Are you gearing up for the SSC CHSL Exam 2026? As one of India’s most popular government job exams, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) recruitment opens doors to stable careers in posts like Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO), and Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant (PA/SA). With the official notification expected in May 2026, understanding the SSC CHSL exam pattern 2026 is your first step toward cracking it.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the SSC CHSL 2026 exam pattern for Tier 1 and Tier 2, including the marking scheme, syllabus highlights, and expert preparation strategies. Whether you’re a fresher or a repeater, this SEO-optimized post will help you optimize your study plan and boost your chances of selection. Let’s dive in!
What is the SSC CHSL Exam 2026?
The SSC CHSL 2026 is a national-level competitive exam conducted annually by the SSC to recruit candidates for Group C posts in various ministries, departments, and offices of the Government of India. It’s designed for 12th-pass candidates aged 18-27 years (with relaxations for reserved categories).
Key highlights for SSC CHSL 2026:
- Notification Release: Expected in May 2026.
- Application Window: June-July 2026.
- Tier 1 Exam Date: Tentatively October-November 2026.
- Tier 2 Exam Date: February-March 2027.
- Vacancies: Around 3,000-5,000 (based on previous trends; exact numbers in notification).
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT) for both tiers, followed by skill/typing test.
The exam tests your aptitude in reasoning, quantitative skills, English, and general awareness, making it accessible yet competitive. Now, let’s explore the detailed SSC CHSL exam pattern 2026.
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
The SSC CHSL 2026 follows a two-tier structure (no descriptive paper or interview). Tier 1 is qualifying, while Tier 2 determines the final merit. Both are objective MCQ-based, with negative marking to discourage guesswork.
| Stage | Mode | Duration | Total Questions | Total Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Online (CBT) | 60 minutes | 100 | 200 | 0.50 marks per wrong answer |
| Tier 2 | Online (CBT) – Two Sessions | Session 1: 1 hour Session 2: 15 minutes (typing/skill) | 135 (MCQs) + Typing Test | 405 | 1 mark per wrong answer (Sections 1, 2, 3) |
Qualifying Tier 1 is mandatory to appear for Tier 2. Final selection is based on Tier 2 performance, plus document verification.
Detailed SSC CHSL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026
Tier 1 is the screening stage, focusing on speed and accuracy. It’s divided into four sections, each with 25 questions worth 50 marks. The exam is bilingual (English/Hindi), except for the English section.
SSC CHSL Tier 1 Marking Scheme & Section-Wise Breakdown
| Section | Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General Intelligence (Reasoning) | 25 | 50 | Analogies, series, coding-decoding, blood relations, non-verbal reasoning |
| 2 | Quantitative Aptitude (Maths) | 25 | 50 | Number systems, percentages, ratio & proportion, algebra, geometry, data interpretation |
| 3 | English Language | 25 | 50 | Reading comprehension, grammar (error spotting, fill in blanks), vocabulary (synonyms/antonyms), idioms |
| 4 | General Awareness | 25 | 50 | Current affairs, history, geography, polity, economy, science, static GK |
- Total Time: 60 minutes (80 minutes for PwD candidates).
- Question Type: Objective MCQs (4 options each).
- Qualifying Marks: UR: 30%, OBC: 25%, SC/ST: 20% (subject to normalization).
- Tip: No sectional cut-off, but aim for 120-140 marks to qualify comfortably.
The Tier 1 pattern emphasizes balanced preparation across sections. Focus on weak areas early, as it’s computer-adaptive in timing.
SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026: Revised Structure
Tier 2 is more comprehensive, conducted in two sessions on the same day. It’s skill-oriented, including MCQs and a computer proficiency/typing test. Candidates must qualify all sections.
