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

Updated on Jan 15, 2026 16:12 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2025: The Commission conducts the SSC CHSL exam in two stages namely Tier 1 and Tier 2. Those candidates who will clear the CHSL (10+2) Tier 1 exam will be shortlisted to appear for the Tier 2 exam. The SSC CHSL exam will be conducted as Computer-based test or online. In the Tier 1 exam, 100 questions each of 2 marks are asked. Where as Tier 2 exam consists of objective type questions and a skill or typing test. A total of 135 questions will be asked in Tier 2 exam along with the Skill Test or Typing Test Module. There is a negative marking in both the teirs.

The Tier 1 was conducted from November 12 to 30. Candidates need to score equal to or more than the SSC CHSL cutoff to get selected for Tier 2. Scroll down for more detail about the SSC CHSL exam pattern 2025.

Table of contents

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

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 CHSL 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 SSC CHSL marks 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

Also Read: SSC CHSL 2025 Expected Questions & Answers: Check Tier 1 GK, Reasoning, Quant Topics

Commonly asked questions

Q: How much marks required for SSC CHSL Tier 1?

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

Category	Qualifying Marks	Minimum Marks
UR	30%	60
OBC/ EWS	25%	50
All other categories	20%	40

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

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.

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

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 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

Commonly asked questions

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

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.

Q: What are the total marks in SSC CHSL Tier 1?

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.

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

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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.

Commonly asked questions

Q: Is SSC CHSL Tier 1 qualifying in nature?

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?

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.

SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2025

The SSC CHSL Tier 2 exam has three sections having two modules each. Multiple choice questions will be asked in the examination except for the skill or typing test. There is a negative marking of one mark for each incorrect answer in Section I, Section II, and Module I of Section III. Tier 2 exam, Section III is qualifying in nature. 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.

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

Total = 60

60*3

= 180

Section-III:

Module-I: Computer Knowledge Module

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.

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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

Commonly asked questions

Q: Is the SSC CHSL Tier 1 cutoff 2025 released?

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?

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.

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

Commonly asked questions

Q: Is it mandatory to appear for all the tier of SSC CHSL exam?

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?

The SSC CHSL exam process has these stages-

Tier I- Objective-type computer-based examination (CBE)
Tier II- Objective-type computer-based examination and skill test

Candidates are required to score equal to or more than the SSC CHSL cutoff marks to get selected for the next tier.

SSC CHSL Exam - Maths Preparation

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

Commonly asked questions

Q: What is the weightage of marks in SSC CHSL exam?

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?

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.

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?

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.

SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2025 FAQs

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

Commonly asked questions

Q: How much marks required for SSC CHSL Tier 1?

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

Category	Qualifying Marks	Minimum Marks
UR	30%	60
OBC/ EWS	25%	50
All other categories	20%	40

Q: What are the total marks in SSC CHSL Tier 1?

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 the syllabus for SSC CHSL?

The SSC CHSL syllabus is the key to CHSL preparation. The syllabus for SSC CHSL lays the foundation for exam preparation. The SSC CHSL syllabus differs for Tier 1 and Tier 2. SSC CHSL exam syllabus includes important topics from English Language, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness for the Tier-I exam. The SSC CHSL Tier-2 involves the following three sections having two modules each: 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.

Q: Is 1 year enough for SSC CHSL exam preparation?

Candidates can prepare for the SSC CHSL exam in one year using the tips shared below-

Begin the CHSL exam preparation by covering the latest pattern and syllabus
Practice question papers after studying the syllabus.
Solve mock tests

Q: Does SSC CHSL has physical tests?

The SSC CHSL (10+2) exam does not have physical tests or PET/ PST. The SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level) selection process has these stages-

Tier 1- Online exam (Objective Type)
Tier 2- Online exam (Objective Type) and Skill Test or Typing Test

Q: Is SSC CHSL exam analysis helpful?

SSC CHSL exam analysis is really helpful for candidates who are looking forward to appearing for the exam. The SSC CHSL exam review gives details on the difficulty level of question paper, number of questions, topics from question are asked, good attempts and expected cut off marks. The SSC CHSL exam analysis also helps in understanding the latest SSC CHSL question paper structure.

Q: Where can I see the SSC CHSL Exam Analysis 2025?

Candidates can check SSC CHSL exam analysis 2025 here. The SSC CHSL exam analysis provides details of the difficulty level of the paper, topics asked in the exam, pattern, good attempts, etc. The SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam anaysis 2025 will be shared here based on the inputs provided by the candidates. Candidates can guesstimate the expected SSC CHSL cut off 2025 using the exam analysis and review provided here.

Q: Is there descriptive paper in SSC CHSL exam?

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.

Q: Are all the tiers of the SSC CHSL exam conducted in online mode?

Yes, SSC CHSL Tier 1 and Tier 2 are conducted in an online mode. SSC CHL Tier 1 exam is the most important tier of the SSC CHSL exam, and hence the candidates should practice so that they can score better on this tier. The marks scored in the Tier 1 exam are normalized by the Staff Selection Commission SSC and the result is prepared based on the normalized marks. The candidates need to score equal to or more than the cutoff marks to get selected for the next tier.

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

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.