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The SSC CHSL Tier 1 syllabus is the foundation of every effective preparation plan. Without a clear, topic-by-topic map of what will be tested, candidates spend time on irrelevant material while missing high-weightage topics that appear in every exam. The Staff Selection Commission releases the official syllabus as part of the notification PDF each year. For 2026, the notification is expected in May 2026 at ssc.gov.in. Until then, the syllabus from the 2025 notification (exam conducted November 12 to 30, 2025) serves as the authoritative reference, as the CHSL Tier 1 syllabus has remained structurally unchanged for several years.
This page provides the complete official topic-wise syllabus for all four sections of SSC CHSL Tier 1, the exam pattern with marking scheme, topic-wise weightage derived from PYQ analysis across the 2021 to 2025 cycles, and a structured preparation framework.
Use the SSC CHSL Syllabus Tracker to map every topic and track completion before the exam. Supplement with topic-wise tests from the SSC CHSL Tier 1 Test Series immediately after studying each concept.
| Section Questions Marks Duration | |||
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 50 | -- |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | -- |
| Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill) | 25 | 50 | -- |
| English Language and Comprehension | 25 | 50 | -- |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 60 minutes |
| Answer Type Marks | |
| Correct answer | +2 marks |
| Wrong answer | -0.50 marks (negative marking) |
| Unattempted question | 0 marks |
No sectional time limit: All 100 questions across four sections must be attempted in one 60-minute session. Candidates can navigate freely between sections.
Normalisation applied: The exam runs in multiple shifts across several days. All scores are normalised using SSC's established formula before the cutoff is applied.
Tier 1 is qualifying only: Tier 1 marks are not included in the final merit. Candidates must clear the Tier 1 cutoff to appear in Tier 2, but the Tier 2 score alone determines final selection.
Bilingual: The exam is available in English and Hindi, except the English Language section.
Understanding how Tier 1 topics connect to Tier 2 helps candidates build foundations that serve both stages.
| Feature Tier 1 Tier 2 Session 1 | ||
| Total Questions | 100 | 150+ (multiple papers) |
| Total Marks | 200 | 403 |
| Nature | Qualifying | Merit-determining |
| Mathematics | Class 10 level, 25 questions | More complex, 30 questions |
| Reasoning | Standard, 25 questions | Higher difficulty, 30 questions |
| English | Basic, 25 questions | Advanced, 40 questions |
| General Awareness | Yes, 25 questions | Yes, within combined section |
| Descriptive Paper | No | No (removed from Tier 2 in recent cycles) |
| Skill/Typing Test | No | Yes (qualifying) |
| Topic Sub-types | |
| Analogies | Semantic analogy (word-based), Symbolic analogy, Number-based analogy, Figural analogy |
| Similarities and Differences | Identify similarities/differences in letter patterns, numbers, figures |
| Space Visualisation | 3D spatial reasoning |
| Spatial Orientation | Orientation of figures and objects |
| Problem Solving | Logical deduction from given conditions |
| Analysis | Breaking down complex relationships |
| Judgement | Evaluating logical accuracy |
| Decision Making | Best action based on given parameters |
| Visual Memory | Recall of visual patterns |
| Discrimination and Observation | Spot differences and similarities |
| Relationship Concepts | Understand relationships between elements |
| Arithmetical Reasoning | Number-based logical problems |
| Verbal and Figural Classification | Group items by shared property |
| Arithmetic Number Series | Find missing or next term in number series |
| Non-verbal Series | Pattern continuation in figure series |
| Coding and Decoding | Letter shifting, number coding, symbol coding |
| Statement and Conclusion | Derive valid conclusion from given statement |
| Syllogistic Reasoning | Two-premise syllogisms |
| Figural Pattern (Folding and Completion) | Paper folding, pattern completion |
| Figural Classification | Group figures by shared visual property |
| Figural Analogy | Which figure shares the same relationship |
| Paper Cutting and Folding | Identify result of paper operations |
| Embedded Figures | Identify a given figure within a larger figure |
| Mirror and Water Images | Identify correct reflections |
| Blood Relations | Family relationship puzzles |
| Direction Sense | Cardinal direction and distance problems |
| Venn Diagrams | Set-based relationship problems |
| Mathematical Operations | Symbols replacing arithmetic signs |
| Ranking and Order | Position determination from clues |
| Word Formation | Form a meaningful word from given letters |
| Topic Average Questions per Shift Priority | ||
| Analogy | 3 to 5 | Very High |
| Series (Number and Figural) | 3 to 4 | Very High |
| Coding-Decoding | 2 to 3 | Very High |
| Non-verbal (Mirror, Paper Folding, Embedded) | 4 to 6 | Very High |
| Classification / Odd One Out | 2 to 3 | High |
| Syllogism | 1 to 2 | High |
| Blood Relations | 1 to 2 | High |
| Direction Sense | 1 to 2 | High |
| Venn Diagrams | 1 to 2 | Medium |
| Statement and Conclusion | 1 to 2 | Medium |
| Mathematical Operations | 1 | Medium |
| Miscellaneous | 1 to 2 | Lower |
Analogy, Series, Coding-Decoding, and Non-verbal Reasoning together account for 50 to 60 percent of the Reasoning section in most shifts. These four topic groups are non-negotiable preparation priorities.
