Exam Overview
The Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level (SSC CHSL) exam is a nationallevel recruitment test conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for filling posts such as Junior Steno, Data Entry Operator, Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Postal Assistant, and Postal Clerk in various ministries, departments and organizations of the Government of India.
The 202021 cycle was announced on 13 November 2020. The process consisted of three stages:
- TierI: Computerbased Objective Test (CBT) 100 marks
- TierII: Descriptive Paper (penandpaper) 50 marks
- TierIII: Skill Test / Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) 50 marks (for Data Entry Operators)
TierI was held on 21 February 2021. TierII followed in May 2021, and the skill test for Data Entry Operators was conducted in June 2021.
Eligibility Criteria
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age | 1827 years as on 1st August 2020. Age relaxation as per government rules. |
| Educational Qualification | Pass in 10+2 (or equivalent) from a recognized board. SSC considers the qualification as Higher Secondary. |
| Nationality | Indian citizen (or OCI/NRI under specified conditions). |
| Number of Attempts | Unlimited for LDC/Postal posts; maximum 3 attempts for Junior Steno, Data Entry Operator and Postal Clerk. |
Syllabus TierI (100marks)
General Intelligence & Reasoning (25marks)
- Analogies, Series, CodingDecoding
- Classification, Hidden Figure, Direction Sense
- Logical Reasoning, Syllogism, Statement & Reason
- Data Sufficiency, Blood Relations, NonVerbal Reasoning
General Awareness (25marks)
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- Static GK History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science & Technology
- Sports, Awards, Important Days, Indian Heritage
Quantitative Aptitude (25marks)
- Number Systems, Simplification, LCM/HCF
- Algebra Simple Equations, Inequalities
- RatioProportion, Percentages, Profit & Loss
- Time & Work, Speed, Distance, Simple Interest
- Data Interpretation Tables, Charts & Graphs
English Language (25marks)
- Reading Comprehension
- Vocabulary Synonyms, Antonyms, OneWord Substitutes
- Grammar Error Spotting, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence Rearrangement
- Phrase Completion, Cloze Test
Syllabus TierII (Descriptive Paper)
- Essay (150250 words) Topics from social issues, environment, technology, etc.
- Letter/Application Formal, semiformal style.
- Precis Writing 5070 words.
- Paragraph Writing 80100 words.
Syllabus TierIII (Skill Test / CPT)
Only for Data Entry Operator candidates. The test consists of 100 onscreen characters to type in 15 minutes. Minimum speed required: 30 characters per minute (cpm).
Exam Pattern & Important Dates
| Stage | Mode | Duration | Maximum Marks | Key Dates (2021) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TierI | ComputerBased Test | 120 minutes | 100 | 21 Feb Test day; 2 Mar Result |
| TierII | PenandPaper | 60 minutes | 50 | 30 May Test day; 2 Jun Result |
| TierIII (CPT) | Online Typing Test | 30 minutes | 50 | 23 Jun Test day; 28 Jun Result |
Each correct answer in TierI carries 1 mark, with a negative marking of 0.25 for each wrong answer. TierII is evaluated on a 10point scale for each task.
Effective Preparation Strategy
1. Build a Study Schedule
Allocate 45 hours daily on weekdays and 68 hours on weekends. Split the time into 1hour blocks for each subject and a 30minute revision slot.
2. Strengthen Fundamentals
- Reasoning: Practice puzzles daily; use classic books such as A Modern Approach to Reasoning.
- General Awareness: Read a reputable newspaper (e.g., The Hindu) and follow a monthly currentaffairs magazine.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Master shortcuts for arithmetic, and solve at least 1520 datainterpretation sets per week.
- English: Build vocabulary with flashcards; read editorial passages for comprehension.
3. Use Quality Study Material
Recommended resources:
- SSC CHSL 202021 Complete Guide Kiran Prakashan.
- Online mock tests on SSCOfficial, Testbook, and Gradeup.
- Previous year question papers (20152020) essential for pattern analysis.
4. Practice Mock Tests & Time Management
Take a fulllength mock every 710 days. Analyze performance, note the sections where accuracy is below 70% and work on speedaccuracy balance.
5. Focus on TierII Writing Skills
- Write at least 3 essays and 5 letters/applications each week.
- Follow a standard structure: Introduction, Body (23 paragraphs), Conclusion.
- Check grammar, punctuation and word limit strictly.
6. Skill Test Preparation (for DEO)
Practice typing on free online platforms (e.g., keybr.com). Aim for 40cpm to have a comfortable margin over the 30cpm requirement.
7. Health & Motivation
Maintain a balanced diet, good sleep (78hrs), and short physical activity breaks to keep the mind fresh. Join study groups or forums for peer support.
Results, Cutoff & Salary
Result Announcement
TierI results were released on 2 March 2021 on the official SSC portal. Candidates could download the scorecard using their registration number.
Cutoff Details
| Post | Cutoff (TierI) | Cutoff (TierII) |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Steno | 57% | 55% |
| Data Entry Operator | 53% | 51% |
| Lower Divisional Clerk | 52% | 48% |
| Postal Assistant/Clerk | 50% | 45% |
Final Selection & Salary
Final merit list is prepared based on total marks (TierI+TierII+TierIII where applicable). The pay scale for selected candidates is:
- Pay Band: 19,90063,200
- Grade Pay: 2,000
- Additional allowances: Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance
Promotion to higher posts such as Senior Steno or Assistant Section Officer follows the usual SSC promotion guidelines.
