Ssc Chsl Papers 2026
Last Updated: March 2026
SSC CHSL 2026: Complete Exam Guide, Previous Papers & Preparation Strategy
📋 Table of Contents
- Exam Overview
- Eligibility Criteria
- Exam Pattern
- Syllabus
- Quantitative Aptitude Questions
- Reasoning Questions
- General Knowledge Questions
- English Language Questions
- Previous Year Cutoff
- Preparation Strategy
- Recommended Books
- FAQ
Exam Overview
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level (SSC CHSL) examination is conducted to recruit candidates for 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 departments.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Posts Offered | LDC, JSA, PA, SA, DEO |
| Selection Stages | Tier-I, Tier-II, Tier-III, Skill Test |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Official Website | www.ssc.gov.in |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Must have passed 12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University
- For DEO in C&AG: 12th Standard pass in Science stream with Mathematics
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 27 years
- Age Relaxation:
- OBC: 3 years
- SC/ST: 5 years
- PwD (General): 10 years
- PwD (OBC): 13 years
- PwD (SC/ST): 15 years
- Ex-Servicemen: 3 years after deduction of military service
Exam Pattern
Tier-I (Computer Based Examination)
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General Intelligence | 25 | 50 | 60 minutes |
| 2 | General Awareness | 25 | 50 | (80 minutes for |
| 3 | Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | PwD candidates) |
| 4 | English Language | 25 | 50 | |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Negative Marking: 0.50 marks for each wrong answer
Tier-II (Computer Based Examination)
| Session | Section | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session-I | Section 1 | Module-I: Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 60 | 2 hours 15 mins |
| Module-II: Reasoning & General Intelligence | 30 | 60 | |||
| Section 2 | Module-I: English Language & Comprehension | 40 | 60 | ||
| Module-II: General Awareness | 20 | 60 | |||
| Section 3 | Module-I: Computer Knowledge Module | 15 | 45 | 15 minutes | |
| Session-II | Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) | - | Qualifying | 15 minutes |
Note: DEST requires 8000 key depressions per hour (approx. 2000 in 15 minutes)
Syllabus
General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Semantic Analogy, Symbolic/Number Analogy
- Figural Analogy, Semantic Classification
- Symbolic/Number Classification, Figural Classification
- Semantic Series, Number Series, Figural Series
- Problem Solving, Word Building
- Coding & Decoding, Numerical Operations
- Space Orientation, Venn Diagrams
- Drawing Inferences, Punched Hole/Pattern Folding & Unfolding
- Figural Pattern - Folding and Completion
- Indexing, Address Matching, Date & City Matching
- Embedded Figures, Critical Thinking, Emotional Intelligence
General Awareness
- History: Indian History, Culture, Freedom Movement
- Geography: Indian & World Geography, Physical, Social, Economic
- Polity: Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj
- Economics: Economic Scene, Budget
- General Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Current Affairs: National & International
- Static GK: Awards, Books, Sports, Important Days
Quantitative Aptitude
- Number Systems: Computation of Whole Numbers, Decimals, Fractions
- Fundamental Arithmetical Operations
- Percentage, Ratio and Proportion, Square Roots
- Averages, Interest (Simple and Compound), Profit and Loss
- Discount, Partnership Business, Mixture and Alligation
- Time and Distance, Time and Work
- Algebra: Basic Algebraic Identities, Elementary Surds
- Geometry: Lines, Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Circles
- Mensuration: Triangle, Quadrilaterals, Regular Polygons, Circle, Right Prism, Right Circular Cone, Right Circular Cylinder, Sphere, Hemispheres, Rectangular Parallelepiped, Regular Right Pyramid
- Trigonometry: Trigonometric Ratios, Standard Identities, Complementary Angles, Heights and Distances
- Statistical Charts: Use of Tables and Graphs (Histogram, Frequency Polygon, Bar-diagram, Pie-chart)
English Language
- Spot the Error, Fill in the Blanks
- Synonyms, Antonyms
- Spellings/Detecting Mis-spelt words
- Idioms & Phrases, One Word Substitution
- Improvement of Sentences, Active/Passive Voice
- Direct/Indirect Speech
- Shuffling of Sentence Parts, Shuffling of Sentences in a Passage
- Cloze Passage, Comprehension Passage
Quantitative Aptitude Questions
Question 1
The average of 5 consecutive even numbers is 24. Find the largest number.
