SSC CHSL 2026: Exam Pattern, Dates, Posts, Eligibility & Preparation
Updated for the SSC CHSL 2026 recruitment cycle. The Staff Selection Commission conducts the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination for Group C posts including Lower Divisional Clerk/Junior Secretariat Assistant (LDC/JSA) and Data Entry Operator (DEO). The official SSC 2026–27 calendar places the CHSL Tier-I Computer Based Examination in July–September 2026.
SSC CHSL 2026 at a Glance
| Particular | Latest information |
|---|---|
| Exam | Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 |
| Recruiting authority | Staff Selection Commission |
| Advertisement | Scheduled in April 2026 according to the SSC 2026–27 calendar |
| Application closing | Scheduled in May 2026 according to the calendar |
| Tier-I | July–September 2026, tentative window |
| Eligibility | 10+2 qualification, subject to post-specific requirements in the notification |
| Main posts | LDC/JSA and DEO, with post-specific eligibility and skill requirements |
SSC CHSL Selection Process
- Tier-I: Computer Based Examination used for shortlisting.
- Tier-II: Computer Based Examination followed by the relevant skill or typing component as prescribed for the post.
- Skill/Typing Test: Applicable according to the post; candidates should check the exact requirement in the current notification.
Tier-I Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
The official SSC scheme provides a 60-minute Tier-I examination with sectional timing, with additional time for eligible candidates using a scribe. Negative marking is 0.50 marks for each wrong answer.
Tier-II: What to Prepare
SSC’s Tier-II structure combines mathematical abilities and reasoning/general intelligence with English comprehension and general awareness, together with the computer knowledge module and the applicable skill/typing requirement. Candidates should use the current SSC notification for the exact module sequence, timing and qualification rules.
LDC/JSA
Build accuracy in arithmetic, reasoning, English comprehension, general awareness and computer fundamentals. Start typing practice early rather than waiting for Tier-II.
DEO
In addition to the written modules, give consistent attention to the prescribed data-entry skill requirement. Accuracy and rhythm matter as much as raw speed.
Eligibility
CHSL is a 10+2-level recruitment. The exact qualifying examination, age conditions, permissible relaxations and post-wise requirements are governed by the current SSC notification. Candidates should not reuse eligibility figures from the 2024 or 2025 cycle without checking the 2026 notice.
How to Prepare for SSC CHSL 2026
- Practise four short Tier-I sections every day under the actual time pressure.
- Maintain a current-affairs notebook with one-line facts and revise it weekly.
- Use error logs for arithmetic, reasoning and grammar mistakes.
- Begin typing/skill practice early for posts where it is required.
- Attempt full mocks only after completing sectional basics, then analyse every wrong answer.
Important Distinction: CHSL 2025 vs CHSL 2026
The SSC website shows that CHSL 2025 had its own Tier-I result and Tier-II proceedings. For example, the Commission’s February 2026 Tier-I result shortlisted candidates for Tier-II. That result belongs to the 2025 examination, not the 2026 recruitment. This distinction is important when searching for cut-offs, answer keys, admit cards or results.
Official Sources
SSC Official Website | SSC 2026–27 Examination Calendar
Source note: SSC calendars and examination notices are tentative and can change. Always verify the latest SSC notice before relying on dates, eligibility, vacancies, exam scheme or skill-test instructions.