Session 1: Objective MCQs (Qualifying Nature)
This session has three sections with two modules each. It’s compulsory and scored, but marks are used for normalization.
| Section | Modules | Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Module 1: Mathematical Abilities Module 2: Reasoning & General Intelligence | Maths & Reasoning | 30 (Maths) + 30 (Reasoning) | 180 | 1 hour (total for Session 1) |
| Section 2 | Module 1: English & Comprehension Module 2: General Awareness | English & GK | 40 (English) + 20 (GK) | 180 | – |
| Section 3 | Module 1: Computer Knowledge | Computer Basics | 15 | 45 | – |
| Total | – | – | 135 | 405 | 1 hour |
- Negative Marking: 1 mark deduction for wrong answers in Sections 1, 2, and 3.
- Language: Bilingual (English/Hindi), except English module.
Session 2: Skill Test/Typing Test (Qualifying)
- Typing Test: For LDC/JSA/PA/SA posts – 35 wpm (English) or 30 wpm (Hindi) on a computer.
- Skill Test: For DEO posts – Data entry speed of 8,000 key depressions per hour.
- Duration: 15 minutes.
- Note: No marks; only qualifying.
Tier 2 tests deeper knowledge and practical skills. Expect questions at a slightly higher difficulty than Tier 1.
Syllabus Highlights for SSC CHSL 2026
While the full syllabus is vast, here’s a quick overview aligned with the exam pattern:
- Reasoning: Syllogism, puzzles, spatial visualization.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Simplification, profit & loss, trigonometry, mensuration.
- English: Cloze test, sentence improvement, para jumbles.
- General Awareness: Books/authors, sports, environment, recent events (last 6-12 months).
- Computer Proficiency (Tier 2): MS Office, internet basics, keyboard shortcuts.
Download the official SSC CHSL Syllabus PDF from ssc.gov.in once released for topic-wise weightage.
Marking Scheme & Negative Marking in SSC CHSL 2026
- Tier 1: +2 marks per correct answer; -0.50 for incorrect.
- Tier 2: +3 marks per correct MCQ; -1 for incorrect (in qualifying sections).
- Unattempted Questions: No penalty.
- Normalization: Applied for multi-shift exams to ensure fairness.
Pro Tip: Accuracy over attempts – guess only if you’re 75% sure!
Preparation Tips to Crack SSC CHSL Exam 2026
- Understand the Pattern First: Solve 5-10 previous year papers to internalize the format.
- Daily Study Plan: Dedicate 2 hours each to Quant, Reasoning, English, and GK. Revise weekly.
- Mock Tests: Take full-length mocks bi-weekly; analyze errors to improve speed (aim for 1 minute per question in Tier 1).
- Resources: Use books like RS Aggarwal (Quant/Reasoning), Wren & Martin (English), Lucent GK. Apps like Adda247 or Testbook for quizzes.
- Current Affairs: Read newspapers daily; focus on national/international events from June 2025 onward.
- Time Management: Practice sectional timing – e.g., 15 minutes per section in Tier 1.
- Health & Strategy: Sleep 7-8 hours, revise formulas/GK facts. Track progress with a journal.
With consistent effort, scoring 150+ in Tier 1 and 300+ in Tier 2 is achievable.
FAQs on SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026
Is there negative marking in SSC CHSL 2026?
Yes, 0.50 marks in Tier 1 and 1 mark in Tier 2 for wrong answers.
How many stages are in SSC CHSL 2026?
Two tiers (CBT) + skill/typing test.
What is the difficulty level of SSC CHSL Tier 2?
Moderate to high; includes advanced math and computer modules.
When will SSC CHSL 2026 Tier 1 results be out?
Tentatively December 2026.
Conclusion: Start Your SSC CHSL 2026 Journey Today!
Mastering the SSC CHSL exam pattern 2026 is key to turning your government job dreams into reality. With early preparation, smart strategies, and regular practice, you’ll be well-equipped to ace both tiers. Bookmark this post, download the syllabus PDF when available, and join online communities for updates.
The post SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026: Complete Guide to Tier 1, Tier 2, Marking Scheme & Preparation Tips appeared first on THE PSC Notes Sarkari Naukri.