Solution: Let the numbers be x, x+2, x+4, x+6, x+8 Average = (5x + 20)/5 = x + 4 = 24 x = 20 Largest number = x + 8 = 28
Shortcut: For consecutive even numbers with average 24, the middle number is 24. So numbers are: 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 Largest = 28
Question 2
A man sold an article for ₹720 at a loss of 10%. At what price should he sell it to gain 15%?
Solution: CP = 720/0.90 = ₹800 For 15% gain: SP = 800 × 1.15 = ₹920
Shortcut: If SP at 10% loss = ₹720 CP = 720 × 100/90 = ₹800 New SP = 800 × 115/100 = ₹920
Question 3
If 15 men can complete a work in 24 days, how many days will 18 men take?
Solution: M₁ × D₁ = M₂ × D₂ 15 × 24 = 18 × D₂ D₂ = (15 × 24)/18 = 20 days
Question 4
A car covers 360 km in 5 hours. What is its speed in m/s?
Solution: Speed in km/hr = 360/5 = 72 km/hr Speed in m/s = 72 × (5/18) = 20 m/s
Question 5
Find the value of: 35% of 280 + 45% of 360 - 25% of 200
Solution: = (35/100) × 280 + (45/100) × 360 - (25/100) × 200 = 98 + 162 - 50 = 210
Question 6
The ratio of present ages of A and B is 7:9. Five years ago, their ages were in the ratio 2:3. Find B's present age.
Solution: Let present ages be 7x and 9x (7x - 5)/(9x - 5) = 2/3 21x - 15 = 18x - 10 3x = 5 x = 5/3 B's age = 9 × (5/3) = 15 years
Question 7
A sum of money amounts to ₹6720 in 2 years and ₹7056 in 3 years at compound interest. Find the principal.
Solution: Interest in 3rd year = 7056 - 6720 = ₹336 Rate = (336/6720) × 100 = 5% Principal = 6720/(1.05)² = 6720/1.1025 = ₹6095.24
Question 8
The HCF of two numbers is 15 and their LCM is 300. If one number is 60, find the other.
Solution: Product = HCF × LCM = 15 × 300 = 4500 Other number = 4500/60 = 75
Question 9
A square has an area of 576 cm². Find the perimeter of the square.
Solution: Side = √576 = 24 cm Perimeter = 4 × 24 = 96 cm
Question 10
If sin θ = 3/5, find cos θ.
Solution: sin² θ + cos² θ = 1 cos² θ = 1 - 9/25 = 16/25 cos θ = 4/5
Question 11
A boat goes 30 km upstream in 5 hours and 40 km downstream in 4 hours. Find the speed of the boat in still water.
Solution: Upstream speed = 30/5 = 6 km/hr Downstream speed = 40/4 = 10 km/hr Speed in still water = (6 + 10)/2 = 8 km/hr
Question 12
The difference between simple interest and compound interest on ₹5000 for 2 years at 8% per annum is:
Solution: Difference = P × (r/100)² = 5000 × (8/100)² = 5000 × 0.0064 = ₹32
Question 13
A shopkeeper marks his goods 25% above the cost price and gives a discount of 10%. What is his profit percentage?
Solution: Let CP = ₹100 MP = ₹125 SP = 125 × 0.90 = ₹112.50 Profit = 12.50%
Shortcut: Profit % = 25 - 10 - (25×10)/100 = 15 - 2.5 = 12.5%
Question 14
Find the next term: 2, 6, 15, 31, 56, ?
