• Updated on 19 Oct, 2026 by Himanshu Singh
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The SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026 consists of two tiers: Tier 1 and Tier 2. Both stages are conducted in Computer Based Examination mode by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for recruitment to posts such as Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) and Data Entry Operator (DEO).
Tier 1 consists of 100 questions carrying 200 marks, while Tier 2 includes Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness and Computer Knowledge. Tier 2 also includes a Skill Test or Typing Test, depending on the post.
Candidates preparing for SSC CHSL 2026 should understand the examination structure, subject-wise marks distribution, sectional timings and negative marking before starting their preparation. The following sections explain the SSC CHSL Tier 1 and Tier 2 exam patterns in detail.
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
SSC CHSL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026
The SSC CHSL Tier 1 examination consists of four subjects: English Language, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness. Each subject contains 25 questions carrying 50 marks, making the total 100 questions and 200 marks.
Candidates receive 60 minutes to complete Tier 1, with a separate sectional timer of 15 minutes for each subject.
SSC CHSL Tier 1 Marks Distribution
Tier 1 consists of objective-type multiple-choice questions. Candidates should manage their time carefully because each subject has a fixed time limit. Once the allotted time for a section ends, that section closes automatically.
SSC CHSL Tier 1 Negative Marking
There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for every incorrect answer in Tier 1. Each correct answer carries 2 marks, while unanswered questions do not attract a penalty.
Candidates eligible for a scribe under the applicable provisions receive 80 minutes, with the prescribed additional sectional time.
SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026
The SSC CHSL Tier 2 examination is divided into four sections. Sections I, II and III are conducted in Session I, while Section IV, comprising the Skill Test or Typing Test, is conducted in Session II on the same day.
Session I has a total duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes. Candidates must qualify all the prescribed sections of Tier 2.
SSC CHSL Tier 2 Marks Distribution
The objective sections contain a total of 135 questions carrying 405 marks. The Skill Test or Typing Test is qualifying in nature and is conducted according to the post applied for.
SSC CHSL Tier 2 Session 1
Session I includes Section I, Section II and Section III. Candidates must complete each section within its prescribed time limit.
Section I: Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning
Section I consists of two parts: Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning and General Intelligence. Each part contains 30 questions carrying 90 marks.
Mathematical Abilities includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, statistics and probability. Reasoning covers analogy, classification, series, coding-decoding, Venn diagrams, pattern-based questions and logical problem-solving.
Section II: English Language and Comprehension and General Awareness
Section II assesses candidates' English-language skills and general knowledge.
The English section covers grammar, vocabulary, sentence improvement, comprehension and related topics. General Awareness includes history, culture, geography, economic developments, general policy, scientific research and current affairs.
Section III: Computer Knowledge Test
The Computer Knowledge Test contains 15 questions carrying 45 marks and has a duration of 15 minutes.
The syllabus includes computer basics, CPU, input and output devices, memory, operating systems, MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint, internet and email, networking and cybersecurity.
Although the Computer Knowledge Test is qualifying in nature, candidates must appear for it and meet the applicable qualifying requirements.
SSC CHSL Tier 2 Session 2
Session II consists of Section IV, which includes the Skill Test or Typing Test, depending on the post. It is conducted on the same day after Session I.
The Skill Test and Typing Test are qualifying in nature. Candidates eligible for a scribe receive the prescribed compensatory time under the applicable notification provisions.
SSC CHSL Negative Marking 2026
After completing the CHSL form 2026, candidates should understand the negative marking system to prepare effectively for the examination. Negative marking applies to both Tier 1 and the objective sections of Tier 2, with different penalties for incorrect answers. Candidates should carefully review the marking scheme to avoid unnecessary deductions and improve their overall scores.
Candidates should focus on accuracy, practise mock tests and improve their time-management skills to perform well in the examination.
SSC CHSL Skill Test and Typing Test 2026
The Skill Test is mandatory for Data Entry Operator candidates, while LDC/JSA candidates are required to take the applicable Typing Test. The required speed depends on the post and department.
SSC CHSL DEO Skill Test
The test evaluates the accurate entry of words or key depressions from a given passage. Candidates should practise regular data entry to improve both speed and accuracy.
SSC CHSL LDC/JSA Typing Test
Candidates must choose English or Hindi as their typing-test medium in the online application form. The selected medium is treated as final under the supplied examination provisions.
The typing test evaluates accuracy while typing a given passage. Candidates should practise in their selected language and become familiar with the required typing speed before the examination.
To learn more, interested candidates can also visit the official SSC website.
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
How many tiers are there in SSC CHSL 2026?
The SSC CHSL examination consists of two tiers: Tier 1 and Tier 2. Both are conducted in computer-based examination mode.
What is the SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam pattern?
Tier 1 consists of four subjects: English Language, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness. Each subject has 25 questions carrying 50 marks, making a total of 100 questions and 200 marks.
What is the duration of SSC CHSL Tier 1?
The Tier 1 examination lasts 60 minutes, with 15 minutes allotted to each subject. Candidates eligible for a scribe receive the prescribed compensatory time.
Is there negative marking in SSC CHSL Tier 1?
Yes. A penalty of 0.50 marks is applied for each incorrect answer in Tier 1.
How many questions are asked in SSC CHSL Tier 2?
The three objective sections of Tier 2 contain 135 questions carrying 405 marks in total. The Skill Test or Typing Test is conducted separately and is qualifying in nature.
What is the duration of SSC CHSL Tier 2 Session I?
Session I lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes. It includes Section I for 60 minutes, Section II for 60 minutes and Section III, the Computer Knowledge Test, for 15 minutes.
Is the Computer Knowledge Test mandatory in SSC CHSL Tier 2?
Yes. The Computer Knowledge Test is mandatory but qualifying in nature. Candidates must appear for the test and satisfy the applicable qualifying requirements.
Is the SSC CHSL Typing Test mandatory for LDC/JSA posts?
Candidates applying for LDC/JSA posts must take the applicable Typing Test and qualify it according to the examination rules.
What typing speed is required for SSC CHSL LDC/JSA?
The required typing speed is 35 words per minute for English and 30 words per minute for Hindi. The test duration is 10 minutes, subject to applicable compensatory-time provisions.
What is the required skill-test speed for SSC CHSL DEO posts?
The required speed is 15,000 key depressions per hour for DEO/DEO Grade A posts in specified departments or ministries and 8,000 key depressions per hour for other applicable DEO posts. The test duration is 15 minutes.