SSC · Updated 19 October 2026
SSC CHSL 2026Exam Date, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Cut-Off and Free Mock Test
SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL)
Conducted by the Staff Selection Commission, the CHSL examination recruits Lower Division Clerks (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistants (JSA), and Data Entry Operators (DEO) for central government ministries and departments. Candidates are evaluated through a two-tier computer-based test alongside a mandatory typing or skill assessment.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- SSC
Start for free with SSC CHSL syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
Coming up: Tier 1 exam (proposed), 30 Nov to 31 Dec 2026. Every mock test you take before then shows you where you stand. See all dates
SSC CHSL exam overview and highlights
About SSC CHSL
The Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) examination is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission for 12th pass candidates. It fills clerical posts in central government ministries and departments. Successful candidates are appointed as Lower Division Clerk, Junior Secretariat Assistant or Data Entry Operator.
The examination process for SSC CHSL comprises 3 stages: Tier I, followed by Tier II, followed by Document verification. The official syllabus tests candidates across 5 core areas — General Intelligence and Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge (Tier II) — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Tier I only shortlists candidates. Final merit is based on Tier II Session I marks, subject to qualifying the computer module and the typing or data entry skill test, followed by document verification.
Key subjects
- General Intelligence and Reasoning
- Quantitative Aptitude
- English Language
- General Awareness
- Computer Knowledge (Tier II)
What clearing SSC CHSL leads to
- Lower Division Clerk (LDC)
- Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA)
- Data Entry Operator (DEO)
- Data Entry Operator Grade A
- Compensation & Pay Scale: Pay Level 2 for LDC and JSA (basic pay from around ₹19,900); Pay Level 4 or 5 for Data Entry Operator
- Central / Institutional appointment through Staff Selection Commission (SSC) merit recommendation
Quick facts
- Full name
- SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL)
- Conducting body
- Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
- Frequency
- Once a year
- Exam mode
- Online (computer-based test)
- Languages
- English, Hindi and 13 regional languages for all sections except English, which is in English only
- Stages & papers
- 3 stages (5 papers total)
- Negative marking
- Yes. Half a mark per wrong answer in Tier I; one mark per wrong answer in Tier II
- Official website
- ssc.gov.in
SSC CHSL — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of SSC CHSL conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC CHSL — SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Category | SSC |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Recruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | The 2026 notice came out on 7 September 2026, with Tier I proposed for 30 November to 31 December 2026 and Tier II to be notified later |
| Mode of Application | Online on ssc.gov.in after one-time registration (OTR) |
| Mode of Examination | Online (computer-based test) |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English, Hindi and 13 regional languages for all sections except English, which is in English only |
| Selection Stages | 3 Stages (5 Papers Total): Tier I → Tier II → Document verification |
| Negative Marking | Yes. Half a mark per wrong answer in Tier I; one mark per wrong answer in Tier II |
| Selection / Merit Process | Tier I only shortlists candidates. Final merit is based on Tier II Session I marks, subject to qualifying the computer module and the typing or data entry skill test, followed by document verification. |
| Educational Qualification | Passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognised board. For Data Entry Operator in some offices, Class 12 with Science and Mathematics is required. |
| Age Limit | 18 to 27 years, with relaxation for reserved categories as per rules |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | Pay Level 2 for LDC and JSA (basic pay from around ₹19,900); Pay Level 4 or 5 for Data Entry Operator |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | Around 25 to 30 lakh applicants for a few thousand posts in most cycles |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
SSC CHSL 2026: important dates, vacancy and application process
Last verified on 19 October 2026 against the official notification. Always confirm dates on the official website before you apply.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Notification | 7 September 2026 | Done |
| Online application window | 7 Sep to 7 Oct 2026 | Done |
| Last date for fee payment | 8 October 2026 | Done |
| Application correction window | 14 to 16 Oct 2026 | Done |
| Tier 1 exam (proposed) | 30 Nov to 31 Dec 2026 | Upcoming |
- Vacancies
- About 2,536 (tentative, as per the notice)
- Salary
- LDC and JSA: Pay Level 2 (₹19,900 to ₹63,200). DEO: Pay Level 4 (₹25,500 to ₹81,100) and Pay Level 5 (₹29,200 to ₹92,300). DEO Grade A: Pay Level 4.
