When it comes to securing a stable and prestigious government job in India, exams conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) hold a prime position. Among its many examinations, SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) and SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level) are two of the most popular ones.
While SSC CGL caters to graduates aspiring for officer-level posts, SSC CHSL provides opportunities for 12th-pass candidates to enter government service at clerical and support levels. But choosing between them isn’t just about eligibility—it’s about your career goals, preparation capacity, financial aspirations, and long-term growth vision.
This article offers a detailed comparison of SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL—covering eligibility, exam structure, syllabus, job profiles, salary, promotion scope, competition, preparation strategies, and FAQs. By the end, you’ll know exactly which exam aligns best with your goals.
About SSC: The Exam Conducting Body
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is a government agency under the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT). Established in 1975, it conducts multiple national-level recruitment exams for Group “B” (non-gazetted) and Group “C” posts across ministries, departments, and subordinate offices of the Government of India.
Its flagship exams include SSC CGL, CHSL, JE, GD Constable, MTS, and Stenographer. Among these, CGL and CHSL together attract millions of candidates each year, making them the backbone of SSC recruitments.
1. Eligibility & Academic Qualification
SSC CGL Eligibility
- Educational Requirement: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Age Limit: 18 to 32 years (varies post-wise, relaxations apply for reserved categories).
- Ideal Candidate: Graduates aspiring for administrative, statistical, or technical posts in central government services.
SSC CHSL Eligibility
- Educational Requirement: 12th pass (higher secondary) from a recognized board.
- Age Limit: 18 to 27 years (with relaxations as per category).
- Ideal Candidate: Students who want to start a government career right after school in clerical-level positions.
👉 Key takeaway: If you’re still studying or recently passed Class 12, CHSL is the entry point. But if you’re a graduate, CGL offers a far wider scope.
2. Exam Structure: SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL
SSC CGL Exam Pattern
- Tier I: Objective test (Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English).
- Tier II: Advanced objective papers—Quant, English, Statistics/General Studies (Finance & Economics) depending on post.
- Tier III: Descriptive paper (Essay/Letter/Precis writing).
- Tier IV: Computer Proficiency Test/Skill Test/Document Verification (for select posts).
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern
- Tier I: Objective test (Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English).
- Tier II: Descriptive writing (Essay/Letter)
- Tier III: Skill test (Typing/Data Entry Test) depending on post.
👉 Key takeaway: CGL is lengthier, more technical, and multi-layered. CHSL is relatively simpler with fewer stages.
3. Syllabus Depth & Difficulty Level
- SSC CGL Syllabus: Graduate-level difficulty. Quantitative Aptitude includes advanced topics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry). For some posts, Statistics and Finance/Economics are tested.
- SSC CHSL Syllabus: Class 10+2 level basics. Quant covers arithmetic, Reasoning and GA remain fundamental, English is easier compared to CGL.
👉 Verdict: SSC CGL is significantly tougher than CHSL due to its higher-level topics, descriptive papers, and technical add-ons.
4. Job Profiles & Career Roles
SSC CGL Posts
- Assistant Section Officer (ASO) in ministries
- Income Tax Inspector
- Excise Inspector
- Sub-Inspector (CBI/NIA)
- Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)
- Auditor/Accountant
These posts offer higher responsibilities, administrative powers, and long-term career growth.
SSC CHSL Posts
- Lower Division Clerk (LDC) / Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA)
- Postal Assistant (PA) / Sorting Assistant (SA)
- Data Entry Operator (DEO)
These are support-level clerical jobs—ideal for entry into government offices right after Class 12.
5. Salary & Perks
SSC CGL Salary
- Pay Scale: ₹25,500 – ₹1,51,100 per month (varies by post).
- Grade Pay: ₹2,400 – ₹4,800.
- Perks: HRA, DA, TA, pension, medical facilities.
- Growth: Higher salary and faster increments.
SSC CHSL Salary
- Pay Scale: ₹19,900 – ₹92,300 per month.
- Grade Pay: ₹1,900 – ₹2,400
- Perks: HRA, DA, TA, pension, medical facilities
- Growth: Slower than CGL but stable
👉 Conclusion: SSC CGL posts are financially more rewarding, both at entry and over time.
6. Promotion & Career Advancement
- SSC CGL: Strong promotional avenues. Inspectors and ASOs can rise to senior ranks in ministries, with multiple increments and allowances.
- SSC CHSL: Career growth is steady but slower, as clerical cadres have fewer hierarchical levels.
Final Comparison Table
| Aspect | SSC CGL | SSC CHSL |
| Eligibility | Graduate | 12th Pass |
| Age Limit | 18–32 years | 18–27 years |
| Exam Structure | 4 Tiers (Objective + Descriptive + Skill) | 3 Tiers (Objective + Descriptive + Typing) |
| Difficulty Level | High (Graduate-level) | Moderate (12th-level) |
| Job Roles | Officer/Inspector/Admin | Clerk/Assistant/DEO |
| Salary | ₹25,500 – ₹1,51,100 | ₹19,900 – ₹92,300 |
| Career Growth | Strong & Fast | Steady but Slow |
| Competition | High but manageable | Very High (millions of applicants) |
| Ideal For | Graduates with higher ambitions | 12th-pass seeking early entry jobs |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which exam should I choose: SSC CGL or CHSL?
It depends on your qualification and career goal. If you’re a graduate aiming for officer-level posts with better pay and promotions, go for SSC CGL. If you’re 12th-pass and want an early start in government service, SSC CHSL is better.
Q2. Can I prepare for both SSC CGL and SSC CHSL at the same time?
Yes. The Tier I syllabus overlaps (Reasoning, GA, Quant, English). However, Tier II differs—CGL’s Tier II is more advanced with Statistics/Finance, while CHSL only has descriptive writing and skill tests. If you’re a graduate, preparing for CGL automatically covers CHSL basics.
Q3. Which exam offers better salary and perks in the long run?
SSC CGL. Not only are the starting salaries higher, but promotions and increments are faster. Over a 10–15 year period, CGL officers earn significantly more than CHSL clerks.
Q4. Is SSC CGL tougher than SSC CHSL?
Yes. CGL requires graduate-level knowledge and has four tiers, including descriptive writing and technical papers. CHSL is comparatively easier, but competition is higher because of the large applicant base.
Q5. How much time should I dedicate to preparation?
- For SSC CGL: Minimum 8–12 months of structured preparation with mocks.
- For SSC CHSL: Around 4–6 months is sufficient if you focus on basics and typing practice.
Q6. What’s the competition level for both exams?
CHSL has more applicants because of its 12th-pass eligibility, making cutoffs rise despite easier papers. CGL has fewer but more serious candidates, and the exam itself is much tougher.
Q7. Can SSC CHSL candidates later apply for SSC CGL?
Yes. Many candidates start their government career through CHSL and later appear for CGL after graduation to move to higher posts.
Conclusion
The SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL decision depends on where you stand today and where you want to go tomorrow.
- If you are a graduate looking for higher pay, administrative roles, and faster promotions—SSC CGL is the right choice.
- If you are a 12th-pass student wanting quick entry into a stable government job—SSC CHSL is the right stepping stone.
Both exams open doors to government service, but your qualification, preparation strategy, and long-term vision should guide your choice.