Everything About SSC CHSL Exam from Basics – exam pattern, syllabus, job profile, career growth, number of vacancies out, starting salary, preparation strategy, best books, courses, and test series, admit card, result, previous year cut-off analysis, and duration of preparation.
SSC CHSL Exam Overview
| Name of Examination | SSC CHSL |
| Full-Form of CHSL | Combined Higher Secondary Leve |
| Exam Organised Body | Staff Selection Commission |
| Salary | Rs 19,000 – Rs. 25500 |
| Vacancy Notification | every year |
| Notification release month | March – April |
| Application mode | Online |
| Qualification | 10 + 2 |
| Age Limit | 18 years- 27 years |
| Application Fee | ₹100/- for GEN/OBC/EWS Exempted for SC/ST/PH/Female |
| Selection Process | Tier-I, Tier-II & Tier-III |
| Official Website | ssc.nic.in |
Nishant eAcademy
YouTube Channel
| ⟫ All Government Exams |
| ⟫ All Govt Exams Notes |
| ⟫ All Govt Exams Syllabus |
| ⟫ All Exams Calendar |
| ⟫ All Exams Calendar |
About SSC CHSL Exam
SSC CHSL (Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level) is a national-level examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for recruiting candidates for various posts in different government organizations and ministries in India. The exam is held annually and is open to candidates who have completed their higher secondary education (Class 12th) from a recognized board or university. The selection process consists of multiple stages, including a written exam, skill test, and document verification. The exam is conducted in online mode and covers topics such as General Intelligence, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness. Successful candidates are selected for positions such as Postal Assistants/Sorting Assistants, Data Entry Operators, Lower Divisional Clerks, and Court Clerks.
Vacancy Notification
The SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level) vacancy notification is released annually by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) in November or December. It contains important information such as the number of vacancies, eligibility criteria, application process, exam pattern, syllabus, and selection process for various government organization posts. Candidates can check the official notification on the SSC website and apply online before the last date.
Number of Vacancies
The number of vacancies for the SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level) exam varies from year to year, depending on the requirements of various government organizations and ministries. The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) releases the official notification for the exam every year, which includes the number of vacancies available for different posts.
In general, the number of vacancies for the SSC CHSL exam has been increasing over the years due to the expansion of various government organizations and ministries. For example, in the 2020-21 notification, a total of 4726 vacancies were announced for various posts, including Postal Assistants/Sorting Assistants, Data Entry Operators, Lower Divisional Clerks, and Court Clerks.
It is important to note that the number of vacancies may vary based on several factors, including the number of candidates who have applied for the exam and the requirements of different government organizations and ministries.
Job Profile after Selection in SSC CHSL Exam
After the selection in the SSC CHSL Exam, candidates are appointed to one of the above-mentioned posts based on their rank in the merit list and preference for the post. Here is a brief description of the job profiles:
- Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC) and Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA): The LDC and JSA work in an office environment and are responsible for data entry, file management, and maintaining records. They may also be required to assist their superiors in administrative tasks.
- Postal Assistant (PA) and Sorting Assistant (SA): The PA and SA work in post offices and are responsible for sorting, handling, and delivering mail. They may also be required to manage postal accounts and assist customers.
- Data Entry Operator (DEO): The DEO is responsible for data entry and maintenance of records in government departments.
The job profiles may vary depending on the specific department and position to which the candidate is appointed. However, all positions require basic computer literacy and communication skills. The salary and other benefits for each position may also vary depending on the specific department and location of the posting.
Quality at Affordable Prices
Post after Selection
After selection in the SSC CHSL Exam, candidates can be appointed to various posts such as Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Postal Assistant (PA), Sorting Assistant (SA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO) in various government ministries and departments. The job profiles may include administrative tasks, data entry, file management, record maintenance, postal services, and customer assistance. The salary and benefits for each post may vary depending on the specific department and location of the posting.
