SSC CHSL Preparation 2026: The SSC CHSL exam required dedicated and disciplined approach for the preparation of Tier 1 and 2 examination. Proper understanding of the SSC CHSL Syllabus and exam pattern is must. It provides knowledge about the marking scheme and topics asked in the examination. It is also advised to the students to prepare simultaneously for both Tier 1 and 2 exams. Therefore, with the help of effective strategy and integrated approach, candidate will be able to qualify the SSC CHSL exam. Scroll down for more detail about the SSC CHSL preparation tips.
The SSC CHSL was conducted online as a Computer-Based Exam (CBE) as per the prescribed syllabus and pattern. Shiksha.com has curated the best SSC CHSL preparation tips 2026 for the ease of candidates. Candidates must practice by solving the mock tests and question papers to crack the exam.
- SSC CHSL Preparation 2026: Syllabus and Exam Pattern
- How to Prepare for SSC CHSL Tier 1 2026 Exam?
- How to Prepare for SSC CHSL Tier 2 2026 Exam?
- How to Prepare Maths for SSC CHSL 2026 Exam Video?
- How to Prepare English for SSC CHSL exam?
- SSC CHSL Last Minute Preparation Tips 2026
- SSC CHSL Preparation 2026 FAQs
SSC CHSL Preparation 2026: Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Every year, lakhs of candidates appear in SSC CHSL for recruitment in various Government of India posts such as Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Postal Assistant (PA), Sorting Assistant (SA) and Data Entry Operator (DEO). While lakhs of candidates appear for it, only a few thousand SSC CHSL vacancies are announced by the Commission every year. The SSC CHSL exam 2026 is one of the most coveted competitive exams for Class 12 students.
Therefore, the competition for the exam is huge, which requires candidates to have a strategic SSC CHSL preparation plan to crack it. Knowing the SSC CHSL syllabus and exam pattern is the foremost step toward effective SSC CHSL preparation. As per the new SSC CHSL exam pattern, the SSC CHSL selection process consists of the following stages:
Tier I: Objective-type computer-based examination (CBE)
Tier II: 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 and exam pattern complement each other. Both are essential for preparation.
Also Read: SSC CHSL Post Preference & Option Form 2026
SSC CHSL Tier-I exam pattern: SSC CHSL tier-I is a computer-based test that contains objective-type multiple-choice questions. The paper is 60 minutes duration. Subjects from which questions are asked in the paper are mentioned below:
| SSC CHSL Tier-I Subjects |
Number of Questions |
Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English Language |
25 |
50 |
| General Intelligence |
25 |
50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude |
25 |
50 |
| General Awareness |
25 |
50 |
| Total |
100 |
200 |
SSC CHSL Tier-II exam pattern:
As per the SSC CHSL new exam pattern, Tier II consists of three sections having two modules each. Check below in detail.
| Tier |
Session |
Subject |
Number of Questions |
Maximum Marks |
Time allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| II |
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 hours and 20 minutes for the candidates eligible for scribe as per Para-8.1 and 8.2) |
| 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 as per Para-8.1 and 8.2) |
||
| Session-II |
Section-III: Module-II: Skill Test/ Typing Test Module |
Part A: Skill Test for DEOs. |
- |
15 Minutes (20 minutes for the candidates eligible for scribe as per Para-8.1 and 8.2) |
|
| Part B: Typing Test for LDC/ JSA. |
- |
10 Minutes (15 minutes for the candidates eligible for scribe as per Para-8.1 and 8.2) |
Also Read: SSC CHSL exam pattern
Commonly asked questions
If you follow a proper study plan and create and effective SSC CHSL preparation strategy, you can crack the exam in the first attempt itself. Nothing is difficult. Important is to have the right strategy and time management skills. Also, applicants need to have a thorough understanding of the SSC CHSL syllabus and exam pattern along with a good SSC CHSL book list to refer to.
How to Prepare for SSC CHSL Tier 1 2026 Exam?
There are four subjects in the SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam. These are English, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness. Here is the section-wise tips for the exam:
Tips for General Intelligence
- This section includes questions of both verbal and non-verbal type.
- Cover Semantic Analogy, Figural Analogy, Symbolic/ Number Classification, Number Series, Space Orientation, Non-Verbal Series, etc.
- Some of the important books include Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal and Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey.
Tips for English Language
- Work on Reading comprehension, One Word Substitution, Idioms and Phrases, Synonyms & Antonyms, Active & Passive Voice, etc.
- Some of the important books are Common Errors in English by Kiran Prakashan, Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis and Objective General English by RS Aggarwal.
- Candidates must regularly read English newspapers such as The Hindu and Times of India.