| Sub-area Topics Covered | |
| Current Affairs | National and international events, government schemes, appointments, sports achievements, science discoveries from the preceding 6 to 8 months before exam |
| History | Ancient Indian civilisations (Indus Valley, Vedic), major dynasties (Maurya, Gupta, Delhi Sultanate, Mughal), British colonial period, Freedom struggle milestones (1857 to 1947), post-independence events |
| Geography | Physical geography (mountains, rivers, plains, plateaus), climate zones, states and capitals, world geography (continents, oceans, countries and capitals) |
| Indian Polity | Constitution of India, Preamble, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles, Parliament, President, Prime Minister, Supreme Court, Election Commission, Amendment procedure |
| Indian Economy | GDP, GNP, Budget, Five-Year Plans, NITI Aayog, Banking system, RBI, financial inclusion, major government economic schemes |
| Physics | Laws of motion, light, sound, electricity, magnetism, thermodynamics basics |
| Chemistry | Periodic table, metals and non-metals, acids, bases and salts, common chemical compounds, environmental chemistry |
| Biology | Cell biology, photosynthesis, human organ systems, diseases (bacterial, viral, fungal), nutrition basics, ecology |
| Science and Technology | ISRO space missions, defence technology, recent scientific developments |
| Computer Literacy | Basic hardware, software, internet, MS Office basics |
| Sports | Recent Cricket World Cup, Olympics, Asian Games, national and international championships, individual athletes' achievements |
| Awards and Honours | Bharat Ratna, Padma awards (Vibhushan, Bhushan, Shri), Nobel Prize, Booker Prize, National Film Awards (recent recipients) |
| Books and Authors | Recent significant publications and their authors |
| Important Days | National and international days and their significance |
| Government Schemes | Major central government schemes (PM Awas Yojana, Swachh Bharat, Jan Dhan, Ujjwala, etc.) |
| Static GK | Currencies, national symbols, first in India/World, UNESCO heritage sites |
| Topic Average Questions per Shift Priority | ||
| Current Affairs | 8 to 12 | Very High |
| History | 4 to 6 | Very High |
| Science (combined Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | 4 to 6 | Very High |
| Indian Polity | 2 to 4 | High |
| Geography | 2 to 4 | High |
| Economics and Banking | 2 to 3 | High |
| Static GK (Awards, Sports, Books) | 2 to 4 | High |
| Computer Literacy | 1 to 2 | Medium |
| Government Schemes | 1 to 2 | Medium |
Current Affairs, History, and Science together typically account for 60 to 70 percent of the GA section. These three areas must receive the most preparation time.
The Mathematics section in SSC CHSL Tier 1 is at Class 10 to 12 standard. It is more accessible than SSC CGL's Quantitative Aptitude but requires the same calculation speed under time pressure.
| Topic Sub-topics and Coverage | |
| Number System | Natural numbers, integers, fractions, HCF and LCM, divisibility rules, unit digit, prime factorisation |
| Computation of Whole Numbers | Basic operations, BODMAS |
| Decimals and Fractions | Conversion, operations, comparison |
| Relationship Between Numbers | Ratios, comparisons |
| Fundamental Arithmetical Operations | Percentage, profit/loss, interest, ratio |
| Percentage | Basic percentage, percentage change, percentage of a quantity |
| Ratio and Proportion | Simple and compound ratio, direct and inverse proportion |
| Square Roots | Perfect squares, approximate square roots |
| Averages | Simple average, weighted average |
| Interest | Simple Interest (SI) and Compound Interest (CI); half-yearly and quarterly |
| Profit and Loss | Cost price, selling price, marked price, successive discounts |
| Discount | Percentage discount, trade discount, cash discount |
| Partnership | Profit sharing based on capital and time |
| Mixture and Alligation | Mixing problems, rule of alligation |
| Time and Work | Work efficiency, combined work, pipes and cisterns |
| Time and Distance | Relative speed, trains, boats and streams |
| Use of Tables and Graphs | Bar graphs, pie charts, line graphs, tables (basic DI) |
| Mensuration | Area and perimeter of triangles, rectangles, circles, parallelograms; Volume and surface area of cubes, cuboids, cylinders, cones, spheres |
| Trigonometry | Trigonometric ratios, heights and distances, basic identities |
| Statistical Charts | Mean, median, mode, frequency tables |
| Algebra | Basic algebraic identities, linear equations, quadratic equations |
| Geometry | Lines and angles, triangles (congruence, similarity, Pythagoras), circles, quadrilaterals |
| Topic Average Questions per Shift Priority | ||
| Arithmetic (Percentage, P/L, SI/CI, TW, TSD, Ratio, Average) | 12 to 16 | Very High |
| Geometry and Mensuration | 4 to 6 | Very High |
| Trigonometry | 2 to 3 | High |
| Algebra | 2 to 3 | High |
| Number System and Simplification | 2 to 3 | High |
| Data Interpretation (basic) | 2 to 3 | High |
| Statistics | 1 | Medium |
Arithmetic topics collectively dominate the Mathematics section, accounting for 50 to 65 percent of questions. Geometry and Mensuration are the next highest contributors at 16 to 24 percent. These two groups are the primary preparation priorities for this section.
