Difference Between SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts two major recruitment examinations every year — the SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) and the SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL). Both examinations aim to fill vacancies across various Ministries, Departments, and Organizations under the Government of India. However, the eligibility criteria, exam process, job profiles, and career growth opportunities differ significantly between the two. In this article, we will provide a detailed comparison of SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL, helping aspirants choose the exam that best matches their educational qualifications and career goals.

SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL: Overview

SSC CGL is conducted for graduate-level positions, while SSC CHSL is open to candidates who have passed their 12th standard. Both exams offer government job security but at different administrative levels.

SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL: Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the SSC CGL and SSC CHSL exams are different due to the varying levels of posts offered.

Age Limit

SSC CGL:

• For Pay Level 4 & 5 posts: 18 to 27 years
• For Pay Level 6 & 7 posts: 18 to 30 years
• Junior Statistical Officer: Up to 32 years

SSC CHSL:

• For all posts: 18 to 27 years

Educational Qualification

SSC CGL:

• Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university.
• Special qualifications required for Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator posts.

SSC CHSL:

• 12th pass from a recognized board.
• For DEO roles in specific departments, candidates must have studied Science with Mathematics in 12th standard.

SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL: Exam Pattern

While the Tier 1 exam pattern is similar for both exams, there are differences in the Tier 2 structure and skill requirements.

Tier 1: Common to Both Exams

• Total Questions: 100
• Sections: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension
• Time: 1 Hour
• Negative Marking: 0.50 marks per incorrect answer

Tier 2: SSC CGL

• Two sessions on the same day
• Includes Maths, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, and Data Entry Speed Test
• Special Paper for Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator
• Negative marking: 1 mark per wrong answer in most sections

Tier 2: SSC CHSL

• Two sessions on the same day
• Includes Maths, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, and Typing/Skill Test
• Negative marking: 1 mark per wrong answer

SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL: Salary Comparison

The salary packages offered through SSC CGL are higher because the positions are at a more senior administrative level compared to SSC CHSL clerical roles.

SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL: Job Profiles

SSC CGL Popular Posts:

• Assistant Section Officer
• Income Tax Inspector
• Central Excise Inspector
• Sub-Inspector (CBI, NIA)
• Auditor
• Junior Statistical Officer
• Executive Assistant
• Tax Assistant

SSC CHSL Popular Posts:

• Lower Division Clerk (LDC)
• Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA)
• Data Entry Operator (DEO)
• Data Entry Operator, Grade ‘A’

Career Growth: SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL

SSC CGL Career Growth

Candidates selected through SSC CGL are appointed to Group ‘B’ and Group ‘C’ roles with faster promotion paths.
Promotions may lead to high-ranking positions such as:

• Senior Audit Officer
• Deputy Secretary
• Principal Director
• Additional Commissioner of Income Tax
• Senior Accounts Officer

SSC CHSL Career Growth

Career progression is available but at a slower pace compared to CGL:

• LDCs can get promoted to Upper Division Clerk (UDC) and then Assistant Section Officer.
• DEOs may advance to Senior DEO and System Analyst positions.

SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL: Competition Level

Both SSC CGL and SSC CHSL are highly competitive, but SSC CHSL generally sees a higher number of applicants because it is open to 12th-pass candidates.

A large number of applicants for both exams makes strong preparation essential to succeed.

Key Difference: Which Exam Should You Choose?

• Choose SSC CGL if you are a graduate looking for higher salary, job authority, all-India postings, and faster career growth.
• Choose SSC CHSL if you have passed 12th standard and wish to start a government job early with steady career development in clerical or data entry roles.

Both SSC CGL and SSC CHSL are excellent opportunities for candidates aspiring for a government job, but they serve different educational levels and career goals. SSC CGL offers higher administrative roles with better salary and faster promotions, while SSC CHSL provides stable clerical and support positions with decent career growth. Aspirants should carefully evaluate the eligibility, exam pattern, job responsibilities, and career growth paths before selecting which exam to prepare for.