SSC CHSL Exam Pattern for Tier 1 & Tier 2
Understanding the SSC CHSL exam pattern is the first step to building an effective study plan. This outline provides crucial details such as the marking system, question format, difficulty level, and the total number of items. For government job seekers, familiarizing yourself with these specifics upon the notification’s release is essential. This knowledge allows you to craft a targeted preparation strategy and identify which subjects demand the most focus.
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern for 2026
The updated SSC CHSL 2026 Exam Pattern consists of two distinct stages that all candidates must pass for final appointment to a government position.
Stage 1: Tier 1 Exam
- Computer-based objective test
- 100 questions for 200 marks
- Qualifying in nature
Stage 2: Tier 2 Exam
- Computer-based test with multiple sections
- Includes typing test or skill test
- Final selection based on this stage
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern for Tier 1
The SSC CHSL Tier 1 Exam Pattern is very important because this is your first step toward getting a government job. Let’s understand the SSC CHSL Exam Pattern for Tier 1:
Basic Structure of Tier 1
The SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam is a computer based online exam that has 100 multiple choice questions for 200 marks and you get 60 minutes (1 hour) to complete it. The exam is divided into 4 sections with 25 questions in each section.
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern Tier 1 2026
Section Name | Number of Questions | Marks | Time Duration |
English Language | 25 | 50 | 60 minutes (80 Minutes for PWD candidates) Shared among all sections No sectional time limit |
General Intelligence (Reasoning) | 25 | 50 | |
Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Athematic) | 25 | 50 | |
General Awareness (GK) | 25 | 50 | |
Total | 100 | 200 | 60 minutes |
Important Points About Tier 1 Pattern
Type of Questions:
- All questions are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Each question has 4 options
- You need to select the correct answer
Marking Scheme:
- Correct Answer: You get 2 marks
- Wrong Answer: You lose 0.5 marks (negative marking)
- Unattempted Question: No marks deducted
Time Management:
- Total time is 60 minutes for 100 questions
- No separate time for each section
- You can attempt sections in any order
- Average time per question: 36 seconds
Special Time:
- Candidates with visual problems get 80 minutes
- Candidates with physical problems get 80 minutes
- Scribe facility available for eligible candidates
To know more about the syllabus for SSC CHSL Exam, you can check our page – SSC CHSL Syllabus.
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern for Tier 2
The SSC CHSL Tier 2 exam has been revised and now consists of three sections with two modules each, conducted in two sessions on the same day.
The Tier 2 exam is divided into two sessions:
- Session 1: Main exam with objective questions. Exam in this session is held in three sections:
Section 1: Module-I: Mathematical Abilities and Module-II: Reasoning and General Intelligence.
Section 2: Module-I: English Language and Comprehension and Module-II: General Awareness.
Section 3: Computer Knowledge Test and Module-II: Skill Test/ Typing Test
- Session 2: Typing Test or Skill Test
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern Tier 2 2026
Session 1 Pattern
Session 1 has three sections with multiple modules:
Section 1: Mathematical and Reasoning Abilities
Module | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
Module 1 | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 (3 marks each) | 60 minutes or 1 hour (combined) |
Module 2 | Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 (3 marks each) |
Section 2: Language and General Awareness
Module | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
Module 1 | English Language & Comprehension | 40 | 120 (3 marks each) | 60 minutes |
Module 2 | General Awareness | 20 | 60 (3 marks each) | (combined) |
Section 3: Computer Knowledge and Skill Test
Module | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
Module 1 | Computer Knowledge Test | 15 | 45 (3 marks each) | 15 minutes |
Session 2:
Module | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
Module 2 | Skill Test/Typing Test | – | Qualifying | 10-15 minutes |
SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam Pattern Summary
Section | Total Questions | Total Marks | Total Time |
Section 1 (Modules 1+2) | 60 | 180 | 60 minutes |
Section 2 (Modules 1+2) | 60 | 180 | 60 minutes |
Section 3 (Module 1) | 15 | 45 | 15 minutes |
Session 1 Total | 135 | 405 | 135 minutes |
Session 2 (Typing Test) | – | Qualifying | 10-15 minutes |
Tier 2 Marking Scheme
In Tier 2, each correct answer gives you 3 marks and 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
- Correct Answer: +3 marks
- Wrong Answer: -1 mark (higher negative marking than SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam)
- Unattempted Question: 0 marks
SSC CHSL Typing Test / Skill Test Pattern
The Typing Test or Skill Test is part of Tier 2 Session 2. It is qualifying in nature and mandatory for specific posts.
For Data Entry Operator (DEO) Posts
DEO in C&AG and Other Ministries:
Post | Speed Required | Test Duration | Passage Type |
DEO in C&AG/Ministries | 15,000 key depressions per hour | 15 minutes | English passage (3700-4000 key depressions) |
DEO (Other Departments) | 8,000 key depressions per hour | 15 minutes | English passage (2000-2200 key depressions) |
What is Key Depression?