| Topic Sub-types | |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, Antonyms, Word meaning in context |
| Spelling and Detection of Misspelt Words | Identify correctly and incorrectly spelled words |
| Idioms and Phrases | Meaning and usage of common English idioms |
| One-word Substitution | Replace a phrase with one appropriate word |
| Improvement of Sentences | Replace underlined word/phrase with a better option |
| Active and Passive Voice | Convert between active and passive constructions |
| Direct and Indirect Speech | Convert between direct and reported speech |
| Spotting Errors | Identify grammatically incorrect parts of a sentence |
| Fill in the Blanks | Choose correct word(s) to fill grammatical or vocabulary blanks |
| Comprehension Passage | Answer questions based on a given passage |
| Cloze Test | Fill multiple blanks in a connected passage |
| Para Jumbles | Arrange jumbled sentences into a coherent paragraph |
| Sentence Rearrangement | Arrange given sentence fragments |
| Topic Average Questions per Shift Priority | ||
| Fill in the Blanks | 2 to 4 | Very High |
| Error Spotting | 2 to 4 | Very High |
| Vocabulary (Synonyms and Antonyms) | 3 to 5 | Very High |
| Reading Comprehension | 3 to 5 | Very High |
| Cloze Test | 2 to 4 | High |
| One-word Substitution | 2 to 3 | High |
| Idioms and Phrases | 2 to 3 | High |
| Sentence Improvement | 2 to 3 | High |
| Para Jumbles | 1 to 2 | Medium |
| Active and Passive Voice | 1 to 2 | Medium |
| Direct and Indirect Speech | 1 to 2 | Medium |
| Spelling | 1 to 2 | Lower |
Fill in the Blanks, Error Spotting, Vocabulary, and Reading Comprehension together account for 40 to 60 percent of the English section. These are the most consistent topics across every shift.
| Priority Level General Intelligence General Awareness Quantitative Aptitude English | ||||
| Non-negotiable | Analogy, Series, Coding-Decoding, Non-verbal | Current Affairs, History, Science | Arithmetic (all topics), Geometry/Mensuration | Fill in Blanks, Error Spotting, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension |
| High | Classification, Syllogism, Blood Relations | Polity, Geography, Economics, Static GK | Trigonometry, Algebra, Number System, DI | Cloze Test, OWS, Idioms, Sentence Improvement |
| Medium | Venn Diagrams, Statement-Conclusion, Math Operations | Computer, Govt. Schemes | Statistics | Para Jumbles, Active/Passive, D&I Speech |
| Lower | Miscellaneous | Miscellaneous | Advanced Statistics | Spelling |
Work through each section systematically, beginning with the non-negotiable topics from all four sections simultaneously. After studying each topic, take the corresponding topic-wise test from the SSC CHSL Tier 1 Test Series. Mark each topic complete in the SSC CHSL Syllabus Tracker only after passing the topic-wise test with satisfactory accuracy.
Take subject-wise practice tests covering all topics of one section at a time. This identifies which topics within a section are still weak and builds the speed needed to complete 25 questions in 15 to 16 minutes per section.
Attempt one full mock test daily (100 questions, 60 minutes). After every mock, spend equal time reviewing errors and revisiting relevant topics. Target a score of 165 or above for the UR category on every mock before the exam date. With 400 tests in the series, there is no shortage of practice material across any phase.
Has the SSC CHSL Tier 1 syllabus changed for 2026? No major changes have been announced. The four-section structure and topic list remain the same as the 2025 cycle. Always verify against the official notification once it is released.
Is the Tier 1 syllabus the same as the Tier 2 syllabus? The same four subjects appear in both tiers, but Tier 2 tests them at a higher difficulty level and with more questions. Tier 2 also includes a Computer Knowledge Test and a Typing/Skill Test not present in Tier 1.
Does the CHSL Tier 1 syllabus differ from SSC CGL Tier 1? The four subjects are the same, but the difficulty level is lower in CHSL than in CGL. CHSL Mathematics is at Class 10 standard; CGL is at Class 12 standard. CHSL Reasoning does not include complex multi-variable puzzle sets typical in CGL.