Exam pattern at a glance
SSC CHSL 2026 is a two-tier, computer-based exam. Tier 1 shortlists candidates for Tier 2; the final merit list is built only from Tier 2 Sections I and II.
Tier 1 exam pattern
Four parts, 25 questions each, all objective MCQ — 100 questions for 200 marks in 60 minutes, with a sectional timer of 15 minutes for each part. Tier 1 only shortlists you for Tier 2: you must clear the cut-off, but the marks don’t carry into the merit list (they are used only to break ties).
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time | Per question |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language (Basic Knowledge) | 25 | 50 | 15 min | 2 marks |
| General Intelligence | 25 | 50 | 15 min | 2 marks |
| Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill) | 25 | 50 | 15 min | 2 marks |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 15 min | 2 marks |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 60 min | −0.50 each wrong |
Tier 2 exam pattern
Tier 2 is the deciding stage. Every shortlisted candidate takes all four sections on the same day — Sections I–III in Session I and the typing / skill test in Session II — and must qualify each one. Minimum qualifying marks are 30% for UR, 25% for OBC / EWS and 20% for all other categories.
| Section | Applicable to | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section I (Maths + Reasoning) | All candidates | 60 | 180 | 1 h |
| Section II (English + General Awareness) | All candidates | 60 | 180 | 1 h |
| Section III (Computer Knowledge) | All candidates (qualifying) | 15 | 45 | 15 min |
| Section IV (Skill / Typing Test) | DEO: skill test · LDC / JSA: typing test | — | Qualifying | 15 min / 10 min |
Tier 2 Session I — module breakdown
Session I runs for 2 hours 15 minutes and each section closes automatically when its time is up; Session II is the typing / skill test. Each scored question carries 3 marks.
| Section / Module | Questions | Marks | Time | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 30 min | Scored |
| Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 30 min | Scored |
| English Language & Comprehension | 40 | 120 | 40 min | Scored |
| General Awareness | 20 | 60 | 20 min | Scored |
| Computer Knowledge Test | 15 | 45 | 15 min | Qualifying |
| Skill / Typing Test (Session II) | 1 passage | — | 10–15 min | Qualifying |
| Merit total (Sections I + II) | 120 | 360 | 2 h | Merit |
Tier 2 typing test & skill test
Which test you take depends on the post. Both are qualifying — you must pass, but the result doesn’t add to your merit score.
Skill Test · Data Entry Operator
Mandatory for every DEO / DEO Grade ‘A’ candidate — no exemption. You type an English passage on the computer; speed is judged on correct key depressions. The higher speed applies to DEO posts in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, the SSC and the Ministry of Culture.
Typing Test · LDC / JSA
Typed on a computer in the medium you chose in the application form (Hindi or English) — it can’t be changed later. Hindi typing must be done in Mangal font.
Negative marking, stage by stage
The penalty for a wrong answer differs between the tiers — know it before you decide which questions to attempt. Only wrong answers are penalised; unattempted questions cost nothing.
| Exam stage | Penalty per wrong answer |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 (all four parts) | −0.50 |
| Tier 2 Section I — Maths & Reasoning | −1 |
| Tier 2 Section II — English & General Awareness | −1 |
| Tier 2 Section III — Computer Knowledge (qualifying) | −1 |
| Tier 2 Section IV — Typing / skill test | No MCQs — judged on speed & errors |
Tier 1 marks only shortlist you — they are not added to the final merit (they are used only as a tie-breaker). Your rank is built from Tier 2 Sections I and II, out of 360 marks.
Crack SSC CHSL with your own daily plan
Daily targets, PYQ practice sets & timed mocks — to the latest CHSL pattern.
Rehearse the exact exam pattern
Knowing the pattern is step one. JobSafal lets you sit it — the same sections, sectional timers and interface, so exam day feels familiar.
Sectional-timer mocks
Full Tier 1 & Tier 2 mocks with sectional timers, in the real CBT interface.
Negative-marking analysis
See how your accuracy vs attempts affects your net score, question by question.
Section-wise practice
Drill one section at a time to fix the weak links the pattern exposes.
Rank comparison
Benchmark every mock against other aspirants to know where you stand.
