SSC CHSL syllabus and exam pattern (Tier 1 and Tier 2)
SSC CHSL recruits Lower Division Clerks, Junior Secretariat Assistants and Data Entry Operators through a computer-based Tier 1, a Tier 2 paper and a skill / typing test. This guide explains the pattern, the syllabus for each section, and how to plan your preparation.
SSC CHSL exam pattern at a glance
| Paper / stage | What it covers | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 (objective, computer-based) | Four sections — English Language, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness — with negative marking. Qualifying for Tier 2. | Objective paper | 60 minutes |
| Tier 2 (objective, computer-based) | Session I covers mathematical abilities, reasoning, English, general awareness and computer knowledge. Session II is the skill / typing test. | Merit paper + skill test | Session-wise |
Question counts, marks and negative marking can change between cycles. Confirm them from the latest official SSC CHSL notification at ssc.gov.in.
English Language
Grammar-driven questions: error spotting, sentence improvement, fill in the blanks, active-passive and direct-indirect speech.
Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms, idioms and phrases, one-word substitution and spelling correction.
Reading comprehension and cloze test. Daily reading plus a vocabulary notebook is the fastest way to lift this score.
General Intelligence (Reasoning)
Analogy, classification, series, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense and order ranking.
Non-verbal reasoning: mirror and water images, paper folding, embedded figures and figure counting.
Syllogism, Venn diagrams and matrix questions. Reasoning is the most time-efficient section — aim to finish it first.
Quantitative Aptitude
Arithmetic: percentage, profit and loss, ratio, averages, simple and compound interest, time and work, time-speed-distance.
Advanced: algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry and data interpretation — the CHSL level is below CGL but accuracy matters.
Learn squares, cubes and fraction-percentage tables to cut calculation time.
General Awareness, computer knowledge and the skill test
Static GK (history, polity, geography, economy, science) plus the last 6–8 months of current affairs.
Computer basics: hardware, software, MS Office, internet, email and cyber security.
Typing / data entry test: practise daily for speed and accuracy in English or Hindi as per the post you target.
SSC CHSL preparation checklist
- Confirm the number of questions, marks and negative marking from the latest official SSC CHSL notification
- Finish reasoning and English first in every mock to bank time
- Revise arithmetic formulae daily and attempt topic-wise quant tests
- Keep a monthly current-affairs note for general awareness
- Practise typing 15–20 minutes a day well before the skill test
Test yourself on the CHSL pattern
Attempt SSC CHSL mock tests on क्रांति with section-wise timing, topic-level accuracy and a rank against other aspirants.