SSC exam guide
SSC CHSL 2026: Exam Pattern, Dates and Marking Scheme
By Chayantra Editorial · Facts checked against the official sources on
Quick answer
SSC CHSL 2026 Tier-I has 100 objective questions for 200 marks in 60 minutes, split into four subjects with a separate 15-minute timer each. Each correct answer earns 2 marks and each wrong answer loses 0.50. Online applications run from 7 September to 7 October 2026, according to the SSC notice dated 7 September 2026.
Key facts
- Conducting body
- Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
- Notice date
- 7 September 2026
- Tier-I questions and marks
- 100 questions, 200 marks
- Tier-I duration
- 60 minutes: four sections of 15 minutes each
- Marking
- +2 per correct answer, −0.50 per wrong answer
- Question language
- Parts II, III and IV in English, Hindi and the language selected in the application
Dates, pattern and eligibility
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Online applications | 7 September to 7 October 2026, up to 23:00 |
| Online fee payment deadline | 8 October 2026, up to 23:00 |
| Application correction window | 14 to 16 October 2026, up to 23:00 (correction charges where applicable) |
| Tier-I and Tier-II examinations | To be notified |
| Subject | Questions / marks | Sectional time |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 25 / 50 | 15 minutes |
| General Intelligence | 25 / 50 | 15 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 / 50 | 15 minutes |
| General Awareness | 25 / 50 | 15 minutes |
| Total | 100 / 200 | 60 minutes |
- Candidates eligible for a scribe under the notice have 80 minutes in total, with 20 minutes for each subject.
- Because each subject has its own clock, time cannot be moved between sections. Practise finishing each subject inside 15 minutes.
Practise for SSC CHSL
Rehearse the timing you will face: Chayantra mock tests apply each exam's sectional timers and negative marking, and you can start with two free guest attempts.
For a full walkthrough of the notification, read SSC CHSL 2026: Application Dates and the New Section Timers.
Common questions
How many questions are in SSC CHSL 2026 Tier-I?
100 objective questions for 200 marks: 25 questions and 50 marks in each of English Language, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness.
Is there a sectional timer in SSC CHSL 2026 Tier-I?
Yes. The 60-minute paper has a 15-minute timer for each of the four subjects. Scribe-eligible candidates have 20 minutes per subject, 80 minutes in total.
What is the negative marking in SSC CHSL 2026 Tier-I?
Each correct answer carries 2 marks and each wrong answer attracts a deduction of 0.50 marks, according to the notice dated 7 September 2026.
What is the last date to apply for SSC CHSL 2026?
The notice lists 7 October 2026, up to 23:00, for online applications and 8 October 2026, up to 23:00, for online fee payment. Check ssc.gov.in for any later change.
Official sources
This page summarises official notices for preparation. It is not an eligibility decision; later official notices and corrigenda take precedence.