SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2025 for Tier 1 & Tier 2: Check Marking Scheme

Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level Exam 2025 ( SSC CHSL )

Rupali Pruthi
Updated on Oct 13, 2025 15:48 IST

By Rupali Pruthi, Deputy Manager - Editorial

SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2025: The SSC CHSL exam contains two stages- Tier 1 and Tier 2. Candidates first need to appear for the CHSL (10+2) Tier 1 exam, and those who clear the exam get shortlisted to appear for the Tier 2 exam. The SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam is conducted online and contains objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs). There are 100 questions of 2 marks each in the CHSL Tier 1 exam. On the other hand, the CHSL Tier 2 exam contains objective-type questions and a skill/ typing test. There are a total of 135 questions along with the Skill Test/ Typing Test Module in Tier 2. In both tiers, there is a negative marking for wrong answers.

The SSC CHSL 2025 Tier 1 will be conducted soon. Candidates need to score equal to or more than the SSC CHSL cutoff to get selected for the next phase, that is, Tier 2. 

Table of content
  • SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2025: Overview
  • SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2025
  • SSC CHSL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2025
  • SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2025
  • SSC CHSL Skill Test/ Typing Test for DEO/ LDC/ JSA
  • SSC CHSL Exam - Maths Preparation
  • SSC CHSL English Preparation
  • SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2025 FAQs
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SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2025: Overview

The SSC CHSL paper pattern will help candidates in their exam preparation and manage time during the actual examination. SSC CHL Tier 1 exam is the most important selection phase as it is the deciding factor to shortlist candidates for the next round, Tier 2 exam. The marks scored in the SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam are normalised by the Staff Selection Commission, and the result is prepared based on the normalised marks. As per the latest SSC CHSL exam pattern 2025, candidates need to clear two stages that are Tier 1 and Tier 2 to get shortlisted for recruitment in government ministries and departments, including Data Entry Operators, LDC, Junior Secretariat Assistants, etc. Candidates should go through the exam pattern of the SSC CHSL exam carefully and analyse it. Scroll down for more clarity regarding the SSC CHSL exam pattern highlights for Tier 1 and Tier 2 papers below:

Particulars

SSC CHSL Tier 1 Exam Highlights

SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam Highlights

Exam mode

Online (computer-based test)

Offline (pen-and-paper-based test)

Number of sections & subjects

4 (English Language, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness)

Two Sessions

Exam duration

1 hour (60 minutes)

Session I: 2 hour 15 minutes

Session II: 30 minutes

Number of questions

100

Session I: 135 Questions

Session II: Skill Test/ Typing Test Module

Type of questions

MCQs; 4 options with 1 correct option

Objective Type, Multiple choice questions, except for
Module-II of Section-3

Total marks

200

Session I, Section 1: 180 Marks
Session I, Section 2: 180 Marks
Session I, Section 3: 45 Marks

Language of paper

English and Hindi 

English and Hindi  

Negative Marking

Deduction of 0.50 marks for each incorrect answer

Deduction of 1 mark for each wrong answer in Section-I,
Section II and Module-I of Section-III

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the exam pattern of SSC CHSL?
A: 

The exam pattern of the SSC CHSL includes structure of Tier 1 and Tier 2. The Tier 1 exam includes a total of 100 questions of 2 marks each from four sections - General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English and General Intelligence and Reasoning. The Tier 2 includes Session I and Session II. The Tier 2 Session I includes Section I, Section II and Modules I of Section III and Session II includes Modules II of Section III. Tier 2 comprises 135 questions carrying the weightage of 3 marks each.

Q:   Has the exam pattern for the SSC CHSL 2025 been changed?
A: 

No, the SSC CHSL 2025 exam pattern has not been changed. Earlier, the Commission changed the exam pattern for the SSC CHSL exam in 2022 to expedite the recruitment process. SSC CHSL exam is now be conducted in two tiers as mentioned below: Tier 1 and Tier 2. The Tier 1 Examination consists of Objective Type, Multiple choice questions only. The questions are set in English and Hindi. There is negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer. The SSC CHSL Tier 2 Examination is conducted in two sessions - Session I and Session II, on same day. Session-I will include conducting of Section-I, Section-II and Module I of Section III. Session II will include conducting of Module-II of Section III. Also, it is mandatory for the candidates to qualify all the sections of Tier 2. The Tier 2 consists of Objective Type, Multiple choice questions, except for Module-II of Section III. The questions are set in English and Hindi except for Module II (I. e. English Language and Comprehension module) in Section II. There is negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer in Section I, Section II and Module I of Section III of the Tier 2 exam.

