The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) 2025 Exam is one of the most prestigious examinations for individuals looking to secure a government job in India. Each year, millions of aspirants eagerly await the announcement of the exam, hoping to secure positions like Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Postal Assistant (PA), Sorting Assistant (SA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO). Given the exam’s competitive nature, it’s crucial for candidates to understand the detailed syllabus, exam pattern, and key updates to develop a solid preparation strategy.
Whether you are a first-time applicant or a seasoned candidate looking to improve your chances in the SSC CHSL 2025 exam, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know. From breaking down the exam structure to providing study tips and understanding the marking scheme, we’ll walk you through the essentials of this exam.
SSC 10+2 CHSL 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (Online) |
| Number of Tiers | 2 (Tier 1: Objective), Tier 2 (Objective + Skill/Typing Test) |
| Total Marks for Tier 1 | 200 |
| Total Marks for Tier 2 | 405 (Objective + Skill/Typing Test) |
| Negative Marking | 0.5 marks per wrong answer in Tier 1; 1 mark for wrong answers in Tier 2 |
| Duration of Exam | Tier 1: 60 mins (80 mins for PwD candidates), Tier 2: 2 hrs 15 mins (Session 1) |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks | General: 30%, OBC/EWS: 25%, Others: 20% |
| Important Dates | Application Start: June 23, 2025, Exam Date: September 8–18, 2025 |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
The SSC CHSL 2025 Exam offers a great opportunity for candidates aiming to secure government jobs in India. By understanding the exam pattern, syllabus, and following a structured preparation strategy, you can enhance your chances of success. Stay focused, practice regularly, and make use of effective resources, and you’ll be on the right track to achieving your goal.
Understanding the Exam Pattern
The SSC CHSL 2025 exam is divided into two main tiers: Tier 1 (Objective Type) and Tier 2 (Objective + Skill/Typing Test). Let’s break down the specifics of each tier to help you understand the structure of the exam and prepare accordingly.
Tier 1: Objective (Online Exam)
The Tier 1 exam is an online, computer-based test consisting of four sections. Each section contains 25 questions, and each correct answer carries 2 marks. The total marks for Tier 1 are 200, and there is negative marking for incorrect answers, with a penalty of 0.5 marks per wrong answer.
Section Breakdown:
- General Intelligence (Reasoning): 25 questions, 50 marks
- General Awareness: 25 questions, 50 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 25 questions, 50 marks
- English Language: 25 questions, 50 marks
Time Limit: Candidates have 60 minutes to complete the exam, while PwD candidates are allowed 80 minutes.
Negative Marking: A penalty of 0.5 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
Key Focus Areas for Tier 1:
- General Intelligence: This section tests your reasoning skills. Focus on areas like puzzles, analogies, number series, and coding-decoding.
- General Awareness: This is a wide-ranging section, covering history, geography, science, sports, economy, and current affairs. Stay updated with the latest news and events by reading newspapers and following trusted news outlets.
- Quantitative Aptitude: The quantitative section assesses your mathematical skills. It includes problems related to number systems, percentages, profit and loss, time and work, and algebra. Make sure to practice these areas thoroughly.
- English Language: This section evaluates grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. You should focus on reading comprehension, error spotting, sentence improvement, and cloze tests.
Tier 2: Objective + Skill/Typing Test
The Tier 2 exam consists of two sessions:
- Session 1: Objective-type questions, similar to Tier 1 but with more subject-specific focus.
- Session 2: Skill Test or Typing Test
Session 1:
- Mathematical Abilities: 30 questions, 90 marks
- Reasoning & General Intelligence: 30 questions, 90 marks
- English Language & Comprehension: 40 questions, 120 marks
- General Awareness: 20 questions, 60 marks
- Computer Knowledge: 15 questions, 45 marks
Session 2: This session is mandatory for specific posts:
- Typing Test for LDC/JSA candidates (35 words per minute in English or 30 words per minute in Hindi)
- Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) for DEO candidates (typing 2000 characters in 15 minutes)
Negative Marking: A penalty of 1 mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer in Session 1.
Test Focus Areas for Tier 2:
- Mathematical Abilities & Reasoning: Practice advanced mathematical problems and complex reasoning puzzles.
- English Language & Comprehension: The level of difficulty in English increases in Tier 2. Focus on advanced grammar and comprehension passages.
