SSC Selection Post Higher Secondary Level Syllabus
The higher secondary level examination covers every Selection Post vacancy whose essential qualification is Class 12. One paper counted against every higher secondary post you applied for.
Exam pattern
Part | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
A | General Intelligence | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
B | General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
C | Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
D | English Language | 25 | 50 | 15 minutes |
Total | 100 | 200 | 60 minutes |
Two marks for a correct answer and 0.50 deducted for a wrong one. Set in English and Hindi only. Candidates eligible for a scribe get 80 minutes.
Syllabus at higher secondary standard
General Intelligence
Analogies, similarities and differences, space visualisation, problem solving, analysis, judgement, decision making, visual memory, discrimination, observation, relationship concepts, arithmetical reasoning, verbal and figure classification, arithmetical number series, along with abstract ideas and symbols. Questions carry more steps than at matriculation level and the puzzles have more variables.
General Awareness
Current events and everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspect. India and its neighbouring countries covering history, culture, geography, the economic scene, general polity, the Constitution and scientific research. Recall is more specific than at matriculation level without reaching graduate depth.
Quantitative Aptitude
Number systems, percentage, ratio and proportion, averages, interest, profit and loss, discount, partnership, mixture and alligation, time and distance, time and work, along with tables and graphs.
The phase notice generally sets Quantitative Aptitude at matriculation standard across all three levels. If that wording appears in your notice, this part is the same paper a Class 10 candidate sits, which is useful to know before you spend months on it.
English Language
Vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms and antonyms and correct usage, through error spotting, fill in the blanks, one word substitution, idioms and phrases, sentence improvement, para jumbles and comprehension passages. Passages run longer than at matriculation level.
How this level differs from the other two
The subjects, the marks and the timing are identical across all three levels. Only the standard of the questions moves, and it moves against the qualification prescribed for the post.
Against matriculation level, expect longer reasoning questions, more specific general awareness recall and longer comprehension passages.
Against graduation level, expect less demanding English and reasoning. If the notice sets Quantitative Aptitude at matriculation standard for all levels, then maths is the one part that does not vary at all.
How to prepare
If you are preparing for SSC CHSL, you are already prepared for this paper. The subjects are the same and the level matches.
The new skill is the fifteen minute sectional lock. Practise each part against its own timer, because unused time does not carry forward and a slow start in Part A cannot be recovered in Part D.
At 0.50 per error, accuracy beats attempt count. A candidate answering 75 accurately outscores one answering 90 badly.
Apply broadly within the level. One paper covers every post you applied for, and cut-offs differ between posts.
Frequently asked questions
What qualification is needed for the higher secondary level exam?
Class 12 or equivalent, with individual posts sometimes adding experience or skill requirements.
Is the exam pattern different from the matriculation level?
No. The pattern is identical. Only the standard of the questions changes.
What is the negative marking?
0.50 marks for each wrong answer.
Is there sectional timing?
Yes. Each of the four parts runs on a 15 minute timer.
Can I apply for posts at more than one level?
Yes, if you meet the qualification for each, and you would sit the separate examination held for each level.
Marks, timings, sectional timing and negative marking on this page follow the scheme of examination in the latest SSC Selection Post phase notice published on ssc.gov.in.