The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the CHSL exam annually to recruit qualified candidates for the positions of Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Data Entry Operator (DEO), and Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant (PA/SA). Understanding the SSC CHSL Exam Pattern is important for a focused preparation strategy.
Although the next SSC CHSL exam schedule has not been declared, the candidates who intend to take it should begin preparing as soon as possible. This article contains details for the SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2025, the syllabus, and the marking scheme. The SSC CHSL Exam Pattern is divided into three stages, which are discussed below.
Understanding the exam pattern provides insights into the types of questions, section-wise weightage, marking scheme, and more. This knowledge enables candidates to develop an effective preparation strategy. A summary of the SSC CHSL Exam Pattern is provided below.
| Tier | Type | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Tier – I | Objective Multiple Choice | Online Computer-Based |
| Tier – II | Objective Multiple Choice + Skill Test & Typing Test Tier-II Includes three sections with two modules each | Online Computer-Based |
The SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam is an online multiple-choice test conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to recruit candidates for the positions of Lower Division Clerk (LDC) and Data Entry Operator (DEO). As per the SSC CHSL exam pattern, the total marks for Tier 1 are 200. The table below provides a detailed overview of the exam pattern.
The selection process for Tier 1 includes the following key points:
| Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 25 | 50 | 60 Mins (80 Mins for VH/OH & Cerebral Palsy) |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| General Knowledge | 25 | 50 | |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
In the SSC CHSL exam pattern for Tier 1, multiple-choice questions include negative marking for incorrect answers. Each Tier 1 paper consists of 25 questions, with each correct answer carrying 2 marks. However, 0.50 marks will be deducted for every wrong response. The SSC CHSL total marks for Tier 1 is 200.
| Types of Questions in the SSC CHSL Tier 1 Exam | Correct answers | Incorrect answers |
|---|---|---|
| MCQs | +2 | -0.50 |
The Tier-II exam will be conducted in two sessions—Session I and Session II—on the same day. Session I will cover Section I, Section II, and Module I of Section III, while Session II will include Module II of Section III.
As per the SSC CHSL paper pattern, candidates must qualify in all sections of Tier II. The exam will feature objective-type multiple-choice questions, except for Module II of Section III. The questions will be available in both English and Hindi, except for the English Language and Comprehension module in Section II, which will be in English only.
A penalty of 1 mark will be applied for each incorrect answer in Section I, Section II, and Module I of Section III. The Computer Knowledge Test (Module I of Section III) is mandatory but qualifying in nature. The Skill Test/Typing Test will also be qualifying in nature.
| Paper | Session | Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| II | Session I (2 hours and 15 minutes) | ||||
| Section I | Module I: Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 60 × 3 = 180 | 1 hour (per section) | |
| Module II: Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | ||||
| Section II | Module I: English Language and Comprehension | 40 | 60 × 3 = 180 | ||
| Module II: General Awareness | 20 | ||||
| Section III | Module I: Computer Knowledge Test | 15 | 15 × 3 = 45 | 15 minutes | |
| Session II | |||||
| Section III | Module II: Skill Test/Typing Test | – | – | – | |
| Part A: Skill Test for DEOs | – | – | 15 minutes (20 minutes for candidates eligible for scribe) | ||
| Part B: Typing Test for LDC/JSA | – | – | 10 minutes (15 minutes for candidates eligible for scribe) |
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern PDF: DOWNLOAD HERE
For the 2025 cycle, the SSC CHSL Exam Pattern has undergone minor updates:
Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the SSC CHSL syllabus for 2025, divided into two tiers. For the latest updates, candidates can refer to the official website of the Staff Selection Commission (SSC).
The SSC CHSL exam syllabus covers subjects like General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and General Awareness. Candidates should thoroughly review the syllabus to prepare effectively for each tier of the exam.
The SSC CHSL exam syllabus for English includes a range of topics designed to evaluate candidates’ language proficiency. The key topics covered in this section are listed in the table below.
| Topics | Topics |
|---|---|
| Spotting Errors | Cloze Passage |
| Fill in the Blanks | Comprehension Passage |
| Synonyms & Antonyms | One-Word Substitution |
| Homonyms | Sentence Improvement |
| Spellings/Identifying Misspelled Words | Active/Passive Voice of Verbs |
| Idioms & Phrases | Conversion of Direct/Indirect Speech |
| Sentence Arrangement | Sentence Rearrangement in a Passage |
The SSC CHSL exam syllabus for General Intelligence evaluates candidates’ logical reasoning and problem-solving abilities. The main topics covered in this section are outlined in the table below.
