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SSC CHSL 2026: Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Eligibility and Exam Date
Last updated 10 October 2026 • Applications closed, exam upcoming
SSC CHSL 2026 is the Staff Selection Commission's Class 12 entry route into central government service, filling Lower Division Clerk, Junior Secretariat Assistant, Postal Assistant, Sorting Assistant and Data Entry Operator posts. The notification was released on 7 September 2026 and the Tier 1 exam runs from 30 November to 31 December 2026. This page covers the full exam pattern, eligibility, selection process and salary.
SSC CHSL 2026 at a Glance
CONDUCTING BODY
Staff Selection Commission
Attached office of DoPT
QUALIFICATION
Class 12 pass
From a recognised board
AGE LIMIT
18 to 27 years
Relaxation as per rules
EXAM MODE
Computer Based Test
Two tiers plus typing test
PAY LEVEL
Level 2 to Level 4
Rs 19,900 to 81,100
TIER 1 EXAM
30 Nov to 31 Dec 2026
Admit card before each date
SSC CHSL 2026 Important Dates
Notification released — 7 September 2026
Application window — 7 September to 7 October 2026
Tier 1 exam — 30 November to 31 December 2026
Tier 2 exam — to be announced after Tier 1 results
SSC CHSL 2026 Exam Pattern
Tier 1 is a 60-minute computer-based test of 100 objective questions carrying 200 marks, split into four sections of 25 questions each. Each correct answer earns 2 marks and each wrong answer carries a penalty of 0.50 marks. PwD candidates get 80 minutes.
English Language — 25 questions, 50 marks
General Intelligence — 25 questions, 50 marks
Quantitative Aptitude — 25 questions, 50 marks
General Awareness — 25 questions, 50 marks
Total — 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes
Tier 2 runs in two sessions on the same day. Session I is objective across three sections with a penalty of 1 mark per wrong answer in Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning and Computer Knowledge. Session II is the skill or typing test.
Section 1, Module I — Mathematical Abilities — 30 questions, 90 marks, 30 minutes
Section 1, Module II — Reasoning and General Intelligence — 30 questions, 90 marks, 30 minutes
Section 2, Module I — English Language and Comprehension — 40 questions, 120 marks, 40 minutes
Section 2, Module II — General Awareness — 20 questions, 60 marks, 20 minutes
Section 3, Module I — Computer Knowledge — 15 questions, 45 marks, 15 minutes
Session II — Skill and Typing Test — DEO skill test (15 minutes) or typing test for LDC and JSA (10 minutes)
SSC CHSL 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent from a recognised board. For Data Entry Operator posts in the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, candidates need Class 12 in the Science stream with Mathematics as a subject. No graduation is required for any CHSL post.
Age Limit and Relaxation
The age bracket is 18 to 27 years. Upper age limits are relaxed by three years for OBC (non-creamy layer), five years for SC and ST, and ten years for persons with benchmark disabilities, with further provisions for ex-servicemen and departmental candidates. The minimum age of 18 applies to every category.
SSC CHSL Selection Process
Selection runs through Tier 1, Tier 2 and document verification. Tier 1 is qualifying and used to shortlist candidates for Tier 2; the final merit list is prepared from Tier 2 marks. The Session II skill or typing test is qualifying in nature, but failing it removes you from consideration regardless of your written score, so typing speed deserves real practice rather than a week of preparation before the test.
SSC CHSL Salary and Pay Level
Pay Level 4, Rs 25,500 to 81,100 — Postal Assistant, Sorting Assistant, Data Entry Operator
Pay Level 2, Rs 19,900 to 63,200 — Lower Division Clerk, Junior Secretariat Assistant
In-hand pay adds Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance and Transport Allowance, which vary with the posting city.
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Practise for SSC CHSL 2026 free
Full-length Tier 1 mock tests with All India Rank, typing practice for the Session II skill test, and previous year papers with solutions.
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