Blog

OSSC CHSL Exam Pattern & Preparation: The OSSC Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Preliminary Exam on 24 September 2026 consists of a single paper with 150 Multiple Choice Questions (150 Marks) to be solved in 150 minutes. The test covers 5 sections: Arithmetic, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Current Affairs, and Computer Awareness (30 marks each). There is a negative marking deduction of 0.25 marks per incorrect answer in CBRE mode

Also Check: Odisha Block Level Job Vacancy 2026: Apply Active Posts

The preliminary exam serves as a qualifying screening test for specialist posts, including Amin, Junior Fishery Technical Assistant (JFTA), and Caretaker. Scoring high requires balancing speed and accuracy under negative marking pressure. Below is the verified topic-wise syllabus, shift timings, time-management plan, and CBRE test strategies

OSSC CHSL Exam Pattern 2026: Section-Wise Marks Breakdown

The preliminary paper evaluates five core subjects at the Class 10 (HSC) standard:

• Negative Marking Rule: 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer. Unattempted questions carry zero penalty.
• Medium of Exam: English and Odia.

OSSC CHSL Shift Timing & Reporting Instructions

The examination on 24 September is held in two separate shifts. Ensure you arrive before the gates lock:

Late arrivals are strictly not admitted under any circumstances once the gate is closed.

OSSC CHSL Amin Syllabus Topics: High-Weightage Chapters

Focus your final revision on these specific, recurring topics for Amin, JFTA, and Caretaker posts:

1. Arithmetic (30 Marks)

• Number Systems: Fractions, decimals, LCM, and HCF.
• Commercial Math: Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Discount calculations.
• Ratio & Proportion: Partnership ratios and mixtures/alligations.
• Time & Work / Distance: Pipes and cisterns, train problems, speed and average speed.
• Mensuration Basics: Area and perimeter of 2D shapes (rectangles, circles, triangles).

2. Data Interpretation (30 Marks)

• Bar Graphs and Histograms.
• Pie Charts (Percentage and degree-based conversion).
• Tabular Data (Financial and demographic tables).
• Line Graphs (Trend analysis).
• Data Sufficiency questions.

3. Logical Reasoning (30 Marks)

• Coding-Decoding and Letter-Number Series.
• Blood Relations and Family Tree puzzles.
• Direction Sense Test.
• Syllogisms and Statement-Conclusion problems.
• Non-verbal visual patterns (Mirror images, figure completion).

4. Current Events (30 Marks)

• Odisha State Affairs: Flagship state schemes (Subhadra Yojana, KALIA, BSKY, Mo Seva), state budget highlights, and key appointments.
• National & Global News: National sports awards, international summits, major defense exercises, and science updates.

5. Computer & Internet Awareness (30 Marks)

• Basic hardware components, input/output devices, and CPU cache memory.
• MS Office shortcuts (Word, Excel formulas, PowerPoint presentation functions).
• Internet terminology: Protocols (HTTP, FTP, TCP/IP), email structure, and domain names.
• Cyber Security: Malware, Phishing, Antivirus functions, and Firewall basics.

OSSC CHSL CBRE Mode Exam: Interface & Navigation Rules

If your test center operates in Computer Based Recruitment Examination (CBRE) mode, keep these points in mind:

1. Question Palette Colors:
   • Green: Question attempted and answered.
   • Red: Question viewed but not answered.
   • Purple (Violet): Marked for review (will not be evaluated unless answered).
   • Grey: Question not yet visited.
2. Clear Response Option: If you make a mistake or doubt an answer, click Clear Response to remove the mark and avoid the 0.25 negative deduction.
3. Rough Work Sheet: The invigilator provides blank sheets for calculations. Write your Roll Number on the sheet and return it before leaving the hall.

OSSC CHSL September 24 preparation: 150-Minute Exam Hall Strategy

To score above the expected cutoff, divide your 150 minutes into three structured rounds:

Round 1: Fast Scoring (First 40 Minutes)

• Attempt Computer Awareness (30 Qs) and Current Events (30 Qs) first.
• These questions do not require calculations. You either know the answer or you do not.
• Aim to secure 45+ questions within 35 to 40 minutes.

Round 2: Analytical & DI (Next 55 Minutes)

• Move to Logical Reasoning (30 Qs) and Data Interpretation (30 Qs).
• Read chart axes and table values carefully to prevent basic misreads.

Round 3: Arithmetic & Review (Last 55 Minutes)

• Solve Arithmetic (30 Qs).
• Do not waste more than 90 seconds on a single complicated calculation. If a question takes too long, mark it and move forward.
• Reserve the final 5 minutes to ensure you have not accidentally clicked an option on questions you intended to leave blank.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the negative marking for OSSC CHSL preliminary exam?

A penalty of 0.25 marks is deducted for every incorrect response in the 150-mark question paper.

What are the 5 sections in OSSC CHSL Prelims?

The test has five sections carrying 30 marks each: Arithmetic, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Current Events, and Computer Awareness.

What is the reporting time for Shift 1 on September 24?

Candidates in Shift 1 must report at 08:00 AM. Entry gates close at 09:00 AM sharp.

Is the preliminary exam marks counted in the final merit list?

No. The preliminary examination is a qualifying screening test to shortlist candidates for the Main Written Examination.

What should I carry to the exam center?

Bring a printed copy of your OSSC CHSL hall ticket, an original government photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN card), two passport photos, and a transparent ballpoint pen.