Starting Salary
The starting salary of candidates selected through SSC CHSL varies depending on the post and location of the job. However, as per the 7th Pay Commission, the approximate starting salary for the different posts under SSC CHSL is:
- Lower Division Clerk (LDC) and Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA): Rs. 19,900 – Rs. 63,200/-
- Postal Assistant (PA) and Sorting Assistant (SA): Rs. 25,500 – Rs. 81,100/-
- Data Entry Operator (DEO): Rs. 25,500 – Rs. 81,100/-
It’s important to note that the salary may vary depending on various factors such as the city of posting, allowances, and deductions. The salary may also increase over time with promotions and annual increments.
Career Growth
The career growth opportunities in SSC CHSL depend on the performance, experience, and qualifications of the candidates. Here is a brief overview of the career growth opportunities at SSC CHSL:
- Lower Division Clerk (LDC) and Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA): The career growth opportunities for LDC and JSA include promotion to the next higher post, which is Senior Clerk or Senior Secretariat Assistant. After that, they can be promoted to the post of Assistant or Section Officer based on their performance and seniority.
- Postal Assistant (PA) and Sorting Assistant (SA): The career growth opportunities for PA and SA include promotion to the post of Chief Supervisor or Chief Postmaster based on their performance and seniority.
- Data Entry Operator (DEO): The career growth opportunities for DEO include promotion to the post of Data Processing Assistant, Senior Data Entry Operator, and Assistant Section Officer based on their performance and seniority.
Apart from promotions, candidates can also appear for departmental exams to enhance their qualifications and increase their chances of promotion. The salary and other benefits also increase with promotions and time in service. It’s important to note that the exact career growth opportunities may vary depending on the specific department and posting of the candidate.
Selection Procedure of UPSC CSE Exam
Selection Process For SSC CHSL Examination 2023
The SSC CHSL Exam selection procedure involves three stages:
- Tier-I: Computer-Based Examination (Objective Type) The Tier-I exam is an online computer-based examination with 100 multiple-choice questions.
- Tier-II: Descriptive Paper The Tier-II exam is a descriptive paper that tests the writing skills of candidates. The exam consists of a 100-mark essay and a 50-mark letter or application writing task.
- Tier-III: Skill Test/Typing Test The Tier-III exam is a skill test/typing test that is conducted to check the typing speed and accuracy of the candidates.
Candidates who qualify for all three stages of the SSC CHSL Exam are selected for the various posts in government ministries and departments.
Tier-I: Computer-Based Examination (Objective Type)
The Tier-I exam is an online computer-based examination with 100 multiple-choice questions. The exam consists of four sections: General Intelligence, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness. Each section carries 25 marks, and the total duration of the exam is 60 minutes.
Tier-II: Descriptive Paper
The Tier-II exam is a descriptive paper that tests the writing skills of candidates. The exam consists of a 100-mark essay and a 50-mark letter or application writing task. The total duration of the exam is 60 minutes, and candidates are required to score a minimum of 33% marks to qualify for the next stage.
Tier-III: Skill Test/Typing Test
The Tier-III exam is a skill test/typing test that is conducted to check the typing speed and accuracy of the candidates. The skill test is conducted for Data Entry Operator (DEO) posts, and the typing test is conducted for LDC, JSA, PA, and SA posts. The typing test is conducted in both English and Hindi languages.
Candidates who qualify for all three stages of the SSC CHSL Exam are selected for the various posts in government ministries and departments.
Note: It’s important to note that the selection procedure may vary depending on the specific requirements of the exam and the conducting authority.
Exam pattern
Tier-I
| Paper | No of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
| General Intelligence | 25 | 50 | 1 hour |
| English Language | 25 | 50 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
Tier-II
The SSC CHSL Tier-II exam is a descriptive paper that is conducted in pen and paper mode. It consists of a single section of 100 marks and 60 minutes duration. The exam is designed to test a candidate’s writing skills in English or Hindi language.
Writing Skills: This section consists of an essay of 200-250 words and a letter/application writing of 150-200 words. The essay can be on any topic, while the letter/application can be formal or informal. The essay and letter/application carry 50 marks each, making a total of 100 marks. The minimum qualifying mark in the Tier-II exam is 33%.
Note: It is important to note that the Tier-II exam is of a qualifying nature, which means that the marks obtained in this exam will be used to qualify for the Tier-III exam.
