# SSC CHSL 2026 Exam Pattern: Marks, Time, Negative Marking

> SSC CHSL 2026 exam pattern: Tier-I has 100 questions and 200 marks, Tier-II has sectional timers, plus skill test, typing test and negative marking.

Source: https://bunkpoint.com/article/ssc/ssc-chsl-2026/exam-pattern/
Category: [SSC](https://bunkpoint.com/article/ssc/)
Guide: [SSC CHSL 2026](https://bunkpoint.com/article/ssc/ssc-chsl-2026/)

## In short

- Tier-I has 100 questions for 200 marks in 60 minutes.
- Each Tier-I part has a 15-minute sectional timer.
- Tier-I negative marking is 0.50 marks for each wrong answer.
- Tier-II has 120 scored questions for 360 marks, with 1 mark off for each wrong answer.


The SSC CHSL 2026 exam pattern has two computer based tiers. The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) fixed the marks, time and negative marking in the notice of 7 September 2026. Read the [SSC CHSL 2026 guide](/article/ssc/ssc-chsl-2026/) for the overview and the [selection process](/article/ssc/ssc-chsl-2026/selection-process/) for the stages.

{{< callout type="official" >}}
Para 13.8 and 13.9 of the [official SSC CHSL 2026 notice](https://ssc.gov.in/api/attachment/uploads/masterData/NoticeBoards/Notice_of_adv_chsl_2026.pdf) give the scheme of both tiers.
{{< /callout >}}

## What is the SSC CHSL 2026 Tier-I exam pattern?

Tier-I has only multiple choice questions. A candidate answers all four parts in **60 minutes**. Each part has its own **15-minute timer**. A candidate who is eligible for a scribe gets 20 minutes for each part, which is 80 minutes in total.

| Part  | Subject                                        | Questions | Marks |
| ----- | ---------------------------------------------- | --------- | ----- |
| I     | English Language (Basic Knowledge)             | 25        | 50    |
| II    | General Intelligence                           | 25        | 50    |
| III   | Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill) | 25        | 50    |
| IV    | General Awareness                              | 25        | 50    |
| Total |                                                | 100       | 200   |

Each wrong answer costs **0.50 marks**. SSC sets Parts II, III and IV in English, Hindi and the language that the candidate chose in the form.

## What is the SSC CHSL 2026 Tier-II exam pattern?

A candidate takes Tier-II in two sessions on the same day. Session-I has Sections I, II and III. Session-II has the skill test or typing test.

| Section | Subject                              | Questions | Marks | Time       |
| ------- | ------------------------------------ | --------- | ----- | ---------- |
| I-A     | Mathematical Abilities               | 30        | 90    | 30 minutes |
| I-B     | Reasoning and General Intelligence   | 30        | 90    | 30 minutes |
| II-A    | English Language and Comprehension   | 40        | 120   | 40 minutes |
| II-B    | General Awareness                    | 20        | 60    | 20 minutes |
| III     | Computer Knowledge Test (qualifying) | 15        | 45    | 15 minutes |

Each correct answer earns **3 marks**. Each wrong answer in Sections I, II and III costs **1 mark**. A section closes by itself when its time ends. Section-I and Section-II carry **360 marks** in total, and SSC uses these for the merit list.

## What are the skill test and typing test rules?

The skill test and typing test are qualifying. A candidate must pass them.

| Test                | Who takes it                                                    | Speed                                                          | Time       |
| ------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------- |
| Skill test, Part A  | DEO and DEO Grade 'A' in the three bodies that need Mathematics | 15,000 key depressions per hour                                | 15 minutes |
| Skill test, Part B  | Other DEO and DEO Grade 'A' posts                               | 8,000 key depressions per hour                                 | 15 minutes |
| Typing test, Part C | LDC/JSA                                                         | 35 words per minute in English or 30 words per minute in Hindi | 10 minutes |

For Part A, SSC gives a passage of about 3,700 to 4,000 key depressions. For Part B, the passage has about 2,000 to 2,200 key depressions. A candidate who types in Hindi must use the **Mangal font**. A candidate with a scribe facility gets 5 extra minutes.

A PwD candidate who cannot type because of a permanent physical disability may get an exemption from the typing test. The candidate needs the right medical certificate.