- Application fee
- ₹100. Women and candidates from SC, ST, PwBD and ex-servicemen categories eligible for reservation pay no fee.
Latest updates
- CHSL 2026 notice published on 7 Sep 2026 with about 2,536 tentative vacancies.
- Online applications closed on 7 Oct 2026 and the correction window ran from 14 to 16 Oct 2026.
- SSC notice of 1 Oct 2026 proposes Tier 1 from 30 Nov to 31 Dec 2026.
- As per the 7 Sep 2026 notice, questions other than English can be taken in English, Hindi or one of 13 regional languages.
- CHSL 2025 final result declared on 7 Oct 2026, with 3,515 candidates provisionally selected.
Tier 1 admit card dates and the Tier 2 schedule are not announced yet.
Sources: Notice of Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 (7 Sep 2026), Important Notice: Schedule of Examinations (1 Oct 2026), CHSL 2025: Declaration of Final Result (7 Oct 2026)
How to apply online for SSC CHSL
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit ssc.gov.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on ssc.gov.in after one-time registration (OTR).
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the SSC CHSL application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English, Hindi and 13 regional languages for all sections except English, which is in English only), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final SSC CHSL Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
SSC CHSL eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for SSC CHSL must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by SSC.
Educational qualification
Passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognised board. For Data Entry Operator in some offices, Class 12 with Science and Mathematics is required.
Age limit & relaxations
18 to 27 years, with relaxation for reserved categories as per rules.
Number of attempts
Unlimited attempts permitted as long as the candidate remains within the eligible category-wise upper age limit as on the crucial cut-off date.
Nationality & domicile
Citizen of India, or other categories permitted under Government of India rules.
Other conditions & standards
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed medical fitness, character verification, and document authenticity norms (including valid EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwBD certificates in the prescribed format) at the time of verification.
SSC CHSL — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Central Government Norms) | +5 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Requires valid SC/ST certificate in the prescribed Government of India format. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) (Central Government Norms) | +3 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Candidate must fall outside the Creamy Layer as on the crucial closing date of the online application. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD — UR / OBC / SC-ST) | +10 Years (UR) / +13 Years (OBC) / +15 Years (SC/ST) | Subject to post suitability and 40%+ benchmark disability certificate under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & Commissioned Officers (ECO / SSCO) | +3 to 5 Years after deducting military service rendered from actual age | Must produce discharge book / NOC from the competent defence authority at document verification. |
SSC CHSL selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: Yes. Half a mark per wrong answer in Tier I; one mark per wrong answer in Tier II. Selection & Merit Weightage: Tier I only shortlists candidates. Final merit is based on Tier II Session I marks, subject to qualifying the computer module and the typing or data entry skill test, followed by document verification.
Stage 1: Tier I
Online (computer-based test) • 1 Paper (Tier I (General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language)) • 100 Questions • 200 Total Marks • Duration: 60 minutes • An objective screening test with four sections of 25 questions each.
An objective screening test with four sections of 25 questions each. Candidates are shortlisted for Tier II on the basis of Tier I marks.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Tier I (General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language)0.50 marks deducted per wrong answer 100 200 60 minutes Stage 2: Tier II
Online (computer-based test) • 4 Papers (Session I, Section I: Mathematical Abilities (30) and Reasoning and General Intelligence (30), Session I, Section II: English Language and Comprehension (40) and General Awareness (20), Session I, Section III: Computer Knowledge Module + 1 more) • Questions: 60 • Marks: 180 • Duration: 60 minutes • Held in two sessions on the same day.
Held in two sessions on the same day. Session I has objective sections on Mathematics, Reasoning, English, General Awareness and a Computer Knowledge module. Session II is a skill test for Data Entry Operator or a typing test for LDC and JSA. Tier II marks decide the final merit.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Session I, Section I: Mathematical Abilities (30) and Reasoning and General Intelligence (30)3 marks per question; 1 mark deducted per wrong answer 60 180 60 minutes Session I, Section II: English Language and Comprehension (40) and General Awareness (20)1 mark deducted per wrong answer 60 180 60 minutes Session I, Section III: Computer Knowledge ModuleQualifying in nature 15 45 15 minutes Session II: Skill Test (DEO) or Typing Test (LDC/JSA)DEO: 8,000 key depressions per hour in most offices, and 15,000 per hour for DEO posts in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, SSC and the Ministry of Culture; LDC/JSA: 35 words per minute in English or 30 in Hindi Varies Varies 10 minutes for the LDC/JSA typing test; 15 minutes for the DEO skill test Stage 3: Document verification
Online (computer-based test) • Candidates in the final merit list are called for verification of educational and category certificates before appointment.
