What the SSC CHSL exam is
The SSC CHSL exam (Combined Higher Secondary Level) is the Staff Selection Commission's recruitment exam for candidates who have passed Class 12. It fills clerical and data entry posts in central government ministries, departments and offices across India.
The posts are Lower Division Clerk (LDC) or Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Data Entry Operator (DEO) and Data Entry Operator Grade A. These are Group C posts. Vacancies are announced post-wise and department-wise in each notification and may change later.
Who can apply
- Education: Class 12 pass from a recognised board. For the DEO post in the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG), Class 12 must be in the Science stream with Maths.
- Age: 18 to 27 years on the cut-off date in the notice, with relaxation for reserved categories as per rules.
- Students in Class 12: those whose results are not out may be allowed if they qualify by the date given in the notice.
Exam stages and how selection works
| Stage | What it tests | Role in selection |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | English, reasoning, basic maths, general awareness (100 questions) | Shortlists candidates for Tier 2 |
| Tier 2, Sections I and II | Maths, reasoning, English, general awareness | Counted for final merit |
| Tier 2, Section III | Computer knowledge module and skill or typing test | Qualifying |
| Document verification | Certificates and category proofs | Needed before post allotment |
The skill test depends on the post: DEO candidates take a data entry speed test, while LDC/JSA candidates take a typing test in English or Hindi. Final posts are allotted by merit and the preferences you submit.
Applying for SSC CHSL
Applications are made online at ssc.gov.in through the One-Time Registration account. Once registered, you log in, open the CHSL form, enter your Class 12 details, pick exam centre preferences and pay the fee. Recent notifications set the fee at Rs 100, and women and SC, ST, PwBD and eligible ex-servicemen candidates did not have to pay.
Two points from the 2026 cycle are worth knowing. All three exam centre choices had to be from the same SSC region, and post and department preferences given in the option form are final once submitted. Think about which department and city you would actually like to work in before you fill these in.
Who CHSL suits best
- Class 12 pass candidates who want a central government desk job without waiting to graduate.
- Graduates who want a second attempt alongside CGL, since topics overlap.
- Candidates with good typing or data entry speed, as the skill test is a deciding hurdle.
SSC CHSL guides on HindiScope
Begin with the CHSL syllabus with Tier 1 and Tier 2 topics , which also explains sectional timing and the skill test. Close to the exam, open the steps to get your CHSL hall ticket , which cover login, the exam city slip and fixes for common problems.
Other syllabus pages for SSC and non-SSC exams are collected on our syllabus hub .
Related exams
Graduates who take CHSL often sit the SSC CGL graduate-level exam as well, because the topics overlap. Class 10 pass candidates can look at SSC MTS and Havaldar , and railway aspirants commonly prepare for RRB NTPC alongside.
HindiScope is not an official site; check the CHSL notice on ssc.gov.in.