The Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level (SSC CHSL) examination is a national-level competitive exam conducted to recruit candidates for various posts such as Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Postal Assistant (PA), Sorting Assistant (SA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO) in government ministries, departments, and organizations.
Below is a comprehensive and detailed syllabus, exam pattern, and salary structure for SSC CHSL 2025.
SSC CHSL 2025 Exam Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Exam Name | Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level (SSC CHSL) |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Posts | LDC, JSA, PA, SA, DEO, DEO Grade ‘A’ |
| Vacancies (2025) | 3,131 (as per notification) |
| Eligibility | 12th Standard pass, Age: 18-27 years (relaxations apply) |
| Exam Levels | Tier 1 (Objective), Tier 2 (Objective + Skill/Typing Test) |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC CHSL 2025 Exam Pattern
The SSC CHSL 2025 examination is conducted in two tiers: Tier 1 (Computer-Based Test) and Tier 2 (Objective + Skill/Typing Test). Below is the detailed exam pattern for each tier.
Tier 1 Exam Pattern
- Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
- Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Duration: 60 minutes (80 minutes for PWD candidates)
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 200 (2 marks per question)
- Negative Marking: 0.50 marks per wrong answer
- Language: English and Hindi (except English Language section)
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks | Topics Covered |
|---|
| I | English Language | 25 | 50 | Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, etc. |
| II | General Intelligence | 25 | 50 | Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning, Analogies, etc. |
| III | Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, etc. |
| IV | General Awareness | 25 | 50 | Current Affairs, History, Geography, etc. |
Tier 2 Exam Pattern
- Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test for Session I, Skill/Typing Test for Session II)
- Structure: Conducted in two sessions on the same day
- Negative Marking: 1 mark per wrong answer in Section 1, Section 2, and Module-I of Section 3
- Language: English and Hindi (except English Language and Comprehension module)
| Session | Section | Module | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|
| Session I | Section 1 | Module I | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 60 minutes |
| | | Module II | Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | |
| | Section 2 | Module I | English Language and Comprehension | 40 | 120 | 60 minutes |
| | | Module II | General Awareness | 20 | 60 | |
| | Section 3 | Module I | Computer Knowledge Test | 15 | 45 | 15 minutes |
| Session II | Section 3 | Module II | Skill Test/Typing Test | Qualifying | – | 10-15 minutes |
- Skill Test/Typing Test:
- DEO: Data Entry Speed of 8,000 Key Depressions per hour (15 minutes).
- DEO Grade ‘A’ (C&AG, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, etc.): 15,000 Key Depressions per hour (15 minutes).
- LDC/JSA, PA/SA: Typing speed of 35 wpm (English) or 30 wpm (Hindi) (10 minutes).
- Qualifying Criteria: Tier 2 is qualifying in nature for the Skill/Typing Test. Final merit is based on Tier 1 and Tier 2 (Session I) marks.
SSC CHSL 2025 Syllabus
Tier 1 Syllabus
The Tier 1 syllabus covers four subjects, each testing specific skills.
| Subject | Topics |
|---|
| English Language | Spot the Error, Fill in the Blanks, Synonyms/Antonyms, Misspelt Words, Idioms & Phrases, One-word Substitution, Improvement of Sentences, Active/Passive Voice, Direct/Indirect Narration, Cloze Passage, Reading Comprehension |
| General Intelligence | Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning, Analogies, Similarities and Differences, Space Visualization, Spatial Orientation, Problem-Solving, Analysis, Judgment, Decision Making, Visual Memory, Discrimination, Relationship Concepts, Arithmetical Reasoning, Figure Classification, Non-Verbal Series, Coding-Decoding, Statement-Conclusion |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Number Systems, Computation of Whole Numbers, Decimals, Fractions, Fundamental Arithmetical Operations, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Square Roots, Averages, Interest (Simple and Compound), Profit and Loss, Discount, Partnership Business, Time and Distance, Time and Work, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Statistical Charts |
| General Awareness | Current Affairs, History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Policy, Scientific Research, India and its Neighboring Countries, Books and Authors, Sports, Important Schemes, Awards and Honors, Static GK |
Tier 2 Syllabus
The Tier 2 syllabus is more comprehensive and includes modules from Tier 1 with additional focus areas.
