SSC CHSL Syllabus 2026: Tier 1 and Tier 2 Topics, Section by Section

The SSC CHSL syllabus 2026 is set out in paras 13.10 and 13.11 of the Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 notice, which SSC put on ssc.gov.in on 7 September 2026. SSC calls it an "indicative" syllabus, so the topic lists below show what the papers cover, not a closed list. Tier 1 is a screening test; the final merit list is made from Tier 2 marks only.

SSC CHSL 2026 exam structure at a glance

Before the topics, here is how the two tiers are built, so you know where each part of the syllabus is tested.

Tier 1 carries a negative mark of 0.50 for each wrong answer. In Sections I, II and III of Tier 2, each question is worth 3 marks and a wrong answer costs 1 mark. Candidates eligible for a scribe get extra time in every section. For the timing rules in detail, see our post on SSC CHSL 2026 sectional timing.

Tier 1 syllabus, topic-wise

English Language

The notice lists these topics: spot the error, fill in the blanks, synonyms and homonyms, antonyms, spellings and detecting misspelt words, idioms and phrases, one-word substitution, improvement of sentences, active and passive voice, direct and indirect narration, shuffling of sentence parts, shuffling of sentences in a passage, cloze passage and comprehension passage.

General Intelligence

Questions are both verbal and non-verbal. The listed topics are:

• Analogy: semantic, symbolic/number and figural analogy
• Classification: semantic, symbolic/number and figural classification
• Series: semantic series, number series and figural series
• Figures: space orientation, punched hole and pattern folding/unfolding, figural pattern folding and completion, embedded figures, Venn diagrams
• Logic and operations: symbolic operations, trends, drawing inferences, coding and decoding, numerical operations, word building
• Thinking skills: critical thinking, problem solving, emotional intelligence and social intelligence

The notice adds "other sub-topics, if any", so expect the odd question outside this list.

Quantitative Aptitude

General Awareness

The notice describes this section rather than listing topics. It tests awareness of your surroundings and its use in society, current events, and the scientific side of everyday observation that an educated person would know. It also covers India and its neighbouring countries, especially history, culture, geography, the economic scene, general policy and scientific research.

For visually impaired candidates with 40% or more visual disability, there are no maps, graphs, diagrams or statistical data questions in General Intelligence and Quantitative Aptitude.

Tier 2 syllabus, module by module

Section I: Mathematical Abilities

The Tier 2 Maths list repeats every Tier 1 Quant area (number systems, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry). The one change is the last unit. "Statistical charts" becomes statistics and probability: tables and graphs, plus mean, median, mode, standard deviation and simple probability. These are the only Maths topics that appear in Tier 2 and not in Tier 1.

Section I: Reasoning and General Intelligence

The topic list is the same as in Tier 1: analogies, classification, series, figure-based questions, coding and decoding, critical thinking, emotional and social intelligence, and so on.

Section II: English Language and Comprehension

All the Tier 1 English topics apply, plus vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure and correct usage of synonyms and antonyms. For comprehension, two or more paragraphs will be given. According to the notice, at least one should be a simple passage based on a book or story, and another should be based on a current affairs editorial or report. This module is set in English only; the other Tier 2 modules are offered in English, Hindi and the languages listed in the notice.

Section II: General Awareness

The description is word for word the same as Tier 1: current events, everyday science, and India and its neighbours (history, culture, geography, economy, policy and scientific research).

Section III: Computer Knowledge Test

This section is compulsory but qualifying. Its marks are not added to the merit total, though you must clear it. The topics are:

• Computer basics: organisation of a computer, CPU, input and output devices, memory and memory organisation, backup devices, ports, Windows Explorer, keyboard shortcuts
• Software: Windows operating system and basics of MS Word, MS Excel and PowerPoint
• Internet and email: web browsing and searching, downloading and uploading, managing an email account, e-banking
• Networking and cyber security: networking devices and protocols, security threats such as hacking, viruses, worms and Trojans, and preventive measures

Section IV: Skill Test and Typing Test

Section IV is held in Session II on the same day as the rest of Tier 2. It is qualifying, and which test you take depends on the post.

A few rules from the notice to keep in mind:

• You choose Hindi or English for the typing test in the application form, and it cannot be changed later.
• Hindi typing must be done in the Mangal font. If you type in any other font, you will not qualify in the test.
• No DEO candidate is exempted from the skill test. Some PwBD candidates certified as unable to type can be exempted from the LDC/JSA typing test, with the certificate in Annexure-XIII.
• Scribe-eligible candidates get 5 extra minutes in the skill and typing tests.

Qualifying marks

The minimum qualifying marks in Tier 1 and in Sections I, II and III of Tier 2 are 30% for UR, 25% for OBC and EWS, and 20% for all other categories. Clearing these does not mean you are shortlisted; SSC may set separate category-wise cut-offs for different posts.

How to use the syllabus

Tier 1 is proposed from 30 November to 31 December 2026, according to SSC's notice of 1 October 2026. Since Tier 2 repeats almost every Tier 1 topic, the same preparation serves both. Add statistics and probability, practice with multi-paragraph comprehension and the computer basics after Tier 1, and start typing practice early because speed builds only with regular practice.

The SSC CHSL exam hub has the full set of practice papers. To see how you score across all four Tier 1 subjects under the 15-minute sectional timers, try SSC CHSL Full Mock 1, free.