SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026, Tier Wise Topics & Exam Pattern

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Table of Contents

The SSC CHSL 2026 syllabus is divided into two tiers covering English, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness.

Tier 1 is objective in nature, while Tier 2 includes sections on mathematical abilities, reasoning, English, general awareness, and computer knowledge.

Important topics include algebra, geometry, data interpretation, verbal reasoning, Indian history, geography, and grammar, helping candidates prepare in a structured and focused way.

Quick Overview: SSC CHSL Exam at a Glance

Detail	Information
Exam Name	SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level)
Conducting Body	Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
Posts	LDC, JSA, DEO, PA, SA
Eligibility	10+2 (Higher Secondary) pass
Total Tiers	2 Tiers (Tier 1 and Tier 2)
Exam Mode	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Language	Hindi and English
Official Website	ssc.gov.in

SSC CHSL Exam Structure

The SSC CHSL exam and syllabus is divided into two stages. Each stage tests a different skill set, so you need a different preparation strategy for each one.

Tier 1 - Computer-Based Test (CBT): This is the first stage. It has 100 multiple-choice questions across four subjects. The marks you score here count toward your final merit list.
Tier 2 - CBT + Skill/Typing Test: This is the second and final stage. It is split into two sessions held on the same day. Session I is a computer-based test. Session II is a skill test or typing test depending on the post you applied for.

There is no interview or descriptive paper in the current SSC CHSL exam pattern. That makes it one of the more straightforward government exams to crack if you follow the syllabus properly.

SSC CHSL Tier 1 Syllabus 2025 - Detailed Breakdown

The SSC CHSL Tier 1 syllabus is designed at the Class 10 difficulty level. It tests your basic reasoning, maths, English, and general knowledge. Here is the exam pattern for Tier 1.

Tier 1 Exam Pattern

Subject	No. of Questions	Maximum Marks	Duration
General Intelligence & Reasoning	25	50
General Awareness	25	50
Quantitative Aptitude	25	50
English Language	25	50
Total	100	200	60 Minutes

Note: There is a negative marking of -0.50 for every wrong answer in Tier 1. Do not guess randomly.

1. General Intelligence & Reasoning

This section tests how quickly and logically you can think. Both verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions appear here. The SSC CHSL reasoning syllabus includes the following topics:

Analogies (verbal and non-verbal)
Similarities and differences
Coding and decoding
Number and letter series
Odd one out / classification
Blood relations
Directions and distances
Syllogism and Venn diagrams
Statements and conclusions / arguments
Mirror and water images
Paper folding and cutting
Cube and dice problems
Clocks and calendars
Embedded and hidden figures
Data sufficiency and logical puzzles

2. General Awareness

The SSC CHSL general awareness syllabus covers both current affairs and static GK. You need to read newspapers regularly and also revise topics like History, Polity, and Science. Key topics include:

Current affairs - national and international (last 6–12 months)
Indian history and culture
Indian geography
Indian polity and constitution
Indian economy and budget basics
General science — Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Environment and ecology
Sports, awards, and honours
Books and authors
Important government schemes and policies
Science and technology news

3. Quantitative Aptitude (Maths)

The SSC CHSL maths syllabus is based on Class 10 standard. Questions are mostly from arithmetic, but you will also find basic algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Topics to study:

Number system and simplification
Percentage, ratio, and proportion
Averages
Simple and compound interest
Profit, loss, and discount
Time, work, and wages
Time, speed, and distance
Mixture and alligation
Partnership
Basic algebra - identities and equations
Geometry - triangles, circles, quadrilaterals
Mensuration - areas and volumes
Trigonometry - basic ratios, heights and distances
Data interpretation - tables, bar graphs, pie charts
Surds and indices

4. English Language

The SSC CHSL English syllabus tests your grammar, vocabulary, and reading ability. Even if English is not your strong subject, you can score well here with focused practice. Topics include:

Reading comprehension
Error detection and spotting
Fill in the blanks
Synonyms and antonyms
Idioms and phrases
One-word substitution
Sentence improvement and rearrangement
Active and passive voice
Direct and indirect speech
Cloze test
Spelling errors
Sentence completion

SSC CHSL Tier 2 Syllabus 2025 - Detailed Breakdown

Only candidates who qualify Tier 1 appear for Tier 2. The SSC CHSL Tier 2 syllabus covers the same subjects as Tier 1 but at a slightly higher difficulty level. Tier 2 also includes a computer knowledge test and a skill or typing test.

Tier 2 is held in two sessions on the same day. Session I is a computer-based test with three sections. Session II has the skill test or typing test, which is qualifying in nature - meaning it does not add to your score but you must pass it.

Tier 2 Exam Pattern

Session	Section	Module	Subject	Marks
Session I	Section 1	Module I	Mathematical Abilities	60
Session I	Section 1	Module II	Reasoning & General Intelligence	60
Session I	Section 2	Module I	English Language & Comprehension	60
Session I	Section 2	Module II	General Awareness	60
Session I	Section 3	Module I	Computer Knowledge Test	60
Session II	Section 3	Module II	Skill Test / Typing Test	Qualifying

Note: Negative marking in Session I is -1 mark per wrong answer. The Session II Skill/Typing test carries no negative marks - it is pass or fail only.

