SSC-CHSL-Tier 1 & Tier 2 Subject-Wise Syllabus and Exam Pattern Syllabus & Pattern

SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026

The SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026 provides the complete subject-wise framework for the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission. The examination is conducted in two written stages, Tier 1 and Tier 2, followed by a qualifying Skill Test or Typing Test depending on the post.

For candidates preparing for the SSC CHSL exam, understanding the syllabus before starting topic-wise preparation is important. Tier 1 assesses English Language, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness, while Tier 2 expands these areas and also includes Computer Knowledge. The exact examination scheme and requirements should always be checked against the latest SSC notification before applying or appearing for the examination.

SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026: Selection Structure

The SSC CHSL examination is organized into Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 is an objective Computer Based Examination used for shortlisting candidates. Tier 2 consists of objective sections along with a qualifying Computer Knowledge Test and a Skill Test or Typing Test, depending on the post.

Stage Mode Main Components Nature Tier 1 Computer Based Examination English Language, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness Objective Tier 2 Computer Based Examination Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge Objective Tier 2 Section IV Skill/Typing Test Skill Test for DEO or Typing Test for LDC/JSA Qualifying SSC CHSL Tier 1 Exam Pattern

Tier 1 contains four sections with an equal number of questions. Candidates have 60 minutes to complete the examination. Each correct answer carries two marks, while an incorrect response results in a negative marking of 0.50 marks.

Subject Questions Marks Duration English Language 25 50 60 minutes for the complete paper General Intelligence 25 50 60 minutes for the complete paper Quantitative Aptitude 25 50 60 minutes for the complete paper General Awareness 25 50 60 minutes for the complete paper Total 100 200 60 minutes Tier 1 questions are objective multiple-choice questions. The examination carries a negative marking of 0.50 marks for every incorrect response.

SSC CHSL Tier 1 Subject-Wise Syllabus

1. English Language

The English Language component evaluates fundamental grammar, vocabulary and comprehension skills. Preparation should cover sentence-level usage as well as the ability to understand passages and identify appropriate words or constructions.

• Spot the Error
• Fill in the Blanks
• Synonyms and Homonyms
• Antonyms
• Spellings and detection of misspelt words
• Idioms and Phrases
• One-word Substitution
• Improvement of Sentences
• Active and Passive Voice of Verbs
• Direct and Indirect Narration
• Shuffling of Sentence Parts
• Shuffling of Sentences in a Passage
• Cloze Passage
• Comprehension Passage

2. General Intelligence

General Intelligence contains both verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions. Candidates need to work with relationships, patterns, classifications, figures and logical operations while developing the ability to draw conclusions from given information.

• Semantic Analogy
• Symbolic Operations
• Symbolic and Number Analogy
• Trends
• Figural Analogy
• Space Orientation
• Semantic Classification
• Venn Diagrams
• Symbolic and Number Classification
• Drawing Inferences
• Figural Classification
• Punched Hole and Pattern Folding/Unfolding
• Semantic Series
• Figural Pattern Folding and Completion
• Number Series
• Embedded Figures
• Figural Series
• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Emotional Intelligence
• Word Building
• Social Intelligence
• Coding and Decoding
• Numerical Operations
• Other related sub-topics, if applicable

3. Quantitative Aptitude

The Quantitative Aptitude syllabus is built around school-level arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration and trigonometry. Candidates should also be comfortable interpreting common statistical charts and graphs because questions may require numerical information to be extracted from visual data.

Number Systems

• Whole Numbers
• Decimals
• Fractions
• Relationship between Numbers

Fundamental Arithmetical Operations

• Percentages
• Ratio and Proportion
• Square Roots
• Averages
• Simple Interest
• Compound Interest
• Profit and Loss
• Discount
• Partnership Business
• Mixture and Alligation
• Time and Distance
• Time and Work

Algebra

• Basic Algebraic Identities
• Elementary Surds
• Graphs of Linear Equations

Geometry

• Elementary Geometrical Figures and Facts
• Triangles and their Various Centres
• Congruence and Similarity of Triangles
• Circles and Chords
• Tangents
• Angles Subtended by Chords of a Circle
• Common Tangents to Two or More Circles

Mensuration

• Triangle
• Quadrilaterals
• Regular Polygons
• Circle
• Right Prism
• Right Circular Cone
• Right Circular Cylinder
• Sphere
• Hemisphere
• Rectangular Parallelepiped
• Regular Right Pyramid with Triangular or Square Base

Trigonometry

• Trigonometric Ratios
• Complementary Angles
• Heights and Distances
• Standard Trigonometric Identities

Statistical Charts

• Tables
• Graphs
• Histogram
• Frequency Polygon
• Bar Diagram
• Pie Chart

4. General Awareness

General Awareness examines knowledge of the surrounding environment and its relevance to society. Along with current events and everyday scientific awareness, candidates should prepare topics connected with India and its neighbouring countries.

• Current Events
• History
• Culture
• Geography
• Economic Scene
• General Policy
• Scientific Research
• Everyday Scientific Awareness
• General awareness of the environment and its application to society

SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam Pattern

Tier 2 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 the Computer Knowledge Test. Session II is devoted to the Skill Test or Typing Test.

