Paper in English/ Hindi language | Computer-Based Exam and
Skill Test/ Computer Proficiency Test (if Applicable) |
The skill test varies based on the post, while the typing speed for the Data Entry operator is 8,000 Key Depressions, that of the Lower Division Clerk/ Junior Secretariat Assistant (LDS/ JSA) and Postal Assistants/ Sorting Assistants (PA/SA) will be 10500 Key Depressions. The skill test will be of qualifying in nature, so the candidate’s performance in the test matters in the rank list.Â
Looking for a clear path to crack the SSC CHSL exam? Get Free Demo Classes Here!
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.Â
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 |
-
Tier-I is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) with objective-type questions.
-
It has 4 sections: English, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness.
-
Each section has 25 questions, carrying 2 marks each (Total: 100 questions, 200 marks).
-
The total time is 60 minutes. PwBD candidates using a scribe get 80 minutes.
-
Negative marking: 0.50 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
-
The exam is conducted in English, Hindi, and regional languages (except English section).
-
All questions are multiple choice with four options.
-
Questions test basic knowledge and reasoning ability.
-
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) |
-
Tier-II is conducted in two sessions on the same day.
-
Session-I has three sections:
-
Section-I: Maths + Reasoning (1 hour total)
-
Section-II: English + General Awareness (1 hour total)
-
Section-III: Computer Knowledge (15 minutes)
-
-
Each correct answer in Sessions I–III carries 3 marks.
-
Negative marking: 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
-
Session-II is for Skill/Typing Tests depending on the post:
-
Part A: For Data Entry Operators in specific ministries.
-
Part B: For other Data Entry Operators.
-
Part C: For Lower Division Clerk (LDC) and Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA).
-
-
Skill and Typing Tests are qualifying in nature, i.e., marks not counted in final merit.
-
Extra time is given to scribe-eligible candidates as per rules.
-
Questions are Objective/MCQ type and available in English, Hindi, and regional language (except English section).
-
You must qualify all sections to be considered for selection.
Prepare strategically for the SSC CHSL exam! Get Free Demo Classes Here!
SSC CHSL Syllabus 2025
SSC CHSL Tier-I Syllabus
The detailed syllabus for all the four sections in the SSC CHSL (10+2) syllabus is given below.
| General Intelligence | Quantitative Aptitude | English Language | General Awareness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semantic Analogy | Computation of Whole Numbers | Spot the Error | India & its neighbouring countries |
| Symbolic/Number Analogy | Decimal and Fractions | Fill in the Blanks | History |
| Trends | Relationship between Numbers | Synonyms/Homonyms | Culture |
| Space Orientation | Percentages | Antonyms | Geography |
| Semantic Classification | Ratio and Proportion | Spelling / Detecting mis-spelt words | Economic Scene |
| Venn Diagrams | Square Roots | Idioms & Phrases | General Polity |
| Symbolic/Number Classification | Averages | One Word Substitution | Scientific Research |
| Drawing Inferences | Simple & Compound Interest | Sentence Improvement | Current Events |
| Figural Classification | Profit and Loss | Active/Passive Voice | Environmental Awareness |
| Punched hole/pattern folding & unfolding | Discount | Direct/Indirect Speech | Application to society |
| Semantic Series | Partnership Business | Shuffling of Sentence Parts | Everyday observations and experience |
| Figural Pattern folding & completion | Mixture and Alligation | Sentence Arrangement | |
| Number Series | Time and Distance | Cloze Test | |
| Embedded Figures | Time and Work | Comprehension Passage | |
| Figural Series | Algebra (Identities, Graphs of Linear Equations) | ||
| Critical Thinking | Geometry (Triangles, Circles, Tangents, Chords) | ||
| Problem Solving | Mensuration (2D & 3D figures) | ||
| Emotional Intelligence | Trigonometry (Ratios, Height & Distance) | ||
| Word Building | Use of Tables and Graphs (Histogram, Pie-chart, etc.) | ||
| Social Intelligence | |||
| Coding and Decoding | |||
| Numerical Operations |
SSC CHSL Tier-II Syllabus