Section 1 - Mathematical Abilities (Module I)

This module goes deeper than Tier 1 maths. Topics include:

Number systems - whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and their relationships
Arithmetic - percentages, ratio, averages, interest, profit/loss, time–distance, time–work
Algebra - basic identities, graphs of linear equations
Geometry - triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, angles
Mensuration - areas and volumes of 2D and 3D shapes
Trigonometry - ratios, identities, heights and distances
Statistics - mean, median, mode, frequency distribution, charts
Probability basics

Section 1 Reasoning & General Intelligence (Module II)

This is an advanced version of the Tier 1 reasoning section. Additional topics include:

All Tier 1 reasoning topics at a higher difficulty level
Emotional intelligence
Critical thinking and decision-making
Advanced pattern recognition
Complex coding–decoding
Advanced logical and analytical reasoning
Higher-level puzzles and seating arrangements

Section 2 English Language & Comprehension (Module I)

The SSC CHSL English syllabus for Tier 2 is more advanced. It tests deeper grammar and writing ability. Topics include:

Advanced reading comprehension passages
Para jumbles and para completion
Advanced grammar, tenses, modals, conditionals
Advanced vocabulary and word usage
Sentence construction and style
Precise writing concepts

Section 2 General Awareness (Module II)

This module requires deeper knowledge of the same topics from Tier 1. Current affairs and static GK both carry high weightage here.

History, geography, polity, and economics, in-depth analysis
General science, applied concepts
Current affairs from the last 6–12 months
Awards, honours, and summits
Important reports and indices (like Human Development Index, Global Hunger Index)
Static GK, capitals, currencies, headquarters

Section 3 Computer Knowledge Test (Module I)

This section tests your basic understanding of computers and technology. You do not need advanced IT skills; the questions are at a general level.

Computer basics hardware, software, input/output devices
MS Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Internet and email usage
Networking concepts, LAN, WAN, protocols
Security threats, viruses, worms, Trojans, hacking, and how to prevent them
Operating system concepts
Keyboard shortcuts

Section 3 Skill Test / Typing Test (Module II) Qualifying Only

Post	Test Type	Requirement
Data Entry Operator (DEO)	Skill Test	8,000 key depressions per hour on computer
LDC / JSA	Typing Test (English)	35 words per minute
LDC / JSA	Typing Test (Hindi)	30 words per minute

Errors in the skill test are calculated accurately up to two decimal places. This session is conducted in Session II on the same day as Tier 2 CBT.

SSC CHSL Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Full Comparison Table

Here is a side-by-side view of both tiers so you can plan your preparation in one place. This covers the complete SSC CHSL exam pattern and syllabus at a glance.

Tier	Mode	Total Questions	Total Marks	Duration	Negative Marking
Tier 1 CBT	Online (CBT)	100	200	60 minutes	-0.50 per wrong answer
Tier 2 Session I (CBT)	Online (CBT)	Sections 1+2+3	300 + qualifying	As per schedule	-1.00 per wrong answer
Tier 2 Session II (Skill/Typing)	Practical	—	Qualifying	As per schedule	None (pass/fail)

High-Weightage Topics You Should Not Miss

Based on previous years' question papers, these are the topics that appear most frequently in the SSC CHSL exam syllabus. If you are short on time, start with these.

Subject	High-Weightage Topics	Approx. Questions per Paper
Quantitative Aptitude	Arithmetic (Percentage, Profit/Loss, Time-Work, SI/CI)	10–12 Qs
Quantitative Aptitude	Data Interpretation (Tables, Charts)	3–5 Qs
Reasoning	Series, Analogies, Coding-Decoding	8–10 Qs
Reasoning	Blood Relations, Directions, Venn Diagrams	4–6 Qs
English	Error Detection, Cloze Test, Fill in the Blanks	10–12 Qs
English	One-word Substitution, Idioms & Phrases	4–5 Qs
General Awareness	Current Affairs (last 6 months)	6–8 Qs
General Awareness	Polity, History, General Science	8–10 Qs

Preparation Tips: How to Use This Syllabus Effectively

Having the SSC CHSL syllabus is not enough - you need a plan to cover it. Here is what works for most serious aspirants.

Step 1: Download the Official Syllabus PDF

Always refer to the official SSC CHSL syllabus PDF available on ssc.gov.in. This page summarises it, but the official source is the final authority. Download it and keep a printed copy near your study table.

Step 2: Prioritise by Section Weight

In Tier 1, every section carries equal weight (25 questions, 50 marks). Do not neglect any section. In Tier 2, maths and English carry the most weight in Session I, so give them more time during your Tier 2 preparation.

Step 3: Practice with Mock Tests

After covering each subject, take section-wise mock tests first. Once you finish the full syllabus, shift to full-length timed mocks. Aim for at least one full mock test per week in the last month before the exam.

Step 4: Stay Consistent with Current Affairs

For general awareness, consistency beats cramming. Read a trusted news source for 15–20 minutes every day. Focus on national news, government schemes, sports, and science news. Revise monthly current affairs capsules during the last two weeks.

Step 5: Revise the Typing or Skill Test Early

Many candidates ignore the Tier 2 Skill/Typing test until very late. If you are applying for an LDC or JSA post, start practising typing from the beginning itself — 30–35 words per minute takes consistent daily practice to achieve.

What Has Changed in SSC CHSL Syllabus

The SSC CHSL syllabus has been revised in recent years. Here is a quick comparison of the new pattern versus the old one.

Aspect	Old Pattern	New Pattern (2025)
Number of Tiers	3 Tiers (Tier 1 + Tier 2 + Tier 3)	2 Tiers (Tier 1 + Tier 2)
Descriptive Paper	Yes (Tier 2 was descriptive)	No - removed from syllabus
Skill/Typing Test	Tier 3 (separate day)	Module II of Tier 2 Section 3 (same day)
Negative Marking Tier 2	0.25 per wrong answer	1.00 per wrong answer in Session I
Computer Knowledge	Not always included	Mandatory module in Tier 2

FAQs on SSC CHSL Syllabus

It includes four sections: Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English. There are 100 questions for 200 marks in 60 minutes.