The Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level (SSC CHSL Syllabus) Exam is a national-level competitive examination conducted by the SSC to recruit candidates for various clerical and assistant posts in central government departments. Popular posts include Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Postal Assistant (PA), Sorting Assistant (SA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO). If you’ve completed 10+2 and aspire for a stable central government job, understanding the SSC CHSL syllabus pattern, and key topics is your first step toward success.
Let’s explore the complete details below.
Exam Overview Table (Quick Facts Table)
This table gives you a quick summary of the CHSL exam, including mode, tiers, frequency, and eligibility. It helps candidates understand the basic structure and official guidelines before beginning the preparation.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL exam pattern) Examination |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Number of Tiers | 2 (Tier I and Tier II) |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Language | English & Hindi |
| Official Website | https://ssc.gov.in |
| Eligibility | Passed 10+2 (Higher Secondary) from a recognized board |
| Job Type | Group C (Clerical & Assistant Posts) |
Exam Pattern of SSC CHSL / Structure
SSC CHSL 2026 exam is conducted in two tiers — Tier I (Objective) and Tier II (Objective + Skill/Typing Test). Understanding the pattern helps candidates prepare strategically by focusing on scoring sections.
Tier-I (Objective Exam)
Tier-I is a computer-based exam with objective MCQs. It tests your speed, accuracy, and fundamental knowledge across four major sections. Since the duration is just 60 minutes, sectional time management is extremely crucial to score well.
Highlights
- Mode: Online (Objective MCQs)
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Total Marks: 200
- Negative Marking: 0.50 mark per wrong answer
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
| General Intelligence | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill) | 25 | 50 |
| English Language (Basic Knowledge) | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Tier-II (Descriptive & Skill/Typing Test)
Tier-II is more detailed and plays a major role in final selection. It consists of an advanced objective test followed by a qualifying skill/typing test, depending on the post. Candidates must score well in Paper I and meet the typing/DEO criteria.
Tier-II Structure
- Paper I: Objective type (online)
- Paper II: Skill Test / Typing Test (qualifying)
Paper I – Objective Type
This part tests candidates on mathematical skills, English comprehension, and computer knowledge. It is designed to evaluate workplace-related abilities required for government clerical posts.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Mode: Online
- Negative Marking: 1 mark per wrong answer
| Module | Sections | Total Marks | Duration |
| Section I | Mathematical Abilities | 60 | — |
| Section II | English Language and Comprehension | 60 | — |
| Section III | Computer Knowledge Module | 60 | — |
Subject-wise / Section-wise SSC CHSL Syllabus
This detailed syllabus helps you understand the exact topics asked in the exam. Preparing topic-wise ensures high accuracy and better scoring.
1. General Intelligence
This section checks your logical reasoning and problem-solving ability. Questions are a mix of verbal and non-verbal reasoning and require quick analytical thinking. Regular practice can significantly boost your Tier-I score.
Key Topics:
- Coding-Decoding
- Analogies & Classification
- Series (Number, Alphabet, Figure)
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Matrix, Venn Diagram
- Syllogism & Statement Conclusion
- Embedded Figures
- Decision Making & Non-verbal Reasoning
2. General Awareness
General Awareness tests your knowledge about current events and static GK. It is one of the easiest sections to score if prepared consistently. Reading daily news and monthly magazines is extremely helpful.
Key Topics:
- Current Affairs (last 6–8 months)
- History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)
- Geography (India & World)
- Indian Polity & Constitution
- Economics & Budget
- General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology up to 10th)
- Awards, Sports, Books, Important Days
3. Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic)
This section checks your numerical ability and basic mathematical concepts. Most questions are formula-based, so conceptual clarity and speed play an important role.
Key Topics:
- Simplification, Ratio & Proportion
- Percentage, Profit & Loss
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Time & Distance, Time & Work
- Average, Mixtures & Alligation
- Geometry & Mensuration
- Trigonometry (Basic)
4. English Language
This section is designed to test grammar rules, vocabulary, and reading comprehension skills. Regular reading and grammar practice can help in scoring maximum marks.
Key Topics:
- Grammar (Tenses, Voice, Narration)
- Error Spotting
- Cloze Test
- Sentence Improvement
- Idioms, Phrases & One-word Substitution
5. Computer Knowledge (Tier-II)
Computer knowledge is essential for modern offices, and SSC tests candidates digital literacy. This section evaluates basic understanding of operating systems, MS Office, internet usage, and security.
Key Topics:
- Basics of Computers (Hardware & Software)
- Operating Systems (Windows, Linux Basics)
- MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Internet, E-mail, and Web Browsing
- Computer Network
- Cyber Security Basics
6. Skill / Typing Test (Qualifying)
This test ensures that candidates have the minimum typing or data-entry speed required for clerical jobs in government departments. It is qualifying in nature and does not affect merit.
- Data Entry Operator (DEO): Typing speed of 8,000 key depressions per hour.
- LDC/JSA/PA/SA: Typing speed of 35 words per minute (English) or 30 words per minute.
Important topic and Weightage
This section helps you focus on the most scoring areas, making preparation more efficient. Weightage-based study saves time and improves accuracy.
| Subject | High-Weightage Topics | Approx. Weightage |
| General Intelligence | Series, Coding-Decoding, Puzzles | 25% |
| General Awareness | Current Affairs, Polity, History | 25% |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Arithmetic, DI, Percentage | 30% |
| English | Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension | 20% |
Conclusion
The SSC CHSL syllabus 2025 is a golden opportunity for 10+2 qualified candidates seeking government jobs in India. With a proper understanding of the syllabus, exam pattern, and preparation strategy, you can crack both Tier I and Tier II with confidence. Stay consistent, focus on accuracy, and practice daily—your government career dream is within reach!