Candidates in the final merit list are called for verification of educational and category certificates before appointment.
SSC CHSL subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
General Intelligence and Reasoning — Part I (Analogies and classification)
- Analogies and classification
- Number and letter series
- Coding and decoding
- Syllogism and statement conclusions
General Intelligence and Reasoning — Part II (Blood relations and direction sense)
- Blood relations and direction sense
- Venn diagrams
- Non-verbal reasoning: figure series, mirror images, paper folding
- Puzzles and seating arrangement
Quantitative Aptitude — Part I (Number system, LCM and HCF)
- Number system, LCM and HCF
- Percentage, profit and loss, discount
- Ratio, proportion and partnership
- Simple and compound interest
- Time and work, pipes and cisterns
Quantitative Aptitude — Part II (Time, speed and distance)
- Time, speed and distance
- Averages and mixtures
- Mensuration of 2D and 3D figures
- Algebra, geometry and trigonometry basics
English Language — Part I (Reading comprehension)
- Reading comprehension
- Error spotting and sentence improvement
- Fill in the blanks
- Synonyms, antonyms and one-word substitution
English Language — Part II (Idioms and phrases)
- Idioms and phrases
- Spelling correction
- Active and passive voice, direct and indirect speech
- Cloze test and para jumbles
General Awareness: Indian history and the freedom movement & Indian polity and Constitution
- Indian history and the freedom movement
- Indian polity and Constitution
- Geography of India and the world
- Indian economy and budget basics
- General science: physics, chemistry, biology
- Static GK: awards, books, sports, important days
- Current affairs of the last 6 to 12 months
- Government schemes and organisations
Computer Knowledge (Tier II): Computer basics and hardware & Operating systems and MS Office
- Computer basics and hardware
- Operating systems and MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Internet, email and web browsing
- Networking and cyber security basics
SSC CHSL salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
Pay Level 2 for LDC and JSA (basic pay from around ₹19,900); Pay Level 4 or 5 for Data Entry Operator. Appointments under Staff Selection Commission (SSC) carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.
Pay Scale & Grade Structure
Pay Level 2 for LDC and JSA (basic pay from around ₹19,900); Pay Level 4 or 5 for Data Entry Operator.
Appointing / Cadre Authority
Staff Selection Commission (SSC) (Central Government / Public Sector Service)
Allowances & Perks
Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (X/Y/Z cities: 30%/20%/10%), Transport Allowance, CGHS/Medical cover, LTC, and NPS contribution.
Probation & Training
Initial probation period (typically 1 to 2 years) with induction/foundation training before cadre confirmation.
Allowances, Perks & Service Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA) revised bi-annually in line with Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or official government quarters / leased accommodation
- Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Children Education Allowance
- Comprehensive medical care (CGHS / ECHS / State Health Scheme) for employee and dependents
- National Pension System (NPS) employer contribution, gratuity, and paid maternity/paternity/study leave
Promotion Hierarchy & Career Progression
- Entry-Level Cadre Appointment (Post allotment & induction training under Staff Selection Commission (SSC))
- Senior / Higher Grade Scale via Time-Bound Financial Upgradation (MACP / Dynamic ACP)
- Sectional / Supervisory / Inspector / Assistant Executive Cadre via Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or LDCE
- Middle Management / Gazetted / Divisional Officer Scale
- Senior Administrative / Directorate / Executive Leadership Cadre
SSC CHSL cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Staff Selection Commission (SSC) releases stage-wise and category-wise SSC CHSL cut-off marks at each stage (Prelims/Tier-I shortlisting, Mains/Tier-II evaluation, and Final Merit List). Candidates must clear both minimum qualifying standards and overall/sectional merit cut-offs to advance.
SSC CHSL — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
When SSC CHSL is conducted across multiple shifts or sessions, Staff Selection Commission (SSC) applies standard score normalization (Equi-Percentile or Mean-Standard Deviation method) to account for any variation in paper difficulty across shifts. Because raw marks are governed by yes. Half a mark per wrong answer in Tier I; one mark per wrong answer in Tier II, maintaining high accuracy (85%+) significantly boosts your normalized score.