- Computer Knowledge: Brush up on your basic computer knowledge, including concepts related to MS Office, internet usage, and cybersecurity.
Detailed Syllabus Breakdown
To ensure success in both Tier 1 and Tier 2, understanding the detailed syllabus for each section is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of the key topics covered:
Tier 1 Syllabus
- General Intelligence (Reasoning):
- Analogies: Verbal and non-verbal analogies, number analogy
- Classification: Odd one out, Venn diagrams
- Coding-Decoding: Alphanumeric codes, letter coding
- Series: Number series, figure series
- Puzzles: Logical puzzles, seating arrangement, blood relations
- Miscellaneous: Direction sense, calendar, clocks
- General Awareness:
- History: Ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history
- Geography: Physical and political geography of India and the world
- Polity: Indian Constitution, political parties, governance, and elections
- Economy: Indian economic development, budget, and financial institutions
- Current Affairs: National and international events, sports, awards, and honors
- Science: Physics, chemistry, biology (general understanding)
- Quantitative Aptitude:
- Number Systems: LCM, HCF, simple operations
- Arithmetic: Percentages, profit and loss, ratio and proportion
- Algebra: Polynomials, simple equations
- Time and Work: Work efficiency, time taken
- Geometry: Area, perimeter, volume
- Trigonometry: Sine, cosine, tangent ratios
- Statistics: Mean, median, mode, charts, and data interpretation
- English Language:
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, homonyms
- Grammar: Tenses, prepositions, conjunctions
- Error Spotting: Identify grammatical errors
- Sentence Improvement: Sentence correction, reordering
- Reading Comprehension: Understand the context of passages
- Idioms and Phrases: Common idiomatic expressions and their meanings
Tier 2 Syllabus
- Mathematical Abilities:
- Advanced concepts from algebra, trigonometry, and geometry
- Data interpretation: Graphs, tables, and charts
- Profit and Loss, Time and Work, Speed and Distance (advanced problems)
- Reasoning & General Intelligence:
- Advanced puzzles and visual reasoning
- Complex number series and analogy problems
- English Language & Comprehension:
- Comprehension passages with higher difficulty
- Advanced grammar: Sentence transformation, reported speech, and subject-verb agreement
- General Awareness:
- Economics: Banking and financial awareness
- Environment and Ecology
- Science & Technology: In-depth understanding of the latest technological developments
- Computer Knowledge:
- Internet basics: Browsing, email, search engines
- Software knowledge: MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint
- Cyber Security: Protection against cybercrimes, online threats
Effective Study Tips for SSC CHSL 2025
1. Create a Detailed Study Plan
Start by crafting a study schedule that allocates specific time slots for each section. For instance, dedicate at least 2-3 hours per day to each subject. Don’t forget to add time for revision and mock tests.
2. Follow a Regular Routine
Establish a daily routine that includes time for studying, rest, and relaxation. A consistent routine will help maintain a balanced approach to preparation and avoid burnout.
3. Use Recommended Study Materials
Study from reliable sources like:
- NCERT books for building a strong foundation
- R.S. Aggarwal’s Reasoning Book for reasoning
- Quantitative Aptitude by Dr. R.S. Aggarwal
- Lucent’s General Knowledge for General Awareness
4. Practice Regular Mock Tests
Mock tests are essential for simulating the exam environment. Take at least one mock test per week to identify your strengths and weaknesses and refine your test-taking strategy.
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5. Stay Updated with Current Affairs
For the General Awareness section, read newspapers like The Hindu, The Times of India, and use apps like Daily Current Affairs for quick updates.
FAQs
1. What is the minimum qualifying mark for SSC CHSL 2025?
- The minimum qualifying marks are:
- General: 30%
- OBC/EWS: 25%
- SC/ST/Others: 20%
2. When is the SSC CHSL 2025 exam date?
- The Tier 1 exam will be held from September 8–18, 2025.
3. How many marks are deducted for wrong answers in the SSC CHSL exam?
- There is a 0.5 mark deduction for each incorrect answer in Tier 1 and 1 mark deduction for wrong answers in Tier 2.
4. What type of questions are asked in the Typing Test?
- LDC/JSA candidates will need to type 35 words per minute (English) or 30 words per minute (Hindi).
- DEO candidates will need to complete a Data Entry Speed Test (DEST).