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SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2025

The Commission provides the SSC CHSL 2025 exam pattern in the official notification. Candidates who are planning to sit for the SSC CHSL exam 2025 should be aware of the complete exam pattern including the number of sections, names of sections, marking scheme, number of questions and others. We have provided here the latest and detailed SSC CHSL exam pattern for Tier 1 and Tier 2. Go through the exam pattern below and start preparing to ace the SSC CHSL

SSC CHSL 2025 Selection Process

As per the new SSC CHSL exam pattern, the SSC CHSL selection process consists of the following stages:

Tier 1: Objective-type computer-based examination (CBE)

Tier 2: Objective-type computer-based examination and skill test

Candidates have to pass all the phases of the SSC CHSL exam for selection in government offices. SSC CHSL syllabus 2025 and exam pattern complement each other. Both are essential for preparation.

SSC CHSL Negative Marking 2025

There is a negative marking for wrong answers in both Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the SSC CHSL 2025 exam. Have a look:

  • Tier 1 has a 0.50 negative marking for each incorrect answer.
  • Tier 2 has a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer in Section I, Section  II, and Module I of Section III.

Also Read: SSC CHSL Posts and Salary

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are the total marks in SSC CHSL Tier 1?
A: 

The Commission conduct the SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam in online mode. SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam holds a total weightage of 200 marks. As per the SSC CHSL exam pattern, the Tier 1 has 100 questions, 25 MCQs from each of the four subjects/sections - English, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Intelligence and Reasoning. There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answers given by candidates.

SSC CHSL Tier 1 Marking Scheme:

The Commission mentioned the SSC CHSL marking pattern in the official notification. The correct answer will fetch 2 marks and 0.50 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer.

Q:   What is SSC CHSL exam duration for Tier 1 and Tier 2?
A: 

The SSC CHSL exam is conducted in two tiers, that is, Tier 1 and Tier 2. The marks scored by candidates are normalised by the commission. Such normalised scores are used to determine the final merit list and cut-off marks. Have a look at the SSC CHSL exam duration for Tier 1 and Tier 2 exam below:

  • Tier 1 exam duration: All four sections of the SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam last 60 minutes for all candidates and 80 minutes for those who are eligible to scribe.
  • Tier 2 exam duration: The time duration in the SSC CHSL Tier 2 exam is two hours and fifteen minutes for Session I and for Session II, Section 3 (Module II), fifteen minutes for the skill test for DEO, and ten minutes for the typing test for LDC/ JSA.
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SSC CHSL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2025

The SSC CHSL Tier 1 question paper is divided into four parts containing a total of 100 objective-type multiple-choice questions. Candidates need to complete the exam in a duration of 60 minutes. For further clarification, candidates can refer to the table below:

SSC CHSL Tier 1 Subjects

SSC CHSL Tier 1 Number of Questions

SSC CHSL Tier 1 Maximum Marks

English Language 
(Basic Knowledge)

25

50

General Intelligence

25

50

Quantitative Aptitude

(Basic Arithmetic Skill)

25

50

General Awareness

25

50

Total

100

200

Get the Top Score in DI and Logical Reasoning section of Competitive Entrance Exams with Expert Prep Tips

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SSC CHSL Marking Scheme 2025 (Tier 1)

Two marks are awarded for each correct answer in the exam. There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each incorrect answer. 

Type of Questions in SSC CHSL Tier 1 Exam

Correct Answers

Incorrect Answers

MCQs

+2

-0.50

The above marking scheme is notified in the official SSC CHSL notification 2025.
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is SSC CHSL Tier 1 qualifying in nature?
A: 

No, the SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam is not qualifying in nature, as candidates need to obtain the cut-off marks to qualify for the SSC CHSL Tier 2 exam. The SSC CHSL cut off for Tier 1 is decided by the Commission itself based on candidates' performance in the exam, difficulty level of the question paper and number of vacancies. Candidates who obtain the SSC CHSL cutoff for the specific post they have applied for are declared pass in the exam and are shortlisted to appear for the Tier 2 exam. However, the SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam is qualifying for the final selection of candidates; only Tier 2 marks are taken into consideration.

