SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026 for Tier 1 and Tier 2, Marking Scheme, Sectional Timing

The SSC CHSL Exam 2026 is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for posts such as LDC, JSA, and DEO. The SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026 tests candidates on General Awareness, Reasoning, Computer Knowledge, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language.

Tier 1 consists of 100 questions for 200 marks in 60 minutes, with 0.50 marks deducted for each wrong answer. Tier 2 has 135 questions for 405 marks, with 3 marks for each correct answer and 1 mark deducted for each incorrect response. The Skill/Typing Test is qualifying, while Tier 2 Sections 1 and 2 marks are considered for final merit.

With sectional timing in place, candidates need to manage their time carefully and complete each section within the allotted time. SSC also applies normalisation if the exam is conducted in multiple shifts.

SSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026

The SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) selection process covers Tier 1, Tier 2, Skill/Typing Test, and Document Verification.  Candidates should be familiar with the latest SSC CHSL Exam Pattern to plan their preparation effectively.

The exam includes negative marking, and candidates must secure the required qualifying marks to move ahead in the selection process.

SSC CHSL Exam: Overview

Check: SSC CHSL Notification 2026 Out

SSC CHSL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026

• The Tier 1 examination consists of 100 questions carrying a total of 200 marks.
• The paper is divided into four sections, with 25 questions in each section.
• Candidates are given 60 minutes to complete the test.
• If the exam is conducted in multiple shifts, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) will use a normalisation process to ensure fairness in the evaluation.

The Schema of Tier-1 is explained in the Table given below:

Note:- For every wrong question, there is a negative marking of 0.5 marks.

Tier 1 Marking Scheme

SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026

The CHSL Tier 2 Exam is held in two sessions and is open to candidates who qualify Tier 1. Session I features objective multiple-choice questions covering different subjects to assess candidates’ knowledge and understanding, while Session II comprises the Skill Test or Typing Test, designed to evaluate the required typing speed and accuracy.

Section 1: Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning and General Intelligence.

Section 2: English Language and Comprehension and General Awareness

Section 3: Computer Knowledge Test and Skill Test/ Typing Test

• The questions will be of an Objective type in nature in English, Hindi, and any language opted by the candidates.

Tier 2 Marking Scheme

SSC CHSL Tier 2 Typing/Skill Test

Negative Marking in SSC CHSL Exam

In Tier 1, a negative marking of 0.50 marks is applied for each incorrect answer. In Tier 2, 1 mark is deducted for every wrong response in Section 1, Section 2, and Section 3. Therefore, candidates should attempt questions carefully and avoid random guessing to reduce the impact of negative marking.

SSC CHSL 2026 Minimum Qualifying Marks

The table below outlines the minimum qualifying marks required for Tier-I, Section-I, Section-II, and Section-III in the Tier-II Examination.

Tier 1 Vs Tier 2: A Comparison

How is the SSC CHSL Final Merit List is prepared?

The final merit list draws only from Tier 2 Section-I and Section-II. Section-III and the Skill/Typing Test in Section-II are both qualifying components; candidates must clear them, but the marks scored there aren’t added to the merit score.

Resolution of Tie Cases in SSC CHSL Exam

In case two or more candidates secure the same marks in the SSC CHSL Tier-II Examination, the merit ranking will be determined by applying the following tie-breaking criteria sequentially until the tie is resolved:

How to Sectional Timing Affect SSC CHSL Exam preparation?

With sectional timing in place, the old approach of solving the paper will not work. This changes the entire practice strategy in a few concrete ways:

• Every section, not just the paper overall, needs to be independently exam-ready within its own time limit.
• Weak sections can’t be compensated for by finishing others early.
• Mock practice should be timed section-wise, not just as a full 60-minute paper.
• A skip-and-return habit within each 15-minute time limit helps avoid losing easy questions to time spent on hard ones.