| Topics | Topics |
|---|---|
| Semantic Analogy | Drawing Inferences, Semantic Series |
| Symbolic Operations | Coding and Decoding, Numerical Operations |
| Symbolic/Number Analogy | Symbolic/Number Classification |
| Trends | Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving |
| Figural Analogy | Figural Pattern Folding and Completion |
| Spatial Visualization | Embedded Figures |
| Orientation | Semantic Classification |
| Venn Diagrams | Drawing Inferences |
| Symbolic/Number Classification | Punched Hole/Pattern Folding & Unfolding |
| Figural Classification | Figural Pattern Folding and Completion |
| Semantic Series | Social Intelligence |
| Decision Making | Embedded Figures |
| Figural Series | Critical Thinking |
| Problem-Solving | Emotional Intelligence |
| Coding and Decoding | Numerical Operations |
The SSC CHSL exam syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude assesses candidates’ mathematical proficiency across various topics. The syllabus is divided into different units, as detailed in the table below.
| Unit | Topics |
|---|---|
| Number System | Computation of Whole Numbers, Natural Numbers, Decimals and Fractions, Relationship Between Numbers, Rational & Irrational Numbers, Odd & Even Numbers |
| Fundamental Arithmetic Operations | Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Square Roots, Averages, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Discount, Partnership Business, Mixture and Allegation, Time and Distance, Time and Work, LCM & HCF |
| Algebra | Basic Algebraic Identities, Elementary Surds (Simple Problems), Graphs of Linear Equations |
| Geometry | Basic Geometric Figures and Concepts, Triangle and Its Various Centers, Congruence and Similarity of Triangles, Circle and Its Chords, Tangents, Angles Subtended by Chords, Common Tangents to Multiple Circles |
| Mensuration | Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Regular Polygons, Circle, Right Prism, Right Circular Cone, Right Circular Cylinder, Sphere, Hemispheres, Rectangular Parallelepiped, Regular Right Pyramid with Triangular or Square Base |
| Trigonometry | Trigonometric Ratios, Complementary Angles, Heights and Distances (Basic Problems), Standard Trigonometric Identities |
| Data Interpretation | Use of Tables and Graphs, Histogram, Frequency Polygon, Bar Diagram, Pie Chart |
The SSC CHSL exam syllabus for General Awareness evaluates candidates’ knowledge of current events, history, science, and other important topics. The key subjects covered in this section are outlined in the table below.
| Topics | Topics |
|---|---|
| General Science | Indian History |
| Environmental Awareness | Agriculture & Indian Economy |
| Current Affairs | Indian & World Geography |
| Indian Polity | Government Schemes & Policies |
| Sports & Sportspersons | Awards & Honours |
| Books & Authors | Important Days & Events |
This table provides a comprehensive overview of the SSC CHSL Tier-I syllabus.
The SSC CHSL Exam pattern Tier 2 has three sections, each containing two modules.
Tier 2 will take place in two sessions, Session 1 & Session 2, on the same day.
Section-1:
Section 2:
Section 3:
| Subject | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Number Systems | Computation of Whole Number Decimal and Fractions Relationship between Numbers |
| Fundamental Arithmetical Operations | Percentages Ratio and Proportion Square Roots Averages Interest (Simple and Compound) Profit and Loss Discount Partnership Business Mixture and Allegation Time and Distance Time and Work |
| Algebra | Basic Algebraic Identities of School Algebra Elementary Surds (Simple Problems) Graphs of Linear Equations |
| Geometry | Familiarity with Elementary Geometric Figures and Facts Triangle and Its Various Kinds of Centers Congruence and Similarity of Triangles Circle and Its Chords Tangents, Angles Subtended by Chords of a Circle Common Tangents to Two or More Circles |
| Mensuration | Triangle Quadrilaterals Regular Polygons Circle Right Prism Right Circular Cone Right Circular Cylinder Sphere Hemispheres Rectangular Parallelepiped Regular Right Pyramid with Triangular or Square Base |
| Trigonometry | Trigonometric Ratios Complementary Angles Height and Distances (Simple Problems Only) Standard Identities like sin²θ + cos²θ = 1 |
| Statistics and Probability | Use of Tables and Graphs: Histogram, Frequency Polygon Bar-Diagram, Pie-Chart Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation Calculation of Simple Probabilities |
| Subject | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Reasoning and General Intelligence | Questions of Both Verbal and Non-Verbal Type Semantic Analogy, Symbolic Operations Symbolic/Number Analogy Trends, Figural Analogy Space Orientation Semantic Classification Venn Diagrams Symbolic/Number Classification Drawing Inferences Figural Classification Punched Hole/Pattern-Folding & Unfolding Semantic Series, Figural Pattern-Folding and Completion Number Series, Embedded Figures Figural Series, Critical Thinking Problem Solving, Emotional Intelligence Word Building, Social Intelligence Coding and Decoding, Numerical Operations Other Sub-Topics |
