SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL: Which One is Better and Why?

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is responsible for conducting different exams to recruit eligible candidates in the departments, ministries, and organizations of the Indian Government. 

SSC CGL and SSC CHSL are the two most popular and important exams conducted by the commission. Every year, lakhs of students appear for these exams while only a few are selected for the posts. 

However, when it comes to applying for the exams, candidates are often confused about which one to apply for, which exam is tougher and which one offers the best career and salary benefits. 

To make it easier for the students, we have shared a comparative analysis of these two SSC exams in this article. 

SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL: Comparison

What is SSC CGL?

SSC CGL is the Combined Graduate Level exam. It is conducted to recruit candidates for various Group B and Group C posts in the departments/ ministries/ organisations of the Indian Government.

What is SSC CHSL?

SSC CHSL is the Combined Higher Secondary Level. The exam is conducted to recruit lower division clerks in the Indian Government ministries/ departments/ organisations.   

SSC CGL & SSC CHSL: Posts

Provided below is the list of posts for which recruitment is conducted under SSC CGL and SSC CHSL.

SSC CGL Posts	SSC CHSL Posts
Assistant Audit Officer Assistant Accounts Officer Assistant Section Officer (Intelligence Bureau, Central Secretariat Service, Ministry of Railway, Ministry of External Affairs and other Ministries) Assistant (Government Ministries) Sub Inspector (CBI & NIA) Junior and Senior Statistical Officer Inspector (Central Excise & Income Tax) Auditor, Accountant Tax Assistant	Lower Divisional Clerk/ Junior Secretariat Assistant Data Entry Operators Postal Assistant/ Sorting Assistant

SSC CGL & SSC CHSL: Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for SSC CGL and SSC CHSL are listed below. Students need to fulfill the criteria to apply for the posts. 

Eligibility for SSC CGL	Eligibility for SSC CHSL
Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized University or institution.  Applicants are required to be between the age of 18 years to 32 years. Relaxation in age is available for reserved categories as per the government norms.	Applicants must have passed Class 12th or any equivalent examination from a recognized Board or University. Candidates must be between the age of 18-27 years on the date of filling up the form. Relaxation in age is available for reserved categories as per the government norms.

SSC CGL & SSC CHSL: Exam Pattern

The exam pattern for both the SSC exams is different from each other. Candidates can find the difference in the exam pattern from the table below:

SSC CGL Exam Pattern	SSC CHSL Exam Pattern
Tier I (Objective): General Intelligence & Reasoning,  Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, English Language	Tier I (Objective): General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, English Language
Tier II (Objective): English Language & Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude, Statistics, General Studies (Finance & Economics)	Tier II (Descriptive): Writing an Essay/ Letter/ Application
Tier III (Descriptive): Writing Letter/ Essay/ Application/ Precis, etc.)	Tier III (Skill or Typing Test):It is conducted to test the candidate's expertise in computer and data entry speed
Tier IV: Computer Proficiency & Data Entry Speed Test	–

SSC CGL & SSC CHSL: Salary

The salary for SSC CGL and SSC CHSL is given below:

SSC CGL Salary	SSC CHSL Salary
The grade pay for several posts under SSC CGL varies from 2400 to 4800	The grade pay for several posts under SSC CHSL is between 1900 to 2400
The initial pay for different posts varies from Rs.24,446 to Rs. 61,424	The initial pay for different posts varies from Rs. 5200 to Rs. 20,200

Comparative Analysis of SSC CGL & SSC CHSL Exam

Students preparing for either of the exams must note that posts under SSC CGL are of higher designation as compared to the posts under SSC CHSL. But with a higher position, the competition also increases and so does the number of applicants. 

In simpler words, candidates willing to apply for government jobs immediately after 12th can opt for the SSC CHSL exam, while those who want to do so after their graduation and wish to apply for a Government job in different Departments and Ministries can apply for SSC CGL. 

But before applying, candidates must do research on their own and find a suitable option for themselves. 

FAQs

Q1. Is SSC CGL exam tougher than SSC CHSL?

Ans. Yes, the SSC CGL exam is tougher. This is because SSC CGL has more complex questions and of graduation level. In contrast, SSC CHSL questions are 12th standard level. Therefore, the CGL exam is considered tougher than the CHSL exam.

Q2. Can SSC CGL & SSC CHSL exam be cleared in the first attempt?

Ans. Yes, both the exams can be cleared in the first attempt. Determination, hard work & perseverance will help you achieve success. Furthermore, it is important to study in a strategic manner and prepare with the help of SSC CGL mock tests and SSC CHSL mock tests. 

Also read - How to Reduce Exam Stress During SSC Preparation