Solution: Pattern: +4, +9, +16, +25, +36 (squares: 2², 3², 4², 5², 6²) 56 + 36 = 92
Question 15
In what ratio should water be mixed with milk costing ₹50 per liter to get a mixture worth ₹40 per liter?
Solution: Using allegation: Water (₹0) _________ Milk (₹50) _______ Mixture (₹40) Ratio = (50-40):(40-0) = 10:40 = 1:4
Reasoning Questions
Question 1
Find the missing term: 4, 9, 25, 49, 121, ?
Solution: These are squares of prime numbers: 2²=4, 3²=9, 5²=25, 7²=49, 11²=121, 13²=169
Question 2
If SCHOOL is coded as TDIPPM, how will TEACHER be coded?
Solution: Pattern: Each letter +1 S→T, C→D, H→I, O→P, O→P, L→M TEACHER → UFBDIFS
Question 3
Pointing to a woman, Ram said, "Her only brother is the father of my daughter's father." How is the woman related to Ram?
Solution: Father of Ram's daughter's father = Ram's father Woman's only brother = Ram's father Woman = Ram's aunt (father's sister)
Question 4
Complete the analogy: 8 : 64 :: 11 : ?
Solution: 8² = 64 11² = 121
Question 5
Five friends A, B, C, D, E are sitting in a row facing north. A is to the left of B but right of E. C is at the right end. D is to the left of C. Who is sitting in the middle?
Solution: Order: E - A - B - D - C B is sitting in the middle.
Question 6
Find the odd one out: 17, 23, 29, 35, 41, 47
Solution: All except 35 are prime numbers. 35 = 5 × 7 is the odd one out.
Question 7
Statements: All pens are books. Some books are pencils.
Conclusions: I. Some pens are pencils. II. Some pencils are books.
Solution: Conclusion I doesn't follow (not necessarily true) Conclusion II follows (from statement 2 directly) Only II follows
Question 8
In a code language, 'DATE' is written as 'EZUF'. How will 'FILE' be written?
Solution: Pattern: D(+1)E, A(+1)B, T(+1)U, E(+1)F - wait, that's wrong. Let's check: D→E(+1), A→Z(-1), T→U(+1), E→F(+1) No, let's look again: D(4)→E(5), A(1)→Z(26), T(20)→U(21), E(5)→F(6) Pattern: +1, -1, +1, +1 F(6)→G(7), I(9)→H(8), L(12)→M(13), E(5)→F(6) GHMF
Question 9
If A = 1, FAT = 27, then FAITH = ?
Solution: F(6) + A(1) + T(20) = 27 F(6) + A(1) + I(9) + T(20) + H(8) = 44
Question 10
Arrange in meaningful order:
- Family 2. Community 3. Member 4. Locality 5. Country
Solution: 3 → 1 → 2 → 4 → 5 (Member → Family → Community → Locality → Country)
General Knowledge Questions
Question 1
Who is the current Vice President of India (as of March 2026)?
Question 2
Which is the longest river in India?
Question 3
What is the capital of Jharkhand?
Question 4
Which Indian state has the highest literacy rate as per 2021 Census?
Question 5
Who wrote the Indian National Anthem "Jana Gana Mana"?
Question 6
What is the currency of Japan?
Question 7
Which is the largest state in India by area?
Question 8
Who was the first woman Prime Minister of India?
Question 9
What does DNA stand for?
Question 10
Which planet is known as the Red Planet?
English Language Questions
Question 1
Find the error: "One of my friend is a doctor."
