SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern: Tier 1 and Tier 2 Marks, Negative Marking and Topic-Wise Syllabus
Complete SSC CHSL 2026 syllabus and exam pattern for Tier 1 and Tier 2 – sections, marks, time, negative marking, skill and typing test, plus topic-wise syllabus for Quant, Reasoning, English and General Awareness. Applications are open till 7 October 2026.
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SSC CHSL 2026: Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) released the Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) Examination 2026 notification on 7 September 2026 for about 2,536 vacancies (tentative) of Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO) and DEO Grade 'A'. Online applications are open until 7 October 2026.
The exam has two tiers. Tier 1 is a screening test, and the final merit is based on Tier 2. Here is the full syllabus and exam pattern.
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting body | Staff Selection Commission |
| Posts | LDC, JSA, DEO, DEO Grade 'A' |
| Vacancies | 2,536 (tentative) |
| Last date to apply | 7 October 2026 (fee till 8 October) |
| Correction window | 14 – 16 October 2026 |
| Tier 1 exam | Expected December 2026 / January 2027 |
| Official website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC CHSL Tier 1 Exam Pattern
100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes (80 minutes for eligible PwBD candidates with scribe). Each correct answer gets 2 marks and 0.50 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English Language (Basic Knowledge) | 25 | 50 |
| General Intelligence | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill) | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam Pattern
Each question carries 3 marks, and 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer in Session I.
| Session / Section | Module | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session I – Section I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 |
| Session I – Section I | Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 |
| Session I – Section II | English Language and Comprehension | 40 | 120 |
| Session I – Section II | General Awareness | 20 | 60 |
| Session I – Section III | Computer Knowledge (qualifying) | 15 | 45 |
| Session II | Skill Test (DEO) / Typing Test (LDC/JSA) – qualifying | – | 15 minutes |
Sections I and II carry 180 marks each and count towards the merit. The Computer Knowledge module, Skill Test and Typing Test are qualifying only.
Skill Test and Typing Test
DEO: Data entry speed of 8,000 key depressions per hour on computer (15,000 per hour for DEO in the Comptroller and Auditor General's office).
LDC/JSA: Typing speed of 35 words per minute in English or 30 words per minute in Hindi.
SSC CHSL Topic-Wise Syllabus
Quantitative Aptitude: Number system, percentage, ratio and proportion, average, simple and compound interest, profit and loss, discount, time and work, time and distance, mensuration, algebra, geometry, trigonometry and data interpretation.
General Intelligence / Reasoning: Analogy, classification, series, coding-decoding, puzzles, blood relations, direction sense, Venn diagrams, syllogism and non-verbal reasoning (mirror/water images, paper folding, embedded figures).
English Language: Reading comprehension, error spotting, fill in the blanks, synonyms and antonyms, spelling, idioms and phrases, one-word substitution, sentence improvement, active and passive voice, and direct and indirect speech.
General Awareness: History, geography, Indian polity, economy, general science, static GK and current affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is there negative marking in SSC CHSL Tier 1?
Yes, 0.50 marks for each wrong answer.
Q2. How many marks is Tier 1?
200 marks – 100 questions in 60 minutes.
Q3. Are Tier 1 marks counted in the final merit?
No. Tier 1 is for screening; the final merit is based on Tier 2.
Q4. What is the last date to apply for SSC CHSL 2026?
7 October 2026.
Conclusion
Complete your SSC CHSL 2026 application before 7 October, then build a study plan around the Tier 1 syllabus while practising typing daily for the skill test. Always check the official notification on ssc.gov.in for the final scheme of exam.