| Mathematical Abilities | Reasoning & General Intelligence | English Language & Comprehension | General Awareness | Computer Knowledge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computation of Whole Numbers | Semantic Analogy | Vocabulary, Grammar, Sentence Structure | India and its Neighbouring Countries | Computer Basics (CPU, I/O Devices, Memory) |
| Decimals and Fractions | Symbolic/Number Analogy | Synonyms, Antonyms and Correct Usage | History | Backup Devices, Ports, Windows Explorer |
| Relationship between Numbers | Trends | Spot the Error | Culture | Keyboard Shortcuts |
| Percentages | Figural Analogy | Fill in the Blanks | Geography | Windows OS & MS Office (Word, Excel, PPT) |
| Ratio and Proportion | Space Orientation | Spelling, Idioms & Phrases | Economic Scene | Internet & Email (Download, Upload, e-Banking) |
| Square Roots | Semantic Classification | One Word Substitution | General Polity and Constitution | Basics of Networking |
| Averages | Venn Diagrams | Sentence Improvement | Scientific Research | Network Security (Hacking, Viruses, Trojans) |
| Simple and Compound Interest | Symbolic/Number Classification | Active/Passive Voice | Current Events | Cybersecurity Threats & Prevention |
| Profit and Loss | Drawing Inferences | Direct/Indirect Speech | Environmental and Scientific Awareness | |
| Discount | Figural Classification | Sentence Arrangement | Application to Society | |
| Partnership Business | Punched Hole/Pattern Folding & Unfolding | Cloze Test | Observation-Based Questions | |
| Mixture and Alligation | Semantic Series | Comprehension Passages (Story & Editorial types) | ||
| Time and Distance | Figural Pattern Folding & Completion | |||
| Time and Work | Number Series | |||
| Algebra (Basic Identities, Linear Graphs) | Embedded Figures | |||
| Geometry (Triangles, Circles, Tangents) | Figural Series | |||
| Mensuration (2D & 3D Figures) | Critical Thinking | |||
| Trigonometry (Ratios, Height & Distance) | Problem Solving | |||
| Statistics (Mean, Median, Mode, SD) | Emotional Intelligence | |||
| Probability | Word Building, Coding-Decoding | |||
| Graphs: Histogram, Pie-Chart, Bar Graph | Social Intelligence | |||
| Numerical Operations |
Tier-II (Skill Test/ Typing Test):
Skill Test for Data Entry Operator (DEO):
This is mandatory and qualifying. Candidates must achieve 8000 key depressions per hour. The test duration is 15 minutes. Text containing about 2000–2200 key depressions will be given (on screen or paper), to be typed in English.
Typing Test for LDC / JSA:
The test will be in Hindi or English (as opted in the application form).
- English: 35 words per minute (10500 key depressions/hour)
- Hindi: 30 words per minute (9000 key depressions/hour)
Duration: 10 minutes (15 minutes for scribe-eligible candidates)
Important Notes:
- Typing/Skill Test is qualifying in nature.
- Errors will be calculated up to two decimal places.
- VH candidates using scribes will be provided passage dictators.
SSC CHSL Syllabus PDF
Click here to download the SSC CHSL Syllabus PDF
Download Entri, to attempt free mock tests to ace your SSC CHSL 2025 preparations. To start your preparations, download SSC CHSL Syllabus PDF, and previous year question papers and enrol in any CHSL online mock tests. You can attempt full length, sectional mock tests, along with tests based on the SSC CHSL previous year question papers.Â
Excel in the SSC CHSL exam with Expert Mentors! Get Trial Classes Here!
Frequently Asked Questions
What subjects are covered in the SSC CHSL exam syllabus?
The SSC CHSL syllabus covers English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, General Intelligence and General Awareness.
Is there any change in the exam pattern for SSC CHSL 2025?
SSC CHSL exam pattern 2024 typically consists of Tier I (Computer Based Exam), Tier II (Descriptive Paper), and Tier III (Skill Test/Typing Test). But SSC CHSL exam pattern 2025 consists of Tire I (Computer Based Exam) and Tier II (Computer Based Exam + Skill Test). There is no tier III in 2025 exam pattern, skill test is included in tier II.
How many questions are asked in each section of the SSC CHSL exam?
Each section of the SSC CHSL Tier I exam usually consists of 25 questions, making it a total of 100 questions. However, the number may vary slightly based on the specific exam.
Is there any negative marking in the SSC CHSL exam?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer in the SSC CHSL Tier I exam and there is negative marking of 1 Mark for each wrong answer in SSC CHSL Tier II exam
