Candidates with a Higher Secondary qualification can apply for the Combined Higher Secondary-Level (CHSL) examination of the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for Central Government jobs. More than 4,000 vacancies are expected under various positions including Junior Assistant, Lower-Divsion Clerk and Data Entry Operator.

Candidates, who have passed their Higher Secondary examination under any stream, can apply for the exam. The age limit is 18-27. Those who are eligible will have age relaxations as per the rule.

The examination centres are in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, and Kannur for the computer-based examinations to be held in February-March.

The last date for application is January 4. For further details, visit www.ssc.nic.in

Examination pattern
• Tier 1: 100 questions, 200 marks (0.5 negative marks for one wrong answer). Duration: 1 hour

Mark break-up
» General Intelligence and Reasoning: 50 marks

» General Knowledge: 50 marks

» Quantitative aptitude: 50 marks

» English: 50 marks

• Tier 2 has two modules

The first module is a computer-based objective examination and skill test. Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes. One question carries 3 marks. NOTE: A wrong answer will cost you one mark.

Mark break-up
» Maths: 30 questions, 90 marks
» Reasoning Intelligence: 30 questions, 90 marks
» English: 40 questions, 120 marks
» General Awareness: 20 questions, 60 marks
» Computer Knowledge: 15 questions, 45 marks

(Earlier, essays, letter writing, preparing an application and such were used to test the writing skill of the candidate.)

The second module is a skill test based on the position applied for. Candidates applying for Junior Assistant, LD Clerk, Data Entry Operator and similar positions would have to undergo special typing tests also.

How to prepare?
Both tiers (stages) of the examination would be held on the same day. There will not be time for separate preparations. Those who are familiar with preparing for Public Service Commission examinations can prepare for the SSC exam easily.

Previous question papers, rank files and online tutorials on SSC exams can be relied on. Practise using previous questions on General English, Maths and General Awareness. Collect as many previous question papers as possible and practice using them.

Also, practise typing on a computer keyboard as the typing speed on a computer keyboard will be checked.