SSC CHSL vs SSC CGL: What’s the Real Difference?

If you're planning to apply for government jobs through SSC, you’ve probably come across two major exams: SSC CHSL and SSC CGL. Both are popular and conducted by the Staff Selection Commission, but they serve different purposes. The jobs, salaries, qualifications, and even the work environments vary.

This blog compares SSC CHSL and SSC CGL in a direct and clear way. No complicated terms. Just facts that matter if you’re trying to figure out which one suits you better.

What Do CHSL and CGL Stand For?

• SSC CHSL: Combined Higher Secondary Level
• SSC CGL: Combined Graduate Level

The names already hint at one major difference:

CHSL is for those who have passed Class 12, while CGL is for graduates.

Basic Eligibility

If you haven’t completed graduation, CHSL is your only option. If you’ve already graduated, you can apply for both.

Exam Structure

SSC CHSL

• Tier 1: Objective (online) – English, Reasoning, Maths, GK
• Tier 2: Objective (online) – More detailed version of Tier 1
• Typing Test: Only for certain posts

SSC CGL

• Tier 1: Objective (online) – Similar to CHSL
• Tier 2: Objective (online) – Includes Quant, English, Reasoning, and sometimes Stats & Finance
• Skill Test: Required for specific jobs

Key Point: CGL Tier 2 is tougher and more technical. It also has additional papers based on the post you choose.

Job Posts Offered

SSC CHSL Jobs

CHSL jobs are mostly clerical or data-related. Some examples:

• Lower Division Clerk (LDC)
• Data Entry Operator (DEO)
• Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant
• Court Clerk

These are Group C posts, usually support roles in offices.

SSC CGL Jobs

CGL offers a wider range of posts, including both Group B and C. Some popular ones:

• Income Tax Inspector
• Assistant Section Officer (ASO)
• Sub-Inspector (CBI, NIA)
• Auditor (CAG, CGDA)
• Junior Statistical Officer
• Assistant Enforcement Officer
• Accountant / Junior Accountant

These roles come with more authority, responsibilities, and sometimes fieldwork or investigation duties.

Salary Comparison

CHSL Salary (approx. starting in-hand)

• LDC/DEO: ₹25,000 – ₹35,000
• Postal Assistant: ₹30,000 – ₹40,000

CGL Salary (approx. starting in-hand)

• Inspectors/ASO: ₹45,000 – ₹60,000
• Auditors/Accountants: ₹40,000 – ₹50,000
• Group B Posts: Higher pay and allowances

CGL jobs generally have higher salaries due to the post level and grade pay. Promotions are also faster in some CGL departments.

Work Environment and Role

• CHSL jobs are mostly desk-based. You handle files, data entry, basic clerical tasks. It’s a steady 9 to 5 job in most cases.
• CGL jobs can be more demanding. Some posts are desk jobs, but others involve audits, inspections, legal processing, or intelligence work. Departments like CBI or ED may require fieldwork, investigation, and even travel.

So, if you want a simple, low-pressure job, CHSL may suit you. If you’re looking for career growth, responsibility, or a dynamic work setting, CGL is better.

Promotion and Growth

CHSL

• Slower promotion
• Takes 5–10 years to reach higher positions
• Growth depends on department and internal exams

CGL

• Faster promotion in many departments
• Many officers reach Group A level in 10–12 years
• More chances for foreign postings, deputation, or administrative roles

That said, promotions in both depend on vacancies and departmental exams. But CGL definitely offers more upward movement.

Exam Difficulty

• CHSL is considered easier. The level of questions is closer to Class 10 or 12 level.
• CGL is more competitive. The paper includes higher-level Maths, English comprehension, and Logical Reasoning.

CGL also sees more applicants from engineering and science backgrounds, which raises the difficulty level.

Competition Level

Even though more people apply for CHSL, CGL has stricter filtering and fewer people making it to higher rounds.

Posting Locations

• CHSL jobs often lead to postings in regional or local offices. Chances of being posted near your home state may be higher.
• CGL jobs are usually in central departments. You might get posted anywhere in India, especially for jobs in intelligence, audit, or tax departments.

If location matters a lot to you, look at the post preferences carefully during application.

Which Exam Should You Choose?

Here’s a simple way to decide:

If you’re eligible for both, and don’t mind preparing harder, go for CGL. You can still apply for CHSL as a backup.

Both exams open doors to stable government jobs. The choice depends on your qualification, goals, and preparation level. SSC CHSL suits those who want to enter the job market early and prefer simple office roles. SSC CGL fits those who aim for better salary, growth, and more serious responsibilities.

Don’t get confused by the hype online. Be clear about what kind of job you want and what you're ready to prepare for. Whichever exam you choose, regular study and practice matter more than anything else.

Rahul Sihan

Rahul Sihan is a staff writer at Sarjobs.in, covering government job alerts, exam schedules, and recruitment news from across India. Known for his attention to detail, Rahul ensures that every update is accurate and easy to understand. He regularly shares information about application deadlines, eligibility rules, admit cards, and results for central and state-level vacancies. With a clear and practical writing approach, he helps job seekers stay updated without missing important changes. Rahul’s focus remains on providing useful and trustworthy content to support aspirants preparing for a career in the government sector. View more...