SSC CHSL Exam Day Guidelines 2026: Quick Answer
For SSC CHSL 2026 Tier-I, download the Admission Certificate 2 to 3 days before the exam and carry its printout, plus an original photo ID showing your date of birth. Candidates who have not done Aadhaar-based authentication must also bring at least two recent passport-size colour photographs and report two hours before the exam. Tier-I is 100 questions for 200 marks in 60 minutes, with a 15-minute timer for each of the four parts and 0.50 negative marking for every wrong answer.
Key takeaway: The rules come from the official SSC CHSL 2026 notice (F. No. HQ-C1102/5/2026-C-1), paras 13.8, 14 and the unfair-means list. The advertisement itself says the Tier-I schedule is "to be notified later"; SSC's notice-board schedule notice of 1 October 2026 is reported to place Tier-I from 30 November to 31 December 2026, so confirm your date and shift on the SSC notice board. As of 29 October 2026.
Official source: SSC CHSL 2026 notice (PDF).
SSC CHSL Admission Certificate 2026: Download Rules
| Item | What the notice says |
|---|---|
| When it is available | 2 to 3 days before the examination on SSC's website (para 14.6) |
| Printout | Mandatory in the examination hall |
| Posting | Admission Certificates are issued online for all stages |
| What to write in any query | Registration number, roll number, registered email ID and mobile number (para 14.5) |
| Other documents | Any document named in the Admission Certificate must also be carried |
Documents to Carry to the SSC CHSL Exam
| Document | Rule |
|---|---|
| Admission Certificate printout | Mandatory |
| Original photo ID | Voter ID, driving licence, PAN card, passport, school/college/university ID, employer ID (Government/PSU), ex-serviceman discharge book or other photo ID issued by Central or State Government |
| Two passport-size colour photographs | For candidates who could not complete Aadhaar-based authentication |
| Extra date-of-birth proof | If the photo ID does not print the DoB (for example Matriculation certificate or mark sheet of CBSE, ICSE or a State Board; birth certificate) |
| PwBD documents | Medical certificate or undertaking, and the scribe's ID photocopy, where a scribe is used |
If the date of birth on your Admission Certificate and your ID or certificate do not match, you will not be allowed to appear. The notice also says candidates are encouraged to complete Aadhaar-based authentication during registration.
SSC CHSL Reporting Time
Candidates without Aadhaar-based authentication must report at the centre two hours before the scheduled start (para 14.7). Everyone else should follow the reporting and gate-closing time on the Admission Certificate. The notice does not give a universal figure.
SSC CHSL Tier-I Pattern on Exam Day
| Part | Subject | Questions / marks |
|---|---|---|
| I | English Language (Basic Knowledge) | 25 / 50 |
| II | General Intelligence | 25 / 50 |
| III | Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill) | 25 / 50 |
| IV | General Awareness | 25 / 50 |
| Total | 100 / 200 |
- Time: 60 minutes with a sectional timer of 15 minutes for each subject (80 minutes with 20 minutes per subject for scribe-eligible candidates).
- Negative marking: 0.50 mark for each wrong answer (para 13.8.2).
- Language: English, Hindi and the language you chose in the form for Parts II, III and IV.
- Mode: objective multiple-choice only.
Because each section closes after 15 minutes, you cannot carry spare time from one part to another. Practise four 15-minute blocks, not one 60-minute run. For the topic list read our SSC CHSL syllabus 2026.
What Is Not Allowed in the SSC CHSL Exam Hall
| Item | Position in the notice |
|---|---|
| Mobile phone, Bluetooth, wireless devices, spy cameras, any electronic gadget | Listed as unfair means if found in the examination hall |
| Impersonation, copying, forged admit card | Unfair means; candidates face debarment and possible legal action |
| Blurred photograph or signature | Applications with these are rejected; this does not apply to Aadhaar-authenticated candidates |
Photo and biometric verification and CCTV footage review can be used to detect malpractice (para on unfair means).
Last-Night Checklist for SSC CHSL
- Print the Admission Certificate; check name, roll number, shift and venue.
- Keep the original ID, DoB proof and two photographs together.
- Practise the 15-minute section timing in one mock.
- Know that a wrong answer costs 0.50, so skip questions where you cannot remove two options.
- Carry nothing electronic.
SSC CHSL Exam Day FAQs
What time should I reach the SSC CHSL centre?
Two hours before the exam if you have not completed Aadhaar-based authentication; otherwise follow the time on your Admission Certificate.
Is there negative marking in SSC CHSL Tier 1?
Yes, 0.50 mark for each wrong answer.
SSC CHSL admit card kab aata hai?
Admission Certificate exam se lagbhag 2 se 3 din pehle SSC ki website par download ke liye available hota hai.
Is a sectional timer used in CHSL Tier-I?
Yes. Each of the four subjects has a 15-minute timer within the 60-minute paper.
Can I carry my phone to the exam hall?
No. A mobile phone or any electronic gadget in the hall is treated as unfair means.
Practice Next for SSC CHSL
- Syllabus: SSC CHSL syllabus 2026
- Pay: SSC CHSL salary 2026 and the skill test guide
- Mocks: SSC CHSL Tier 1 mock 01, mock 02
- Cut-off: SSC CHSL cut off; hub: SSC CHSL
Sources: SSC CHSL 2026 notice (F. No. HQ-C1102/5/2026-C-1) paras 13.8, 14.5 to 14.10 and unfair-means list. Last checked 29 October 2026.