| Subject | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| English Language and Comprehension | Vocabulary, Grammar, Sentence Structure Synonyms, Antonyms, and Their Correct Usage Spot the Error, Fill in the Blanks Synonyms/Homonyms, Antonyms Spellings/Detecting Misspelt Words Idioms & Phrases One Word Substitution Improvement of Sentences Active/Passive Voice of Verbs Conversion into Direct/Indirect Narration Shuffling of Sentence Parts Shuffling of Sentences in a Passage Cloze Passage, Comprehension Passage Comprehension Based on Given Paragraphs One Paragraph from a Book or Story One Paragraph from Current Affairs or Report |
| Subject | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| General Awareness | General Awareness of Environment and Its Application Knowledge of Current Events Everyday Observation and Experience in Scientific Aspect India and Its Neighboring Countries History, Culture, Geography Economic Scene, General Policy Scientific Research |
| Subject | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Computer Basics | Organization of a Computer Central Processing Unit (CPU) Input/Output Devices, Computer Memory Memory Organization, Back-Up Devices PORTs, Windows Explorer Keyboard Shortcuts |
| Software | Windows Operating System Basics of Microsoft Office (MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint) |
| Networking Devices and Protocols Network and Information Security Threats (Hacking, Virus, Worms, Trojans, etc.) Preventive Measures | Web Browsing & Searching Downloading & Uploading Managing an E-mail Account, E-Banking |
| Basics of Networking and Cyber Security | Networking Devices and Protocols Network and Information Security Threats (Hacking, Viruses, Worms, Trojans, etc.) Preventive Measures |
This table provides a comprehensive overview of the SSC CHSL Tier-II syllabus.
SSC CHSL Syllabus PDF Free Download: CLICK HERE
Understanding the SSC CHSL Exam Pattern is only the first step. Here are some preparation tips to help you succeed:
The SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2025 provides a clear framework for candidates to prepare effectively for the exam. By understanding the structure and requirements of each tier, candidates can optimize their preparation strategies and improve their chances of success. Whether it’s mastering the subjects in Tier 1 or honing writing and typing skills for Tier 2, following the exam pattern is key to cracking the SSC CHSL 2025.
Start your preparation today and stay ahead of the competition! Bookmark this article for quick updates and essential tips on the SSC CHSL Exam Pattern.
Ans. The SSC CHSL exam has two tiers: Tier 1 is an online objective test with 4 sections (General Intelligence, English, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness), each with 50 questions (50 marks each), lasting 60 minutes. Tier 2 is a 60-minute online descriptive test (Essay & Letter Writing, 50 marks each).
Ans. The SSC CHSL salary for an LDC/DEO, the salary ranges from ₹19,900 to ₹63,200 (Level 2), while for other posts like Postal Assistants, the salary ranges from ₹25,500 to ₹81,100 (Level 4). Additional allowances are also provided.
Ans. SSC CHSL exam is usually not very tough. The difficulty level of the SSC CHSL exam is usually easy to moderate. However, the competition for the exam is tough, which makes it is a bit tough to crack. Candidates with good exam preparation can attempt the questions in the exam easily.
Ans. Yes, SSC CHSL is a good job offering stability, a decent salary, and government benefits. It provides opportunities for career growth, job security, and work-life balance. However, the workload and competition can be challenging, but many find it rewarding in the long run.
Ans. Yes, the SSC CHSL Exam pattern Tier 1 is qualifying in nature. It serves as a screening test, and candidates need to secure the minimum cutoff marks to move on to Tier 2. However, the scores from Tier 1 are not counted in the final selection; only the marks from Tier 2 and Tier 3 are considered.
Ans. In Tier II, the candidates must qualify for all the sections. The minimum qualifying marks of SSC CHSL Tier-I and Section-I, Section-II & Module-I of Section-III of Tier-II Examination for UR is 30%, OBC/EWS is 25%, and for other categories is 20%
Related Content
The SSC CHSL 2025 Notification is scheduled to be released on 27th May 2025, with the application deadline set for 25th June 2025.
The Tier I examination is expected to take place between July and August 2025.
The SSC CHSL exam is conducted to recruit candidates for Central Government positions, including Postal Assistant, Lower Divisional Clerk, Court Clerk, Sorting Assistant, and Data Entry Operator.
The selection process comprises a Computer-Based Test (Tier I & Tier II).
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.