SSC CHSL 2026 –
Notification, Syllabus, Eligibility & Complete Guide
2025 cycle: Tier 2 Objective held 10 April 2026; Skill Test (Shift-II) rescheduled to 22 April 2026 — final result awaited. 3,131 vacancies for LDC, JSA, PA, SA & DEO posts. SSC CHSL 2026 notification was scheduled for 30 April 2026 but has been delayed; Tier 1 exam window: July–September 2026. Class 12 pass eligible.
1. What is SSC CHSL?
SSC CHSL 2026 Notification: Delayed — Expected May–June 2026
As per the SSC Exam Calendar 2026–27, the SSC CHSL 2026 notification was scheduled for 30 April 2026 but has been delayed due to administrative reasons. It is now expected any time in May–June 2026. The 2025 cycle Tier 2 Objective was held on 10 April 2026 and the Skill Test (Shift-II) on 22 April 2026 (rescheduled) — final result awaited. Tier 1 exam window for 2026: July–September 2026. Start preparation now.
SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level) is an annual national-level examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to recruit candidates for Group C clerical and data-entry posts in central government ministries, departments, constitutional bodies, statutory bodies, and tribunals across India.
The exam is open to candidates who have passed Class 12 (10+2), making it the ideal first government job for students who do not wish to wait until after graduation. Posts recruited include Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Postal Assistant (PA), Sorting Assistant (SA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO).
The selection process consists of two Computer-Based Tests (Tier 1 and Tier 2), followed by a Typing Test or Data Entry Skill Test for specific posts. There is no interview. Tier 1 is qualifying only — the final merit list is based entirely on Tier 2 performance.
2. 📅 Important Dates – SSC CHSL 2025–26
The 2025 cycle is in its final stages — Tier 2 Objective completed on 10 April 2026 and the Skill/Typing Test (Shift-II) on 22 April 2026 (rescheduled by SSC). Final result expected June–July 2026. 💡 Key update: SSC CHSL 2026 notification was scheduled for 30 April 2026 but has been delayed; expected May–June 2026 with Tier 1 exam in July–September 2026. Start preparation now.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| CHSL 2025 Official Notification Released | 23 June 2025 | ✓ Done |
| Online Application Window Open | 23 June – 18 July 2025 | ✓ Done |
| Application Correction Window | August 2025 | ✓ Done |
| Exam City Intimation / Self-Slot Selection | 22–28 October 2025 | ✓ Done |
| Admit Card Released | 9 November 2025 | ✓ Done |
| Tier 1 Exam Conducted | 12–30 November 2025 | ✓ Done |
| Provisional Answer Key Released | 8 December 2025 | ✓ Done |
| Answer Key Objection Last Date | 11 December 2025 | ✓ Done |
| Tier 1 Result Declared (39,901 qualified) | 27 February 2026 | ✓ Done |
| Tier 1 Scorecard Released | 19 March 2026 | ✓ Done |
| Tier 2 Objective (CBT) Held — 2025 Cycle | 10 April 2026 | ✓ Done |
| Tier 2 Skill/Typing Test (Shift-II) — Rescheduled | 22 April 2026 | ✓ Done |
| Tier 2 Provisional Answer Key (Expected) | May–June 2026 (TBN) | TBN |
| Tier 2 Result & Final Merit List | June–July 2026 (TBN) | TBN |
| Document Verification & Joining (2025 Cycle) | To be notified (TBN) | TBN |
| ⚠️ SSC CHSL 2026 Notification — Delayed from 30 Apr | Expected May–Jun 2026 | 🔔 Upcoming |
| CHSL 2026 Application Window (Expected) | Notification + 1 month | 🔔 Upcoming |
| CHSL 2026 Tier 1 Exam (Per SSC Calendar) | July – September 2026 | 🔔 Upcoming |
⚠️ TBN = To Be Notified. Always verify on ssc.gov.in before taking any action.
3. 🎓 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Must have passed Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent from a recognised board or university. Graduates are also eligible.
Age Limit
Nationality
Must be a citizen of India. Subjects of Nepal/Bhutan and Tibetan refugees who settled before 1 January 1962 may also be eligible as per Government of India norms.
Number of Attempts
There is no limit on attempts. You can appear as many times as you wish as long as you meet the age limit on the cut-off date of each cycle's notification.
