SSC CHSL stands for Staff Selection Commission – Combined Higher Secondary Level. It is a national exam held every year by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to recruit Class 12 pass candidates into central government jobs such as Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) and Data Entry Operator (DEO). “Higher Secondary” refers to the minimum qualification, 10+2.
Breaking down the full form
- SSC: Staff Selection Commission, the central body that recruits non-gazetted staff for ministries and departments of the Government of India.
- Combined: one exam fills several different posts across many departments.
- Higher Secondary Level: open to candidates who have passed Class 12.
Posts filled through SSC CHSL
| Post | Pay level (7th CPC) | Pay range |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC) / Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) | Level 2 | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 |
| Data Entry Operator (DEO) | Level 4 and Level 5 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 / ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 |
| Data Entry Operator Grade ‘A’ | Level 4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 |
Allowances such as DA, HRA and transport allowance are paid on top of basic pay, so in-hand salary depends on the city of posting. The list of posts can change between years; the annual notification on the SSC website is the final word.
Eligibility
- Education: Class 12 pass from a recognised board. Some DEO posts in certain departments require Class 12 with Mathematics in the science stream.
- Age: 18 to 27 years on the cut-off date in the notification, with relaxation for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), PwBD and ex-servicemen.
- Nationality: Indian citizen (with limited exceptions listed in the notice).
SSC CHSL exam pattern
Tier 1 (computer-based, qualifying)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 25 | 50 |
| General Intelligence (Reasoning) | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
Duration 60 minutes, with 0.5 marks deducted for each wrong answer. Tier 1 is used to shortlist candidates for Tier 2.
Tier 2 (computer-based, decides the final merit)
Tier 2 is held in two sessions on one day. Session I has objective sections on Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning, English Language and General Awareness, plus a qualifying Computer Knowledge module, with 1 mark deducted for each wrong answer. Session II is the skill test: a typing test for LDC/JSA or a data-entry speed test for DEO posts. Skill tests are qualifying.
SSC CHSL vs SSC CGL
| Point | SSC CHSL | SSC CGL |
|---|---|---|
| Full form | Combined Higher Secondary Level | Combined Graduate Level |
| Minimum qualification | Class 12 | Graduation |
| Typical posts | LDC, JSA, DEO | Assistant, Inspector, Auditor, ASO |
| Pay levels | 2, 4, 5 | 4 to 8 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the full form of SSC CHSL?
SSC CHSL stands for Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level examination.
What is the qualification for SSC CHSL?
You need to have passed Class 12 (10+2) from a recognised board, and be 18 to 27 years old on the cut-off date.
Which posts are filled through SSC CHSL?
Lower Division Clerk, Junior Secretariat Assistant, Data Entry Operator and Data Entry Operator Grade ‘A’ in central government offices.
Is there negative marking in SSC CHSL?
Yes. Tier 1 deducts 0.5 marks per wrong answer and Tier 2 Session I deducts 1 mark per wrong answer.
Official source
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