Overview
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) Examination to recruit Group C staff — mainly Lower Divisional Clerk / Junior Secretariat Assistant (LDC/JSA) and Data Entry Operator (DEO) — across central government ministries, departments and offices. For the 2025 exam, SSC notified approximately 3,131 tentative vacancies.
Who can apply
The age limit for the 2025 exam is 18–27 years, reckoned as on 1 January 2026 (candidates born not before 2 January 1999 and not later than 1 January 2008), with the usual category-wise relaxations. Candidates must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognised board; for Data Entry Operator posts in the department named in the notice, 12th pass in the Science stream with Mathematics is required. Candidates who have appeared for their qualifying exam but await results may also apply, subject to producing proof of passing later.
Selection process
CHSL selection has two stages: Tier-I, a computer-based objective screening paper, and Tier-II, held in two sessions on the same day — Session-I (three objective sections) and Session-II (a qualifying Skill Test or Typing Test). Final merit is based on Tier-I and Tier-II Session-I marks; the skill/typing test is qualifying only.
Exam pattern
Tier-I
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | English Language (Basic Knowledge) | 25 | 50 |
| II | General Intelligence | 25 | 50 |
| III | Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill) | 25 | 50 |
| IV | General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
Tier-I is a single objective paper of 100 questions for 200 marks, completed in 60 minutes.
Tier-II, Session-I
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Mathematical Abilities; Reasoning and General Intelligence | 60 | 180 | 1 hour |
| II | English Language and Comprehension; General Awareness | 60 | 180 | 1 hour |
| III | Computer Knowledge Test | 15 | 45 | 15 minutes |
Tier-II, Session-II
| Section | Test | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| IV | Skill Test / Typing Test | Part A/B: Skill Test for DEO posts; Part C: Typing Test for LDC/JSA |
Session-II is qualifying only and does not count toward merit.
Syllabus
Tier-I covers English language basics, general intelligence, basic arithmetic, and general awareness. Tier-II Session-I adds mathematical abilities, reasoning, English comprehension, general awareness and computer knowledge; Session-II tests either data-entry speed (Skill Test for DEO) or typing speed (Typing Test for LDC/JSA), in English or Hindi.
Marking
Tier-I carries a negative marking of 0.50 marks per wrong answer. In Tier-II Session-I, wrong answers in Sections I–III are penalised 1 mark each.
Important dates
For the 2025 exam, online applications were open from 23 June 2025 to 18 July 2025, with a correction window from 8 to 18 September 2025. Tier-I was scheduled for February–March 2026, per the notice.
Fees
The fee is Rs 100. Women candidates, and candidates from SC, ST, PwBD and Ex-servicemen categories eligible for reservation, are exempt.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online at ssc.gov.in within the notified window.
After selection
Candidates who clear Tier-I proceed to Tier-II. Those who qualify Session-I and the qualifying Session-II skill/typing test go through document verification before final allotment to LDC/JSA or DEO posts.
Preparation tips
Because Tier-II Session-I carries the marks that decide merit, prioritise accuracy in Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning (Section I) and English and General Awareness (Section II), where a 1-mark negative-marking penalty applies. Candidates applying for DEO or LDC/JSA posts should also start typing practice early, since the Session-II skill or typing test — while qualifying only — still has to be cleared to stay in contention.
What posts does SSC CHSL recruit for?
Mainly Lower Divisional Clerk / Junior Secretariat Assistant (LDC/JSA) and Data Entry Operator (DEO) posts in central government ministries, departments and offices.
Does the SSC CHSL typing or skill test count toward the final score?
No. The Tier-II Session-II Skill Test or Typing Test is qualifying only; final merit is based on Tier-I and Tier-II Session-I marks.
What is the age limit for SSC CHSL?
For the 2025 exam, 18–27 years as on 1 January 2026, with standard category-wise relaxations.
Is there negative marking in SSC CHSL?
Yes — 0.50 marks per wrong answer in Tier-I, and 1 mark per wrong answer in each section of Tier-II Session-I.