Question 2
Choose the correct synonym of 'PRUDENT': a) Careless b) Wise c) Foolish d) Hasty
Question 3
Choose the correct antonym of 'AFFLUENT': a) Poor b) Rich c) Prosperous d) Wealthy
Question 4
Fill in the blank with appropriate idiom: "The manager's sudden resignation has left the project _______." a) in a nutshell b) in the lurch c) in full swing d) in high spirits
Question 5
Change the voice: "She sings a beautiful song." (Change to Passive Voice)
Previous Year Cutoff
SSC CHSL Tier-I Cutoff (UR Category)
| Year | Cutoff Marks | Candidates Appeared |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 135.2/200 | ~32 lakh |
| 2024 | 141.8/200 | ~35 lakh |
| 2025 | 138.5/200 | ~33 lakh |
SSC CHSL Tier-II Cutoff (UR Category)
| Year | Cutoff Marks |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 198/300 |
| 2024 | 205/300 |
| 2025 | 201/300 |
Important: Cutoffs vary by post preference (LDC, DEO, PA/SA).
Preparation Strategy
3-Month Preparation Plan
Month 1: Foundation
Week 1-2: Quantitative Aptitude
- Focus: Percentage, Ratio, Number System
- Daily: 40 questions
- Learn shortcuts
Week 3-4: Reasoning
- Focus: Analogy, Series, Coding-Decoding
- Daily: 40 questions
Month 2: Advanced Topics
Week 1-2: English
- Grammar rules revision
- Vocabulary building
- Comprehension practice
Week 3-4: General Awareness
- Last 12 months current affairs
- Static GK revision
- Daily quiz
Month 3: Revision & Practice
Week 1-2:
- Previous year papers (2015-2025)
- Sectional tests daily
- Error analysis
Week 3-4:
- Full-length mocks
- Typing practice (for DEST)
- Time management
Daily Study Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 - 8:00 AM | Current Affairs |
| 8:00 - 10:00 AM | Quant Practice |
| 10:30 - 12:00 PM | Reasoning |
| 12:00 - 1:00 PM | English |
| 2:00 - 3:30 PM | GA & Revision |
| 4:00 - 5:00 PM | Mock Test/Analysis |
| 6:00 - 7:00 PM | Typing Practice |
Special Focus: Typing Test
Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) Requirements:
- Speed: 8000 key depressions per hour
- Duration: 15 minutes
- Practice daily for at least 30 minutes
- Recommended typing speed: 35+ WPM
Resources for Typing:
- typingmaster.com
- keybr.com
- TypeRacer
Recommended Books
Quantitative Aptitude
- "Quantitative Aptitude" by R.S. Aggarwal
- "Magical Book on Quicker Maths" by M. Tyra
- "SSC Mathematics Chapterwise" by Kiran Publication
Reasoning
- "Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning" by R.S. Aggarwal
- "A New Approach to Reasoning" by B.S. Sijwali
English
- "Objective General English" by S.P. Bakshi
- "Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis
- "English Grammar" by Wren & Martin
General Awareness
- "Lucent's General Knowledge"
- "NCERT Books (Class 6-10)"
- Monthly Current Affairs Magazines
Online Resources
- Websites: Testbook, Gradeup, SSC Adda
- YouTube: Study IQ Education, WiFiStudy
- Apps: Testbook, Adda247, Current Affairs
FAQ
Q1. Is typing test compulsory for all posts?
A: Yes, the Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) is compulsory for all posts except for candidates who have opted for the post of LDC/JSA where Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) may be applicable.
Q2. What is the typing speed required for DEST?
A: You need to type 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes (equivalent to 8000 KDPH).
Q3. Can I use calculator in SSC CHSL exam?
A: No, calculators or any electronic devices are strictly prohibited. You need to do all calculations manually.
Q4. What is the salary of SSC CHSL selected candidates?
A: The salary ranges from ₹19,900 to ₹63,200 (Pay Level 2 and 4) depending on the post.
Q5. How many vacancies are released for SSC CHSL?
A: Generally, 3000-5000+ vacancies are released each year. Check the official notification for exact numbers.
Best wishes for your SSC CHSL 2026 preparation! Consistency is key - practice daily and stay focused! 🎯
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes. Always refer to official SSC notifications for latest updates.