How it's calculated
Unattempted questions score zero. Fractions are kept exact and the total is rounded once, to two decimals.
Estimate only. Official results, marks and eligibility are decided by the Staff Selection Commission. Verify on the official website.
Worked example: SSC CHSL Tier-I
English Language (Basic Knowledge): 20 right, 2 wrong; General Intelligence: 20 right, 2 wrong; Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill): 20 right, 2 wrong; General Awareness: 20 right, 2 wrong. Total: 156 out of 200. The UR qualifying mark is 60 (30%), so this score clears it.
SSC CHSL 2026 exam pattern and marking
SSC CHSL Tier-I
| Section | Questions | Marks each | Wrong answer | Max marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language (Basic Knowledge) | 25 | 2 | −1/2 | 50 |
| General Intelligence | 25 | 2 | −1/2 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill) | 25 | 2 | −1/2 | 50 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 2 | −1/2 | 50 |
Minimum qualifying marks (para 17.1): UR 30%, OBC/EWS 25%, all other categories 20%. Normalised scores decide merit (para 17.2).
SSC CHSL Tier-II (Sections I and II)
| Section | Questions | Marks each | Wrong answer | Max marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Abilities | 30 | 3 | −1 | 90 |
| Reasoning and General Intelligence | 30 | 3 | −1 | 90 |
| English Language and Comprehension | 40 | 3 | −1 | 120 |
| General Awareness | 20 | 3 | −1 | 60 |
Section-III (Computer Knowledge, 15 questions x 3 marks, -1 per wrong answer) is qualifying; Section-IV is a skill/typing test. Sections I, II and III each have qualifying marks (para 17.1).
Using your score
- Count right and wrong answers from the official answer key for a reliable score.
- The notice says normalised scores decide merit and final selection, so your official marks can differ from your raw score.
- There may be separate category-wise cut-offs for DEO posts in the three named ministries, other DEO posts, and LDC/JSA.
Frequently asked questions
What is the negative marking in SSC CHSL 2026?
SSC CHSL Tier-I: +2 for a right answer, −1/2 for a wrong one. SSC CHSL Tier-II (Sections I and II): +3 for a right answer, −1 for a wrong one.
What are the total marks in SSC CHSL Tier-I?
200 marks: English Language (Basic Knowledge) (25 questions), General Intelligence (25 questions), Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill) (25 questions), General Awareness (25 questions).
Is an unattempted question marked negatively?
No. Only wrong answers carry a penalty. A question left blank scores zero.
How do I count my right and wrong answers?
Compare your responses with the official answer key published by the exam body. Count only the questions you marked: those matching the key are right, the rest are wrong.
What are the minimum qualifying marks?
UR 30%, OBC 25%, EWS 25%, SC 20%, ST 20%, ESM 20%, PwBD 20%. These are the minimum; cut-offs for the next stage are set after the exam.
Will my calculated score match the official score?
Your raw score will, if your answers match the final answer key. The notice says normalised scores are used for merit and final selection, so your official marks can differ.
Sources
- SSC Notice: Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination, 2026 (F. No. HQ-C1102/5/2026-C-1, published 07-09-2026), para 13.9, Staff Selection Commission (SSC)