SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026: Exam Pattern, Tier 1 and Tier 2 Topics

The SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026 covers the subjects and topics prescribed by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for the Combined Higher Secondary Level Examination. The examination is conducted to recruit eligible candidates for posts such as Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) and Data Entry Operator (DEO).

The SSC CHSL examination consists of two tiers: Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 tests candidates' English Language, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness. Tier 2 includes Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge and a Skill Test or Typing Test.

Candidates preparing for SSC CHSL 2026 should understand the exam pattern, subject-wise syllabus, marking scheme and qualifying requirements before beginning their preparation. The following sections provide a detailed overview of the SSC CHSL syllabus and examination structure.

SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026: Exam Pattern and Tier-Wise Structure

The SSC CHSL examination comprises two computer-based examination tiers. Tier 1 consists of four subjects and carries 200 marks. Tier 2 consists of three objective-test sections followed by a qualifying Skill Test or Typing Test in Session II.

Candidates should review the examination pattern given below to understand the number of questions, marks and time allotted for each tier.

Note: Tier 2 also includes Session II for the Skill Test/Typing Test. The skill or typing component is qualifying in nature.

SSC CHSL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026

The Tier 1 examination consists of four parts, with 25 questions in each subject. Each correct answer carries 2 marks, and 0.50 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.

Candidates eligible for a scribe under the applicable notification provisions receive the prescribed compensatory time. Tier 1 questions are objective-type multiple-choice questions.

SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026

Tier 2 is conducted in two sessions on the same day. Session I includes Sections I, II and III, while Session II includes the Skill Test or Typing Test.

Session II includes the Skill Test for Data Entry Operators or the Typing Test for LDC/JSA posts, as applicable. The Skill Test and Typing Test are qualifying in nature. Candidates must qualify all the prescribed sections of Tier 2.

SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026 for Tier 1: Subject-Wise Topics

The SSC CHSL Tier 1 syllabus covers English Language, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness. The examination assesses candidates' language skills, logical reasoning, numerical ability and knowledge of current affairs and general studies.

1. English Language

The English Language section evaluates grammar, vocabulary, sentence construction and reading comprehension.

Important topics include:

• 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

Candidates should practise grammar rules, vocabulary questions and reading comprehension to improve accuracy.

2. General Intelligence

The General Intelligence section tests verbal and non-verbal reasoning abilities. Candidates are required to identify patterns, establish relationships, interpret information and solve logical problems.

Important topics include:

• 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

3. Quantitative Aptitude

Quantitative Aptitude assesses mathematical calculations and the application of basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry and other mathematical concepts.

Important topics include:

Number Systems

• Computation of Whole Numbers
• Decimals and Fractions
• Relationship Between Numbers

Fundamental Arithmetic

• 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 Geometric Figures
• Types and Centres of Triangles
• Congruence and Similarity of Triangles
• Circles and Their Chords
• Tangents
• Angles Subtended by Chords
• Common Tangents to Circles

Mensuration

• Triangles
• Quadrilaterals
• Regular Polygons
• Circles
• Right Prisms
• Right Circular Cones
• Right Circular Cylinders
• Spheres and Hemispheres
• Rectangular Parallelepipeds
• Regular Right Pyramids

Trigonometry and Statistical Charts

• Trigonometric Ratios
• Complementary Angles
• Heights and Distances
• Standard Trigonometric Identities
• Tables and Graphs
• Histograms
• Frequency Polygons
• Bar Diagrams
• Pie Charts

4. General Awareness

The General Awareness section tests knowledge of the surrounding environment, current events and general studies, including subjects related to India and its neighbouring countries.

Important topics include:

• History
• Culture
• Geography
• Economic Developments
• General Policy
• Scientific Research
• Current Affairs
• Everyday Scientific Observations
• India and Neighbouring Countries

Candidates should prepare static General Knowledge alongside current affairs and revise important events regularly.

SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026 for Tier 2: Section-Wise Breakdown

The SSC CHSL Tier 2 syllabus includes Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and General Intelligence, English Language and Comprehension, General Awareness and Computer Knowledge. Candidates must also qualify for the applicable Skill Test or Typing Test.

