SSC CHSL Exam Pattern
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern: Staff Selection Commission’s (SSC) conducted Combined Higher Secondary Level (10+2) Exam for the posts of Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC)/ Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Postal Assistant (PA)/ Sorting Assistant (SA) and Data Entry Operator (DEO). Exam Pattern & Scheme of Examination are given below…
Scheme of Examination:The Computer Based Examination will be conducted in two tiers as indicated below:
1. Tier-I
2. Tier-II
Marks scored by candidates in Computer Based Examinations, if conducted in multiple shifts, will be normalized by using the formula published by the Commission vide Notice No: 1-1/2018-P&P-I dated 07-02-2019 and such normalized scores will be used to determine final merit and cut-off marks.
Tentative Answer Keys of the Computer Based Examination will be placed on the website of the Commission after the Examination. Candidates may go through the Answer Keys and submit online representations, if any, within the time limit given by the Commission, on payment of Rs 100/- per question, which is non-refundable. Any representation regarding the Answer Keys received through the online modality within the time limit fixed by the Commission at the time of uploading of the Answer Keys will be scrutinized before finalizing the Answer Keys and the decision of the Commission in this regard will be final. Representations on the matter received through any other modalities e.g. letter, application, email, etc. will not be entertained.
The schedule of examinations indicated in the Notice is tentative. Any change in the schedule of examinations will be informed to candidates only through the website of the Commission.
In the question papers, wherever necessary, the Metric systems of weights and measures will be used.
There shall be no provision for re-evaluation/ re-checking of the scores of any stage/ Tier(s) of the examination. No correspondence in this regard shall be entertained.
In case of any difference/ discrepancy/ dispute in the Questions between English and the opted language, the content of English version shall prevail.
1. Computer Based Examination: Tier-I:
| Part | Subject (Not in sequence) | Number of Questions/ Maximum Marks | Time Duration (For all four Parts) | |
| I | English Language (Basic Knowledge) | 25/ 50 | 60 Minutes (80 Minutes for candidates eligible for scribe as per Para-7.1, 7.2 and 7.3) | |
| II | General Intelligence | 25/ 50 | ||
| III | Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill) | 25/ 50 | ||
| IV | General Awareness | 25/ 50 |
The Tier-I Examination will consist of Objective Type, Multiple choice questions only. The questions will be set in English, Hindi and any language opted by the candidate in the application form, as given at Annexure-XVI for Part-II, III & IV of Tier-I examination. There will be negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer. Candidates are, therefore, advised to keep this in mind while answering the questions.
Scheme of Tier-II Examination:
| Tier | Session | Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time allowed |
| Tier-II | Session-I (2 hours and 15 minutes) | Section-I: Module-I: Mathematical Abilities Module-II: Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 30 Total = 60 | 60*3 = 180 | 1 hour (for each section) (1 hours and 20 minutes for the candidates eligible for scribe as per Para-7.1, 7.2 and 7.3) |
| Section-II: Module-I: English Language and Comprehension Module-II: General Awareness | 40 20 Total = 60 | 60*3 = 180 | |||
| Section-III: Module-I: Computer Knowledge Module | 15 | 15*3 = 45 | 15 Minutes (20 minutes for the candidates eligible for scribe as per Para-7.1, 7.2 and 7.3) | ||
| Session-II | Section-III: Module-II: Skill Test/ Typing Test Module | Part A: Skill Test for DEOs in Department/ Ministry mentioned at Para 8.1 | – | 15 Minutes (20 minutes for the candidates eligible for scribe as per Para-7.1, 7.2 and 7.3) | |
| Part B: Skill Test for DEOs except in Department/ Ministry mentioned at Para 8.1 | – | 15 Minutes (20 minutes for the candidates eligible for scribe as per Para-7.1, 7.2 and 7.3) | |||
| Part C: Typing Test for LDC/ JSA. | 10 Minutes (15 minutes for the candidates eligible for scribe as per Para-7.1, 7.2 and 7.3) |
Tier-II will include following three sections having two modules each:
Section-I:
Module-I: Mathematical Abilities
Module-II: Reasoning and General Intelligence.
Section-II
Module-I: English Language and Comprehension
Module-II: General Awareness
Section-III
Module-I: Computer Knowledge Test
Module-II: Skill Test/ Typing Test
Tier-II will be conducted in two sessions – Session –I & Session-II, on same day. Session-I will include conducting of Section-I, Section-II and Module-I of Section-III. Session-II will include conducting of Module-II of Section-III.
