SSC CHSL Syllabus 2025: Tier-I and Tier-II Complete Breakdown

The SSC CHSL syllabus covers two computer-based tiers: Tier-I tests English, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness (100 questions, 200 marks), and Tier-II adds higher-level maths and reasoning, a Computer Knowledge Test, and a Skill or Typing Test. This guide gives the complete SSC CHSL syllabus and exam structure from the official notification, subject by subject and tier by tier.

Based on the official SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) Examination notification published on ssc.gov.in. SSC revises the scheme between cycles, so always verify against the current year's notification before you prepare or apply.

SSC CHSL exam structure at a glance

Tier-I is the screening stage: SSC shortlists candidates for Tier-II on Tier-I performance, using normalized scores. In Tier-II every candidate appears in all four sections, and merit is built from Section-I and Section-II. The Computer Knowledge Test and the Skill/Typing Test are qualifying in nature but mandatory.

SSC CHSL Tier-I syllabus

Tier-I has four parts of 25 questions and 50 marks each, with a negative marking of 0.50 marks per wrong answer. Questions appear in English, Hindi and the language you opt for in the application form (except the English part).

English Language (basic knowledge)

Spot the Error, Fill in the Blanks, Synonyms and Homonyms, Antonyms, Spellings and detecting mis-spelt words, Idioms and Phrases, One Word Substitution, Improvement of Sentences, Active and Passive Voice, Direct and Indirect Narration, Shuffling of Sentence Parts, Shuffling of Sentences in a Passage, Cloze Passage and Comprehension Passage.

General Intelligence

Verbal and non-verbal reasoning: semantic and symbolic analogy, figural analogy and classification, number and semantic series, figural series, Venn diagrams, space orientation, drawing inferences, punched hole and pattern folding-unfolding, embedded figures, coding and decoding, word building, critical thinking, problem solving, emotional and social intelligence, and numerical operations.

Quantitative Aptitude (basic arithmetic skill)

• Number systems: whole numbers, decimals, fractions, relationships between numbers.
• Arithmetic: percentages, ratio and proportion, square roots, averages, simple and compound interest, profit and loss, discount, partnership, mixture and alligation, time and distance, time and work.
• Algebra: basic identities, elementary surds, graphs of linear equations.
• Geometry: triangles and their centres, congruence and similarity, circles, chords and tangents, common tangents.
• Mensuration: triangles, quadrilaterals, polygons, circles, prisms, cones, cylinders, spheres, hemispheres, pyramids.
• Trigonometry: ratios, complementary angles, heights and distances, standard identities.
• Statistical charts: tables, histograms, frequency polygons, bar diagrams, pie charts.

General Awareness

Questions test awareness of the environment, current events, and everyday science, plus India and its neighbouring countries: history, culture, geography, economic scene, general policy and scientific research.

SSC CHSL Tier-II syllabus

Section-I: Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning (60 questions, 180 marks, 1 hour)

Mathematical Abilities covers the full Tier-I quant syllabus plus Statistics and Probability: tables and graphs, measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode, standard deviation) and simple probability. Reasoning and General Intelligence follows the same topic list as Tier-I General Intelligence.

Section-II: English and General Awareness (60 questions, 180 marks, 1 hour)

English Language and Comprehension (40 questions) covers vocabulary, grammar and sentence structure plus the full Tier-I English topic list. Comprehension is tested through two or more paragraphs - at least one simple paragraph based on a book or story, and one based on a current affairs editorial or report. General Awareness (20 questions) follows the same scope as Tier-I.

Section-III: Computer Knowledge Test (15 questions, 45 marks, 15 minutes)

• Computer basics: organisation of a computer, CPU, input and output devices, memory and memory organisation, backup devices, ports, Windows Explorer, keyboard shortcuts.
• Software: Windows operating system and basics of Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Internet and email: web browsing and searching, downloading and uploading, managing an email account, e-banking.
• Networking and cyber security: networking devices and protocols, threats like hacking, viruses, worms and Trojans, and preventive measures.

This section is mandatory but only qualifying in nature. Many candidates ignore it and regret it - the questions are easy marks if you revise the basics once.

Section-IV: Skill Test / Typing Test (qualifying)

For Data Entry Operator posts, the Skill Test requires a data entry speed of 15,000 key depressions per hour (for DEO posts in the departments listed in the notification) or 8,000 key depressions per hour (for other DEO posts), judged over a 15-minute passage. For LDC/JSA posts, a 10-minute Typing Test applies. Errors are calculated up to two decimal places, so accuracy matters as much as speed.

Negative marking and qualifying marks

• Tier-I: 0.50 marks deducted per wrong answer.
• Tier-II Sections I, II and III: 1 mark deducted per wrong answer.
• Minimum qualifying marks (Tier-I and Tier-II Sections I-III): UR 30%, OBC/EWS 25%, all other categories 20%.

Qualifying marks are only the floor. Actual cut-offs are category-wise and post-wise (DEO in specific departments, other DEO, LDC/JSA) and depend on vacancies and competition. Shortlisting between tiers uses normalized scores because the exam runs in multiple shifts.

How to use the syllabus to plan preparation

• Tier-II maths adds statistics and probability over the Tier-I list - if you are starting early, learn these alongside, not after Tier-I.
• English carries the most questions in Tier-II Section-II (40 of 60), so daily reading and grammar practice pays the most per hour.
• Practise typing from week one if you are targeting LDC/JSA. Clearing the written exam and failing the typing test is a common way to lose a CHSL seat.
• Do not skip the Computer Knowledge section. One evening of revision on MS Office, shortcuts and cyber security basics covers most of it.

Before you start the syllabus, it helps to know what the job pays. See the latest SSC CHSL salary breakdown with post-wise in-hand figures.

If CHSL feels competitive, MTS is the other big 10th-12th level route - the SSC MTS syllabus guide covers its exam pattern and topics.

Also see the SSC GD constable eligibility if you are considering the GD recruitment alongside CHSL.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the SSC CGL and SSC CHSL syllabus?

The subjects are similar, but CHSL is a 12th-standard level exam: its quantitative aptitude is basic arithmetic skill, and it includes a Skill/Typing Test for DEO and LDC/JSA posts. CGL is graduation level with harder maths and no typing test for most posts.

Is there negative marking in SSC CHSL?

Yes. 0.50 marks per wrong answer in Tier-I, and 1 mark per wrong answer in Sections I, II and III of Tier-II.

Is the SSC CHSL Tier-II computer test tough?

No. It covers computer basics, MS Office, internet use and cyber security fundamentals. It is qualifying in nature, but mandatory - failing it ends your candidature regardless of your other scores.

Does SSC CHSL have a descriptive paper?

No. Both tiers are computer-based objective tests. The only non-objective part is the qualifying Skill Test (DEO) or Typing Test (LDC/JSA) in Tier-II Session-II.

Sources

• SSC CHSL Examination notification (Scheme of Examination, Paras 13.7-13.8; Indicative Syllabus, Paras 13.9-13.10; Minimum Qualifying Marks, Para 17), published on ssc.gov.in
• Also read: SSC CGL syllabus, SSC CGL exam pattern and SSC CGL eligibility