Section Component Questions Marks Time Section I Mathematical Abilities 30 90 60 minutes for Section I Section I Reasoning and General Intelligence 30 90 Section II English Language and Comprehension 40 120 60 minutes for Section II Section II General Awareness 20 60 Section III Computer Knowledge Test 15 45 15 minutes Session I Total Sections I to III 135 405 2 hours 15 minutes Section IV Skill Test/Typing Test Not applicable Qualifying Post-dependent Tier 2 objective sections carry a negative marking of one mark for each incorrect answer. The Computer Knowledge Test is mandatory but qualifying in nature. Candidates must qualify the required sections of Tier 2 to continue in the selection process.

SSC CHSL Tier 2 Subject-Wise Syllabus

1. Mathematical Abilities

Mathematical Abilities carries forward the core numerical areas from Tier 1 and adds topics such as measures of central tendency and elementary probability. Candidates should build accuracy in calculations while becoming comfortable with algebraic, geometric and statistical problems.

Number Systems

• Whole Numbers
• Decimals
• Fractions
• Relationship Between Numbers

Fundamental Arithmetical Operations

• Percentages
• Ratio and Proportion
• Square Roots
• Averages
• Simple and Compound Interest
• Profit and Loss
• Discount
• Partnership Business
• Mixture and Alligation
• Time and Distance
• Time and Work

Algebra

• Basic Algebraic Identities
• Elementary Surds
• Graphs of Linear Equations

Geometry

• Elementary Geometrical Figures and Facts
• Triangle and Various Centres
• Congruence and Similarity of Triangles
• Circle and Chords
• Tangents
• Angles Subtended by Chords of a Circle
• Common Tangents to Two or More Circles

Mensuration

• Triangle
• Quadrilaterals
• Regular Polygons
• Circle
• Right Prism
• Right Circular Cone
• Right Circular Cylinder
• Sphere
• Hemisphere
• Rectangular Parallelepiped
• Regular Right Pyramid with Triangular or Square Base

Trigonometry

• Trigonometric Ratios
• Complementary Angles
• Heights and Distances
• Standard Trigonometric Identities

Statistics and Probability

• Tables and Graphs
• Histogram
• Frequency Polygon
• Bar Diagram
• Pie Chart
• Mean
• Median
• Mode
• Standard Deviation
• Simple Probability

2. Reasoning and General Intelligence

Tier 2 reasoning continues to test verbal and non-verbal intelligence through relationships, classifications, sequences and visual patterns. Regular exposure to different question formats can help candidates recognize the underlying logic rather than relying on one fixed solving method.

• Semantic Analogy
• Symbolic Operations
• Symbolic and Number Analogy
• Trends
• Figural Analogy
• Space Orientation
• Semantic Classification
• Venn Diagrams
• Symbolic and Number Classification
• Drawing Inferences
• Figural Classification
• Punched Hole and Pattern Folding/Unfolding
• Semantic Series
• Figural Pattern Folding and Completion
• Number Series
• Embedded Figures
• Figural Series
• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Emotional Intelligence
• Word Building
• Social Intelligence
• Coding and Decoding
• Numerical Operations
• Other relevant sub-topics, if applicable

3. English Language and Comprehension

Tier 2 English combines vocabulary, grammar, sentence construction and reading comprehension. Along with objective language questions, candidates should practise extracting meaning from passages because comprehension forms an important part of this module.

• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Sentence Structure
• Synonyms and their Correct Usage
• Antonyms and their Correct Usage
• Spot the Error
• Fill in the Blanks
• Synonyms and Homonyms
• Antonyms
• Spellings and Detection of Misspelt Words
• Idioms and Phrases
• One-word Substitution
• Improvement of Sentences
• Active and Passive Voice
• Direct and Indirect Narration
• Shuffling of Sentence Parts
• Shuffling of Sentences in a Passage
• Cloze Passage
• Comprehension Passage

The comprehension component may contain two or more paragraphs followed by questions. The prescribed syllabus indicates that the passages can include material based on a book or story as well as a current-affairs editorial or report.

4. General Awareness

General Awareness at Tier 2 requires candidates to connect knowledge of current affairs and everyday scientific developments with broader awareness of India and neighbouring countries. Preparation should therefore include both static subjects and relevant contemporary events.

• Current Events
• History
• Culture
• Geography
• Economic Scene
• General Policy
• Scientific Research
• Scientific aspects of everyday observation and experience
• General awareness of the environment and its application to society
• India and neighbouring countries

5. Computer Knowledge

The Computer Knowledge Test introduces basic computer and digital-awareness topics that are relevant to everyday office and internet usage. Candidates should understand fundamental hardware and software concepts, common productivity applications, online services and basic cybersecurity.

