SSC CHSL 2026: Eligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Posts & Salary

SSC CHSL 2026: The Best Government Job After 12th

The SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level) exam is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit for posts like Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant (PA/SA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO) across central government departments. Requiring only a 12th pass, it's a top choice for young aspirants.

Eligibility

• Education: 12th pass (Higher Secondary) from a recognised board.
• Age: 18 to 27 years (with category relaxations).

Not sure you qualify? Check with our free Eligibility Checker.

SSC CHSL 2026 Exam Pattern

Selection is through Tier I → Tier II.

Tier I (Computer Based, 60 minutes)

| Section | Questions | Marks | |---------|-----------|-------| | General Intelligence | 25 | 50 | | General Awareness | 25 | 50 | | Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | | English Language | 25 | 50 |

Total: 100 questions, 200 marks. Negative marking of 0.50 per wrong answer.

Tier II (Computer Based)

Tier II has three sections covering Mathematical Abilities & Reasoning, English & General Awareness, and a Computer Knowledge module plus a short typing/skill test. It is now the deciding stage for final merit.

Posts & Salary

| Post | Pay Level | Approx. In-hand | |------|-----------|-----------------| | LDC / JSA | Level 2 | ₹25,500–₹29,000 | | Postal Assistant / SA | Level 4 | ₹29,000–₹35,000 | | Data Entry Operator | Level 4/5 | ₹30,000–₹36,000 |

All posts include DA, HRA, and central-government benefits like medical coverage and pension.

Syllabus Highlights

• Quantitative Aptitude: Number systems, percentages, ratio, averages, time & work, geometry, mensuration, data interpretation.
• English: Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, sentence improvement, error spotting.
• Reasoning: Analogies, coding-decoding, series, non-verbal reasoning.
• General Awareness: Current affairs, static GK, science, polity, history, geography.

Preparation Strategy

1. Build accuracy in Quant and English — these decide your Tier I score.
2. Practise typing early if targeting DEO/PA posts — the skill test matters.
3. Solve previous year papers and take full-length mocks.
4. Revise current affairs daily via our Current Affairs section.

Get Started

SSC CHSL is a fantastic launchpad for a stable central-government career right after school.

👉 Explore full details and dates on the SSC exam listings, and compare SSC CHSL with SSC CGL to plan your path.