SSC CHSL Tier 1 is a competitive exam where speed and accuracy play a key role. Even if you know all the answers, poor time management can reduce your score. This guide shares simple and practical time management tips to help you complete the exam efficiently.
Effective Time Management Strategies for SSC CHSL Tier 1 Exam
Understanding this helps you decide how much time to spend on each section for SSC CHSL Exam.
Strategy | Key Points |
Allocate Time According to Strengths | – Start with your strong sections to gain confidence.- Attempt tougher sections later.- Spend around 15 minutes per section for regular candidates. |
Use Short Tricks and Formulas | – Apply math tricks like simplification, tables, squares, and cubes.- In reasoning, eliminate obviously wrong options.- In English, read carefully and skip long passages initially.- Regular practice reduces calculation time and boosts accuracy. |
Skip and Return Strategy | – Don’t waste time on tough questions.- Attempt easier ones first to secure marks.- Revisit skipped questions only if time allows.- Helps maximize correct attempts within limited time. |
Keep a Time Buffer | – Save 5–10 minutes at the end for review.- Recheck skipped or doubtful questions.- Avoid last-minute rushing to maintain accuracy. |
Avoid Negative Marks | – Each wrong answer deducts 0.5 marks.- Attempt only those you’re confident in.- Avoid random guesses; use elimination to make smart guesses.- Focus on accuracy over total attempts. |
Practice with Mock Tests | – Attempt full-length SSC CHSL Tier 1 mocks in a timed setup.- Monitor time spent on each section.- Work on reducing time without losing accuracy.- Mock tests build speed and confidence for the real exam. |
SSC CHSL Tier 1 Exam Pattern
The SSC CHSL Tier-I Exam Pattern 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 |
Read other SSC CHSL blogs:
Blogs | Blogs |
SSC CHSL Tier 1 Live Test 2025 | SSC CHSL Typing Test 2025 |
How to Analyze SSC CHSL Mock Test | SSC CHSL Previous Year General Awareness Questions |
SSC CHSL English Preparation Tips |
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
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. |
2. Post-Specific Skill & Typing Tests
- For DEO: Skill Test required
- For LDC & JSA: Typing Test required
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 |
Key Takeaways
Below are the key takeaways:
- Understand exam pattern, sections, and marking scheme.
- Allocate time according to strengths and difficulty of questions.
- Use short tricks and formulas to save time.
- Skip tough questions and return if time allows.
- Keep a buffer for revision and avoid negative marks.
- Practice regularly with mock tests to enhance speed and accuracy.
FAQs
Ans. Ideally, you should spend around 15 minutes per section and keep the last 5–10 minutes as a buffer for review.
Ans. Start with your strongest section to build confidence, then move to tougher sections. Skip time-consuming questions and come back to them later.
Ans. Practice mock tests regularly, use short tricks for Maths and Reasoning, and analyze your performance after each test.
Ans. Avoid random guesses as 0.5 marks are deducted for every wrong answer. Make educated guesses only after eliminating wrong options.
Ans. Try to attempt at least 10-15 full-length mock tests and several sectional tests to improve both speed and accuracy.
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I’m Mahima Khurana, a writer with a strong passion for creating meaningful, learner-focused content especially in the field of competitive exam preparation. From authoring books and developing thousands of practice questions to crafting articles and study material, I specialize in transforming complex exam-related topics into clear, engaging, and accessible content. I have first hand experience of 5+ months in SSC Exams. Writing, for me, is not just a skill but a way to support and guide aspirants through their preparation journey one well-written explanation at a time.