Factors Determining SSC CHSL Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the SSC CHSL cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
SSC CHSL admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
SSC CHSL Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Staff Selection Commission (SSC) releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official SSC CHSL Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on ssc.gov.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the SSC CHSL e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
SSC CHSL Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, Staff Selection Commission (SSC) uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on ssc.gov.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
SSC CHSL Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Staff Selection Commission (SSC) declares the SSC CHSL result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on ssc.gov.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official SSC CHSL Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
SSC CHSL mock tests
Practice in the official SSC CHSL pattern on the Free plan, and unlock 10 full or sectional mocks every month, unlimited chapter and topic tests, and the CBT Exam Simulator with SmartRank Pass.
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SSC CHSL Full Mock Test 1
Tier I · 100 questions · 60 minutes
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SSC CHSL Full Mock Test 2
Tier I · 100 questions · 60 minutes
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SSC CHSL Full Mock Test 3
Tier I · 100 questions · 60 minutes
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SSC CHSL Full Mock Test 4
Tier I · 100 questions · 60 minutes
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SSC CHSL Full Mock Test 5
Tier I · 100 questions · 60 minutes
SSC CHSL previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all SSC CHSL previous year papers by year
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Recent SSC CHSL question papers
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Complete 10-year SSC CHSL paper archive
Up to 10 years of solved papers with SmartRank Pass (4 years with Learn)
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Predicted questions for SSC CHSL
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for SSC CHSL
- Treat Tier I as a speed test: aim for high accuracy in Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude since these sections are scoring and predictable.
- Start typing practice early in both English and Hindi so that the Tier II skill or typing test is not a hurdle at the end.
- Revise English grammar rules and vocabulary from previous year papers, because the English section carries the largest weight in Tier II.
- Keep a short current affairs notebook for the last six to eight months and revise it weekly.
- Take sectional and full-length mock tests with negative marking enabled to learn when to skip a question.
- Read the official SSC CHSL notification carefully for the exact pattern, eligibility and selection stages.
SSC CHSL FAQs
Is there negative marking in SSC CHSL?
Yes. Tier I deducts 0.50 marks for each wrong answer, and Tier II deducts 1 mark for each wrong answer in the objective sections.
What is the age limit for SSC CHSL?
The age limit is 18 to 27 years, with relaxation for SC, ST, OBC, PwBD and other categories as per government rules.
Which posts are offered through SSC CHSL?
Lower Division Clerk, Junior Secretariat Assistant and Data Entry Operator in various ministries and departments of the Government of India.
What is the salary of SSC CHSL posts?
LDC and JSA are at Pay Level 2 of the 7th Pay Commission, and Data Entry Operator posts are at Pay Level 4 or 5 depending on the department. Allowances are added on top of basic pay.
Is the typing test compulsory in SSC CHSL?
Yes. LDC and JSA candidates take a typing test (35 words per minute in English or 30 in Hindi) and DEO candidates take a data entry skill test. These are qualifying in nature.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for SSC CHSL?
SSC CHSL is conducted by Staff Selection Commission (SSC) across 3 stages: Tier I → Tier II → Document verification. Tier I only shortlists candidates. Final merit is based on Tier II Session I marks, subject to qualifying the computer module and the typing or data entry skill test, followed by document verification.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for SSC CHSL?
Educational Qualification: Passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognised board. For Data Entry Operator in some offices, Class 12 with Science and Mathematics is required. Age Limit: 18 to 27 years, with relaxation for reserved categories as per rules.
When is the SSC CHSL notification released and how can I apply online?
SSC CHSL is held once a year (The 2026 notice came out on 7 September 2026, with Tier I proposed for 30 November to 31 December 2026 and Tier II to be notified later). Online on ssc.gov.in after one-time registration (OTR).
Where can I practice free SSC CHSL mock tests and solved previous year papers?
Select SSC CHSL as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering General Intelligence and Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General Awareness, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact SSC CHSL pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.
How can I prepare for SSC CHSL on SmartRank?
Select SSC CHSL as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering General Intelligence and Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General Awareness, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact SSC CHSL pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.