The Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level (SSC CHSL) exam is a national-level competitive examination conducted for the recruitment of candidates into various government departments and offices. Open to 12th pass candidates, the SSC CHSL exam offers prestigious clerical-level posts such as Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Postal Assistant (PA), and Sorting Assistant (SA). It is an excellent opportunity for young aspirants aiming to start a career in government service with job security, good salary, and attractive benefits.
Table of Contents
Job Profile
Below are the key job roles offered through the SSC CHSL exam:
- Lower Division Clerk (LDC) / Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA):
Data entry, maintaining files and records, and administrative tasks in various ministries and departments. - Postal Assistant (PA) / Sorting Assistant (SA):
Handling mail, customer support, and data maintenance in post offices and related departments. - Data Entry Operator (DEO):
Entering and managing large volumes of data in central government ministries and departments.
These roles may involve desk-based work or clerical support duties depending on the department you’re placed in.
SSC CHSL Eligibility Criteria
Criteria |
Details |
|---|---|
Nationality |
– Indian citizen |
Educational Qualification |
– For most posts: 12th Pass or equivalent from a recognized board |
Minimum Age Limit |
18 years (as on 01.08.2025) |
Maximum Age Limit |
27 years (as on 01.08.2025) |
Date of Birth Range |
Born between 02.08.1998 and 01.08.2007 |
Age Relaxation |
– SC/ST: 5 years |
Attempts Allowed |
Unlimited (within age limits) |
SSC CHSL EXAM PATTERN
Tiers |
Type |
Mode |
No. of Questions |
Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tier I |
Objective Multiple Choice |
Computer Based (online) |
100 |
200 |
Tier II |
Objective Multiple Choice + Skill Test & Typing Test |
Computer Based (online) |
Varies by section |
200 |
SSC CHSL Tier 1 Exam Pattern:
Section |
Subject |
No of Questions |
Max Marks |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
General Intelligence |
25 |
50 |
60 minutes (80 Minutes for PWD candidates) |
2 |
General Awareness |
25 |
50 |
|
3 |
Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill) |
25 |
50 |
|
4 |
English Language (Basic Knowledge) |
25 |
50 |
|
Total |
100 |
200 |
||
There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each incorrect answer.
CHSL Tier 2 Exam Pattern:
Session |
Section |
Subject |
No of Questions |
Max Marks |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Session-I |
Section 1 |
Mathematical Abilities |
30 |
90 |
1 hour |
Reasoning and General Intelligence |
30 |
90 |
|||
Section 2 |
English Language and Comprehension |
40 |
120 |
1 hour |
|
General Awareness |
20 |
60 |
|||
Section 3 |
Computer Knowledge Module |
15 |
45 |
15 minutes |
|
Total |
135 |
405 |
2 hours and 15 minutes |
||
Session-II |
Section 3 |
Skill Test/ Typing Test Module- |
|||
Part A- Skill Test for DEOs in Department/ Ministry |
15 minutes |
||||
Part B: Skill Test for DEOs except in Department/ Ministry |
15 minutes |
||||
Part C: Typing Test for LDC/ JSA |
10 minutes |
||||
SYLLABUS
Tier-I Syllabus 1. General Intelligence
2. General Awareness
3. Quantitative Aptitude
4. English Language
Tier-II Syllabus Section-I:
Section-II:
Section-III:
|
HOW TO APPLY
Step-by-Step Guide to apply for SSC-CHSL post is given below
|
Conclusion
The SSC CHSL exam is a gateway for 12th pass candidates to enter into a rewarding career in the central government sector. It offers stability, perks, and growth for those who are dedicated and prepared. With clarity on the exam pattern, syllabus, and application process, anyone can crack this exam. Most of the students who prepare for SSC-CGL exam are also appear for this exam hence competition is very tough. It is better to prepare for all SSC exam together.
Apart from SSC-CHSL exam, staff selection conduct many exams annually like SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level), SSC GD (General Duty Constable), SSC Multi-Tasking (Non-Technical) Staff (SSC MTS), SSC CPO (Central Police Organization), SSC JE (Junior Engineer), SSC Selection Post, SSC Stenographer, etc. If you are preparing for SSC CHSL exam and you are graduate then you should also prepare for all other SSC exam as all SSC exam have nearly same syllabus. If you prepare for SSC CGL exam then no need to prepare for CHSL exam separately, just need to practice mock tests. Many aspirant who prepare for SSC-CGL exam have crack other SSC exam like SSC MTS, CHSL, and CPO.