SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL: Which Should You Choose?
Graduate-level or 12th-pass-level SSC exam? Posts, eligibility, pattern and competition compared.
SSC CGL and SSC CHSL are the Staff Selection Commission's two biggest exams for central government jobs. CGL is for graduates and leads to posts such as Income Tax Inspector and Assistant Audit Officer; CHSL is open after class 12 and fills posts such as Lower Division Clerk and Data Entry Operator.
SSC CGL
SSC Combined Graduate Level Examination
- Vacancies / Year
- 15,000+
- Avg Applicants
- 30 Lakh+
- Exam Tiers
- 2
- Top Posts
- Income Tax Inspector, CBI SI, AAO
Eligibility
Education: Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university
Age: 18–27 years (relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Ex-Servicemen as per govt norms)
SSC CHSL
SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level Examination
- Vacancies / Year
- 3,000–5,000+
- Qualification
- Class 12 Pass
- Exam Tiers
- 2
- Top Posts
- LDC, PA, SA, DEO
Eligibility
Education: 10+2 (Class 12) pass from a recognised board
Age: 18–27 years (relaxation for reserved categories)
Key differences at a glance
- CGL needs a bachelor's degree; CHSL needs class 12.
- CGL leads to posts such as Income Tax Inspector, CBI Sub-Inspector and AAO; CHSL to LDC, Postal and Sorting Assistant and DEO.
- CGL has more vacancies a year (15,000+) than CHSL (3,000–5,000+).
- Both have two tiers with Maths, Reasoning, English, General Awareness and Computer Knowledge; CGL's maths is harder.
- Both have an age limit of 18 to 27 for most posts, with relaxations.
Which should you choose?
If you're a graduate, aim for CGL: its posts are higher in grade and pay, and it has many more vacancies. Sit CHSL as well if you're eligible, since its syllabus is a subset of CGL's. If you've passed class 12 but aren't yet a graduate, CHSL is the route open to you now.
SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL: FAQ
Can a graduate apply for CHSL?
Yes. CHSL's minimum is class 12, so graduates can apply as well.
Is CGL much harder than CHSL?
CGL is harder, especially in maths and English, and has more stages for some posts, but the topics overlap heavily.
Can I prepare for both together?
Yes. Preparing for CGL covers almost all of CHSL.
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