Q:   Is there negative marking SSC CHSL exam?
A: 

Yes, there is a negative marking in the SSC CHSL exam for wrong answers. In SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam, there is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answers. In SSC CHSL Tier 2, there is a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer in Section-I, Section II and Modules-I of Section III. Candidates are, therefore, advise to mark their answers with high accuracy in the SSC CHSL examination.

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SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2025

Have a look at the SSC CHSL Tier 2 exam pattern 2025 below in detail.

Session

Subject

Number of

Questions

Maximum Marks

Time allowed

Session-I

(2 hours

and 15

minutes)

Section-I:

Module-I: Mathematical Abilities

Module II: Reasoning and General Intelligence.

30

30

Total = 60

60*3

= 180

1 hour (for each section)

(1 hour and 20 minutes for the candidates eligible for scribe)

Section-II:

Module-I: English

Language and Comprehension

Module II: General Awareness

40

20

Total = 60

60*3

= 180

Section-III:

Module-I: Computer Knowledge Module

15

15*3

= 45

15 Minutes

(20 minutes for the candidates eligible for scribe)

Session-II


 

Section-III:

Module-II: Skill Test/ Typing Test Module

 

Part A: Skill Test for DEOs in
Department/ Ministry

-

15 Minutes

(20 minutes for the candidates eligible for scribe)

Part B: Skill Test for DEOs
except in Department/ Ministry

-

15 Minutes

(20 minutes for the candidates eligible for scribe)

Part C: Typing Test for LDC/ JSA

-

10 Minutes

(15 minutes for the candidates eligible for scribe)

SSC CHSL Tier 2 consists of three sections:

Section I
  • Module I: Mathematical Abilities
  • Module II: reasoning and General Intelligence
Section II
  • Module-I: English Language and Comprehension
  • Module-II: General Awareness
Section-III
  • Module-I: Computer Knowledge Test
  • Module-II: Skill Test/ Typing Test

SSC CHSL Tier 2 Pattern: Highlights

  • SSC CHSL Tier 2 is conducted in two sessions- Session I and Session II on the same day.
  • SSC CHSL Session I includes Section I, Section II and Module I of Section III. Session II includes Module II of Session III.
  • It is mandatory for the candidates to qualify for all the sections of Tier II.
  • Tier 2 consists of objective-type multiple-choice questions, except for Module II of Section III.
  • The questions are set in English and Hindi except for Module II (i.e. English Language and Comprehension module) in Section II.
  • There is a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer in Section I, Section II and Module-I of Section III. 
  • Module I of Section III is the Computer Knowledge Test which is mandatory but qualifying in nature. 
  • Module II of Section III i.e. Skill Test/ Typing Test is of qualifying nature.
  • Errors in the Skill Test will be calculated up to 2 decimal places.

                                                                    Get the Top Score in Numerical Ability section of Competitive Entrance Exams with Expert Prep Tips

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SSC CHSL 2025 Marking Scheme (Tier 2)

There is a negative marking in SSC CHSL Tier 2, as listed below in the table:

Type of Questions in SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam

Negative Marking

Objective Type, Multiple choice questions, except for Module II of Section 3

Deduction of 1 mark for each wrong answer in Section I,
Section II and Module-I of Section-III

Watch SSC CHSL Tier 2 Analysis 2023 Below

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is the SSC CHSL Tier 1 cutoff 2025 released?
A: 

No, the SSC CHSL Tier 1 cutoff 2025 has not been released. The SSC CHSL cutoff 2025 for Tier 1 will be released along with the official result PDF. The SSC CHSL cut off is available category-wise. The cut off marks also reveal the number of candidates shortlisted under each category for the next phase, that is, SSC CHSL Tier 2 exam. Candidates' qualification in Tier 1 is based on the cut off marks and final answer key.

Q:   What is SSC CHSL marking scheme?
A: 
SSC CHSL marking scheme is prescribed by the examination authority, Staff Selection Commission (SSC). The CHSL marking scheme is different for each exam stage- Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3. The scores of candidates are calculated as per the marking scheme. SSC CHSL marking scheme is given below: Candidates are awarded +2 marks for each correct answer. For each incorrect answer, 0.5 marks are deducted as a negative marking in objective paper. There is no negative marking for the descriptive paper. If a question is left blank, there is no penalty.
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SSC CHSL Skill Test/ Typing Test for DEO/ LDC/ JSA

Skill Test for DEO: The Skill Test is mandatory for Data Entry Operators. No candidate is exempted from appearing in the Skill Test. In this test, candidates are tested on their data entry speed. 