Computer Basics

• Organization of a Computer
• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Input and Output Devices
• Computer Memory
• Memory Organization
• Backup Devices
• Ports
• Windows Explorer
• Keyboard Shortcuts

Software

• Windows Operating System
• MS Word
• MS Excel
• MS PowerPoint
• Basic Microsoft Office Operations

Internet and E-mail

• Web Browsing and Searching
• Downloading and Uploading
• Managing an E-mail Account
• E-banking

Networking and Cyber Security

• Networking Devices
• Network Protocols
• Network and Information Security
• Hacking
• Viruses
• Worms
• Trojans
• Preventive Measures

SSC CHSL Skill Test and Typing Test

The final component of Tier 2 depends on the post. Data Entry Operators are required to qualify the Skill Test, whereas candidates for LDC/JSA posts are required to qualify the Typing Test. These tests are qualifying in nature, but qualifying the applicable test is necessary for further consideration.

Skill Test for DEO Posts

The prescribed data-entry requirement differs according to the applicable DEO category. For the specified DEO/DEO Grade 'A' posts, the required speed is 15,000 key depressions per hour. For other DEO/DEO Grade 'A' posts, the prescribed speed is 8,000 key depressions per hour. The Skill Test is conducted for 15 minutes under the standard scheme.

• Specified DEO/DEO Grade 'A' posts: 15,000 key depressions per hour
• Other DEO/DEO Grade 'A' posts: 8,000 key depressions per hour
• Skill Test duration: 15 minutes under the standard scheme
• The Skill Test is qualifying in nature

Typing Test for LDC/JSA

Candidates appearing for LDC/JSA posts can choose either English or Hindi as the typing medium according to the applicable examination procedure. The required speed is 35 words per minute for English and 30 words per minute for Hindi.

Typing Medium Required Speed Standard Test Duration English 35 words per minute 10 minutes Hindi 30 words per minute 10 minutes The SSC notification specifies that the English and Hindi typing speeds correspond approximately to 10,500 and 9,000 key depressions per hour respectively. Candidates should check the latest notification for any post-specific or category-specific provisions before the test.

SSC CHSL Negative Marking

Stage Negative Marking Tier 1 0.50 mark for each incorrect answer Tier 2 Sections I, II and III 1 mark for each incorrect answer Skill/Typing Test Qualifying test; not an objective marking section SSC CHSL Preparation Strategy

A syllabus-first approach can make SSC CHSL preparation more systematic. Start by dividing the complete syllabus into smaller topic groups and maintain a record of the chapters that have been studied, practised and revised.

• Begin with the complete syllabus: Map every Tier 1 and Tier 2 topic before creating a study schedule. This prevents important areas from being overlooked.
• Build the fundamentals: Strengthen arithmetic concepts, grammar rules, vocabulary and reasoning techniques before moving to timed practice.
• Practise topic-wise questions: After completing a chapter, solve relevant questions to determine whether the underlying concept has been understood.
• Use previous-year papers: Previous-year questions help candidates become familiar with the types of problems associated with the syllabus and reveal areas that require additional practice.
• Include mock tests: Full-length and sectional mocks can be used to measure accuracy and improve time management. Review incorrect answers rather than treating a mock test merely as a score.
• Keep General Awareness updated: Combine static subjects such as history, geography and polity-related awareness with current events and scientific developments.
• Prepare Computer Knowledge separately: Do not leave the Computer Knowledge module until the final stage. Cover computer fundamentals, MS Office, internet usage and cybersecurity basics during regular preparation.
• Practise typing or data entry early: Candidates targeting LDC/JSA or DEO posts should develop the required practical skill alongside written-exam preparation rather than beginning practice immediately before the qualifying test.
• Revise consistently: Maintain short revision notes for formulas, grammar rules, vocabulary, reasoning approaches and General Awareness facts.

SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026: Important Points

• Tier 1 consists of four objective sections: English Language, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness.
• Tier 1 contains 100 questions carrying 200 marks in total.
• Tier 1 has a 60-minute standard duration and 0.50-mark negative marking for an incorrect answer.
• Tier 2 includes Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness and Computer Knowledge.
• Tier 2 objective sections carry one-mark negative marking for an incorrect answer.
• Computer Knowledge is qualifying in nature.
• The Skill Test or Typing Test is also qualifying and depends on the post.
• DEO candidates are required to appear for the applicable Skill Test.
• LDC/JSA candidates are required to qualify the applicable Typing Test.

Disclaimer

This SSC CHSL syllabus page has been prepared for educational and preparation purposes using the referenced syllabus information and the applicable SSC examination framework. Examination dates, vacancies, eligibility conditions, syllabus details, marking schemes, qualifying requirements and other rules may be revised by the Staff Selection Commission. Candidates should always verify the latest official notification and instructions published on the SSC website before making decisions related to the examination.

Conclusion

The SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026 gives candidates a structured roadmap for covering the examination from Tier 1 through the qualifying stages of Tier 2. A practical preparation plan should combine the subject-wise syllabus with regular question practice, previous-year papers, mock tests and revision. Candidates should also give adequate attention to Computer Knowledge and the applicable typing or data-entry requirement instead of concentrating exclusively on the written sections.

Use this syllabus as a checklist while preparing, and compare it with the latest SSC notification whenever the Commission publishes an updated examination notice.