Tier-III
The SSC CHSL Tier III exam is a skill test or typing test conducted for candidates who have qualified in the Tier-I and Tier-II exams. The Tier-III exam is conducted to test a candidate’s typing speed and accuracy.
The SSC CHSL Tier-III exam consists of two tests:
- Skill Test for Data Entry Operator (DEO): Candidates who have applied for the DEO post will have to undergo a skill test in which they will have to type a passage of about 8000 key depressions in 1 hour on a computer.
- Typing Test for Postal Assistant, Sorting Assistant, and LDC/ JSA: Candidates who have applied for these posts will have to undergo a typing test in which they will have to type a passage of 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes on a computer.
The typing test is conducted in both English and Hindi languages. Candidates who qualify for the typing test or skill test will be considered for the final selection.
Note: It is important to note that the Tier-III exam is of a qualifying nature and the marks obtained in this exam will not be added to the final selection. However, it is important to qualify for this exam to be considered for the final selection.
Preparation Strategy
The SSC CHSL exam is a highly competitive exam that requires a well-planned and structured preparation strategy. Here are some tips for preparing for the SSC CHSL exam:
- Know the syllabus and exam pattern: It is essential to understand the syllabus and exam pattern before starting the preparation. The syllabus for SSC CHSL includes General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, and English Language. The exam pattern consists of Tier-I (Objective type), Tier-II (Descriptive type), and Tier-III (Skill Test/Typing Test).
- Create a study plan: Once you know the syllabus and exam pattern, create a study plan that suits your schedule and covers all the topics in the syllabus. Set realistic goals and deadlines for each topic.
- Focus on basics: Clear your basics by referring to NCERT books or basic study material. Once you have a strong foundation, you can move to advanced topics.
- Solve previous year papers and mock tests: Practice solving previous year papers and mock tests to improve your time management and accuracy. This will also give you an idea of the exam pattern and difficulty level.
- Read newspapers and magazines: Reading newspapers and magazines regularly will help you stay updated with current affairs and improve your General Awareness.
- Practice time management: SSC CHSL exam is a time-bound exam, and you need to solve a lot of questions in a limited time. Practice time management by solving questions within the given time limit.
- Revise regularly: Revise regularly to retain what you have learned. Make short notes of important points and formulas for quick revision.
- Stay positive and focused: Stay positive, focused, and motivated throughout the preparation. Take breaks, exercise, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to stay physically and mentally fit.
Best Books
Here are some of the best books for preparing for the SSC CHSL exam:
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal: This book covers all the topics in Quantitative Aptitude and has a large number of practice questions and solved examples.
- General Intelligence and Reasoning by Lucent: This book covers all the topics in General Intelligence and Reasoning and has a large number of practice questions and solved examples.
- Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi: This book covers all the topics in English Language and has a large number of practice questions and solved examples.
- General Knowledge by Lucent: This book covers all the topics in General Awareness and has a large number of practice questions and solved examples.
- Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma: This book covers all the topics in Quantitative Aptitude and has a large number of practice questions and solved examples.
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis: This book covers all the topics in English Language and helps in improving vocabulary.
- NCERT books: NCERT books for classes 10th and 12th are suitable for preparing the basic concepts of different topics.
Test Series
Nishant eAcademy offers a comprehensive test series for the SSC CHSL Examination that can help you evaluate your preparation and identify your strengths and weaknesses. The test series is designed by experts and covers all the important topics and subjects of the SSC CHSL syllabus. The tests are structured to mimic the actual exam pattern, and taking them can help you build exam temperament and manage time effectively. The test series is available online, and you can take the tests from the comfort of your home. The detailed performance analysis and feedback provided after each test can help you improve your performance and increase your chances of success in the SSC CHSL exam. I highly recommend Nishant eAcademy Test Series for the SSC CHSL exam to all aspirants who are serious about cracking the exam.
Duration of Preparation
The duration of preparation for the SSC CHSL exam can vary depending on several factors such as your existing level of knowledge, the amount of time you can dedicate to studying, and your study plan.
Generally, it is recommended to start preparing for the SSC CHSL exam at least 4-6 months in advance. During this period, you can cover the entire syllabus, revise key concepts, and practice mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy.
