SSC CHSL Exam Pattern: How Selection Works
Two tiers plus a typing or skill test at the end. Each stage filters differently.
SSC CHSL selects in two tiers plus a skill stage. Tier 1 is a fast 60-minute objective test that qualifies you. Tier 2 is a longer, heavier paper that builds your merit rank. Then, for LDC, PA, SA and DEO posts, a typing or skill test checks whether you can actually do the job the exam recruits for.
Each stage filters on a different ability: Tier 1 on speed, Tier 2 on depth, the skill test on keyboard proficiency. Preparing for one at a time is how candidates get caught out.
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What Is the SSC CHSL Exam Pattern?
SSC CHSL has two tiers. Tier 1 is a 60-minute online test with 100 questions for 200 marks across four sections. Tier 2 is a 2.5-hour paper covering Maths, Reasoning, English, General and Financial Awareness and Computer Knowledge, followed by a skill or typing test for shortlisted candidates.
Tier 1: Section-Wise Breakdown
Online CBT, 60 minutes, 100 questions, 200 marks. One minute per question.
General Intelligence
Questions
25
Marks
50
General Awareness
Questions
25
Marks
50
Quantitative Aptitude
Questions
25
Marks
50
English Language
Questions
25
Marks
50
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Language | 25 | 50 |
Tier 2: Section-Wise Breakdown
Online CBT, 150 minutes, followed by the skill or typing test.
Mathematical Abilities
Questions
30
Marks
90
Reasoning & General Intelligence
Questions
30
Marks
90
English Language
Questions
40
Marks
120
General & Financial Awareness
Questions
20
Marks
60
Computer Knowledge
Questions
15
Marks
45
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 |
| Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 90 |
| English Language | 40 | 120 |
| General & Financial Awareness | 20 | 60 |
| Computer Knowledge | 15 | 45 |
This format, as real questions. No signup.
The Skill and Typing Stage
- check_circleLDC, PA and SA posts require a typing test: 35 words per minute in English or 30 in Hindi.
- check_circleDEO posts require a data-entry speed of 8,000 key depressions per hour.
- check_circleThe full requirements, and how to train for them, are on the typing test page.
Tier 1 Is a Speed Exam First
At 100 questions in 60 minutes and 2 marks each, Tier 1 punishes slow starters more than weak candidates. The standard approach: clear Reasoning fast, take English at moderate pace, and skip heavy Quant questions on first pass rather than sinking three minutes into one.
Confirm the Current Cycle's Pattern
SSC revises section details and timing rules through its notifications. The structure above is the pattern as we last verified it; the current notification on ssc.gov.in is final for your cycle.
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern FAQs
How many questions does SSC CHSL Tier 1 have?expand_more
100 questions for 200 marks in 60 minutes, split evenly across General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English.
Is there a typing test in SSC CHSL?expand_more
Yes, for LDC, PA, SA and DEO posts. LDC/PA/SA need 35 WPM in English or 30 WPM in Hindi; DEO needs a data-entry speed of 8,000 key depressions per hour.
How long is SSC CHSL Tier 2?expand_more
150 minutes, covering Maths (90 marks), Reasoning (90), English (120), General and Financial Awareness (60) and Computer Knowledge (45).
Which Tier 2 section carries the most marks?expand_more
English Language, at 120 marks. It is the single biggest lever for a Tier 2 rank.
Next steps
Take a full SSC CHSL mock testSimulate Tier 1's 60 minutes end to end.