The Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level (SSC CHSL) exam is one of the most popular government exams in India, conducted annually by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). It is aimed at recruiting candidates who have completed their Higher Secondary education (10+2) for various posts in different ministries, departments, and organizations of the Government of India.
The SSC CHSL exam opens doors to multiple central government positions such as Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Postal Assistant (PA), Sorting Assistant (SA), and Data Entry Operator (DEO). These posts offer job stability, good salary packages, and future promotion opportunities, making CHSL a highly desirable choice for many aspirants.
To be eligible for the SSC CHSL exam, candidates must have passed 12th grade from a recognized board or university. The age limit is generally 18 to 27 years, with relaxation for reserved categories like SC, ST, OBC, and others as per government norms.
The selection process is divided into three stages:
Tier-I: A Computer-Based Test (CBT) consisting of multiple-choice questions from General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and General Awareness. The total marks are 200, and the duration is 60 minutes. There is a negative marking of 0.50 for each wrong answer.
Tier-II: A descriptive paper in English or Hindi where candidates write an essay and a letter/application. It carries 100 marks and is conducted offline (pen and paper mode).
Tier-III: A Skill Test or Typing Test depending on the post applied for. For example, DEO posts require a typing speed of 8,000 key depressions per hour, while LDC/JSA posts require 35 wpm in English or 30 wpm in Hindi.
The salary for SSC CHSL posts ranges from ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 per month, depending on the post and location, along with other benefits like Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, and Travel Allowance.
Overall, SSC CHSL offers an excellent opportunity for 12th pass candidates to secure a respected government job with career growth, financial security, and pension benefits. It remains one of the most sought-after exams due to its wide reach and comparatively moderate difficulty level.