SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026 – Complete Structure & Marking Scheme

The SSC CHSL 2026 exam pattern consists of two distinct tiers. Tier 1 is a Computer Based Examination (CBE) that determines merit, while Tier 2 is a qualifying skill test. Understanding this structure is essential because your entire rank depends solely on Tier 1 performance — Tier 2 only tests whether you possess the required typing or data entry skills for the post.

Tier 1 consists of 100 objective-type MCQs carrying 200 marks, to be completed in 60 minutes. The exam is divided into four sections: General Intelligence (25 questions, 50 marks), English Language (25 questions, 50 marks), Quantitative Aptitude (25 questions, 50 marks), and General Awareness (25 questions, 50 marks). There is negative marking of 0.50 marks for every incorrect answer. PwD candidates with certain disabilities receive 20 minutes of compensatory time.

The key difference from SSC CGL is that CHSL Tier 1 marks are final — there is no separate Tier 2 written examination. This means every single mark in Tier 1 matters for final post allocation. The normalisation formula is applied across different shifts to ensure fairness. Candidates should aim for maximum accuracy rather than attempting all 100 questions, as the negative marking penalty (0.50 per wrong answer) can significantly reduce scores.

Tier 2 is a qualifying skill test and varies by post. For LDC/JSA posts, the Typing Test requires candidates to type a passage at 35 words per minute in English or 30 words per minute in Hindi. The test duration is 10 minutes, and the passage is approximately 2000 key depressions. Candidates who opted for Hindi medium can take the Hindi typing test. For DEO posts, the Skill Test requires data entry speed of 8,000 key depressions per hour on a computer. The test duration is 15 minutes with numeric data entry. Candidates must clear this test — failure means disqualification regardless of Tier 1 score.

Strategic exam-day tips: (1) Start with your strongest section to build confidence and secure guaranteed marks; (2) Allocate 12–13 minutes per section as a rough guide, but adjust based on difficulty; (3) In Quantitative Aptitude, solve Arithmetic questions first (easier and less time-consuming) before attempting Geometry/Trigonometry; (4) In English, attempt vocabulary questions first as they take 20–30 seconds each, then move to comprehension; (5) For General Awareness, either you know the answer or you don't — don't spend more than 30 seconds per question; (6) Leave questions you're unsure about — the 0.50 negative marking makes random guessing unprofitable.

The selection process after Tier 1 is straightforward: candidates who clear the cut-off are called for Tier 2 typing/skill test, followed by document verification and medical examination. The final merit list is prepared based on Tier 1 normalised scores only. Post allocation follows the preference order given by candidates in their application form, subject to merit position and category-wise vacancies.

Tier 1 – Computer Based Examination

Tier 2 – Typing / Skill Test (Qualifying)