SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) Examination

Introduction & Summary:

Welcome to our detailed guide on the SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) Examination. The SSC CHSL exam is a popular examination conducted annually by the Staff Selection Commission for the recruitment of various posts like Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Data Entry Operator (DEO), Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant (PA/SA), and others in various government ministries and departments. The exam is conducted in three tiers, making it a rigorous and competitive process.

Posts/Positions Offered:

The SSC CHSL exam opens doors to several clerical and data entry positions, including:

• Lower Division Clerk (LDC)/Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA)
• Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant (PA/SA)
• Data Entry Operator (DEO)
• Data Entry Operator Grade A

Eligibility Criteria:

To appear for the SSC CHSL exam, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Indian citizen, subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee settled in India
Educational Qualification	12th Standard or equivalent examination from a recognized board or university.
Age Limit	18-27 years. Age relaxation is provided for SC/ST, OBC, PwD, etc.

Syllabus Overview (in Table Format):

Tier	Subjects	Topics Covered
Tier 1	General Intelligence, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness	Reasoning, basic grammar, basic arithmetic, current affairs, and general knowledge.
Tier 2	Descriptive Paper in English/Hindi	Essay writing, letter/application writing.
Tier 3	Skill Test/Typing Test	Typing speed and accuracy for Data Entry Operator and LDC/Postal Assistant posts.

 

Selection Process:

The SSC CHSL selection process consists of three tiers:

1. Tier 1 (Preliminary Exam): This is a computer-based test (CBT) with objective-type questions.
2. Tier 2 (Descriptive Exam): A pen-and-paper mode exam testing the candidate’s writing skills in English or Hindi.
3. Tier 3 (Skill Test/Typing Test): Conducted for DEO, LDC, and Postal Assistant posts, this tests typing speed and accuracy.

Exam Pattern:

Tier	Mode	Subjects	Total Marks	Duration
Tier 1	Computer-Based Test	General Intelligence, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness	200	60 minutes
Tier 2	Descriptive Paper	English/Hindi	100	1 hour
Tier 3	Skill Test/Typing Test	Typing speed and accuracy	Qualifying	-

Important Dates:

The SSC CHSL exam is usually conducted once a year. Here’s a general timeline:

• Notification Release: December
• Online Application: December/January
• Tier 1 Exam: March/April
• Tier 2 Exam: June/July
• Tier 3 Exam: August/September

 

 

 

 

 

How to Prepare:

1. Understand the Syllabus: Start with a thorough understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern.
2. Create a Study Plan: Allocate time for each subject and focus on weaker areas.
3. Practice Regularly: Attempt previous years' question papers and mock tests.
4. Stay Updated: Keep abreast of current affairs, especially for the General Awareness section.
5. Revise: Regular revision is crucial, particularly for Quantitative Aptitude and English.

Additional Information:

• Application Fee: General/OBC: ₹100, SC/ST/PwD/Ex-Servicemen: No fee.
• Admit Card: Available online, usually two weeks before the exam.
• Results: Declared stage-wise after each tier.

Conclusion:

The SSC CHSL exam offers a great opportunity for candidates with a 12th pass qualification to secure a government job. With the right preparation and strategy, you can clear the exam and start your career in a central government department.