SSC CHSL Exam Pattern
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026 (Tier-1 & Tier-2 New Pattern)
Check SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026 including Tier-1 and Tier-2 structure, marking scheme, negative marking, subjects, number of questions and time duration. Complete SSC CHSL paper pattern guide.
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026: Tier 1 and Tier 2 Marking Scheme, Time and Selection Process
Last Updated: 7 September 2026
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026: Quick Answer
SSC CHSL 2026 has two computer-based tiers. Tier 1 contains 100 questions for 200 marks from English, Reasoning, Maths and General Awareness, with a separate 15-minute timer for every subject. Tier 2 includes Maths, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, and a qualifying Typing Test or Skill Test. Final merit is prepared from Tier 2 Section-I and Section-II marks only.
Download SSC CHSL 2026 Official Notification PDF
The Staff Selection Commission conducts SSC CHSL in two stages for recruitment to LDC, JSA, DEO and DEO Grade ‘A’ posts. Understanding the latest exam pattern is essential because the Tier-I sectional timer and Tier-II qualifying modules directly affect preparation strategy.
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
Particular | Details |
|---|---|
Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission |
Examination Name | Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 |
Selection Stages | Tier 1 and Tier 2 |
Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test |
Tier 1 Nature | Objective multiple-choice questions |
Tier 2 Nature | Objective CBT + Computer Knowledge + Typing/Skill Test |
Tier 1 Total Marks | 200 |
Tier 2 Merit Marks | 360 marks |
Tier 1 Negative Marking | 0.50 marks per wrong answer |
Tier 2 Negative Marking | 1 mark per wrong answer in Sections I, II and III |
Final Merit | Tier 2 Section-I and Section-II |
Official Website |
Related Links:
SSC CHSL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026
SSC CHSL Tier 1 is the first computer-based examination. It has four subjects, and each subject has a separate 15-minute timer.
Part | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
I | English Language | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
II | General Intelligence | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
III | Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
IV | General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
Total | — | 100 | 200 | 60 minutes |
SSC CHSL Tier 1 Marking Scheme
Response | Marks |
|---|---|
Correct Answer | +2 marks |
Incorrect Answer | -0.50 marks |
Unattempted Question | 0 marks |
Important Tier 1 Rules
- Tier 1 contains objective-type, multiple-choice questions only.
- Every section is allotted exactly 15 minutes.
- Candidates cannot use unused time from one subject in another subject.
- English Language questions are in English.
- General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness questions are available in English, Hindi and the language opted by the candidate in the application, where applicable.
- Eligible scribe candidates receive 80 minutes, with 20 minutes for each section.
- Tier 1 marks are used for shortlisting candidates for Tier 2.
Why the Tier 1 Sectional Timer Is Important
The 15-minute sectional timer is one of the most important parts of the SSC CHSL pattern. A candidate cannot spend extra time on Maths or English, even if the remaining sections are completed early.
Subject | Best Preparation Focus |
|---|---|
English | Grammar rules, vocabulary, error detection and reading comprehension |
Reasoning | Quick pattern recognition, series, coding and analogy |
Maths | Calculation speed, arithmetic concepts and shortcut accuracy |
General Awareness | Fast recall of static GK, science and current affairs |
Candidates should take sectional tests of exactly 15 minutes from the start of preparation.
SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026
SSC CHSL Tier 2 is conducted in two sessions on the same day. It includes objective tests as well as qualifying Computer Knowledge and Typing/Skill Test modules.
SSC CHSL Tier 2 Session-I Exam Pattern
Section | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Section-I Part A | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 30 minutes |
Section-I Part B | Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 30 minutes |
Section-II Part A | English Language and Comprehension | 40 | 120 | 40 minutes |
Section-II Part B | General Awareness | 20 | 60 | 20 minutes |
Section-III | Computer Knowledge Test | 15 | 45 | 15 minutes |
Total Session-I | — | 135 | 405 | 2 hours 15 minutes |
Tier 2 Section-I
Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Merit Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 30 minutes | Counts in final merit |
Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 30 minutes | Counts in final merit |
Total | 60 | 180 | 60 minutes | Counts in final merit |
Tier 2 Section-II
Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Merit Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
English Language and Comprehension | 40 | 120 | 40 minutes | Counts in final merit |
General Awareness | 20 | 60 | 20 minutes | Counts in final merit |
Total | 60 | 180 | 60 minutes | Counts in final merit |
Tier 2 Section-III: Computer Knowledge Test
Subject | Questions | Marks | Time | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Computer Knowledge Test | 15 | 45 | 15 minutes | Mandatory and qualifying |
The Computer Knowledge Test is mandatory, but its marks are not added to final merit. Candidates must qualify it according to SSC standards.