4. 📊 Vacancies & Posts
The table below shows the 2025 cycle post structure. The same post categories are expected for 2026 with updated vacancy counts. Posts are distributed across central government ministries and departments.
| Post | Pay Level | Pay Scale | 2025 Cycle | 2026 Cycle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC) / Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) | Pay Level 2 | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 | ~2,300 | TBN |
| Postal Assistant (PA) / Sorting Assistant (SA) | Pay Level 4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 | ~550 | TBN |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Pay Level 4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 | ~200 | TBN |
| Data Entry Operator Grade A (DEO-A) | Pay Level 4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 | ~81 | TBN |
| TOTAL | 3,131 | TBN | ||
5. Selection Process
Tier 1 — Computer-Based Test (Qualifying)
Qualifying Only100 objective MCQs | 200 marks | 60 minutes. Tests Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English. This stage is qualifying only — marks are NOT counted in the final merit list. Negative marking: −0.50 per wrong answer.
Tier 2 — Computer-Based Test (Merit-Based)
Counts for MeritConducted in 2 sessions on the same day. Session I (Objective): Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English, General Awareness & Computer Knowledge Module — total 135 questions for 405 marks. Session II: Skill Test (DEO) or Typing Test (LDC/JSA) — qualifying. Negative marking: −1 per wrong answer in Session I. Final merit list is based entirely on Tier 2 marks (Session I).
Typing Test / Skill Test (Post-specific)
Qualifying OnlyLDC/JSA: Typing Test at 35 wpm (English) or 30 wpm (Hindi). DEO: Data Entry Skill Test (8,000 key depressions/hour). PA/SA: Computer Proficiency Test (CPT). These are qualifying (pass/fail) tests and do NOT add to the merit score.
Document Verification & Final Joining
Final StageCandidates shortlisted based on Tier 2 merit and who clear the skill/typing test are called for document verification. Original certificates for age, education, category, and medical fitness are verified before final appointment.
6. Exam Pattern (Tier 1 & Tier 2)
| Section | Questions | Marks | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | −0.50/wrong |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | −0.50/wrong |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | −0.50/wrong |
| English Language & Comprehension | 25 | 50 | −0.50/wrong |
| TOTAL | 100 | 200 | 60 min total |
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 60 min | −1/wrong |
| Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | 60 min | −1/wrong |
| English Language & Comprehension | 40 | 120 | 60 min | −1/wrong |
| General Awareness | 20 | 60 | 30 min | −1/wrong |
| Computer Knowledge Module | 15 | 45 | 15 min | −1/wrong |
7. Detailed Syllabus (Tier 1 & Tier 2)
The Tier 1 and Tier 2 syllabus largely overlap. Tier 2 tests the same topics at a higher difficulty level and depth. Click any subject to expand the full topic list.
✦General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Analogies – Semantic & Figural
- Classification – Odd One Out
- Series – Number, Letter & Figural
- Coding-Decoding (old & new pattern)
- Blood Relations & Direction Sense
- Matrix, Word Formation
- Venn Diagrams & Syllogisms
- Embedded Figures & Paper Folding
- Missing Number, Non-verbal Reasoning
✦Quantitative Aptitude (Maths)
- Number System – HCF, LCM, Fractions
- Percentage, Ratio & Proportion
- Profit & Loss, Discount
- Simple Interest & Compound Interest
- Average, Mixture & Alligation
- Time & Work, Pipes & Cisterns
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Basic Algebra & Trigonometry (Class 10 level)
- Mensuration – Area, Volume (2D & 3D)
- Data Interpretation – Table, Bar, Pie
- Geometry – Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles
✦English Language & Comprehension
- Reading Comprehension (1–2 passages)
- Cloze Test (Fill-in-the-blank paragraph)
- Error Spotting & Sentence Correction
- Para Jumbles (Sentence Rearrangement)
- Fill in the Blanks (Single & Double)
- Phrase Replacement / Sentence Improvement
- Synonyms, Antonyms, One Word Substitution
- Idioms & Phrases, Spelling Correction
- Active & Passive Voice, Direct & Indirect Speech
✦General Awareness
- Current Affairs – Last 6–12 months (national & international)
- Indian History – Ancient, Medieval, Modern & Freedom Struggle
- Indian Geography – Physical features, Rivers, Climate, States
- Indian Polity – Constitution, Parliament, Fundamental Rights
- Indian Economy – Budgets, Schemes, Banking basics
- General Science – Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Class 10 level)
- Static GK – Sports, Awards, Important Days, Books & Authors
- Environment & Ecology basics
✦Computer Knowledge (Tier 2 Module)
- Basics of Computer – Hardware, Software, Input/Output devices
- Memory – RAM, ROM, Storage devices
- MS Office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint basics
- Internet basics – Browser, Email, Networking concepts
- Operating Systems – Windows, shortcuts
- Number Systems – Binary, Decimal, Hexadecimal
- Keyboard Shortcuts & Function Keys
8. 💰 Salary & Benefits (7th CPC + 60% DA from Jan 2026)
Dearness Allowance (DA) was revised to 60% of basic pay effective January 2026 (approved by the Union Cabinet on 18 April 2026, up from 58%). House Rent Allowance (HRA) follows the revised 30%/20%/10% structure for X/Y/Z class cities (since DA crossed 50% in Jan 2024). All figures below reflect the updated rates. The 8th Pay Commission was constituted in November 2025 but its report is expected only by mid-2027 — until then, the 7th CPC structure remains in force.
