Overview of the SSC CHSL Exam Pattern

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) examination every year to recruit candidates for various posts in government departments. These posts include Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Postal Assistant (PA), Sorting Assistant (SA), and Data Entry Operators (DEO). To qualify for these roles, candidates must first navigate through the SSC CHSL exam, which is known for its competitiveness. Understanding the exam pattern is crucial to achieving success, as it allows candidates to strategize and prepare effectively.

Stages of the SSC CHSL Exam

The SSC CHSL exam is divided into three stages:

• Tier I: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Tier II: Descriptive Paper
• Tier III: Skill Test/Typing Test

Each tier has its own format, and the nature of the questions varies. Let’s break down the structure of each stage to help candidates understand the complete process.

Tier I: Computer-Based Test (CBT)

The first stage, Tier I, is a computer-based test (CBT) consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). This stage is meant to assess the candidates’ basic knowledge across four sections:

• General Intelligence and Reasoning
• General Awareness
• Quantitative Aptitude
• English Comprehension

Candidates who perform well in Tier I will be eligible to appear for Tier II.

Tier II: Descriptive Paper

Tier II is a pen-and-paper-based descriptive exam, which is conducted to test the writing skills of candidates. This paper consists of two sections:

• Essay Writing: Candidates are required to write an essay on a given topic. The essay should reflect clear understanding, logical flow, and effective communication.
• Letter Writing: Candidates must write a formal letter on a given subject.

The minimum qualifying marks in Tier II are decided by the SSC and may vary based on the examination’s overall difficulty.

Tier III: Skill Test/Typing Test

Tier III of the SSC CHSL exam consists of a skill test or typing test, depending on the post applied for. It is a qualifying stage, meaning the performance in this stage does not affect the final merit list.

• For LDC/JSA and Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant: A typing test is conducted. Candidates must type a given passage in a stipulated time frame. The typing speed requirement is:
  • English: 35 words per minute (wpm)
  • Hindi: 30 words per minute (wpm)
• For Data Entry Operator (DEO): A skill test is conducted in which candidates are required to enter data on a computer. The speed requirement is:
  • Data Entry Speed: 8,000 key depressions per hour (KDPH), which translates to 1,000 key depressions per minute.

This stage is qualifying in nature and does not carry any marks. However, candidates must meet the required typing or skill speed to progress to the final selection stage.

Final Merit List

The final selection is based on the performance in Tier I and Tier II exams, along with the qualifying criteria in Tier III. Candidates who clear all three stages will be included in the merit list. The merit list is prepared based on the total marks obtained in Tier I and Tier II, with Tier III being a qualifying test.

Conclusion

The SSC CHSL exam pattern is structured to assess the overall capabilities of candidates in areas such as reasoning, mathematical aptitude, English proficiency, and writing skills. To succeed in the exam, candidates must adopt a balanced approach to their preparation, ensuring they are well-versed in each of the sections. Additionally, they must practice their typing or skills test thoroughly to meet the required speed criteria. A deep understanding of the exam pattern, coupled with strategic preparation, is key to securing a position in one of the government posts offered through SSC CHSL.