SSC CHSL Tier 2 Session-II: Typing Test / Skill Test
Tier-II Session-II is conducted after Session-I on the same day.
Post | Test | Required Standard | Duration | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
LDC/JSA | English Typing Test | 35 words per minute | 10 minutes | Qualifying |
LDC/JSA | Hindi Typing Test | 30 words per minute | 10 minutes | Qualifying |
DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ in specified departments | Data Entry Skill Test | 15,000 key depressions per hour | 15 minutes | Qualifying |
Other DEO/DEO Grade ‘A’ posts | Data Entry Skill Test | 8,000 key depressions per hour | 15 minutes | Qualifying |
Important Typing and Skill Test Rules
- The Typing Test medium selected in the online application form is final.
- Candidates opting for Hindi typing must use Mangal font.
- Typing Test is accuracy-based, not merely speed-based.
- DEO Skill Test is mandatory for every DEO candidate.
- The Typing Test or Skill Test is qualifying, but candidates cannot be selected without qualifying it.
Related Links:
- SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026: Tier 1 and Tier 2
- SSC CHSL Eligibility Criteria 2026
- SSC CHSL Preparation Strategy
SSC CHSL Tier 2 Marking Scheme 2026
Section | Correct Answer | Wrong Answer | Unattempted |
|---|---|---|---|
Section-I | +3 marks | -1 mark | 0 marks |
Section-II | +3 marks | -1 mark | 0 marks |
Section-III | +3 marks | -1 mark | 0 marks |
Section-IV | Qualifying Test | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Candidates should avoid blind guessing in Tier 2 because one incorrect answer removes one full mark.
SSC CHSL Final Merit Calculation 2026
Stage / Section | Role in Selection |
|---|---|
Tier 1 | Shortlisting for Tier 2 |
Tier 2 Section-I | Included in final merit |
Tier 2 Section-II | Included in final merit |
Tier 2 Section-III: Computer Knowledge | Mandatory qualifying |
Tier 2 Section-IV: Typing/Skill Test | Mandatory qualifying |
Document Verification | Mandatory for final appointment |
The final merit list is prepared from the aggregate marks of Tier 2 Section-I and Section-II, which is a total of 360 marks.
SSC CHSL Minimum Qualifying Marks
Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
UR | 30% |
OBC/EWS | 25% |
All Other Categories | 20% |
These are only minimum qualifying marks. The actual cut-off can be significantly higher and varies by category, post, number of vacancies, normalization and examination difficulty.
Related Links:
SSC CHSL Tier 1 vs Tier 2 Exam Pattern
Feature | Tier 1 | Tier 2 |
|---|---|---|
Mode | Computer-Based Test | Computer-Based Test |
Total Questions | 100 | 135 objective questions + Typing/Skill Test |
Total Marks | 200 | 405 objective marks; 360 merit marks |
Duration | 60 minutes | 2 hours 15 minutes + Session-II |
Subject-Wise Timer | 15 minutes each | Yes, section-wise |
Negative Marking | 0.50 marks | 1 mark in objective sections |
Computer Knowledge | Not included | Mandatory qualifying |
Typing / Skill Test | Not included | Mandatory qualifying, post-wise |
Role | Shortlisting | Final merit and qualifying stages |
Conclusion
The SSC CHSL 2026 exam pattern requires candidates to prepare for Tier 1 and Tier 2 together. Tier 1 sectional timing demands speed in all four subjects, while Tier 2 determines final merit and also requires candidates to qualify Computer Knowledge and Typing/Skill Test. Aspirants should practise timed mock tests, avoid negative-marking errors and start typing or data-entry practice from the beginning.