Which is Better: SSC CHSL or SSC CGL?

Staff Selection Commission (SSC) organizes a number of competitive exams annually, and out of these, SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level) and SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) are the most popular. Both exams serve as entry points to government employment, offering good salaries, allowances, and career advancement opportunities. The question many aspirants pose is, however, which is better, SSC CHSL or SSC CGL?

This is determined by various factors, including education level, level of difficulty, job description, compensation, potential for advancement, and personal career aspirations. This blog will give a comprehensive comparison of SSC CHSL and SSC CGL in order to enable aspirants to make the correct decision. Other things that we will investigate include exam pattern, eligibility, salary structure, and growth opportunities.

In addition to preparation, books like SSC CHSL, SSC CGL exam preparation books, and SSC CHSL PYQ book are also useful in practice by the candidates. On the same note, many candidates utilize SSC CGL past year question paper book to get an idea of the exam trends. 

Understanding SSC CHSL and SSC CGL

SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level Exam)

SSC CHSL is conducted for candidates who have completed their Class 12 (10+2). It recruits for posts such as:

• Lower Division Clerk (LDC)

• Data Entry Operator (DEO)

• Postal Assistant/Sorting Assistant (PA/SA)

• Court Clerk

SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level Exam)

SSC CGL is conducted for candidates who have completed graduation in any stream. It recruits for Group B and Group C posts in various ministries and departments such as:

• Assistant Section Officer (ASO)

• Income Tax Inspector (ITI)

• Excise Inspector

• Auditor

• Junior Statistical Officer (JSO)

• Assistant Audit Officer (AAO)

Eligibility Comparison

Analysis: When you are a 12th pass student and want to get a government job opportunity early, SSC CHSL is the right one. But, when you are a graduate or intend to undertake graduation, SSC CGL provides higher level job and enhanced career advancement.

Exam Pattern

Both exams are conducted in tiers, but the difficulty and structure vary.

Key Point: SSC CGL is more difficult as it includes other subjects, such as Statistics and Finance, in particular posts. Aspirants who are studying CGL usually use SSC CGL exam preparation books and the SSC CGL previous year question paper book to tackle the questions of advanced levels. Conversely, CHSL applicants can rely on such resources as the SSC CHSL and the SSC CHSL PYQ book to train for typing and clerical-level questions.

Read More: What is the qualifying marks for SSC CGL exam?

Salary Comparison

Analysis: SSC CGL posts have a higher starting salary and growth compared to SSC CHSL posts. SSC CHSL jobs are entry-level clerical positions, while SSC CGL recruits for officer and inspector-level posts.

Career Growth & Promotions

One of the most crucial factors when comparing SSC CHSL and SSC CGL is promotion scope.

• SSC CHSL: Since these are clerical and data-entry roles, promotions are slower. It may take years to move from LDC to UDC and then to Section Officer.

• SSC CGL: Promotions are faster and more structured. For example, an Income Tax Inspector can be promoted to Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and eventually Commissioner.

Thus, in terms of career growth and prestige, SSC CGL has an edge.

Is SSC CGL tougher than SSC CHSL?

Yes, SSC CGL is more difficult than SSC CHSL. Whereas CHSL has 12 th pass as a prerequisite, CGL has a graduation and is more advanced with more subjects. CGL has more quantitative aptitude and reasoning at higher levels than CHSL. To cope with the advanced level difficulty, aspirants typically study SSC CGL exam preparation books and practice on the SSC CGL previous year question paper book.

Which is better paid exam between SSC CHSL and SSC CGL?

SSC CGL has a higher pay scale in terms of salary. The salary of SSC CHSL is generally between 25000-30000 in the initial years, whereas the salary of SSC CGL is 45000 and may increase significantly with promotion. Moreover, SSC CGL positions are accompanied by the perks and allowances of an officer.

Can a candidate prepare for SSC CHSL and SSC CGL together?

Yes, a candidate can start preparing for both SSC CHSL and SSC CGL since the Tier-I exam syllabus is rather similar to both. Nevertheless, as SSC CGL has other subjects such as Statistics and Finance, in certain posts, applicants need to employ other preparation techniques. In the case of CHSL, books such as SSC CHSL and SSC CHSL PYQ book will be adequate; however, CGL candidates will also need to practice with SSC CGL exam preparation books.

Which exam is better for early entry into a government job?

If you want to enter a government job right after your 12th, SSC CHSL is the better choice. It provides an early opportunity to get a stable clerical job. However, if you can wait until graduation, SSC CGL is better because it offers higher-level posts with better pay and promotions.

Work Profile Differences

Which Exam Should You Choose?

• Choose SSC CHSL if:
  You want to start working early after 12th, need a secure job with less competition, and are comfortable with clerical roles. Preparing with books SSC CHSL and SSC CHSL PYQ book will help you succeed.

• Choose SSC CGL if:
  You want officer-level posts, higher salary, career growth, and prestige. This exam is more competitive, so resources like SSC CGL exam preparation books and SSC CGL previous year question paper book become crucial for success.

Final Verdict

Both SSC CHSL and SSC CGL are excellent opportunities for government job aspirants. The choice between the two depends on your qualification, patience, and career goals.

• If you need a quick entry into government service right after Class 12, SSC CHSL is a good option.

• If you can wait until graduation and aim for higher authority, better salary, and faster promotions, SSC CGL is undoubtedly the better choice.

In short:
👉 SSC CHSL = Early opportunity, clerical jobs, decent salary.
👉 SSC CGL = Officer-level jobs, higher pay, better growth.

For preparation, aspirants commonly use books SSC CHSL, SSC CHSL PYQ book, SSC CGL exam preparation books, and SSC CGL previous year question paper book to build a strong base and practice regularly.