SSC CHSL exam pattern 2026 has two computer-based tiers. Tier I has 100 questions for 200 marks, with a separate 15-minute timer for each subject. Tier II includes subject tests, a qualifying Computer Knowledge Test and a qualifying Skill/Typing Test. Negative marking differs between tiers.
Tier I: questions, marks and sectional timing
| Subject | Questions | Maximum marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| General Intelligence | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 60 minutes |
Each correct answer carries 2 marks. Each wrong answer deducts 0.50 marks. The standard duration totals 60 minutes, with a timer for each subject. Candidates eligible under paragraphs 7.1–7.3 have 20 minutes per subject, totalling 80 minutes.
The English part tests English. Parts II, III and IV are offered in English, Hindi and the selected language as specified in Annexure XV.
Tier II: Session I structure
| Section / subject | Questions | Marks | Standard time | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-A: Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 30 minutes | Counts for merit |
| I-B: Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 30 minutes | Counts for merit |
| II-A: English Language and Comprehension | 40 | 120 | 40 minutes | Counts for merit |
| II-B: General Awareness | 20 | 60 | 20 minutes | Counts for merit |
| III: Computer Knowledge | 15 | 45 | 15 minutes | Qualifying |
Session I lasts 2 hours 15 minutes under standard timing. Section I gives 30 minutes to each subject. Section II gives 40 minutes to English and 20 to General Awareness. Computer Knowledge lasts 15 minutes. A wrong answer deducts 1 mark in Sections I, II and III.
For candidates eligible for the specified compensatory time: Maths and Reasoning allow 40 minutes each; English 55 minutes; General Awareness 25 minutes; Computer Knowledge 20 minutes.
Tier II: Skill Test and Typing Test
Session II follows Session I on the same day after the break for re-registration. The applicable Skill/Typing Test is qualifying.
| Post group | Required speed | Standard duration |
|---|---|---|
| DEO / DEO Grade A in paragraph 8.1 departments | 15,000 key depressions per hour | 15 minutes |
| Other DEO / DEO Grade A posts | 8,000 key depressions per hour | 15 minutes |
| LDC / JSA | English: 35 words per minute; Hindi: 30 words per minute | 10 minutes |
Eligible candidates receive 5 additional minutes under the specified provisions. DEO Skill Test is mandatory with no exemption. The limited LDC/JSA typing exemption requires the medical certification and conditions in paragraph 13.9.13.7(vii). Hindi typing uses Mangal font. The English/Hindi choice made in the application is final.
What changed in SSC CHSL 2026?
| Point | Earlier cycle (2025) | 2026 notification |
|---|---|---|
| Tier I timing | 60 minutes for all four parts; 80 minutes for eligible scribe candidates | Separate timers: 15 minutes per subject; 20 minutes for eligible candidates |
| Tier II Section I | One-hour combined section | 30 minutes each for Maths and Reasoning |
| Tier II Section II | One-hour combined section | 40 minutes English plus 20 minutes General Awareness |
| Correction window in original notice | 2 days | 3 days |
| Centre preferences | Three centres anywhere in the country | Three centres within the same region |
Compared directly with the 2025 notification, paragraphs 11–13, and the 2026 notification, paragraphs 11–13. This does not imply that every provision changed.
Final merit and minimum qualifying marks
Tier I shortlists candidates for Tier II. Final merit uses the aggregate of Tier II Sections I and II (360 marks), subject to qualifying Sections III and IV and the other selection conditions. The 45 Computer Knowledge marks are not added to that merit total.
Minimum qualifying percentages for Tier I and Tier II Sections I–III are 30% for UR, 25% for OBC/EWS and 20% for other categories. These are minimum standards, not predictions of recruitment cut-offs. SSC may set category/post-group shortlisting cut-offs. Post preferences must be submitted within the notified period; omission means no consideration for a post in the final result/FRTA.
How to adapt your preparation
Editorial study advice: practise Tier I as four 15-minute blocks, not only as a single 60-minute mock. Track accuracy and attempts because wrong answers reduce marks. Start computer basics and typing alongside subject preparation; qualifying tests are not optional. Older papers can supply questions, but use the current sectional timers.
Preparing for SSC CHSL 2027?
The verified rules on this page belong to the 2026 recruitment cycle. They can guide early preparation for 2027, but do not confirm 2027 dates, vacancies, age cut-offs or eligibility. We have not verified a 2027 notification in this review. Recheck this permanent guide when SSC publishes the next cycle’s notice; do not calculate future eligibility by simply adding one year.
Frequently asked questions
Does Tier I have sectional timing?
Yes. Standard timing is 15 minutes per subject; specified eligible candidates receive 20 minutes per subject.
Is Tier II merit calculated out of 405?
No. Session I has 405 test marks, but final merit uses the 360-mark aggregate of Sections I and II, subject to qualifying the remaining sections.
Can a high written score replace typing?
No. The applicable test must be qualified unless the specific typing exemption applies. DEO Skill Test has no exemption.