SSC CGL vs SSC JE — Which is Better, Tougher, Salary, and Syllabus Comparison (2025)
Many aspirants preparing for government jobs often wonder SSC CGL vs SSC JE — which is better, which exam is tougher, and who gets a higher salary. In this post, we’ll make a complete and easy comparison between SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) and SSC JE (Junior Engineer) based on eligibility, difficulty, promotion, salary, job profile, and syllabus.
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Overview — SSC CGL vs SSC JE
| Feature | SSC CGL | SSC JE |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Combined Graduate Level Examination | Junior Engineer Examination |
| Conducted By | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Eligibility | Any Graduate | Diploma / Degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical) |
| Nature of Job | Administrative and Clerical | Technical (Engineering-related) |
| Departments | Income Tax, Customs, CBI, MEA, Railways, etc. | CPWD, MES, BRO, Central Water Commission, etc. |
| Exam Level | Graduate level | Engineering level |
Which is Better — SSC CGL or SSC JE?
If you have a technical background (Engineering), SSC JE is the perfect choice because it allows you to work as an Engineer in Central Government departments. But if you’re a graduate from any stream and want an administrative or desk job with faster promotion and variety, SSC CGL is better.
- For Engineers: Choose SSC JE.
- For Non-Engineers: Choose SSC CGL.
- For Growth and Promotion: SSC CGL offers faster upward mobility.
- For Job Stability and Fixed Working Hours: SSC JE is more stable.
SSC JE vs SSC CGL — Which is Tough?
The difficulty level depends on your background:
- For an engineering graduate, SSC JE is moderately tough because the syllabus is purely technical (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical).
- SSC CGL is tougher in terms of competition and cut-off because lakhs of candidates from every stream appear.
Verdict: SSC CGL is tougher overall due to high competition and multi-tier selection process (Tier 1 to Tier 4).
SSC JE vs SSC CGL Salary Comparison (2025)
| Post | Pay Level | Basic Pay | Approx. Salary (per month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC JE | Level 6 | ₹35,400 | ₹55,000 – ₹70,000 |
| SSC CGL (Assistant Section Officer, Income Tax Inspector, etc.) | Level 7 to 8 | ₹44,900 – ₹47,600 | ₹70,000 – ₹90,000 |
Conclusion: SSC CGL offers a slightly higher salary range and faster promotions compared to SSC JE.
RRB JE vs SSC CGL — Which is Tougher?
Many aspirants also compare RRB JE vs SSC CGL. While both are reputed exams:
- RRB JE is focused on Railway engineering jobs and involves technical papers.
- SSC CGL involves reasoning, English, math, and general studies.
RRB JE is easier in competition, but SSC CGL is tougher due to its vast syllabus and higher cut-off.
SSC JE vs SSC CGL Syllabus
| Section | SSC JE | SSC CGL |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence | Yes | Yes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Yes | Yes |
| English Language | Moderate | Difficult |
| Technical Section | Engineering (Civil/Mech/Electrical) | No |
| General Awareness | Yes | Yes |
Promotion and Career Growth
- SSC JE: Junior Engineer → Assistant Engineer → Executive Engineer → Superintendent Engineer
- SSC CGL: Assistant → Inspector / Officer → Deputy Director → Under Secretary / Joint Secretary (after years)
SSC CGL has higher ceiling in promotion and status, while SSC JE offers a stable and technical career.
Which Exam Should You Choose?
Choose SSC CGL if you want administrative roles, high salary, and promotions. Choose SSC JE if you love technical work, engineering, and field-related tasks.
Final Verdict — SSC CGL vs SSC JE
| Criteria | SSC CGL | SSC JE |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Any Graduate | Engineering Diploma / Degree |
| Job Type | Administrative / Desk | Technical / Field |
| Salary | ₹70,000 – ₹90,000 | ₹55,000 – ₹70,000 |
| Toughness | High (due to competition) | Moderate (subject-focused) |
| Promotion Speed | Faster | Slower |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. SSC CGL vs SSC JE — Which is better?
A: If you want higher status, salary, and promotion, SSC CGL is better. If you’re an engineer, SSC JE suits your profile.
Q2. SSC JE vs SSC CGL — Which is tough?
A: SSC CGL is tougher overall due to large competition. SSC JE is technically tough but with lower competition.
Q3. SSC JE vs SSC CGL Salary?
A: SSC CGL officers earn ₹70,000–₹90,000 per month; SSC JE earns ₹55,000–₹70,000 per month.
Q4. RRB JE vs SSC CGL — Which is tough?
A: RRB JE is easier compared to SSC CGL in terms of cut-off and competition.
Q5. SSC JE vs SSC CGL Syllabus difference?
A: SSC JE includes technical engineering subjects; SSC CGL focuses on math, reasoning, English, and GK.
Conclusion
Both SSC CGL and SSC JE are prestigious central government exams. Choose based on your educational background and career goals — SSC CGL for administrative power and promotions, SSC JE for a technical, stable government career.