It will be mandatory for the candidates to qualify all the sections of Tier-II.
Tier-II will consist of Objective Type, Multiple choice questions, except for Module-II of Section-III. The questions will be set in English, Hindi and any language opted by the candidate in the application form, as given at AnnexureXVI except for Module-II (i.e. English Language and Comprehension module) in Section-II.
There will be negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer in Section-I, Section-II and Module-I of Section-III. Candidates are, therefore, advised to keep this in mind while answering the questions.
Module-I of Section-III i.e. Computer Knowledge Test is mandatory but qualifying in nature.
Module-II of Section-III i.e. Skill Test/ Typing Test:
Module-II of Section-III will include conducting of Skill Test/ Typing Test in Session-II on the same day.
Skill Test/ Typing Test will be of qualifying nature.
Skill Test/ Typing Test will be evaluated as per the evaluation guidelines available on the website of the Commission.
Errors in the Skill Test will be calculated up to 2 decimal places.
Skill Test/ Typing Test will be conducted as per the following scheme:
Skill Test for Data Entry Operator:Skill Test is mandatory for Data Entry Operators. No candidate is exempted from appearing in the Skill Test.
Part A – Skill Test for the post of DEO/ DEO Grade ‘A’ in Department/ Ministry mentioned at Para 8.1: The ‘speed of 15000 (Fifteen Thousand) Key Depressions per hour on Computer’ will be adjudged on the basis of the correct entry of words/ key depressions as per the given passage. The duration of the Test will be 15 (Fifteen) minutes and printed matter in English containing about 3700-4000 key-depressions would be given to each candidate who would enter the same in the Computer. The passage to be entered in the computer may also be displayed on the computer screen.
Part B – Skill Test for the post of DEO/ DEO Grade ‘A’ except in Department/ Ministry mentioned at Para 8.1: ‘Data Entry Speed of 8,000 (Eight Thousand) Key Depressions per hour on Computer’ will be adjudged on the basis of the correct entry of words/ key depressions as per the given passage. The duration of the Test will be 15 (Fifteen) minutes and printed matter in English containing about 2000-2200 key depressions would be given to each candidate who would enter the same in the Computer. The passage to be entered in the Computer may also be displayed on the computer screen. Candidates eligible for scribe as per Para 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 will be given compensatory time of 5 minutes. Therefore, duration of Skill Test for such candidates will be 20 minutes.
ii. Typing Test for LDC/ JSA & PA/ SA:The medium of Typing Test will be Hindi or English. The candidates will have to opt for the medium of Typing Test (i.e. either Hindi or English) in the online Application Form
The choice of Typing Test given by the candidate in the online Application Form shall be treated as final and no change in the medium of Typing Test will be entertained later.
Candidates opting for English medium should have typing speed of 35 words per minute (w.p.m.) and those opting for Hindi medium should have typing speed of 30 words per minute (w.p.m.). 35 w.p.m. and 30 w.p.m. correspond to about 10500 key depressions per hour and about 9000 key depressions per hour respectively.The speed will be adjudged on the accuracy of typing on the Computer of a given text passage in 10 minutes. Candidates eligible for scribe as per Para 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 will be given compensatory time of 5 minutes. Therefore, duration of Typing Test for such candidates will be 15 minutes.Passage Dictators will be provided to those VH candidates for the Typing test who have opted for scribe in the online Application Form. The Passage Dictator will read out the passage to VH candidate within the allotted time period.
SSC CHSL Exam Eligibility Criteria
SSC CHSL Exam Eligibility Details: Staff Selection Commission’s (SSC) conducted Combined Higher Secondary Level (10+2) Exam for the posts of Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC)/ Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO). Exam Eligibility details are given below…
Eligibility Conditions:
1. Nationality/ Citizenship: A candidate must be either:
(a) a citizen of India, or
(b) a subject of Nepal, or
(c) a subject of Bhutan, or
(d) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania(Formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar),Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Provided that a candidate belonging to categories (b), (c), (d) and (e) above shall be a person in whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.
2. Age Limit: Candidates age should be 18-27 years as on 01-08-2023 i.e. Candidates born not before 02-08-1997 and
not later than 01-08-2006 are eligible to apply.
