The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) 10+2 Exam every year to recruit candidates for various posts, including Postal Assistant, Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Court Clerk, Sorting Assistant, and Data Entry Operator (DEO).
The SSC CHSL exam has two tiers Tier 1 and Tier 2. Both exams mainly include four subjects:
- English Language
- Quantitative Aptitude (Mathematics)
- Logical Reasoning (General Intelligence)
- General Awareness (Current Affairs and General Knowledge)
SSC CHSL English Preparation Tips
The English section is one of the highest-scoring areas in the SSC CHSL exam. With the right strategy, candidates can aim for 40–45 marks in just 10–15 minutes. Before the strategy, it is important for all the candidates to check out the detailed SSC CHSL English Syllabus. This guide shares the top 10 preparation tips, suggested books, topic-wise question distribution, and effective strategies to help you boost your score in the SSC CHSL English section 2025.
SSC CHSL 2025 Important Dates
The important dates for SSC CHSL 2025, based on the details provided in the released SSC CHSL official notification 2025, are as follows:
| Event | Dates |
| SSC CHSL Notification 2025 | 23rd June 2025 |
| SSC CHSL Online Registration Begins | 23rd June 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 18th July 2025 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 19th July 2025 |
| Application Correction Window | 23rd–24th July 2025 (until 11 PM) |
| SSC CHSL Tier-1 Exam Date | 8th–18th September 2025 |
| SSC CHSL Tier-2 Exam Date (Tentative) | February–March 2026 |
SSC CHSL Tier 1 Exam Pattern
The SSC CHSL Tier I Exam will include multiple-choice questions, which will be provided in both English and Hindi language. The details of the SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam are as follows:
- Total Time: The exam duration is 60 minutes.
- Type of Questions: The exam consists of Objective Type, Multiple-choice questions. Questions will be available in both English and Hindi for Parts II, III, and IV.
- Negative Marking: There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer. Candidates should be careful while answering to avoid losing marks.
| Subjects | Questions | Total Marks |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| General Intelligence | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Language | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam Pattern
The SSC CHSL Tier-II Exam is a crucial stage for candidates applying for Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO) posts. It includes a Computer-Based Test (CBT) and a Skill or Typing Test, based on the post.
1. SSC CHSL Tier-II Exam
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Total Questions: 135
- Total Marks: 405
- Marking Scheme: +3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect answers
2. Post-Specific Skill & Typing Tests
- For DEO: Skill Test required
- For LDC & JSA: Typing Test required
| Session | Subject | Number of Questions |
| Session-I (2 hours & 15 minutes) | Section-I: (1 hour) Module-I: Mathematical Abilities Module II: Reasoning and General Intelligence. | 30 30 60*3 = 180 |
| Section II: (1 hour) Module-I: English Language & Comprehension Module II: General Awareness | 40 20 60*3 = 180 | |
| Section-III: (15 Minutes) Module-I: Computer Knowledge Module | 15*3 = 45 | |
| Session-II 15 Minutes | Section-III: Module-II: Skill Test/ Typing Test Module | Part A: Skill Test for DEOs. |
| 10 Minutes | – | Part B: Typing Test for LDC/ JSA. |
SSC CHSL Typing Test And Skill Test
Candidates had to appear for the skill test or typing test in Tier 2 of the examination. The details of the typing test are as follows:
| Post | Key Depressions Required | Material Provided |
| Skill Test For Data Entry Operator (DEO) | 8,000 per hour Test Duration: 15 minutes | English document with approx. 2000-2200 key depressions |
| Skill Test For DEO in the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (C&AG) | 15,000 per hour Test Duration: 15 minutes | English passage with about 3700-4000 key depressions |
| Typing Test For Lower Division Clerk/ Junior Secretariat Assistant (LDS/JSA) | 10,500 per hour Test Duration: 10 minutes | English passage with about 9000 key depressions |
SSC CHSL English Syllabus
The SSC CHSL English Syllabus for Tier 1 and 2 consists of the following basic topics as provided below:
- Spotting Errors
- Fill in the Blanks
- Synonyms & Homonyms
- Antonyms
- Spelling Errors / Detecting Mis-spelt Words
- Idioms & Phrases
- One-word Substitution
- Sentence Improvement
- Active & Passive Voice
- Direct & Indirect Speech (Narration)
- Sentence Rearrangement (Shuffling of Sentence Parts)
- Para Jumbles (Shuffling of Sentences in a Passage)
- Cloze Test / Cloze Passage
- Reading Comprehension
SSC CHSL 2025 English Important Topics
To score full marks in the English section of the SSC CHSL exam 2025, candidates should focus on the three basic key areas:
| Topics | Focus Areas |
| Vocabulary | – Antonyms & Synonyms – Homonyms– Spelling Rules / Detecting Mis-spelt Words – One-word Substitution – Idioms & Phrases |
| Grammar | – Spot the Error – Fill in the Blanks – Sentence Improvement – Active & Passive Voice of Verbs – Direct & Indirect Speech (Narration) |
| Reading Skills | – Cloze Passage – Comprehension Passage – Sentence Rearrangement (Shuffling of Sentence Parts) – Para Jumbles (Shuffling of Sentences in a Passage) – Sentence Completion |
SSC CHSL English Preparation Strategy
Preparing for the English section of the SSC CHSL exam requires a structured plan and focused study. This section tests candidates on reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and the ability to use English correctly in different situations. To score well in this section, candidates should follow effective strategies. Below are some important points to help in SSC CHSL English preparation.
