Quick Comparison
Here is the side-by-side comparison of SSC CHSL and SSC CGL on all major parameters.
| Parameter | SSC CGL | SSC CHSL |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Combined Graduate Level | Combined Higher Secondary Level |
| Eligibility | Bachelor's Degree | 12th Pass (Higher Secondary) |
| Age Limit | 18-32 years | 18-27 years |
| Starting Salary | ₹25,500 - ₹81,100/mo | ₹19,900 - ₹63,200/mo |
| Top Posts | Tax Assistant, Auditor, Inspector | LDC, DEO, PA/SA |
| Competition | ~30-40 lakh applicants | ~50-60 lakh applicants |
| Vacancies | 7,000 - 15,000 | 4,000 - 10,000 |
| Difficulty | Moderate-Hard | Easy-Moderate |
| Exam Stages | Tier-I + Tier-II | Tier-I + Tier-II + Typing Test |
| Negative Marking | 0.50 marks | 0.50 marks |
Eligibility — The Key Difference
The biggest difference is educational qualification. SSC CGL requires a bachelor's degree (any stream). SSC CHSL only needs 12th pass. If you are a graduate, you can appear for both. If you are 12th pass, you can only appear for CHSL (and MTS).
Salary Comparison (Detailed)
SSC CGL posts pay significantly more because they are Group B/C gazetted or non-gazetted positions in central ministries.
| Post | Exam | Pay Level | Gross Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax Assistant (CBDT/CBIC) | CGL | Level 4 (₹25,500) | ₹38,000 - ₹42,000 |
| Auditor (C&AG) | CGL | Level 5 (₹29,200) | ₹42,000 - ₹48,000 |
| Inspector (CBI/NIA/Narcotics) | CGL | Level 7 (₹44,900) | ₹58,000 - ₹65,000 |
| Statistical Investigator | CGL | Level 6 (₹35,400) | ₹48,000 - ₹55,000 |
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC) | CHSL | Level 2 (₹19,900) | ₹28,000 - ₹32,000 |
| Data Entry Operator | CHSL | Level 4 (₹25,500) | ₹35,000 - ₹40,000 |
| Postal Assistant / SA | CHSL | Level 4 (₹25,500) | ₹35,000 - ₹40,000 |
Syllabus Overlap — 80%+ Identical
This is the most important fact for aspirants. SSC CGL and CHSL Tier-I have nearly identical syllabi — same 4 sections (Quant, Reasoning, English, GK), same question types, same pattern. The only difference is difficulty level: CGL questions are slightly harder.
- 1Quantitative Aptitude: Identical topics. CGL has harder word problems and DI. CHSL is more straightforward.
- 2Reasoning: Identical topics and similar difficulty. Same patterns repeat in both exams.
- 3English: CGL has slightly harder vocabulary and comprehension. Grammar questions are the same.
- 4General Awareness: CGL has more in-depth questions. CHSL focuses on basic facts and current affairs.
Which One is Harder?
SSC CGL is harder in terms of question difficulty, but SSC CHSL has more applicants per vacancy, making the cutoff competition fierce. In CGL, the Tier-II exam (Mains) is significantly harder than CHSL Tier-II. For a well-prepared graduate, CGL is the better bet because the reward (salary) is proportionally much higher relative to the extra effort.
The Smart Strategy: Prepare for CGL, Appear for Both
If you are a graduate, prepare at CGL level and appear for both CGL and CHSL. The syllabus overlap is 80%+, so one preparation covers both exams. CHSL becomes your safety net — even if you miss the CGL cutoff, you have a strong shot at CHSL. If you are 12th pass, appear for CHSL + MTS (same logic — CHSL prep covers MTS). This gives you multiple chances with a single preparation.
Who Should Target What?
| Your Profile | Primary Target | Also Appear For |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate, age < 30 | SSC CGL | SSC CHSL, SSC MTS |
| Graduate, age 30-32 | SSC CGL (last chance) | SSC CHSL (if age allows) |
| 12th Pass, age < 25 | SSC CHSL | SSC MTS, Railway Group D |
| 12th Pass, want to study further | SSC CHSL now, CGL after degree | SSC MTS as backup |