Part A - Skill Test for the post of DEO/ DEO Grade 'A’: The official notification reads Data Entry Speed of 8,000 (Eight Thousand) Key Depressions per hour on Computer’ will be adjudged on the basis of the correct entry of words/ key depressions as per the given passage. The duration of the Test will be 15 (Fifteen) minutes and printed matter in English containing about 2000-2200 key depressions would be given to each candidate who would enter the same in the Computer. The passage to be entered into the Computer may also be displayed on the computer screen.
Candidates eligible for a scribe will be given a compensatory time of 5 minutes. Therefore, the duration of the Skill Test for such candidates will be 20 minutes.

Part B - Typing Test for other posts i.e. LDC/ JSA:

Typing test medium will be Hindi or English. The candidate will have to opt for the medium of Typing Test (Hindi or English) in the online Application form.

The choice filled by the candidate regarding typing test in the online application form shall be treated as final and no change in the medium of Typing test will be entertained later.
Candidates opting for English medium should have a typing speed of 35 words per minute (w.p.m.) and those opting for Hindi medium should have a typing speed of 30 words per minute (w.p.m.). 35 w.p.m. and 30 w.p.m. correspond to about 10500 key depressions per hour and about 9000 key depressions per hour respectively.

The speed will be adjudged on the accuracy of typing on the Computer of a given text passage in 10 minutes. On the other hand, candidates eligible for scribe will be given compensatory time of 5 minutes. Therefore, the duration of Typing Test for such candidates will be 15 minutes.

Also, Passage Dictators will be provided to those VH candidates for the Typing test who have opted for scribe in the online Application Form. The Passage Dictator will read out the passage to VH candidate within the allotted time period. 

Further, the official notification reads "Persons with Disabilities candidates who claim to be permanently unfit to take the Typing Test because of a physical disability may, with the prior approval of the Commission, be exempted from the requirement of appearing and qualifying at such test, provided such a candidate submits a Certificate in the prescribed format (Annexure-XIV) to the Commission from the competent Medical Authority, i.e., the Civil Surgeon of a Government Health Care Institution declaring him to be permanently unfit for the Typing Test because of a physical disability. In addition, such candidates must substantiate their claim by furnishing the relevant Medical Certificate in the prescribed format as per Annexure-XI to Annexure-XIII of the Notice of Examination, as applicable, at the time of Typing Test. Otherwise, their claim for seeking exemption from Typing Test will not be entertained by the Commission."

Mode of Typing in SSC CHSL Typing Test

Expected Typing Speed in SSC CHSL Typing Test

English

35 words per minute

Hindi

30 words per minute

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is it mandatory to appear for all the tier of SSC CHSL exam?
A: 

Yes, it is mandatory to appear for all the two tiers of SSC CHSL exam. Candidates qualifying for the CHSL Tier 1 exam are called to appear for the Tier 2 paper. The SSC CHSL Tier 2 is conducted in two sessions - Session –I & Session II, on the same day. Session-I includes conducting of Section-I, Section-II, and Modules-I of Section-III and Session-II includes conducting of Modules-II of Section-III. It is mandatory for the candidates to qualify for all the sections of Tier II.

Q:   What are the different stages of SSC CHSL exam?
A: 
The SSC CHSL exam process consists of the following stages: Tier I: Objective-type computer-based examination (CBE) Tier II: Objective-type computer-based examination and skill test The SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam is the first stage of the exam followed by the Tier 2 exam. The SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam is objective in nature and Tier 2 is a descriptive in nature. The Tier 1 exam is conducted online and Tier 2 is conducted offline across the nation at the designated exam centres. Candidates are required to score equal to or more than the SSC CHSL cutoff marks to get selected for the next tier.
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SSC CHSL Exam - Maths Preparation

The candidates can see here video to get the tips for SSC CHSL Maths preparation 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the weightage of marks in SSC CHSL exam?
A: 
The marks obtained in the SSC CHSL Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams are counted for the final merit list. Final selection and allocation of Ministries/ Departments/ Offices to the candidates is made on the basis of performance of candidates in Tier 1 and Tier 2 examinations, the preference of Posts/ Departments given by them at the time of Document Verification and their performance in DV and Skill Test (Tier 3).
Q:   What type of questions are asked in SSC CHSL exam?
A: 

SSC CHSL Tier 1 contains objective-type multiple choice questions (MCQs). On the other hand, SSC CHSL Tier 2 is objective type as well, except for Module-II of Section-3, which is a Typing or Skill Test. The questions are set in English, Hindi and language opted by candidates, except for Module-II (i.e. English Language and Comprehension module) in Section II of Tier 2 examination.

