SSC - 10 + 2
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SSC - 10 + 2 Course Registration Form
The Combined Higher Secondary Level (10+2) Examination, commonly known as CHSL, is a nationwide examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) in India. This examination serves as a gateway for candidates aspiring to secure positions in various government ministries, departments, and offices. The CHSL exam is particularly aimed at recruiting individuals who have completed their higher secondary education (10+2 level) and are looking to embark on a career in public service. The following sections provide a detailed description of the CHSL examination, its structure, eligibility criteria, preparation strategies, and much more.
Purpose of the CHSL Examination
The primary objective of the CHSL examination is to recruit candidates for Group C posts in various central government offices. These posts include:
- Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC)/Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA): These roles involve clerical work, maintaining files, and performing administrative tasks.
- Postal Assistant (PA)/Sorting Assistant (SA): These positions are part of the postal department and involve handling mail and other administrative duties.
- Data Entry Operator (DEO): This role requires managing and processing data using computers.
- Data Entry Operator Grade A: A specialized role involving high-level data entry tasks, primarily in the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) office.
The examination provides an opportunity for candidates to secure stable government jobs with decent salaries, job security, and various perks and benefits.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the CHSL examination, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must have passed the 12th standard or an equivalent examination from a recognized board or university.
- For the Data Entry Operator (DEO) post in the Office of Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG), candidates must have studied Mathematics as a subject in their 12th standard.
Age Limit
- The minimum age limit is 18 years, and the maximum is 27 years as of a specified date in the recruitment notification.
- Age relaxations are provided to candidates belonging to reserved categories, such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and others, as per government norms.
Nationality
- Candidates must be citizens of India or meet the criteria for nationality as specified in the official notification.
Examination Structure
The CHSL examination is conducted in three tiers, each designed to assess different skill sets of the candidates. The details of each tier are as follows:
Tier-I: Computer-Based Examination (Objective Type)
This is the first stage of the CHSL examination, consisting of objective-type multiple-choice questions. The exam pattern is as follows:
| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence | 25 | 50 | 60 minutes |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | |
| English Language | 25 | 50 |
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 200
- Negative Marking: 0.50 marks for each incorrect answer
- Duration: 60 minutes (80 minutes for candidates eligible for scribes)
The Tier-I examination tests the candidate’s general knowledge, reasoning ability, mathematical skills, and English proficiency.
Tier-II: Descriptive Paper
This stage is conducted in a pen-and-paper mode and evaluates the candidate’s writing skills. The details are as follows:
- Essay Writing: 200-250 words
- Letter/Application Writing: 150-200 words
- Maximum Marks: 100
- Duration: 60 minutes (80 minutes for candidates eligible for scribes)
The Tier-II examination focuses on the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English or Hindi. It is qualifying in nature, and the marks obtained are considered for final merit.
Tier-III: Skill Test/Typing Test
This stage is specific to the posts applied for:
Typing Test: For LDC/JSA and PA/SA posts, candidates must demonstrate typing speed:
- English: 35 words per minute (w.p.m.)
- Hindi: 30 w.p.m.
Skill Test: For DEO posts, candidates must demonstrate data entry speed:
- 8,000 key depressions per hour (KDPH) on a computer.
The Tier-III examination is qualifying in nature, and the final selection is based on the performance in Tier-I and Tier-II.
Syllabus Overview
The syllabus for the CHSL examination is comprehensive, covering various topics to evaluate the candidate’s aptitude and general awareness. Below is a section-wise breakdown:
1. General Intelligence
- Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Coding-Decoding
- Series Completion
- Analogies and Classification
- Blood Relations
2. General Awareness
- Current Affairs
- History, Geography, and Polity
- Economics
- General Science
- Static GK
3. Quantitative Aptitude
- Arithmetic (Number System, Percentages, Profit and Loss, Time and Work)
- Algebra and Geometry
- Trigonometry and Mensuration
- Data Interpretation
4. English Language
- Grammar (Tenses, Prepositions, Articles)
- Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms)
- Comprehension
- Sentence Improvement
Application Process
The application process for the CHSL examination is conducted online. Candidates must follow these steps:
- Visit the official SSC website (https://ssc.nic.in).
- Register by providing basic details such as name, date of birth, and contact information.
- Fill in the application form with personal, educational, and other required details.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature as per the specified dimensions.
- Pay the application fee online or offline.
- Submit the application and take a printout for future reference.
Preparation Strategies
Preparing for the CHSL examination requires a structured approach. Here are some strategies:
- Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the syllabus and allocate time for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Create a Study Schedule: Plan your study time effectively, covering all topics and leaving ample time for revision.
- Practice Mock Tests: Regularly attempt mock tests to improve speed, accuracy, and time management.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify and work on areas where you struggle.
- Stay Updated: Read newspapers and follow current affairs to enhance your general awareness.
- Use Quality Study Material: Refer to recommended books and online resources for comprehensive preparation.
Benefits of Clearing the CHSL Examination
- Government Job Stability: Secure a stable career with job security.
- Attractive Salary: Competitive pay scales with periodic increments.
- Perks and Benefits: Access to allowances, medical benefits, and retirement benefits.
- Growth Opportunities: Opportunities for promotions and career advancement.
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a balanced lifestyle with fixed working hours.
Challenges Faced by Candidates
- High Competition: The large number of applicants makes the exam highly competitive.
- Time Management: Balancing preparation with other responsibilities can be challenging.
- Stress and Anxiety: The pressure to perform well can lead to stress.
- Dynamic Syllabus: Keeping up with current affairs and changes in the syllabus requires consistent effort.
Frequently Asked Question
The SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) exam is conducted to recruit candidates for posts like Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Data Entry Operator (DEO), Postal Assistant, and Sorting Assistant. Candidates who have completed their 10+2 (Higher Secondary) or an equivalent qualification from a recognized board are eligible to apply.
The age limit for SSC CHSL is generally between 18 to 27 years as of the specified cut-off date. Age relaxation is provided for reserved categories such as SC/ST, OBC, and other eligible groups as per government rules.
The SSC CHSL exam consists of three tiers:
- Tier 1: Objective test (online) with sections like General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English.
- Tier 2: Descriptive paper (offline) to test writing skills in English or Hindi.
- Tier 3: Skill test/typing test depending on the post applied for (LDC or DEO).
The syllabus includes:
- General Intelligence and Reasoning: Logical reasoning, puzzles, coding-decoding, etc.
- General Awareness: Current affairs, history, geography, economics, and science.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation.
- English: Vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and sentence structure.
- Understand the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly.
- Practice mock tests and previous years’ question papers.
- Focus on time management and accuracy during preparation.
- Enroll in a coaching institute like Prashikshan Classes or use online resources
- for guided preparation.
