SSC CHSL Tier 2 Syllabus
Tier 2 decides the CHSL merit list. It runs in two sessions on the same day, with 135 objective questions in Session 1 and the skill test or typing test in Session 2.
The descriptive paper that used to sit between the tiers is gone, and the skill test that used to be a separate tier now sits inside this one. Older preparation material that describes a four tier CHSL is out of date.
SSC CHSL Tier 2 exam pattern
Session | Section | Module | Questions | Marks | Time |
Session 1 | Section 1 | Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 90 | 1 hour for Section 1 |
Session 1 | Section 1 | Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 90 | |
Session 1 | Section 2 | English Language and Comprehension | 40 | 120 | 1 hour for Section 2 |
Session 1 | Section 2 | General Awareness | 20 | 60 | |
Session 1 | Section 3 | Computer Knowledge Module | 15 | 45 | 15 minutes |
Session 2 | Section 3 | Skill Test or Typing Test | Qualifying | Qualifying | |
Total | 135 | 405 |
Three marks per correct answer. One mark deducted for a wrong answer in Section 1, Section 2 and the Computer Knowledge module. Questions are set in English and Hindi except the English Language module.
Module by module
Mathematical Abilities
Number systems, fundamental arithmetical operations, percentage, ratio and proportion, square roots, averages, interest, profit and loss, discount, partnership, mixture and alligation, time and distance and time and work. Algebra covering school level identities and graphs of linear equations. Geometry covering triangles and their centres, congruence and similarity, circles, chords and tangents. Mensuration extending to solids. Trigonometry with heights and distances. Statistics and probability covering measures of central tendency, standard deviation and simple probability.
Reasoning and General Intelligence
The Tier 1 topic list with longer, more layered questions. Analogy, classification, series, coding and decoding, word building, numerical and symbolic operations, space orientation and visualisation, Venn diagrams, drawing inferences, pattern folding, embedded figures, critical thinking, plus emotional and social intelligence.
English Language and Comprehension
Forty questions for 120 marks makes this the heaviest module in the paper. Vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure and correct usage tested through error spotting, fill in the blanks, synonyms and antonyms, spelling, idioms and phrases, one word substitution, sentence improvement, voice and narration, para jumbles, cloze passages and comprehension passages.
General Awareness
Twenty questions on the Tier 1 headings, asked with more precision. Current events, history, culture, geography, the economic scene, general polity, the Constitution, scientific research and sports.
Computer Knowledge Module
Computer basics including organisation, the CPU, input and output devices and memory. Windows operating system with the basics of MS Word, MS Excel and PowerPoint. Internet and email including browsing, searching, downloading, uploading and e-banking. Networking and cyber security including devices, protocols, hacking, viruses, worms and trojans with preventive measures.
Fifteen questions for 45 marks on a syllabus you can cover in a fortnight.
Where the time pressure sits
Section 1 gives you an hour for 60 questions. Section 2 gives you an hour for 60 questions as well, but 40 of them are English including comprehension passages that take real reading time.
Section 2 is the half candidates run out of time in. Answering General Awareness first, quickly, buys you the minutes that comprehension needs.
The negative marking change
Tier 1 deducts 0.50 on a 2 mark question. Tier 2 deducts a full mark on a 3 mark question.
Three errors in Tier 2 cancel a correct answer. An attempt strategy carried straight over from Tier 1 costs rank quietly, because the score looks reasonable and the cut-off has moved.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are in SSC CHSL Tier 2?
135 objective questions for 405 marks, followed by the qualifying skill test or typing test.
Which module carries the most marks in CHSL Tier 2?
English Language and Comprehension, at 40 questions and 120 marks.
What is the negative marking in SSC CHSL Tier 2?
One mark for each wrong answer in Section 1, Section 2 and the Computer Knowledge module.
Is there still a descriptive paper in SSC CHSL?
No. The descriptive tier was removed and the skill test moved into Tier 2 as Session 2.
Is the computer knowledge module qualifying?
Its marks form part of Section 3 with the skill test. Check the current notification for how the Commission treats it in your cycle.