1. Mathematical Abilities

Mathematical Abilities covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, statistics and probability.

Important topics include:

• Number Systems
• Percentages, Ratio and Proportion
• Square Roots and Averages
• Simple and Compound Interest
• Profit and Loss
• Discount and Partnership
• Mixture and Alligation
• Time and Work
• Time and Distance
• Algebraic Identities and Elementary Surds
• Graphs of Linear Equations
• Geometry and Mensuration
• Trigonometric Ratios and Identities
• Statistical Charts
• Mean, Median and Mode
• Standard Deviation
• Simple Probability

2. Reasoning and General Intelligence

This section tests candidates' logical reasoning, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Important topics include:

• Analogy and Classification
• Symbolic Operations
• Number and Figural Series
• Coding and Decoding
• Venn Diagrams
• Space Orientation
• Drawing Inferences
• Pattern Folding and Unfolding
• Embedded Figures
• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Emotional and Social Intelligence
• Word Building
• Numerical Operations

Candidates should practise both verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions to become familiar with different question patterns.

3. English Language and Comprehension

The English section evaluates vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure and comprehension skills. The syllabus includes:

• Vocabulary and Correct Usage
• Grammar and Sentence Structure
• Spot the Error
• Fill in the Blanks
• Synonyms and Homonyms
• Antonyms
• Spellings and Misspelt Words
• Idioms and Phrases
• One-Word Substitution
• Sentence Improvement
• Active and Passive Voice
• Direct and Indirect Narration
• Sentence Rearrangement
• Cloze Passage
• Reading Comprehension

The comprehension component may include two or more paragraphs, including a simple passage based on a book or story and another based on current affairs, an editorial or a report.

4. General Awareness

The Tier 2 General Awareness syllabus focuses on general knowledge, current affairs and important developments related to India and neighbouring countries.

Important topics include:

• History and Culture
• Geography
• Economic Developments
• General Policy
• Scientific Research
• Current Events
• Everyday Scientific Knowledge
• India and Neighbouring Countries

Candidates should regularly revise important facts and follow relevant national and international developments.

SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026 for Computer Knowledge

The Computer Knowledge Test is a mandatory component of Tier 2 and is qualifying in nature. Candidates must prepare basic computer concepts, operating systems, office applications, internet usage, networking and cybersecurity.

Although the Computer Knowledge Test is qualifying in nature, candidates should prepare all prescribed topics and check the applicable qualifying requirements in the official notification.

SSC CHSL Skill Test and Typing Test 2026

The Skill Test or Typing Test is conducted during Session II of Tier 2. It is mandatory for the applicable posts and is qualifying in nature.

Skill Test for Data Entry Operators

The prescribed data-entry speed depends on the post and department.

The test assesses the correct entry of words or key depressions from a given passage. Candidates are evaluated according to the prescribed skill-test guidelines.

Typing Test for LDC/JSA

Candidates applying for LDC/JSA posts must select either English or Hindi as their typing-test medium in the online application form.

The typing speed is assessed on the accuracy of typing a given text passage. The medium selected in the application form is treated as final, according to the supplied notification.

Candidates eligible for a scribe under the applicable provisions receive the prescribed compensatory time for the relevant tests.

SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026: Important Examination Guidelines

Candidates should keep the following points in mind while preparing for the examination:

• Negative marking: Tier 1 has a penalty of 0.50 marks for each incorrect answer. Tier 2 has a penalty of 1 mark for each incorrect answer in Sections I, II and III.
• Qualifying requirements: Candidates must qualify all prescribed Tier 2 sections, including the mandatory Computer Knowledge Test and the applicable Skill Test or Typing Test.
• Normalisation: Where examinations are conducted in multiple shifts, normalised scores will be used for merit and cut-off determination as specified by the Commission.
• Answer-key challenges: Candidates may submit representations against tentative answer keys within the prescribed time and through the notified process, subject to the applicable fee and guidelines.
• Official updates: Examination dates, admission certificates and other important announcements should be checked on the official SSC website: https://ssc.gov.in.

SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026 FAQs