| Post | Basic Pay | DA (~60%) | HRA (City-wise) | Gross | In-Hand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LDC / JSA | ₹19,900 | ~₹11,940 | ₹1,990–₹5,970 | ~₹36,000–₹41,000 | ₹32,000–₹37,000 |
| PA / SA | ₹25,500 | ~₹15,300 | ₹2,550–₹7,650 | ~₹45,000–₹52,000 | ₹39,000–₹47,000 |
| DEO | ₹25,500 | ~₹15,300 | ₹2,550–₹7,650 | ~₹45,000–₹52,000 | ₹39,000–₹47,000 |
Additional Allowances
- 🏥 Medical facility for employee & family (CGHS)
- 🚆 Free/subsidised railway passes
- 📚 Children Education Allowance (CEA)
- 🏠 Government accommodation (if eligible)
- 🏖️ Annual Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
- 💼 GPF, Gratuity & Pension (Old or NPS)
- ⛽ Transport Allowance (city-dependent)
Career Progression
- →LDC → UDC (Upper Division Clerk) via LDCE
- →UDC → Assistant Section Officer (ASO)
- →PA/SA → IP/IPS (Inspector of Posts) via departmental exam
- →DEO → DEO Grade A → DEO Grade B
- →Annual increment: 3% of basic pay (as per 7th CPC)
- →DA revised twice a year (Jan & July)
- →In-service promotion without changing department
9. 5-Month Study Plan for SSC CHSL
Foundation Building
Complete NCERT Maths (6th–10th). Cover basic English grammar (tenses, parts of speech, error spotting). Start Lucent GK — History and Polity chapters. Practice 20 Reasoning questions daily.
Core Subject Mastery
Focus on Quantitative Aptitude — Percentage, Profit & Loss, SI/CI, Time & Work. English: Cloze tests, comprehension passages, vocabulary. GK: Geography, Economy, and Science. Daily mock drills of 25 questions per subject.
Mock Tests & Weak Areas
Give full-length Tier 1 mock tests every alternate day (100 questions/60 min). Track accuracy and time per section. Strengthen weak topics. Target score: 150+/200 in every mock.
Tier 2 Preparation
Start Tier 2 syllabus — Maths at higher difficulty, advanced English (RC, para jumbles), Computer Knowledge module. Daily typing practice (35 wpm English target for LDC/JSA). 1 full Tier 2 mock per week.
Revision & Final Mocks
Revise all formulas, vocabulary lists, GK static facts. Attempt 20+ full-length mock tests. Analyse toppers' strategies. Target: consistent 160+/200 in Tier 1 mocks. Stay updated on current affairs.
10. Best Books for SSC CHSL Preparation
| Subject | Book Title | Author / Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Fast Track Objective Arithmetic | Rajesh Verma (Arihant)Buy |
| Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. AggarwalBuy |
| English Language | Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi (Arihant)Buy |
| General Awareness | Lucent's General Knowledge | Lucent PublicationsBuy |
| Computer Knowledge | Objective Computer Knowledge | Kiran Prakashan |
| All Subjects (PYQs) | SSC CHSL Chapterwise Solved Papers (Last 10 Years) | Kiran Prakashan |
💡 For free practice, use TCS iON mock tests (official SSC partner) and previous year question papers from the SSC official website.
11. Expert Preparation Tips
Tier 1 is qualifying — focus heavily on Tier 2
Tier 1 marks are NOT counted in the final merit list. Many toppers underperform in Tier 1 and still crack CHSL. Yes, you need to clear Tier 1, but your entire score comes from Tier 2. Plan accordingly.
English is your scoring engine
For most candidates, English has the highest scope for improvement. A well-prepared English section can add 30–40 extra marks in Tier 2. Spend at least 40 minutes daily reading and doing RC/cloze test practice.
Start typing practice from Day 1
Typing test (35 wpm for English, 30 wpm for Hindi) is mandatory for LDC/JSA candidates. This is a purely mechanical skill that requires weeks of daily practice. Don't leave it for the last month.
Computer Knowledge is the easiest 45 marks of Tier 2
With just 15 questions worth 45 marks (3 marks each), Computer Knowledge is the highest-marks-per-minute section. Spend 2 weeks on it, nail it, and treat it as a guaranteed scoring zone.
