SSC CHSL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2025: Syllabus, Marking Scheme, and Preparation Tips

The SSC CHSL Tier 1 exam is your first step toward a secure government job, and cracking it requires a solid understanding of the exam pattern, syllabus, and smart preparation strategies. Whether you’re aiming for LDC, DEO, or PA/SA, mastering Tier 1 is non-negotiable.

In 2025, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has tweaked the exam structure slightly, emphasizing General Awareness and Computer Knowledge more than before. But don’t sweat it this guide breaks down everything you need, from section-wise weightage to topper-approved tips that actually work.


Key Highlights 📌

Key AspectDetails
Organization NameStaff Selection Commission (SSC)
Exam ModeOnline (CBT)
Total Questions100 (25 per section)
Maximum Marks200
Exam Duration60 mins (80 mins for PwD)
Negative Marking-0.50 per wrong answer
SectionsGeneral Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude, English, General Awareness
Qualifying MarksUR: 30%, OBC/EWS: 25%, Others: 20%
Official Websitehttps://ssc.gov.in/

SSC CHSL Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2025 📝

Section-Wise Breakdown

The Tier 1 exam is divided into four sections, each carrying 25 questions (50 marks). Here’s the lowdown:

SectionTopics CoveredMarks per QTime Allocation
General IntelligenceLogical Reasoning, Coding-Decoding, Series, Venn Diagrams2~15 mins
Quantitative AptitudeArithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Data Interpretation2~20 mins
English LanguageGrammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Error Spotting2~15 mins
General AwarenessCurrent Affairs, History, Polity, Science, Static GK2~10 mins

🔹 Pro Tip: Since Quantitative Aptitude is the most time-consuming, tackle it first if you’re strong in math. Otherwise, start with English or General Awareness to build momentum.

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SSC CHSL Tier 1 Syllabus 2025 📚

1. General Intelligence & Reasoning

This section tests logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Key topics include:

TopicSub-Topics
Verbal ReasoningAnalogy, Classification, Series, Coding-Decoding
Non-Verbal ReasoningPattern Folding, Embedded Figures, Figure Matrix
Logical PuzzlesSyllogism, Blood Relations, Direction Sense

🔹 Expert Insight: “Practice at least 10 puzzles daily—focus on coding-decoding and Venn diagrams, as they’re high-scoring.” — Rakesh Yadav (Author, SSC Mathematics) .


2. Quantitative Aptitude

This is where many aspirants struggle. Here’s what to focus on:

TopicWeightage
Arithmetic12-15 Qs (Profit-Loss, Time-Work, Percentage)
Algebra3-5 Qs (Linear Equations, Identities)
Geometry & Mensuration4-6 Qs (Triangles, Circles, Volume)
Data Interpretation2-3 Qs (Pie Charts, Bar Graphs)

🔹 Real-Life Example: “A student who practiced 500+ DI questions in a month improved his score from 12 to 22 in this section.” .


3. English Language

This section is scoring if you’re strong in basics. Key areas:

TopicExpected Qs
GrammarError Spotting, Sentence Improvement (5-7 Qs)
VocabularySynonyms, Antonyms, Idioms (6-8 Qs)
Comprehension1 Passage (5 Qs)

🔹 Pro Tip: Read The Hindu editorial daily it helps with vocabulary and comprehension .


4. General Awareness

This is a game-changer if you stay updated. Focus on:

AreaImportant Topics
Current AffairsLast 6 months’ news (Awards, Sports, Schemes)
Static GKHistory (Freedom Struggle), Geography (Rivers, Mountains)
Science & TechRecent Discoveries, ISRO Missions

🔹 Expert Insight: “30% of GA questions repeat from previous years—don’t ignore past papers!” —Neetu Singh (GK Expert, Lucent Publications) .


Marking Scheme & Negative Marking ⚠️

  • Correct Answer: +2 marks
  • Wrong Answer: -0.50 marks
  • Unattempted: No penalty
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🔹 Strategy: If you’re 50% sure, attempt the question. If not, skip—negative marking can hurt your rank.


Top 5 Preparation Tips for SSC CHSL Tier 1 🎯

  1. Master the Basics First
  • Strengthen concepts before diving into advanced problems.
  • Use R.S. Aggarwal for Quant and Lucent GK for General Awareness .
  1. Daily Mock Tests
  • Take 1 full-length test daily (use platforms like Embibe or Testbook) .
  1. Focus on Speed & Accuracy
  • Quant & Reasoning: Target 20-22 correct answers in 25 mins.
  • English & GA: Aim for 23+ correct answers.
  1. Revise Current Affairs Religiously
  • Follow Monthly Current Affairs PDFs (e.g., AffairsCloud) .
  1. Avoid Last-Minute Cramming
  • Day before exam? Just revise formulas and shortcuts.

Final Words

The SSC CHSL Tier 1 2025 exam is not about hard work alone it’s about smart work. Focus on high-weightage topics, manage time wisely, and practice like it’s the real deal.

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