## What else must a candidate know about the pattern?

- SSC may hold the exam in many shifts. It normalizes the scores to compare them.
- A tentative answer key comes out after the exam.
- A candidate must qualify every section of Tier-II.
- SSC may change the schedule. It tells candidates only on its website.

## What is the next step?

Study the topics on the [syllabus page](/article/ssc/ssc-chsl-2026/syllabus/). Then compare your target with the [previous year cutoff](/article/ssc/ssc-chsl-2026/previous-year-cutoff/).


## Frequently asked questions

### What is the SSC CHSL 2026 Tier-I exam pattern?

Tier-I has four parts of 25 questions each. The parts are English Language, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness. The total is 100 questions for 200 marks in 60 minutes.

### Is there a sectional timer in SSC CHSL 2026?

Yes. Tier-I gives 15 minutes for each part. Tier-II gives 30 minutes each for Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning, 40 minutes for English, and 20 minutes for General Awareness. Unused time does not carry over.

### What is the negative marking in SSC CHSL 2026?

Tier-I takes 0.50 marks for each wrong answer. Tier-II takes 1 mark for each wrong answer in Sections I, II and III. A correct answer earns 2 marks in Tier-I and 3 marks in Tier-II.

### How many marks is Tier-II of SSC CHSL 2026?

Section-I and Section-II carry 180 marks each, so the merit marks total 360. Section-III is a Computer Knowledge Test of 45 marks. It is qualifying only, and SSC does not add it to merit.

### What is the typing speed for SSC CHSL 2026?

LDC/JSA candidates need 35 words per minute in English or 30 words per minute in Hindi in a 10-minute test. DEO candidates take a 15-minute skill test of 8,000 or 15,000 key depressions per hour.

## More in this guide

- [SSC CHSL 2026](https://bunkpoint.com/article/ssc/ssc-chsl-2026/): SSC CHSL 2026 guide with 2,536 tentative vacancies, Tier-I from 30 November 2026, age limit, fee, exam pattern, syllabus and past cutoffs.
- [Notification](https://bunkpoint.com/article/ssc/ssc-chsl-2026/notification/): SSC CHSL notification 2026 lists about 2,536 tentative vacancies, pay levels for LDC, JSA and DEO posts, fee, key dates and Tier-I schedule.
- [Eligibility](https://bunkpoint.com/article/ssc/ssc-chsl-2026/eligibility/): SSC CHSL 2026 eligibility: age 18 to 27 on 1 August 2026, age relaxation table, 12th pass rule, DEO maths rule and nationality conditions.
- [How to apply](https://bunkpoint.com/article/ssc/ssc-chsl-2026/how-to-apply/): SSC CHSL 2026 apply online steps: OTR, live photo, signature size, ₹100 fee, centre choice, correction charges and the closed dates.
- [Selection process](https://bunkpoint.com/article/ssc/ssc-chsl-2026/selection-process/): SSC CHSL 2026 selection process: Tier-I, Tier-II, skill or typing test, qualifying marks, merit list, post preference and document verification.
- [Syllabus](https://bunkpoint.com/article/ssc/ssc-chsl-2026/syllabus/): SSC CHSL 2026 syllabus from the official notice: English, general intelligence, quantitative aptitude, general awareness and computer topics.
- [Previous year cutoff](https://bunkpoint.com/article/ssc/ssc-chsl-2026/previous-year-cutoff/): SSC CHSL previous year cutoff for Tier-I 2024 and 2025: category-wise marks for LDC/JSA and DEO, shortlist counts and the change between years.
- [Exam date](https://bunkpoint.com/article/ssc/ssc-chsl-2026/exam-date/): SSC CHSL exam date 2026: Tier-I is proposed for 30 November to 31 December 2026. See how SSC shares exam city and admission certificate dates.
- [Admit card](https://bunkpoint.com/article/ssc/ssc-chsl-2026/admit-card/): SSC CHSL admit card 2026 guide: when SSC issues the admission certificate, valid photo ID list, photo rules, Aadhaar check and items to carry.
- [Preparation strategy](https://bunkpoint.com/article/ssc/ssc-chsl-2026/preparation-strategy/): SSC CHSL 2026 preparation strategy built from the exam pattern, syllabus and 2024-2025 cutoffs: timer drills, scoring math and typing practice.