SSC CHSL vs SSC CGL: Which One is Better?

SSC CHSL vs SSC CGL:- The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is known for recruiting candidates into various government departments and offices. Among its popular exams, SSC CHSL and SSC CGL are two top-level options that offer stable and respected government jobs. Many students often wonder about the difference between SSC CGL and SSC CHSL or simply search for SSC CHSL vs SSC CGL to understand which one suits them better.
The main difference between CGL and CHSL lies in the educational qualification and job roles. SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) is for candidates who have completed their graduation. It offers posts like Assistant Section Officer, Auditor, Income Tax Inspector, etc. On the other hand, SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level) is for those who have passed their 12th standard. It provides positions such as Data Entry Operator, Postal Assistant, and Lower Division Clerk.
Both exams have their own importance and career growth, and they are among the most sought-after SSC exams in India. If you wish to know more about eligibility, job profile, salary, and career path, keep reading the article below.
What is SSC CHSL?
SSC CHSL stands for Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level Examination. It is a national-level exam conducted every year by the SSC to recruit candidates for various posts in government departments and offices. This exam is specially meant for students who have passed 10+2 (Class 12) and are looking for a secure government job.
The SSC CHSL exam is generally held once a year, and the notification is usually released around December or January. The exam takes place in multiple stages: Tier I (Computer-Based Test), Tier II (Descriptive Paper), and sometimes Skill/Typing Test, depending on the post applied. Some of the common posts under SSC CHSL are:
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Lower Division Clerk (LDC)
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Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA)
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Postal Assistant (PA) / Sorting Assistant (SA)
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Data Entry Operator (DEO)
Feature |
Details |
Full Form |
Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level |
Educational Qualification |
10+2 (Class 12 pass) |
Common Posts |
LDC, JSA, PA/SA, DEO |
Exam Conducted By |
Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
Exam Frequency |
Once a year |
Mode of Exam |
Online (Tier I), Offline (Tier II), Skill Test |
Notification Release |
December or January |
Exam Stages |
Tier I (CBT), Tier II (Descriptive), Tier III (Skill/Typing Test) |
Age Limit |
18 to 27 years (age relaxation as per rules) |
Read More: SSC Full Form
What is SSC CGL?
SSC CGL stands for Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level Examination. It is one of the most popular exams for graduates seeking government jobs in ministries, departments, and other government organisations.
To apply for SSC CGL, a candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. This exam is typically conducted once every year, and the official notification is usually released around April or May. The exam is held in four tiers: Tier I and Tier II (both Computer-Based), Tier III (Descriptive), and Tier IV (Skill/Computer Proficiency Test or Document Verification).
The job roles offered through SSC CGL are considered more responsible and come with higher pay scales. Some of the popular posts include:
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Assistant Section Officer
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Income Tax Inspector
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Sub-Inspector (CBI)
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Auditor
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Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)
Feature |
Details |
Full Form |
Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level |
Educational Qualification |
Graduation in any stream (some posts need special qualifications) |
Common Posts |
ASO, Inspector, Auditor, JSO, CBI Sub-Inspector |
Exam Conducted By |
Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
Exam Frequency |
Once a year |
Mode of Exam |
Online (Tier I & II), Offline (Tier III), Skill Test |
Notification Release |
April or May |
Exam Stages |
Tier I, Tier II, Tier III, Tier IV |
Age Limit |
18 to 32 years (varies by post and with relaxation) |
Check Out: SSC Previous year Papers
SSC CHSL vs SSC CGL: Exam Pattern Comparison
When preparing for SSC exams, many students often search for the difference between the SSC CGL and CHSL syllabus to understand them better. Both exams are conducted by the Staff Selection Commission but are meant for different educational levels.
Along with the syllabus, the exam pattern also plays an important role in preparation. Going through the SSC CGL previous year question paper or CHSL papers gives a good idea about the types of questions asked and the difficulty level. Below is a detailed comparison of the exam pattern of SSC CHSL vs SSC CGL to help you plan your preparation better.
Feature |
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern |
SSC CGL Exam Pattern |
Tier I |
Objective (MCQ), Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Objective (MCQ), Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
Subjects |
General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language |
General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension |
Total Marks |
200 marks |
200 marks |
Time Duration |
60 minutes |
60 minutes |
Negative Marking |
0.50 marks |
0.50 marks |
Tier II |
Descriptive Paper (Essay & Letter writing) – Pen & Paper mode |
Two Papers (Quantitative Abilities & English Language) – CBT |
Total Marks |
100 marks |
400 marks (200 each) |
Time Duration |
60 minutes |
2 hours (1 hour each paper) |
Negative Marking |
No |
0.25 for English, 0.50 for Maths |
Tier III |
Skill Test / Typing Test (as per post) |
Descriptive Paper (Essay, Letter, Application) – Pen & Paper |
Tier IV |
Not applicable |
Data Entry Skill Test (DEST) / Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) / Document Verification |
Final Selection |
Based on Tier I + Tier II + Skill Test |
Based on Tier I + Tier II + Tier III + Tier IV |
Check Out: SSC Mathematics Formula Book
SSC CHSL vs SSC CGL: Which One is Better?