Mock tests > theory reading
Once the basics are covered (Month 1–2), switch to mock tests as your primary preparation tool. Test → Analyse → Fix → Repeat. This cycle, done 50+ times, is what creates toppers.
Negative marking = be selective in Tier 1
In Tier 1, each wrong answer costs 0.50 marks. In Tier 2, it's 1 full mark. If you're unsure about a question, skip it. A wrong answer in Tier 2 costs you 2 marks net (0 you scored + 1 you lost). Be strategic.
12. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SSC CHSL 2026 notification date?
As per the SSC Exam Calendar 2026–27, the SSC CHSL 2026 notification was scheduled for 30 April 2026 but has been delayed due to administrative reasons. It is now expected in May–June 2026, with the Tier 1 exam to be held between July and September 2026. The 2025 cycle notification was released on 23 June 2025 for reference. Keep checking ssc.gov.in for the official announcement.
What is the minimum qualification for SSC CHSL?
Candidates must have passed Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent from a recognised board. Graduates can also apply. Exception: DEO posts under some departments (e.g., Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Culture, and SSC) require Science stream with Mathematics in Class 12.
What is the SSC CHSL age limit?
The general age limit is 18–27 years. OBC candidates get +3 years (18–30), SC/ST candidates get +5 years (18–32), and PwBD candidates get +10 years. Age is calculated as on the cut-off date specified in the official notification. Note: A one-time 5-year age relaxation was announced in early 2026 for candidates affected by past recruitment delays — official SSC circular is awaited.
How many tiers are there in SSC CHSL 2026?
SSC CHSL has 2 tiers: Tier 1 (qualifying, 100 MCQs/200 marks/60 min) and Tier 2 (merit-based, 135 objective questions/405 marks across Session I; conducted on the same day as Session II). Both are Computer-Based Tests. After Tier 2, a Typing Test or Skill Test is conducted for specific posts.
What is the SSC CHSL in-hand salary in 2026?
With Dearness Allowance (DA) revised to 60% of basic pay effective January 2026 (approved by the Union Cabinet on 18 April 2026): For LDC/JSA posts (Pay Level 2): approximately ₹32,000–₹37,000/month in-hand. For PA/SA and DEO posts (Pay Level 4): approximately ₹39,000–₹47,000/month. HRA (10%/20%/30% for Z/Y/X cities), Transport Allowance, and CGHS medical benefits are added on top.
Is there a typing test in SSC CHSL?
Yes. After Tier 2, candidates selected for LDC/JSA posts must clear a Typing Test at 35 words per minute in English (10,500 key depressions/hour) or 30 words per minute in Hindi (9,000 KDPH). For DEO posts, a Data Entry Skill Test is conducted at 8,000 key depressions/hour. These are qualifying (pass/fail) in nature and do not contribute to the merit list.
Can I apply for SSC CHSL if I am a graduate?
Yes. Graduates are fully eligible to apply for SSC CHSL. In fact, graduation often gives an advantage in reasoning, maths, and English sections. However, graduates are often advised to also target SSC CGL, which offers higher-grade posts.
What was the SSC CHSL Tier 1 cut-off for 2025?
For the 2025 cycle (Tier 1 result declared 27 Feb 2026), out of 11,07,975 candidates who appeared in Tier 1, a total of 39,901 candidates were shortlisted for Tier 2 (37,520 for LDC/JSA, plus DEO and other posts). The General category cut-off for LDC/JSA was around 144 marks (normalized). Cut-offs vary by category and post — check the official SSC notice for category-wise figures.
What is All India Service Liability (AISL) in SSC CHSL?
SSC CHSL recruitment carries All India Service Liability, meaning if selected, you may be posted in any state or union territory across India. You cannot restrict your posting to a specific city or state. This is important to keep in mind before applying.
General Disclaimer: All information on this page — including notification dates, exam dates, vacancy counts, salary figures, eligibility criteria, syllabus, and selection process — is compiled from official SSC notifications and trusted aggregators (Careers360, Adda247, Testbook, CareerPower, Oliveboard) and is intended for general guidance only. Data may change without notice as SSC releases new notifications, revises pay/DA rates, or modifies the exam schedule. Salary estimates assume 7th CPC pay matrix with 60% DA (effective Jan 2026, approved by Union Cabinet on 18 April 2026) and revised HRA rates (10/20/30% for Z/Y/X cities). The 8th Pay Commission has been constituted (Nov 2025) but its recommendations are not yet implemented. A one-time 5-year age relaxation has been proposed for SSC exams but the official circular is still awaited. Always verify the latest details on the official SSC website (ssc.gov.in) before applying. TaiyarHo.in is not affiliated with SSC or any government body.