SSC CHSL 2024: Exam Pattern, Syllabus, & Marking Scheme

April 23, 2024
ssc chsl exam pattern

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the CHSL exam annually to recruit qualified candidates for the positions of Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Data Entry Operator (DEO), and Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant (PA/SA). Although the next SSC CHSL exam schedule is not declared, the candidates who intend to take it should begin preparing as soon as possible. Understanding the SSC CHSL exam pattern is important for a focused preparation strategy.

This article contains details for the SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2024, the syllabus, and the marking scheme. The SSC CHSL Exam Pattern is divided into three stages, which are discussed below.

ssc chsl exam pattern

SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2024

The SSC CHSL is one of India’s most popular exams for government employment. However, before starting preparations, one should be aware of the most recent exam pattern and syllabus.

The SSC CHSL exam pattern is divided into three stages:

  1. Tier I exam is an objective multiple-choice question paper
  2. Tier II exam is a descriptive paper in English/Hindi
  3. Tier III exam is a computer proficiency test
ParticularsSSC CHSL tier I exam highlightsSSC CHSL tier II exam  highlights
Exam modeOnline (computer-based test)Offline (pen and paper-based test)
Number of sections and subjectsFour sections·         English·         General Intelligence·         General Awareness·         Quantitative AptitudeTwo sections and subjects·         Essay·         Letter/application
Exam duration1 Hour1 Hour
Number of questions 100Two
Type of questionsMCQs four options with one correct optionDescriptive questions
Total marks200100
Language of paperHindi and EnglishHindi and English
Negative markingDeduction of 0.50 marks for each incorrect answerNot applicable

SSC CHSL tier 1 exam pattern 2024

Tier 1 of the SSC CHSL exam pattern consists of 100 questions with a maximum score of 200. The exam lasts 60 minutes and is divided into four sections with 25 questions each and a maximum of 50 marks. SSC will perform normalization if the exam is administered in multiple shifts.

The subjects of the SSC CHSL exam pattern tier 1 are available here.

  • General Knowledge
  • Quantitative Aptitude
  • General Reasoning
  • English Comprehension

The information about tier 1 is explained in the table below:

SectionsSubjectsNo of questionsTotal marksTime allotted
1.General Intelligence and Reasoning255060 Minutes in total
2.General Awareness2550
3.Quantitative Aptitude Section2550
4.English Comprehension2550
 Sum (Total)100200

SSC CHSL tier 1 marking scheme

The multiple choice questions in the SSC CHSL tier 1 exam pattern have negative markings for wrong answers. While there are 25 questions of two marks in each tier 1 paper, every wrong answer will be deducted 0.50 marks.

Types of Questions in the SSC CHSL Tier 1 ExamCorrect answers Incorrect answers
MCQs+2-0.50

SSC CHSL tier 2 exam pattern 2024

The SSC CHSL tier 2 exam is an offline descriptive exam. The SSC CHSL exam pattern consists of 100 points with a time limit of 60 minutes. Candidates who require a scribe will be given an extra 20 minutes as compensatory time.

Here are some crucial points to remember regarding the SSC CHSL tier 2 exam pattern:

  • Candidates can write their exams in either English or Hindi.
  • The examination body has set 33% as the qualifying score for the SSC CHSL exam pattern of 2024.
  • Candidates must register their right roll no. on the answer book’s cover page (precisely at the stipulated place). They must also include their impression of the left thumb and signature in the specified column.
SubjectNumber of WordsHighest marksDuration
Letter/Application150-200 – –
Essay200-25010060 minutes

SSC CHSL tier 3 exam pattern 2024

SSC CHSL tier 3 is a typing and/or skill test for applicants who qualify for both tiers. Only contenders applying for DEO would be subjected to a typing test. Candidates must complete the examination at the speed displayed on their computer, which the SSC will supply at the designated centre/location.

Here is some crucial information regarding the tests:

  • Typing test: One should have a speed of typing 35 words in a minute for English and 30 words in a minute for Hindi is required. Sorting Assistant, Postal Assistant, Court Clerk and LDC positions will need typing tests.
  • Skill test: On the computer, the data entry speed is 8,000 key depressions in an hour. A skill examination is given for the position of DEO in the C & AG office, which requires a key depression rate of 15,000 per hour. The test lasts 15 minutes.
  • The SSC will accept errors in skill tests up to two decimal places.
  • A candidate’s final selection would be determined solely by the sum of their tier 1 and tier 2 scores.
  • Only VH/OH (cerebral palsy) candidates and OH having a writing hand deformity will be given 35 minutes, which includes a 20-minute compensatory time for the given skill test.

Frequently asked questions

What is SSC CHSL pattern?

The Staff Selection Commission or SSC CHSL is a recruitment drive to select qualified candidates for multiple posts like PA, SA Data Entry Operator, etc. Candidates applying for these positions must understand the exam pattern to determine which sections they should cover. Candidates for the SSC CHSL exam pattern will be chosen based on a written examination and then shortlisted for a skill/typing test. Shortlisted candidates will also be selected on merit.

What are the three tiers of SSC CHSL?

The SSC CHSL 2024 exam is divided into three stages. The curriculum for each step differs. The assessment will include a computer-based exam (tier 1), a descriptive paper (tier 2), and a typing/skill test (tier 3). As a result, all candidates who appear in the assessment must thoroughly comprehend the topics.

Is SSC CHSL tier 3 compulsory?

Yes, for the positions of LDC and DEO, SSC requires selected candidates to take a qualifying tier 3 examination. However, to be considered for the position of DEO, one must pass a skill test administered by the SSC. In this test, a candidate must have a data entry speed of 8000 key depressions per hour based on the correct entry words/key depressions as per the given passage, and the test will last 15 minutes.

Does SSC CHSL have an interview?

Candidates who meet the required cutoff after the written exam will be eligible for an interview.

Is SSC CHSL very tough?

Every year, a large number of people apply for the exam. Although it is not the most difficult country, the competition is fierce. However, anyone can pass this exam if they are dedicated and consistent.