- Reading Comprehension:
- Read passages in one attempt to grasp the tone and main idea.
- Focus on identifying key facts within the passage.
- Preview questions to understand what to look for while reading.
- Regular practice to improve comprehension speed and accuracy.
- Cloze Test:
- Choose appropriate options to fill in the blanks.
- Understand the context and meaning of words or phrases provided.
- Expand vocabulary and review grammar rules for better performance.
- Apply logic to determine suitable answers within the passage.
- Synonyms and Antonyms:
- Learn new words from diverse sources to enrich vocabulary.
- Keep a record of unfamiliar words for reference.
- Practice recognizing synonyms and antonyms in context to enhance understanding.
- Idioms and Phrases:
- Practice with mock tests and previous year’s questions.
- Utilize flashcards for easy memorization of idioms and phrases.
- Familiarize yourself with common idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs to improve performance in this section.
SSC CHSL Number Of Questions Asked From Each Topic Of English
While appearing for the SSC CHSL examination candidates can expect the following number of questions from each topic while attending the English section:
| Topic | Difficulty | Avg. Questions |
| Direct & Indirect Speech | Easy–Moderate | 1–2 |
| Sentence Improvement | Easy–Moderate | 1–2 |
| Error Detection | Easy–Moderate | 1–2 |
| Active & Passive Voice | Easy–Moderate | 2–3 |
| Fill in the Blanks | Easy–Moderate | 1–2 |
| Antonyms | Easy–Moderate | 1–2 |
| Spelling Correction | Easy–Moderate | 1–2 |
| Idioms & Phrases | Easy–Moderate | 2–3 |
| Synonyms | Easy–Moderate | 1–2 |
| One-word / Phrase Substitution | Easy–Moderate | 2–3 |
| Sentence Rearrangement (Para Jumbles) | Easy–Moderate | 2–3 |
| Cloze Test | Easy–Moderate | 4–5 |
| Total | – | 25 |
SSC CHSL English Preparation Tips and Tricks
To score well in the English section of SSC CHSL 2025, candidates need a smart approach that covers grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and regular practice. Here are simple yet effective tips that can boost your preparation and confidence.
1. Choose a Good Reference Book
Start with one reliable book that follows the SSC CHSL Syllabus and exam pattern. Make sure it includes explanations, solved examples, and practice sets.
- Use books like Plinth to Paramount or Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
- Solve the practice exercises after reading each topic
2. Read English Newspapers Daily
Reading newspapers improves vocabulary and comprehension naturally. Focus on editorials for grammar and tone.
- Read The Hindu, Indian Express, or Times of India
- Aim for at least 45 minutes of reading every day
3. Learn Basic Grammar Rules
Strong grammar helps with error detection and sentence correction questions.
- Study 40–50 key rules like subject-verb agreement, articles, tenses, prepositions
- Revise rules regularly to avoid confusion in the exam
4. Build a Strong Vocabulary
A good vocabulary boosts your score in synonyms, antonyms, and cloze tests.
- Learn new words daily with meanings and examples
- Use a small notebook or app to revise words often
5. Revise Idioms, Phrases & One-Word Substitutions
These are common in the exam and require regular revision.
- Make flashcards or notes for quick practice
- Spend 15–20 minutes daily revising these topics
6. Solve Previous Years’ Question Papers
Past papers help you understand question patterns and difficulty level.
- Practice at least 5 years’ papers before the exam
- SSC often repeats question types and formats
7. Practice Cloze Tests
Cloze tests check your understanding of grammar and vocabulary in context.
- Practice one cloze test every alternate day
- Read articles and magazines to improve sentence flow
8. Take Mock Tests Regularly
Mock tests simulate the real exam and build your time management skills.
- Take at least one full-length test every week
- Analyse your mistakes after each test
9. Join an Online Test Series
A good test series provides structured practice with proper solutions.
- Choose a test series with national-level ranking
- Use performance reports to focus on weak areas
10. Follow a Success Formula
Success in SSC CHSL English = Good Books + Strong Vocabulary + Grammar Rules + Daily Practice + Mock Tests + Self-Analysis + Time Management
SSC CHSL English Preparation Tips – FAQs
Candidates can appear for this exam after completing their class 12.
There are two stages of the exam i.e. tier-1 and tier-2.
A candidate must be 18-27 years.
According to the official notification, the SSC CHSL exam will have 2 tiers rather than 3. Tier II will now be an objective test rather than a descriptive one. It will have a -1 negative marking for every wrong answer. It will also cover the skill test.
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