- Every key you press on keyboard is one depression
- Includes letters, numbers, space bar, and special characters
- Example: “Hello” has 5 key depressions
For LDC/JSA Posts
Typing Speed Test:
Post | Speed Required | Test Duration | Language |
LDC/JSA/PA/SA | 10,500 key depressions per hour | 10 minutes | English or Hindi |
Typing Speed Calculation:
- 35 words per minute in English
- OR 30 words per minute in Hindi
- You can choose your language
Important Points About Typing Test
- Qualifying Nature:
- You just need to pass it
- Marks not added to final score
- But you must pass to get selected
- Extra Time for Scribe Users:
- Candidates using scribe get 5 extra minutes
- Total time becomes 15 or 20 minutes
- Accuracy Matters:
- Errors calculated up to 2 decimal places
- Too many errors can lead to failure
- Practice regularly for speed and accuracy
- Computer-Based:
- Test conducted on computer
- Passage given on screen
- You type in the test software
Negative Marking in SSC CHSL Exam
Understanding negative marking is very important for the aspirants who are preparing for the exam, you can understand how the negative marking effects in your final score in SSC CHSL Tier 1 and Tier 2 by the example given below :
Tier 1 Negative Marking
- 0.5 marks deducted for each wrong answer
- If you attempt 100 questions and 10 are wrong:
- Correct: 90 × 2 = 180 marks
- Wrong: 10 × 0.5 = 5 marks deducted
- Final Score: 180 – 5 = 175 marks
Tier 2 Negative Marking
- 1 mark deducted for each wrong answer
- If you attempt 135 questions and 15 are wrong:
- Correct: 120 × 3 = 360 marks
- Wrong: 15 × 1 = 15 marks deducted
- Final Score: 360 – 15 = 345 marks
Difference Between SSC CHSL Tier 1 and Tier 2 Exam Pattern
Understanding the differences helps in preparation:
Feature | Tier 1 | Tier 2 |
Total Questions | 100 | 135 (excluding typing test) |
Total Marks | 200 | 405 (excluding typing test) |
Marks Per Question | 2 marks | 3 marks |
Negative Marking | 0.5 marks | 1 mark |
Time Duration | 60 minutes | 135 minutes + typing test |
Sections | 4 sections | 3 sections (6 modules) |
Computer Knowledge | Not included | Included (15 questions) |
Typing Test | No | Yes (qualifying) |
Difficulty Level | Moderate | Slightly Higher |
Purpose | Qualifying | Final Selection |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): SSC CHSL Exam Pattern
- What is the SSC CHSL Exam Pattern for 2026?
The SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026 consists of two tiers. Tier 1 has 100 questions for 200 marks (4 sections with 25 questions each) with 60 minutes duration. Tier 2 has 135 questions for 405 marks in three sections plus a typing/skill test. Tier 1 has 0.5 marks negative marking while Tier 2 has 1 mark negative marking per wrong answer.
- How many questions are there in SSC CHSL Tier 1?
SSC CHSL Tier 1 has exactly 100 questions divided into 4 sections: English Language (25 questions), General Intelligence (25 questions), Quantitative Aptitude (25 questions), and General Awareness (25 questions). Each question carries 2 marks, making the total 200 marks.
- Is there negative marking in SSC CHSL exam?
Yes, there is negative marking in both tiers of SSC CHSL exam. In Tier 1, 0.5 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. In Tier 2, 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer. There is no negative marking in the typing test or skill test as they are qualifying in nature.
- What is the time duration for SSC CHSL Tier 1?
The time duration for SSC CHSL Tier 1 is 60 minutes (1 hour) for all 100 questions. There is no separate time limit for each section. However, candidates with visual or physical disabilities get 80 minutes (extra 20 minutes) to complete the exam.
- Which is harder – SSC CHSL Tier 1 or Tier 2?
SSC CHSL Tier 2 is generally considered slightly harder than Tier 1. Tier 2 has higher negative marking (1 mark vs 0.5 mark), questions are of 3 marks each, includes computer knowledge section, and has a typing test. The difficulty level of questions is also marginally higher in Tier 2. However, with proper preparation, both tiers can be cleared easily.
- Is typing test compulsory in SSC CHSL?
Yes, typing test or skill test is compulsory in SSC CHSL Tier 2. For DEO (Data Entry Operator) posts, you need to pass the skill test at specified speed (8,000 or 15,000 key depressions per hour). For LDC/JSA posts, you need to pass typing test (35 words per minute in English or 30 words per minute in Hindi). It is qualifying in nature – you must pass it to get selected, but marks are not added to final score.
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