SSC CHSL 2026 Study Plan: A 90-Day Strategy to Crack the Exam
With the SSC CHSL 2026 Notification expected in April and exams starting in July, the clock is ticking. To clear the 10+2 level competitive exam, you don’t just need hard work; you need a data-driven strategy.
Here is a breakdown of the general schema for the primary SSC exams:
1. SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level)
Designed for graduates, this is the most popular SSC exam. It shifted to a two-tier pattern recently.
- Tier 1 (Qualifying): Sections: 4 (Reasoning, General Awareness, Maths, English).
- Questions: 25 per section (100 total).
- Marks: 200 total (2 marks per correct answer; -0.50 for wrong).
- Time: 60 Minutes.
- Note: Marks are not added to the final merit; you just need to clear the cutoff.
- Tier 2 (Merit-Deciding):
- Paper I: Compulsory for all. Includes Maths, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, and a Computer Knowledge module.
- Sectional Timing: Each section (e.g., Maths + Reasoning) is timed separately (1 hour each).
- Data Entry Speed Test (DEST): A mandatory qualifying typing task (15 minutes).
2. SSC CHSL (10+2 Level)
The schema for CHSL is now very similar to CGL, making it easier for candidates to prepare for both simultaneously.
- Tier 1 (Qualifying): Same structure as CGL Tier 1 (100 Qs, 200 Marks, 60 Mins).
- Tier 2 (Merit-Deciding): Session I: Objective test with two sections (Maths/Reasoning and English/GA).
- Session II: Skill Test/Typing Test is mandatory.
- English Typing: 35 wpm | Hindi Typing: 30 wpm.
3. SSC MTS & Havaldar (10th Pass)
The MTS exam is unique because it is conducted in two sessions on the same day, with no negative marking in the first session.
- Session 1 Maths & Reasoning 40 (20+20) 120
- Session 2 English & Gen. Awareness 50 (25+25) 150 (-1 Mark Negative Marking)
Final Merit: Based only on Session 2 marks. Session 1 is qualifying.
4. SSC GD Constable & SSC CPO
- These exams include physical standards and endurance tests.
SSC GD:
- A single 60-minute CBT with 80 questions (160 marks).
- It is followed by PET/PST (Physical Efficiency & Standard Tests).
SSC CPO (Sub-Inspector):
- Paper 1: 200 Questions (50 each in Reasoning, GA, Maths, English).
- Physical Stage: Must qualify PET/PST to reach Paper 2.
- Paper 2: 200 Questions of English Language & Comprehension only.
📊 Summary of Common Patterns
| Subject | Daily Focus Area | Weekly Task |
| Feature | Tier 1 (CGL/CHSL/CPO) | Tier 2 (CGL/CHSL) |
| Mode | Computer Based (CBT) | Computer Based (CBT) |
| Question Type | Objective MCQs | Objective MCQs + Typing |
| Negative Marking | 0.50 Marks | 1 Mark (generally) |
| Final Merit | Not Included | Deciding Factor |
This 3-month (90-day) roadmap is designed to take you from a beginner to an exam-ready candidate.
📅 Phase 1: Foundation Building (Days 1–30)
Goal: Complete the syllabus and understand core concepts.
Quantitative Aptitude: Focus on Arithmetic first (Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Profit & Loss, Time & Work). These carry the highest weightage.
English Language: Master basic grammar rules (Tenses, Subject-Verb Agreement, Parts of Speech). Start a “Vocab Diary” and learn 10 new words daily.
Reasoning: Practice non-verbal reasoning and series-based questions. These are “easy marks” if you know the patterns.
General Awareness: Read NCERT (Class 8-10) for Science and History. Start reading a daily newspaper or follow a monthly current affairs capsule.
📈 Phase 2: Strengthening & Topic-wise Practice (Days 31–60)
Goal: Increase speed and tackle intermediate-level problems.
| Subject | Daily Focus Area | Weekly Task |
| Maths | Algebra, Geometry, & Trigonometry | Solve 50 PYQs (Previous Year Questions) |
| English | Cloze Tests & Reading Comprehension | Practice 5 Active/Passive & Direct/Indirect sets |
| Reasoning | Puzzles, Syllogism, & Coding-Decoding | Take 2 Sectional Tests |
| General Awareness | Static GK (Rivers, Dams, Awards, Articles) | Revise last 6 months of Current Affairs |
🎯 Phase 3: Mock Domination & Revision (Days 61–90)
Goal: Exam temperament and time management.
- Daily Mock Tests: Take one full-length mock test daily during your actual exam shift time.
- Detailed Analysis: Don’t just check the score. Analyze why you got a question wrong. Was it a silly mistake or a concept gap?
- Formula Revision: Maintain a sheet for Math formulas and English idioms. Review this every morning.
- Typing Practice: Don’t wait for Tier-I results! Spend 40 minutes daily on Khilare.com typing lessons to reach the required 35 wpm (English) or 30 wpm (Hindi).
💡 Pro-Tips for SSC CHSL 2026
- The 0.50 Factor: Remember, Tier-I has a negative marking of 0.50 marks. Avoid blind guessing.
- Current Affairs Window: Focus heavily on news from January 2026 to June 2026.
- Tier-II Alignment: Since the Tier-II pattern now includes Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning, your Tier-I preparation is essentially 80% of your Tier-II preparation. Study deeply!
📚 Recommended Resources
- Maths: *Fast Track Objective Arithmetic* by Rajesh Verma.
- English: *Plinth to Paramount* by Neetu Singh.
- Reasoning: *A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning* by R.S. Aggarwal.
- GK: *Lucent’s General Knowledge* and monthly magazines