Permissible relaxation in Upper age limit for different categories are as under:
Code | Category | Permissible age relaxation |
01 | SC/ ST | 5 years |
02 | OBC | 3 years |
03 | PwBD (Unreserved) | 10 years |
04 | PwD (OBC) | 13 years |
05 | PwD (SC/ ST) | 15 years |
06 | Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 03 years after deduction of the military service rendered from the actual age as on the closing date. |
| 08 | Central Govt. Civilian Employees who have rendered not less than 3 years regular and continuous service as on Closing date. | Up to 40 years of age |
| 09 | Central Govt. Civilian Employees (SC/ ST) who have rendered not less than 3 years regular and continuous service as on Closing date. | Up to 45 years of age |
| 10 | Widows/ Divorced Women/ Women judicially separated and who are not remarried | Up to 35 years of age |
| 11 | Widows/ Divorced Women/ Women judicially separated and who are not remarried (SC/ ST) | Up to 40 years of age |
| 12 | Defence Personnel disabled in operation during hostilities with any foreign country or in a disturbed area and released as a consequence thereof | 03 years |
| 13 | Defence Personnel disabled in operation during hostilities with any foreign country or in a disturbed area and released as a consequence thereof (SC/ ST) | 08 years |
3. Educational Qualification:
- For Data Entry Operator (DEO)/ DEO Grade ‘A’ in the Office of Comptroller and Auditor General of India (C&AG), Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Ministry of Culture: 12th Standard pass in Science stream with Mathematics as a subject from a recognized Board or equivalent.
with Mathematics as a subject from a recognized Board or equivalent. - For LDC/ JSA and DEO/ DEO Grade ‘A’ (except DEOs in Department/ Ministry mentioned at Para 8.1 above): Candidates must have passed 12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University
- The candidates who have appeared in their 12th Standard or equivalent examination can also apply, however they must possess Essential qualification on or before the cutoff date i.e. 01-08 2024.
Note-I: As per Ministry of Human Resource Development Notification dated 10-06-2015 published in the Gazette of India all the degrees/ diplomas/ certificates awarded through Open and Distance Learning mode of education by the Universities established by an Act of Parliament or State Legislature, Institutions Deemed to be Universities under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 and Institutions of National Importance declared under an Act of Parliament stand automatically recognized for the purpose of employment to posts and services under the Central Government provided they have been approved by the Distance Education Bureau, University Grants Commission. Accordingly, unless such degrees are recognized for the relevant period when the candidates acquired the qualification, they will not be accepted for the purpose of Educational Qualification. In case of the candidates possessing such degrees/ diplomas/ certificates awarded through Open and Distance Learning mode of education , such candidates shall also produce approval given to the University by the Distance Education Bureau, University Grants Commission for the relevant period at the time of Document Verification.
SSC CHSL Exam Selection Process
SSC CHSL Exam Selection Process Details: Staff Selection Commission’s (SSC) conducted Combined Higher Secondary Level (10+2) Exam for the posts of Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC)/ Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO). Exam Selection Process details are given below…
Selection Process: The Examination will consist of three stages.
1. Computer Based Examination (Tier-I)-(Objective Type)
2. Computer Based Examination (Tier-II)-(Objective Type)
3. Typing Test/ Skill Test (Tier-III)
i. Typing Test for LDC/ JSA
ii. Skill Test for DEO
Written Examination: The written examination will consist of one objective type – Multiple choice questions only. The questions will be set both in English & Hindi for Part-II, III & IV.
1. Computer Based Examination (Tier-I): Computer Based Exam (Tier-I) exam is an objective type test divided in four sections, General Intelligence, English Language (Basic Knowledge), Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill) and General Awareness. Total marks for SSC CHSL Tier-I exam is 200 and there is negative marking of 0.50 marks for every wrong answer. Candidates qualifying the Tier-I exam securing the qualifying marks will be selected for the Tier-II exam.
2. Computer Based Examination (Tier-II): Computer Based Exam (Tier-II) exam is an objective type test divided in three sections having two modules each. In Section-I (Module-I: Mathematical Abilities Mathematical Abilities, Module-II: Reasoning and General Intelligence) & In Section-II (Module-I: English Language and Comprehension, Module-II: General Awareness) & In Section-III (Module-I: Computer Knowledge Module, Module-II: Skill Test/ Typing Test Module). Tier-II will consist of Objective Type, Multiple choice questions, except for Module-II of Section-III. The questions will be set in English, Hindi and any language opted by the candidate in the application form, as given at Annexure-XVI except for Module-II (i.e. English Language and Comprehension module) in Section-II. There will be negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer in Section-I, Section-II and Module-I of Section-III. Candidates are, therefore, advised to keep this in mind while answering the questions.
