Notification Highlights
Important Examination & Application Dates
| Recruitment Event / Milestone | Official Date / Schedule |
|---|---|
| Answer Key Objection Window Opens | 25 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Challenges | 30 September 2026 (18:00 Hrs) |
Examination Pattern, Subjects & Negative Marking
Detailed section-wise question distribution, marks allocation, and penalty rules:
| Subject / Test Module | Questions | Max Marks | Duration | Negative Marking Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language (Basic Knowledge) | 25 | 50 | Combined 60 Minutes | 0.50 Negative Marks per incorrect answer |
| General Intelligence (Reasoning Ability) | 25 | 50 | Combined 60 Minutes | 0.50 Negative Marks per incorrect answer |
| Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill) | 25 | 50 | Combined 60 Minutes | 0.50 Negative Marks per incorrect answer |
| General Awareness (Polity, History, Science) | 25 | 50 | Combined 60 Minutes | 0.50 Negative Marks per incorrect answer |
Official Examination Syllabus & Section-Wise Topics
Curated subject topics based on official recruitment notifications and past pattern distribution:
- English Language (Basic Knowledge), General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill), General Awareness
Previous Cycle Qualifying Cut-Off Benchmarks
Historical normalized qualifying marks across reservation categories to gauge target scores and safe attempt targets:
| Cycle / Exam Stage | General (UR) | OBC-NCL | EWS | SC | ST | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Tier-1 Projected Normalized | 154.50 | 151.80 | 149.20 | 136.40 | 125.10 | 200 |
| 2023 Tier-1 Normalized (General UR) | 153.91 | 152.26 | 151.02 | 136.41 | 124.52 | 200 |
| 2022 Tier-1 Normalized (General UR) | 157.72 | 153.25 | 151.02 | 135.46 | 125.79 | 200 |
Profile Match & Application Advisory
- Candidates who appeared in the CHSL Tier-1 Computer Based Examination wishing to verify marked responses against the official master key.
- Aspirants estimating raw scores using the official -0.50 negative marking formula for Tier-2 preparation planning.
- Candidates who remained absent during Tier-1 CBT shifts (response sheets are not generated for absentees).
Common Application Mistakes & Scrutiny Pitfalls
- Miscalculating negative marking penalty: SSC CHSL deducts 0.50 marks per incorrect response (not 0.25).
- Submitting objections without authoritative reference material: Representations without standard book / gazette citations are summarily dismissed.
- Missing the representation fee payment window (₹100 per question challenged).
Documents to Keep Ready Before Applying
- CHSL Tier-1 Examination Roll Number.
- Candidate Password (as printed on original Tier-1 Admission Certificate).
- Downloaded Master Question Paper and Response Sheet PDF.
Strategic Examination Preparation Blueprint
Actionable study guidelines, speed drills, and score defense tactics curated by GovIndiaNews editorial board:
Download and print the official gazette syllabus to tick off every individual sub-topic systematically during your study schedule.
Dedicate the first 2 hours of daily study to your weakest subject before moving to familiar revision topics.
Conduct weekly timed self-assessment tests and compute your net score strictly applying the official negative marking formula.
Review official commission corrigenda and model answer keys to understand recurring question structures and accepted representations.
Ensure all mandatory identity documents and category certificates are renewed within the prescribed financial year validity window.
Interactive Candidate Utilities Suite
Statutory software calculators and document specification checkers for this notification
Frequently Asked Questions (Staff Selection Commission)
What is the fee to submit an objection against an answer key question in SSC CHSL?
Candidates must pay a statutory fee of ₹100 per question/answer challenged through the online portal. If the objection is upheld by the subject expert committee, the question is corrected or marks are awarded to all candidates in that shift.
Can I download my response sheet after the objection window deadline?
No. SSC strictly closes the response sheet portal after the 5-day representation period. Candidates are urged to download and archive their PDF copies immediately during the active window.
How is the raw score calculated using the tentative answer key?
Candidates receive +2 marks for every question where their chosen option matches the official key, and -0.50 marks are deducted for every wrong answer. Unattempted questions receive zero marks. The net score out of 200 forms the raw score prior to normalization.
When is the final answer key and Tier-1 result announced?
After evaluating candidate challenges, SSC publishes the final normalized result write-up and merit list within 3 to 4 weeks, accompanied by the final validated answer key.
Primary Gazette Source Notice
Notice Title: Staff Selection Commission Answer Key Representation Portal
Verified on: 02 Oct 2026
This notice was audited by the GovIndiaNews Editorial Desk against primary gazette releases and official portal bulletins. Review sign-off conducted under our transparent Fact-Checking Policy. Found a discrepancy? Submit a notice revision via our public Corrections Desk.