SSC CHSL Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2025: Complete Guide
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) administers the Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) examination to select candidates for roles such as Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO) across various Indian government ministries and departments. Understanding the SSC CHSL syllabus and exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation.
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2025
The SSC CHSL recruitment process involves two main stages, known as Tiers. Both tiers are conducted online.
Tier 1 Exam Pattern
Tier 1 serves as the initial screening stage and consists of objective multiple-choice questions.
| Section | Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | General Intelligence | 25 | 50 |
| II | General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| III | Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill) | 25 | 50 |
| IV | English Language (Basic Knowledge) | 25 | 50 |
Tier 1 Negative Marking and Duration of Exam
- Total Duration of the exam is 60 minutes, however for PwD candidates it is 80 minutes.
- Be mindful of accuracy! For every incorrect answer in Tier 1, 0.50 marks will be deducted.
Tier 2 Exam Pattern
Tier 2 features multiple sessions conducted on the same day, assessing a wider range of skills. It includes objective tests and a skill/typing test.
| Session | Section | Module | Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session I | Section I | Module-I: Mathematical Abilities | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 1 Hour (for Section I) |
| Module-II: Reasoning and General Intelligence | Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | |||
| Section II | Module-I: English Language and Comprehension | English Language and Comprehension | 40 | 120 | 1 Hour (for Section II) | |
| Module-II: General Awareness | General Awareness | 20 | 60 | |||
| Section III | Module-I: Computer Knowledge Test | Computer Knowledge | 15 | 45 | 15 Minutes (for Section III, Module I) | |
| Session II | Section III | Module-II: Skill Test/ Typing Test | Part A: Skill Test for DEOs / Part B: Typing Test for LDC/JSA | Qualifying | Qualifying | 15 Mins (DEO) / 10 Mins (LDC/JSA) |
Tier 2 Marking Scheme & Qualifying Sections
- In Tier 2, each correct answer in Section I, Section II, and Module-I of Section III carries 3 marks.
- There is a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect answer in these sections.
- Module-I of Section III (Computer Knowledge Test) is mandatory but qualifying in nature.
- Module-II of Section III (Skill Test/Typing Test) is also mandatory and qualifying.
SSC CHSL Syllabus 2025
A thorough understanding of the SSC CHSL syllabus is essential for targeted preparation. The topics generally overlap between Tiers, but the complexity might increase in Tier 2.
Tier 1 Syllabus
General Intelligence (Tier 1)
Covers both verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Key areas include: Semantic and Figural Analogy, Symbolic operations, Number Series, Classification (Semantic, Figural, Number), Venn Diagrams, Problem Solving, Space Orientation, Coding-Decoding, Critical thinking, Emotional & Social Intelligence.
General Awareness (Tier 1)
Focuses on awareness of the environment and its application to society. Topics include: Current Events (National and International), India and its Neighboring Countries (especially pertaining to History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene), General Polity, and Scientific Research.
Quantitative Aptitude (Tier 1)
Emphasis on basic arithmetic skills. Topics include: Number Systems (Computation of Whole Numbers, Decimals and Fractions, relationships between numbers), Fundamental Arithmetical Operations (Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Square roots, Averages, Interest, Profit and Loss, Discount, Partnership Business, Mixture and Alligation, Time and distance, Time and work), Algebra (Basic algebraic identities, Elementary surds, Graphs of Linear Equations), Geometry (Elementary geometric figures and facts, Triangle and its various kinds of centres, Congruence and similarity of triangles, Circle and its chords, tangents, angles subtended by chords, common tangents), Mensuration (Triangle, Quadrilaterals, Regular Polygons, Circle, Right Prism, Right Circular Cone, Right Circular Cylinder, Sphere, Hemispheres, Rectangular Parallelepiped, Regular Right Pyramid), Trigonometry (Ratios, Complementary angles, Height and distances, Standard Identities), Statistical Charts (Use of Tables and Graphs: Histogram, Frequency polygon, Bar-diagram, Pie-chart).
English Language (Tier 1)
Tests basic comprehension and language skills. Topics include: Spot the Error, Fill in the Blanks, Synonyms/Homonyms, Antonyms, Spellings/Detecting mis-spelt words, Idioms & Phrases, One-word substitution, Improvement of Sentences, Active/Passive Voice of Verbs, Conversion into Direct/Indirect narration, Shuffling of Sentence parts, Shuffling of Sentences in a passage, Cloze Passage, Comprehension Passage.
Tier 2 Syllabus
The Tier 2 syllabus expands on Tier 1 topics, often requiring deeper understanding.