| Section/Module | Topics |
|---|
| Section 1 – Module I: Mathematical Abilities | Number Systems, Fundamental Arithmetical Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigongliberty, Statistics, Probability |
| Section 1 – Module II: Reasoning and General Intelligence | Similar to Tier 1 General Intelligence, with advanced verbal/non-verbal reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving |
| Section 2 – Module I: English Language and Comprehension | Vocabulary, Grammar, Sentence Structure, Synonyms/Antonyms, Reading Comprehension, Active/Passive Voice, Direct/Indirect Speech, Cloze Test, Error Detection |
| Section 2 – Module II: General Awareness | Similar to Tier 1 General Awareness, with emphasis on current events, government schemes, and broader knowledge of India and the world |
| Section 3 – Module I: Computer Knowledge Test | Basics of Computer, Software, Hardware, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet, Email, Computer Security, Networking, Operating Systems |
| Section 3 – Module II: Skill Test/Typing Test | Data Entry Speed for DEO, Typing Speed for LDC/JSA/PA/SA (Qualifying in nature) |
SSC CHSL 2025 Salary Structure
The SSC CHSL salary is based on the 7th Pay Commission and varies by post and city of posting (X, Y, Z categories). Below is the detailed salary structure.
| Post | Pay Level | Basic Pay | In-Hand Salary (Approx.) | Grade Pay |
|---|
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC) / Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) | Level 2 | ₹19,900 | ₹25,767–₹31,045 (depending on city) | ₹1,900 |
| Postal Assistant (PA) / Sorting Assistant (SA) | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | ₹32,715–₹38,695 | ₹2,400 |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Level 4 | ₹25,500 | ₹32,715–₹38,695 | ₹2,400 |
| DEO Grade ‘A’ (C&AG, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, etc.) | Level 5 | ₹29,200 | ₹36,912–₹43,092 | ₹2,400 |
Allowances and Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA): 17% of basic pay (subject to revision)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA):
- X Cities (24% of Basic Pay): ₹4,776–₹7,008
- Y Cities (16% of Basic Pay): ₹3,184–₹4,672
- Z Cities (8% of Basic Pay): ₹1,592–₹2,336
- Transport Allowance (TA): ₹3,600 (X Cities), ₹1,800 (Y/Z Cities)
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC): For hometown or other travel as per government norms.
- Medical Allowance: Coverage for medical expenses.
- Other Allowances: Special allowances depending on the post and department.
Salary Deductions
- Provident Fund (PF): 10% of basic pay.
- National Pension Scheme (NPS): 10% of basic pay + DA.
- Income Tax: As per applicable tax slabs.
- Professional Tax: Varies by state.
In-Hand Salary (Approximate)
| Post | City X | City Y | City Z |
|---|
| LDC/JSA | ₹30,583 | ₹28,991 | ₹27,399 |
| PA/SA/DEO | ₹38,695 | ₹36,503 | ₹34,311 |
Job Profile and Career Growth
| Post | Job Responsibilities | Career Growth |
|---|
| LDC/JSA | Maintaining files, data entry, clerical tasks, record-keeping | Upper Division Clerk → Division Clerk → Section Officer |
| PA/SA | Mail distribution, customer service, data management | Supervisor (LSG) → Senior Supervisor → Chief Supervisor (HSS) after 5 years and exams |
| DEO | Data entry, managing office computers, report preparation | DEO Grade B → Grade C → Grade F (System Analyst) after exams |
SSC CHSL 2025 Selection Process
- Tier 1: Qualifying exam; marks considered for merit.
- Tier 2: Objective test (Session I) + Skill/Typing Test (Session II, qualifying in nature).
- Document Verification: Verification of educational certificates, caste certificates (if applicable), and other documents.
- Final Merit: Based on Tier 1 and Tier 2 (Session I) marks. Tie-breaking criteria include Tier 2 marks, Tier 1 marks, date of birth (elder preferred), and alphabetical order of names.
For the latest updates, refer to the official SSC website (ssc.gov.in).