Is SSC CHSL Right After 12th? Eligibility, Pattern, Selection Process Explained

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level (CHSL) exam for various ministerial-level positions. Candidates who have completed their class 12 and want to apply for government jobs. Then, they can apply for SSC CHSL. The minimum requirement is a 12th pass with typing knowledge, depending on the posts. SSC CHSL age limit is 18 to 27 years. Candidates need to appear in two stages of the exam, i.e., Tier 1 and Tier 2. It is expected that the SSC CHSL 2026 notification will be issued in April 2026. The application will begin after the official notification is released online. 

SSC CHSL 2026: Key Dates

Candidates can get an idea of the SSC CHSL exam 2026 based on the tentative calendar. 

• Notification & Application Start Date: April 2026

• Application End Date: May 2026

• Tier 1 Examination Window: July - September 2026

SSC CHSL Post Types and Eligibility Criteria

SSC CHSL Eligibility Criteria depends on the posts available in the recruitment. Candidates should have completed their Class 12 from any recognised educational board. 

 SSC CHSL Age Limit and Relaxation

The age limit for the SSC CHSL exam is 18 to 27 years. The exact birth date range will be specified in the 2026 notification. Age relaxation applies to specific categories:

• SC/ST: 5 years

• OBC: 3 years

• Other categories receive relaxation as per government norms.

SSC CHSL Exam Pattern For Tier 1

The Tier 1 exam is a computer-based test that serves as a qualifying stage.

• Structure: The exam consists of four subjects with 100 questions in total.

• Duration: 60 minutes (1 hour).

• Marking Scheme: Each correct answer is awarded 2 marks. There is a negative marking of 0.50 marks for each incorrect answer, which is 1/4th of the marks for a correct answer.

SSC CHSL Exam Pattern

SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam Pattern

The Tier 2 exam is conducted on the same day and is divided into two sessions. The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in Session I (excluding the Computer Knowledge Test).

Session I

This session is divided into three sections, and a candidate must qualify in all sections.

Section I:

• Module I: Mathematical Abilities (30 questions)

• Module II: Reasoning and General Intelligence (30 questions)

• Total Questions: 60

• Section II:

• Module I: English Language and Comprehension (40 questions)

• Module II: General Awareness (20 questions)

• Total Questions: 60

• Section III:

• Module I: Computer Knowledge Test (15 questions)

Marking Scheme for Session I:

• Each question in Section I and Section II carries 3 marks.

• The total marks for the merit list are calculated from these sections: (60 + 60 questions) * 3 marks/question = 360 marks.

• There is a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect answer in these sections.

• The Computer Knowledge Test is mandatory but qualifying in nature. 

Session II

This session is for skill/typing tests and is also qualifying in nature.

• Part A: Skill Test for DEO/DEO Grade 'A'. Duration is 15 minutes.

• Part B: Typing Test for LDC/JSA. Duration is 15 minutes.
  Marks from this session are not included in the final merit list.

SSC CHSL Salary and Job Profile

SSC CHSL salaries are based on the 7th Pay Commission. Candidates can expect salary hikes after 8 pay commission. 

• LDC/JSA (Pay Level 2): Basic Pay of ₹19,900.

• DEO (Pay Level 4 & 5): Basic Pay of ₹25,500.

• DEO Grade 'A' (Pay Level 4): Basic Pay of ₹25,500.