SSC CHSL Exam Pattern
SSC CHSL 2026 Exam Pattern Updated with New Sectional Timers
SSC CHSL 2026 introduces 15-minute sectional timers in Tier 1 and separate subject-wise timings in Tier 2. The exam includes 100 questions in Tier 1, 135 in Tier 2, along with Computer Knowledge, Skill Test, Typing Test, and updated negative marking rules.
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SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026
SSC CHSL 2026 Syllabus Updated with New Sectional Timers
The SSC CHSL 2026 syllabus covers English, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, Mathematical Abilities, Computer Knowledge, and the Skill/Typing Test. This year, SSC has introduced 15-minute sectional timers in Tier 1 and separate subject-wise timings in Tier 2. The syllabus also confirms 0.50 negative marking in Tier 1, 1 mark negative marking in Tier 2 objective sections, and qualifying Computer Knowledge and Skill/Typing Tests.
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Previous Year Papers
SSC CHSL Previous Year Papers
Download SSC CHSL Previous Year Papers to understand the actual exam pattern, recurring topics, difficulty level, and time management requirements for Tier 1 and Tier 2 preparation.
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The SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026 has been released along with the official notification. One of the most important changes this year is the introduction of sectional timing in Tier 1 as well as subject-wise timing in Tier 2. Candidates should understand the revised question distribution, marking scheme, negative marking, sectional timers, and Skill/Typing Test requirements before starting their preparation.
What is SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026?
The SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026 consists of Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 is a Computer-Based Examination used to shortlist candidates for Tier 2. Tier 2 includes objective-type questions, a Computer Knowledge Test, and a qualifying Skill Test/Typing Test depending on the post. The final merit is primarily determined through the prescribed Tier 2 sections, subject to candidates qualifying the Computer Knowledge and Skill/Typing Test requirements for SSC CHSL Exam.
| Stage | Type | Purpose |
|---|
| Tier 1 | Objective Computer-Based Examination | Shortlisting for Tier 2 |
| Tier 2 – Sections I & II | Objective Computer-Based Examination | Marks considered for merit |
| Tier 2 – Computer Knowledge Test | Objective Test | Mandatory and Qualifying |
| Tier 2 – Skill/Typing Test | Practical Test | Mandatory and Qualifying, as applicable |
| Document Verification | Verification of eligibility documents | Conducted by allotted User Department/Organisation |
SSC CHSL 2026 Exam Pattern Overview
The SSC CHSL 2026 examination will be conducted in two tiers. Both the SSC CHSL Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams will be conducted online. The detailed overview of the SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026 is as follows:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|
| Commission | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | SSC CHSL 2026 |
| Posts | LDC, JSA, DEO and DEO Grade ‘A' |
| Exam Stages | Tier 1 and Tier 2 |
| Mode | Computer-Based Examination |
| Tier 1 Questions | 100 |
| Tier 1 Marks | 200 |
| Tier 1 Duration | 60 Minutes |
| Tier 1 Sectional Timing | 15 Minutes per Subject |
| Tier 1 Negative Marking | 0.50 marks per wrong answer |
| Tier 2 Objective Questions | 135 |
| Tier 2 Objective Marks | 405 objective marks are tested, but only the 360 marks of Sections I + II count toward final merit; Computer Knowledge (45 marks) is qualifying |
| Tier 2 Session I Duration | 2 Hours 15 Minutes |
| Tier 2 Negative Marking | 1 mark per wrong answer in objective Sections I, II & III |
| Computer Knowledge Test | Mandatory but Qualifying |
| Skill/Typing Test | Qualifying |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
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What is SSC CHSL Exam Pattern for Tier 1?
The SSC CHSL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026 consists of 100 objective-type questions carrying 200 marks. There are four subjects: English Language, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness. A major change introduced in 2026 is the 15-minute sectional timer for each subject. Candidates cannot use the entire 60 minutes freely across all four sections.
- Correct Answer: +2 marks
- Wrong Answer: −0.50 marks
- Unattempted Question: No marks deducted
- Regular Candidates: 60 minutes
- Eligible Scribe Candidates: 80 minutes
- Regular Sectional Time: 15 minutes per subject
- Eligible Scribe Candidates: 20 minutes per subject.
What is new in SSC CHSL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026?
Earlier, candidates had an overall duration of 60 minutes and could distribute their time across sections. In 2026, SSC has introduced a fixed 15-minute timer for each of the four Tier 1 subjects. This means time management has become more important because candidates have to complete each subject within its allotted time.
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What is SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam Pattern?
The SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam 2026 is conducted in two sessions on the same day. Session I contains Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge. Session II consists of the Skill Test/Typing Test, depending on the post. Tier 2 contains 135 objective questions carrying 405 marks.
| Session | Section/Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|
| Session I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 30 Minutes |
| Session I | Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 30 Minutes |
| Session I | English Language & Comprehension | 40 | 120 | 40 Minutes |
| Session I | General Awareness | 20 | 60 | 20 Minutes |
| Session I | Computer Knowledge Test | 15 | 45 | 15 Minutes |
| Session II | Skill Test for DEO/DEO Grade ‘A' | Qualifying | Qualifying | 15 Minutes |
| Session II | Typing Test for LDC/JSA | Qualifying | Qualifying | 10 Minutes |
- Each correct objective answer carries 3 marks.
- 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer in the objective Sections I, II and III.
- Computer Knowledge Test is mandatory but qualifying in nature.
- Skill Test/Typing Test is also qualifying in nature.
- Session I has a total duration of 2 hours 15 minutes.
- Separate subject-wise timers apply in Tier 2.
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What is New in SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026?
SSC has introduced individual subject-wise timers in Tier 2.
The revised timing is:
- Mathematical Abilities – 30 minutes
- Reasoning & General Intelligence – 30 minutes
- English Language & Comprehension – 40 minutes
- General Awareness – 20 minutes
- Computer Knowledge – 15 minutes
Therefore, candidates should not prepare with the assumption that the entire one-hour block for Section I or Section II can be divided between subjects according to their preference.
What is SSC CHSL Typing Test and Skill Test Pattern?
The SSC CHSL Typing Test and Skill Test forms part of Tier 2 Session II. It is qualifying in nature. Candidates applying for DEO/DEO Grade ‘A' posts have to appear for the Skill Test, while candidates appearing for LDC/JSA posts have to take the Typing Test.
SSC CHSL Skill Test for DEO
| DEO Category | Required Speed | Test Duration | Passage |
|---|
| Specified DEO/DEO Grade ‘A' Posts | 15,000 Key Depressions per Hour | 15 Minutes | Approx. 3,700–4,000 key depressions |
| Other DEO/DEO Grade ‘A' Posts | 8,000 Key Depressions per Hour | 15 Minutes | Approx. 2,000–2,200 key depressions |
SSC CHSL Typing Test for LDC and JSA
| Medium | Required Typing Speed | Equivalent Key Depressions | Duration |
|---|
| English | 35 words per minute | Approx. 10,500 KDPH | 10 Minutes |
| Hindi | 30 words per minute | Approx. 9,000 KDPH | 10 Minutes |
Candidates opting for the Hindi Typing Test must type using Mangal Font only. Use of another font can result in non-qualification.
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Is SSC CHSL Tier 1 Qualifying in Nature?
SSC CHSL Tier 1 should not simply be described as "qualifying in nature." Candidates' Tier 1 performance is used by SSC to shortlist candidates for appearing in Tier 2. Final merit is prepared using the applicable Tier 2 merit sections, subject to candidates qualifying the Computer Knowledge Test and Skill Test/Typing Test.
How is the SSC CHSL 2026 Final Merit List Prepared?
Candidates are first shortlisted for Tier 2 based on their Tier 1 performance.
For final selection:
- Marks obtained in the prescribed Tier 2 merit sections are considered.
- Computer Knowledge Test must be qualified.
- Skill Test/Typing Test must be qualified, wherever applicable.
- Candidates must satisfy the prescribed eligibility and document requirements.
- Final post and department allocation depends on merit, preferences and applicable recruitment rules.
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What are the key takeaways?
Below are the key takeaways:
- SSC CHSL 2026 consists of Tier 1 and Tier 2.
- Tier 1 contains 100 questions for 200 marks.
- Tier 1 has four subjects with 25 questions each.
- SSC has introduced a 15-minute sectional timer for every Tier 1 subject.
- Tier 1 carries a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer.
- Tier 2 consists of 135 objective questions for 405 marks.
- Tier 2 now follows separate subject-wise timers of 30, 30, 40, 20 and 15 minutes.
- Tier 2 objective questions carry 3 marks each.
- 1 mark is deducted for an incorrect answer in the applicable Tier 2 objective sections.
- Computer Knowledge Test is mandatory but qualifying.
- Skill Test for DEO/DEO Grade ‘A' is qualifying.
- Typing Test for LDC/JSA is qualifying.
- DEO Skill Test requires 8,000 KDPH or 15,000 KDPH, depending on the post.
- LDC/JSA typing speed is 35 wpm in English or 30 wpm in Hindi.
- Candidates opting for Hindi typing must use Mangal Font only.
- Tier 1 is used for shortlisting and should not be described simply as a qualifying exam.
- Final merit is determined through the applicable Tier 2 merit sections, subject to qualifying the mandatory modules.
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