What is SSC CHSL?
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level (SSC CHSL) 2026 exam recruits candidates for posts such as Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Postal Assistant (PA), Sorting Assistant (SA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO) in various Central Government Departments and Ministries. Qualification requirement is 10+2 (Class 12).
Eligibility Criteria
10+2 from a recognised board. Age: 18–27 years (relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/Ex-Servicemen). Typing skills required for some posts.
Exam Pattern 2026
| Stage | Mode | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|
| Tier I | Online CBT | 100 Q (4 sections) | 200 | 60 min |
| Tier II | Online CBT + Skill Test | 3 modules | Qualifying | 2h 15m (Module I) |
Syllabus Overview
- English Language: Spotting Errors, Fill in the Blanks, Synonyms, Antonyms, Spelling, Idioms & Phrases, One Word Substitution, Sentence Improvement, Active/Passive Voice, Direct/Indirect Speech, Comprehension Passage.
- General Intelligence: Semantic Analogies, Symbolic Operations, Number Series, Embedded Figures, Critical Thinking, Emotional Intelligence.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Number Systems, Fundamental Arithmetical Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Statistical Charts.
- General Awareness: History, Culture, Geography, Economy, General Policy, Scientific Research, Awards, Sports, Current Affairs.
Expected Cut-offs 2026
Tier I (General): ~130–145/200. Tier II varies by post. Typing test is qualifying (35 WPM for English, 30 WPM for Hindi).
Preparation Tips
- Master English grammar rules — SSC CHSL has heavy English weightage.
- Build vocabulary daily using word lists and flashcards.
- Practice typing speed if applying for DEO/PA/SA posts.
- Solve 3–4 previous year papers weekly under exam conditions.
- Focus on high-accuracy strategy — negative marking of 0.5 per wrong answer.
Important Books & Resources
- Kiran Prakashan — SSC CHSL Previous Year Papers (Tier I)
- Lucent's — General Knowledge
- Wren & Martin — English Grammar
- R S Aggarwal — Quantitative Aptitude
- Arihant — SSC CHSL 10 Practice Sets
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