Many government job aspirants often wonder, SSC CHSL vs SSC CGL: Which one is better? The answer actually depends on your educational qualification, career goals, and job expectations. Both exams are conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) and offer respectable government jobs, but they are meant for different levels of candidates.
If you have completed your Class 12, then SSC CHSL is a good option to start your government job journey early. It offers roles like Data Entry Operator and Lower Division Clerk, which are stable and come with fixed working hours.
On the other hand, if you are a graduate, then SSC CGL opens doors to more advanced and higher-paying positions like Income Tax Inspector, Auditor, and Assistant Section Officer. The posts offered through CGL also have better growth opportunities and responsibilities.
So, instead of asking which exam is better, it is more useful to ask which one is more suitable for you based on your qualifications and goals. Both exams are excellent in their own way.
SSC Study Materials
If you are preparing for SSC CGL or SSC CHSL, having the right study material is very important. PW’s SSC Study Materials are made keeping these exams in mind. It has more than 29,000+ SSC CGL & CHSL Practice Questions from previous years, which will help you understand the kind of questions asked and improve your basics.
You also get several online mock tests that feel just like the real exam. These tests help you practise time management, improve your speed, and increase accuracy. With PW’s study materials, you can prepare confidently for SSC CGL or SSC CHSL exams.
Book Name |
PDFs |
SSC CHSL Study Materials
Getting the right study material is key to scoring well in the SSC CHSL exam. PW’s SSC CHSL PYQ and Practice Book is specially designed to help you stay updated with the latest exam trends and question patterns. It includes Tier I and Tier II papers from the 2024 exam, giving you a clear idea of what to expect.
With 6000+ questions and detailed explanations, this book strengthens your problem-solving skills and helps in fast revision with a precise answer key. The comprehensive theory sections offer clear explanations to build your concepts, along with Topper’s Guidance to improve your speed and accuracy.
The content is arranged in a chapterwise and typewise format, making your preparation more focused and systematic. You’ll also get access to a rich collection of previous years’ papers to understand question trends and gain confidence.
SSC CGL Study Materials
Preparing for the SSC CGL exam becomes much easier when you have the right resources in hand. That’s why PW’s SSC CGL Previous Year Question Papers (PYQ) is the perfect study companion for every serious aspirant. This book includes 30 solved papers from 2018 to 2024, helping you understand the question trends, exam pattern, and frequently asked topics. With 5 full-length online practice tests, you can simulate the real exam environment and boost your confidence.
Each question is explained with step-by-step solutions, so you can build strong conceptual clarity and learn smart techniques to solve questions quickly. With over 3000 questions with detailed solutions, this resource covers the entire SSC CGL Tier 1 syllabus in depth. You’ll also get a Monthly Current Affairs Magazine to stay updated for the General Awareness section.
Why Choose PW SSC Materials?
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29,000+ SSC CGL & CHSL Practice Questions: This combo book has more than 29,000 multiple-choice questions from previous SSC CGL and SSC CHSL exams. The questions cover all important subjects, General Awareness, Reasoning, Maths, and English. Solving these helps you understand what kind of questions are asked and makes your basics strong.
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25 Online Tests for Every Subject: Each subject includes 25 online mock tests, designed just like the real SSC exams. These tests give you real exam practice, improve your speed, and help you manage time better during the actual exam.
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Monthly Current Affairs Magazine: To score well in the General Awareness section, this book combo offers a monthly magazine. It covers all important news, government schemes, awards, and events that are likely to be asked in the SSC CGL and CHSL exams.
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Exam Pattern and Question Analysis: You’ll find detailed analysis of SSC CGL and SSC CHSL exams, what topics are important, which questions come again and again, and how difficult each paper was. This helps you prepare smartly and focus on the right areas.
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Perfect for SSC CGL & CHSL Aspirants:- This study combo is specially made for students preparing for SSC CGL and CHSL. With lots of practice, current affairs, and online tests, it gives everything you need to prepare confidently and improve your chances of success.
Read More: SSC Reasoning Syllabus 2025 and Important Topics
SSC CGL and SSC CHSL FAQs
1. What is the main difference between SSC CGL and SSC CHSL?
SSC CGL is for graduates, while SSC CHSL is for students who have passed Class 12. CGL offers higher-level posts with better salary and responsibilities.
2. Which exam is tougher, SSC CGL or SSC CHSL?
SSC CGL is generally tougher because it requires a graduation degree and covers slightly more advanced topics than CHSL.
3. Can I apply for both SSC CGL and CHSL in the same year?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility for both exams, you can apply for both SSC CGL and SSC CHSL in the same year.
4. Which exam gives better job roles, CGL or CHSL?
SSC CGL usually offers better job roles like Income Tax Inspector, Assistant Section Officer, etc., while CHSL posts include LDC, DEO, and Postal Assistant.
5. Is the syllabus the same for SSC CHSL and SSC CGL?
The basic syllabus is quite similar (Maths, Reasoning, English, and General Awareness), but SSC CGL has a slightly higher difficulty level.