3. Tier III (Typing Test/ Skill Test):
Skill Test for Data Entry Operator: Skill Test is mandatory for Data Entry Operators. No candidate is exempted from appearing in the Skill Test.
Part A – Skill Test for the post of DEO/ DEO Grade ‘A’ in Department/ Ministry: The ‘speed of 15000 (Fifteen Thousand) Key Depressions per hour on Computer’ will be adjudged on the basis of the correct entry of words/ key depressions as per the given passage. The duration of the Test will be 15 (Fifteen) minutes and printed matter in English containing about 3700-4000 key-depressions would be given to each candidate who would enter the same in the Computer. The passage to be entered in the computer may also be displayed on the computer screen.
Part B – Skill Test for the post of DEO/ DEO Grade ‘A’ except in Department/ Ministry: Data Entry Speed of 8,000 (Eight Thousand) Key Depressions per hour on Computer’ will be adjudged on the basis of the correct entry of words/ key depressions as per the given passage. The duration of the Test will be 15 (Fifteen) minutes and printed matter in English containing about 2000-2200 key-depressions would be given to each candidate who would enter the same in the Computer. The passage to be entered in the Computer may also be displayed on the computer screen.Candidates eligible for scribe as per Para 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 will be given compensatory time of 5 minutes. Therefore, duration of Skill Test for such candidates will be 20 minutes.
Part C – Typing Test for other posts i.e. LDC/ JSA: The medium of Typing Test will be Hindi or English. The candidates will have to opt for the medium of Typing Test (i.e. either Hindi or English) in the online Application Form. The choice of Typing Test given by the candidate in the online Application Form shall be treated as final and no change in the medium of Typing Test will be entertained later. Candidates opting for English medium should have typing speed of 35 words per minute (w.p.m.) and those opting for Hindi medium should have typing speed of 30 words per minute (w.p.m.). 35 w.p.m. and 30 w.p.m. correspond to about 10500 key depressions per hour and about 9000 key depressions per hour respectively. The speed will be adjudged on the accuracy of typing on the Computer of a given text passage in 10 minutes. Candidates eligible for scribe as per Para 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 will be given compensatory time of 5 minutes. Therefore, duration of Typing Test for such candidates will be 15 minutes. Passage Dictators will be provided to those VH candidates for the Typing test who have opted for scribe in the online Application Form. The Passage Dictator will read out the passage to VH candidate within the allotted time period. Persons with Disabilities candidates who claim to be permanently unfit to take the Typing Test because of a physical disability may, with the prior approval of the Commission, be exempted from the requirement of appearing and qualifying at such test, provided such a candidate submits a Certificate in the prescribed format (Annexure-XIV) to the Commission from the competent Medical Authority, i.e., the Civil Surgeon of a Government Health Care Institution declaring him to be permanently unfit for the Typing Test because of a physical disability. In addition, such candidates must substantiate their claim by furnishing the relevant Medical Certificate in the prescribed format as per Annexure-XI to Annexure-XIII of the Notice of Examination, as applicable, at the time of Typing Test. Otherwise their claim for seeking exemption from Typing Test will not be entertained by the Commission.
Note-I: Only those candidates who secure at least the minimum qualifying marks in the written examination, as may be fixed by the Commission at its discretion, will be called for skill test. The Commission may also at its discretion, fix qualifying marks in each component of the written examination.
Note-I: 35 w.p.m and 30 w.p.m corresponds to 10500 key depressions per hour/9000 key depressions per hour respectively.
Note-II: Only those candidates who secure at least the minimum qualifying marks in the Computer Based Examination (Tier-I) and Descriptive Paper (Tier-II), as may be fixed by the Commission at its discretion, will be called for Typing Test. The Commission may also, at its discretion, fix the minimum qualifying marks in each component of the written examination.
Final Allotment: The final allotment of posts is made on the basis of merit-cum-preferences of Posts/Departments given by the candidates and once a post is allotted, no change of posts will be made by the Commission due to non-fulfilment of any post-specific requirements of physical/medical/educational standards. In other words, for example, if a candidate has given higher preference for a post and is selected for that post; in that case, if he fails to meet the medical/physical/educational standards for that post, his candidature will be rejected and he will not be considered for any other preferences and no correspondence in this regard will be entertained by the Commission.
Resolution of Tie Cases: In the event of tie in scores of candidates in Tier-II examination, merit will be decided by applying following criteria, one after another in the given order, till the tie is resolved:
- Marks scored in Section-I of Tier-II Examination
- Marks scored in Section-II of Tier-II Examination.
- Date of birth, with older candidates placed higher.