Tier 1 for General Awareness
- Regularly read newspapers for national and international events.
- Revise History, Geography, Indian Polity and Economy & Finance.
- Standard books are Manorama Yearbook and Lucent’s General Knowledge.
Also Read: SSC CHSL Tier 1 2026 exam day guidelines
Commonly asked questions
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.
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.
How to Prepare for SSC CHSL Tier 2 2026 Exam?
No doubt self study for the candidate is very crucial in the preparation journey. Simultaneously practice question papers also build confidence. Vocabulary practice and can also improve more via reading the newspapers. Candidates should also focus on English Grammar including tense, voice, narration, parts of speech, etc. Have a look at the SSC CHSL Tier 2 preparation for English section:
- Keep in mind the SSC UFM rule.
- Read editorials from different reputed newspapers.
- Stay updated with the events happening in the society.
- Regular practice of writing essays, letters and applications will help you maintain speed.
- Avoid making grammatical errors in the exam.
Here are the quick tips to prepare for other section are:
- Familiarise yourself with the basic computer skills.
- Improve your typing speed by regularly practicing at home.
- Practice on a computer rather than a laptop as candidates are typically given a computer for the skill/typing test.
- Observe, analyse and rectify the mistakes each time you practice typing on a computer.
Commonly asked questions
The SSC CHSL selection process has two stages as shared below-
- Tier I- Objective-type computer-based examination (CBE)
- Tier II- Objective-type computer-based examination and skill test
How to Prepare Maths for SSC CHSL 2026 Exam Video?
Candidates can know the important tips and strategies to prepare for Mathematics section of the SSC CHSL exam 2026 through the video below:
Commonly asked questions
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.
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.
How to Prepare English for SSC CHSL exam?
The candidates can see here the tips for SSC CHSL Engish preparation
SSC CHSL Last Minute Preparation Tips 2026
The SSC CHSL exam is designed to test candidates English, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness. As we know that Tier 1 is an online test which consists of 100 questions where as Tier 2 is a descriptive test of writing skill and typing ability. To score well in both the Tiers, it is important for a candidate to have a balanced approach. Have a look at the SSC CHSL last-minute tips 2026 below:
- A thorough revision of important topics
- Solve the previous year question papers and a few mock tests
- Time management and accuracy
- Arrangement of essential things to be carried to exam centres
- Dont take stress and stay clam
Commonly asked questions
No, the SSC CHSL Tier 2 exam is not qualifying in nature. In Tier 1, it is compulsory to clear all 4 sections. Based on the performance in Sections 1 and 2 of the Tier 2 exam, candidates are shortlisted for evaluation of Section 3 (Computer Knowledge Test) and Section 4 (Skill Test/ Typing Test). However, the Computer Knowledge Test and Skill Test/ Typing Test are qualifying in nature. The SSC CHSL final merit list is prepared based on the overall performance of candidates in CHSL Tier 2 exam only.
There is negative marking in the SSC CHSL Tier 2 exam. In SSC CHSL 2025 Tier 2, each question carries 3 marks. For each wrong answer in the exam, there is a negative marking of 1 mark in Section-I, Section-II and Section-III.
SSC CHSL Preparation 2026 FAQs
Have a look at the FAQs below related to the SSC CHSL preparations:
Commonly asked questions
The SSC CHSL syllabus helps candidates in clearing the exam with high scores as it contains each and every topic from which questions are asked in the exam. Candidates can gain good marks after covering the complete syllabus.
The SSC CHSL exam is conducted in two tiers, that is, Tier I and Tier II. All four sections of the SSC CHSL Tier I exam will last 60 minutes for all candidates and 80 minutes for those who are eligible to scribe. Further, the time duration in the SSC CHSL Tier II exam, will be 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.
Candidates can easily qualify the SSC CHSL exam without coaching. One needs to have a proper study routine. Candidates need to refer to the best books, solve the mock papers and question papers to ace the exam.
The Staff Selection Commission conducts the SSC CHSL exam every year to recruit candidates for Group C posts in ministries and departments of the Government of India. The SSC CHSL recruitment is carried out based on the vacancies notified by these departments and ministries. The Group C posts filled through SSC CHSL (10+2) exam are Lower Division Clerk (LDC)/ Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO) and Postal Assistant (PA), and Sorting Assistant (SA).
There is no descriptive paper in the SSC CHSL examination. There are two tiers in SSC CHSL - Tier 1 and Tier 2. Both tiers comprise an online objective-type exam containing multiple-choice questions (MCQs). However, the Tier 2 includes Skill Test or Typing Test as well.
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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