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SSC CHSL English Preparation

The candidates can see here the tips and preparation strategy for the SSC CHSL English preparation.

Prepare for Competitive Exams with Expert Tips on English Section

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   Which language is the SSC CHSL exam paper set?
A: 

The questions in the SSC CHSL exam are set in English, Hindi and any other language opted by candidates in their respective application form, except for Section II Modules-II (English Language and Comprehension modules) of Tier 2 exam. In case of any difference or discrepancy in the SSC CHSL questions between English and the opted language, the content of English language will prevails.

Q:   How many sections are there in SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam?
A: 

The SSC CHSL Tier 2 consists of three sections:

Section I

  • Module I: Mathematical Abilities
  • Module II: reasoning and General Intelligence

Section II

  • Module-I: English Language and Comprehension
  • Module-II: General Awareness

Section-III

  • Module-I: Computer Knowledge Test
  • Module-II: Skill Test/ Typing Test
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SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2025 FAQs

Have a look at SSC CHSL exam pattern 2025 FAQs below:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How much marks required for SSC CHSL Tier 1?
A: 

Candidates need to obtain the following minimum qualifying marks for SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam:

CategoryQualifying MarksMinimum Marks
UR 30%60
OBC/ EWS25%50
All other categories20%40
Q:   What are the total marks in SSC CHSL Tier 1?
A: 

The Commission conduct the SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam in online mode. SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam holds a total weightage of 200 marks. As per the SSC CHSL exam pattern, the Tier 1 has 100 questions, 25 MCQs from each of the four subjects/sections - English, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Intelligence and Reasoning. There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answers given by candidates.

SSC CHSL Tier 1 Marking Scheme:

The Commission mentioned the SSC CHSL marking pattern in the official notification. The correct answer will fetch 2 marks and 0.50 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer.

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SSC CHSL Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered a month ago

The Staff Selection Commission scheduled the SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam from September 8 to September 18, 2025. However, the exam is postponed due to the clash of exam dates with the SSC CGL exam in September. As of now, there is no official announcement regarding the new exam dates for the Combined Highe

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P

Piyush Bhandari

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, the exam is postponed. The Commission will conduct the SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam in October-November 2025. The exam will start in the fourth week of October.

R

Rupali Pruthi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The following are the SSC CHSL crucial dates 2025:

  • 01-Jan-2026: For age reference for all registered candidates
  • 18-Jul-2025 (last date of application): For claim of SC/ ST/ OBC/ PwBD/ ESM status or other benefits

S

Satyendra Shukla

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates need to upload the scanned image of signature in JPEG/ JPG format on the SSC CHSL form as per given size and dimension:

  • 10 to 20 KB in size
  • 6.0 cm (width) x 2.0 cm (height) in dimensions

R

Ranjeeta Srivastava

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 months ago

No, there is no exemption for reserved category candidates from the SSC CHSL form correction fees. Candidates of all categories and even female candidates need to pay the application correction fee while making the changes. The SSC CHSL form correction fee is INR 200 for first time and INR 500 for t

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U

Upasana Hazarika

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 2 months ago

The Staff Selection Commission fixes the age cutoff date for the SSC CHSL exam and mentions it on the official notification every year. As per the SSC CHSL notification 2025, the age cutoff date for the exam this year is January 1, 2026. Candidates' age will be taken into account as on January 1,

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R

Rupali Pruthi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has activated the online mock test link for all the exams conducted by it, such as CHSL, GD Constable, CGL, MTS, JE, Steno, etc. Candidates can get the SSC CHSL mock test for free by visiting the official website- ssc.gov.in. Moreover, candidates can use this Shi

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V

Vikram Shukla

Beginner-Level 5

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