Module-I: Mathematical Abilities (Tier 2)
Includes Number Systems, Fundamental Arithmetical Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, and introduces Statistics and Probability (Use of tables and graphs, Measures of central tendency, dispersion, basic probability concepts).
Module-II: Reasoning and General Intelligence (Tier 2)
Covers similar verbal and non-verbal topics as Tier 1 but potentially with increased complexity. Expect questions on Semantic Analogy, Symbolic operations, Number Analogy, Trends, Figural Analogy, Space Orientation, Classification, Venn Diagrams, Series (Number, Figural), Problem Solving, Word Building, Coding/Decoding, Numerical Operations, Figural Pattern folding/completion, Embedded figures, Critical Thinking, Emotional/Social Intelligence.
Module-I: English Language and Comprehension (Tier 2)
Focuses on Vocabulary, Grammar, Sentence Structure, Synonyms, Antonyms and their correct usage; Spot the Error, Fill in the Blanks, Idioms & Phrases, One-word substitution, Improvement of Sentences, Active/Passive Voice, Direct/Indirect narration, Cloze Passage, Comprehension Passage, Sentence Rearrangement.
Module-II: General Awareness (Tier 2)
Similar scope as Tier 1, covering Current Events, India and its neighbors (History, Culture, Geography, Economy), General Policy, and Scientific Research. Questions test broad general awareness.
Module-I: Computer Knowledge (Tier 2 - Qualifying)
Assesses basic computer proficiency. Topics: Computer Basics (Organization, CPU, I/O devices, memory, keyboard shortcuts), Software (Windows OS, MS Office basics - Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Working with Internet and E-mails (Web Browsing, Downloading/Uploading, E-mail account management), Basics of Networking and Cyber Security (Networking devices, protocols, Network/Information security threats like hacking/viruses, preventive measures).
Recommended Books for SSC CHSL Preparation
While the SSC does not officially recommend specific books, candidates often find the following types of resources helpful. It's best to choose books based on the latest syllabus and personal learning style.
| Subject | Book Title/Type | Author/Publisher Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal / S. Chand |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Fast Track Objective Arithmetic | Rajesh Verma / Arihant |
| General Intelligence/Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal / S. Chand |
| General Intelligence/Reasoning | Analytical Reasoning | M.K. Pandey / BSC Publishing |
| English Language | Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi / Arihant |
| English Language | From Plinth to Paramount | Neetu Singh / KD Publication |
| General Awareness | Lucent's General Knowledge | Dr. Binay Karna, Manwendra Mukul et al. / Lucent Publications |
| General Awareness | Newspapers & Current Affairs Magazines | Various (e.g., The Hindu, Pratiyogita Darpan) |
| Computer Knowledge | Objective Computer Knowledge & Literacy | Kiran Prakashan |
Note: This list is indicative. Candidates should verify relevance with the current SSC CHSL notification.
SSC CHSL Preparation Tips
Effective Preparation Strategy
- Understand Syllabus & Pattern: Thoroughly analyze the official SSC CHSL syllabus and exam pattern for both tiers.
- Create a Timetable: Allocate specific time slots for each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Build Concepts: Focus on understanding the fundamental concepts, especially for Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning.
- Practice Regularly: Solve previous year question papers and take mock tests to assess your speed and accuracy.
- Stay Updated: Keep abreast of current events (national and international) for the General Awareness section.
- Improve Speed & Accuracy: Work on time management during practice sessions. Learn shortcuts for Quantitative Aptitude.
- Revision: Regularly revise learned concepts, formulas, and vocabulary.
- Skill Test Practice: If applicable, dedicate time to improve typing speed and accuracy for the Tier 2 Skill/Typing Test.
Previous Year Topic Weightage Analysis (Illustrative)
Analyzing previous years' papers helps identify important topics. Note: The exact weightage can vary each year. This table is illustrative; candidates should analyze recent papers for precise trends.
| Subject | Important Topics | Approximate No. of Questions (Illustrative) |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence | Analogy, Classification, Series, Coding-Decoding, Venn Diagrams | 12-15 |
| General Awareness | Current Affairs (6 months), Static GK (History, Polity, Geography, Science) | 8-12 (Current), 10-15 (Static) |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Arithmetic (Percentage, Profit/Loss, Time & Work, SI/CI), Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Data Interpretation | 15-18 |
| English Language | Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, One Word), Grammar (Error Spotting, Fillers), Comprehension, Cloze Test | 15-20 |
Official SSC Resources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official Staff Selection Commission website.
Visit Official SSC Website Check Official Notifications (Syllabus)Prepare diligently by understanding the SSC CHSL syllabus and exam pattern 2025 to enhance your chances in the upcoming recruitment. Good luck!