To create an effective study plan, you can start by dividing the syllabus into smaller topics and allotting specific times for each topic. Make sure to cover all the topics and prioritize areas where you are weaker. You can also consider taking online coaching or joining a test series to get a better understanding of the exam pattern and the types of questions asked.
It is also essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, get enough sleep, and take breaks in between study sessions to avoid burnout and maintain focus. With consistent effort and dedication, you can increase your chances of cracking the SSC CHSL exam.
SSC CHSL Result
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) declares the results of the Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) exam in stages.
The result of the Tier-I exam is usually announced within a month or two after the exam date. The result is declared online on the official website of SSC, and candidates can check their results by entering their roll number and other required details.
Candidates who qualify in the Tier-I exam are then eligible to appear for the Tier-II exam, which is a descriptive paper. The result for Tier II is usually declared a few months after the exam date.
After the Tier-II result, candidates are called for a Skill Test or Typing Test, depending on the post they have applied for. The final result is based on the cumulative performance of the candidate in all three tiers.
The exact date of the announcement of the result may vary depending on various factors such as the number of candidates appearing for the exam, the number of vacancies, and other administrative reasons. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official SSC website for updates on the result declaration.
Download SSC CHSL Previous Year Solved Question Paper
Click the below Ads to Download
The Download Button will be activated after clicking on the ads, wait for a few seconds and then back to this page.
The download begins after clicking the Ads above
FAQs – SSC CHSL Exam
How to prepare for the SSC CHSL exam without coaching?
Preparing for the SSC CHSL exam without coaching is definitely possible, and many aspirants have successfully cleared the exam through self-study. Here are some tips that can help you prepare for the exam:
1. Understand the exam pattern and syllabus: The first step in preparing for any exam is to understand its pattern and syllabus thoroughly. Go through the official SSC CHSL notification and understand the exam pattern, marking scheme, and syllabus.
2. Make a study plan: Once you know the syllabus and pattern, create a study plan that covers all the topics and gives you enough time to revise and practice. Allocate specific time slots for each topic, and make sure to stick to the plan.
3. Use standard study material: There are many books and study materials available in the market for the SSC CHSL exam. Choose a good book that covers the entire syllabus and has sufficient practice questions.
4. Practice regularly: Practice is the key to cracking the SSC CHSL exam. Solve as many previous year question papers and mock tests as possible to improve your speed and accuracy.
5. Revise regularly: Revision is as important as practice. Revise the key concepts and formulas regularly to keep them fresh in your mind.
6. Stay updated: Stay updated with the latest news and current affairs to score well in the general awareness section.
7. Take breaks: Taking breaks in between study sessions is important to avoid burnout and maintain focus. Make sure to take breaks and do things that you enjoy to rejuvenate yourself.
How to start UPSC CSE preparation?
Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and strategy, it can be accomplished. Here are some steps to help you get started:
Understand the UPSC CSE exam pattern and syllabus: The first step is to get familiar with the exam pattern, marking scheme, and syllabus. Go through the official UPSC website and the notification to understand the exam pattern, marking scheme, and syllabus.
Analyze previous year’s question papers: Analyzing previous year’s question papers can give you an idea about the types of questions asked, the difficulty level, and the pattern of the exam. This will help you prepare a strategy to crack the exam.
Create a study plan: Based on the exam pattern and syllabus, create a comprehensive study plan that covers all the topics and gives you enough time to revise and practice. Allocate specific time slots for each topic, and make sure to stick to the plan.
Choose the right study material: Choosing the right study material is crucial for the UPSC CSE exam. Refer to standard books and study material recommended by experts, and avoid referring to too many sources.
Focus on current affairs: Current affairs play a crucial role in the UPSC CSE exam. Stay updated with the latest news and events through newspapers, magazines, and other sources.
Practice answer writing: Answer writing is an essential aspect of the UPSC CSE exam. Practice writing answers to previous year’s question papers, mock tests, and current affairs topics.
Join a test series: Joining a test series can help you assess your preparation level and improve your performance in the actual exam.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, getting enough sleep, and taking breaks in between study sessions is crucial for performing well in the exam.