SSC CGL vs UPSC — Which is Tougher, Better Career, Salary, Syllabus & Key Differences (India 2025)
If you are confused about whether to prepare for SSC CGL or UPSC, and wondering which is tougher, better career option, or has higher salary — this post covers everything in a detailed comparison format.
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Overview of SSC CGL and UPSC
SSC CGL (Staff Selection Commission - Combined Graduate Level Exam) recruits for Group B and Group C central government posts such as Income Tax Officer, Assistant Section Officer, Examiner, and CBI Sub-Inspector.
UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) to recruit for prestigious posts like IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS — the top administrative ranks of India.
SSC CGL vs UPSC — Key Difference Table
| Criteria | SSC CGL | UPSC (Civil Services Exam) |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Level of Exam | Graduate-level (Non-Gazetted & Gazetted B) | Graduate-level (All India Civil Services) |
| Posts Offered | AAO, ASO, Income Tax Officer, CBI SI, etc. | IAS, IPS, IRS, IFS, etc. |
| Exam Stages | Tier 1, Tier 2, Document Verification | Prelims, Mains, Interview |
| Competition Level | Moderate | Extremely High |
| Average Preparation Time | 6–10 months | 1.5–3 years |
| Type of Job | Stable, administrative, departmental | Policy-making, administrative, elite services |
SSC CGL vs UPSC — Which is Tougher?
According to most aspirants and experts on Quora and Reddit, UPSC is much tougher than SSC CGL. UPSC covers a wider syllabus, has three stages, and demands deep understanding of current affairs, optional subjects, and essay writing. On the other hand, SSC CGL focuses more on aptitude, reasoning, and English.
Difficulty Comparison
- UPSC: Analytical, conceptual, and knowledge-based.
- SSC CGL: Objective, speed-based, and test of accuracy.
SSC CGL vs UPSC Salary Comparison (2025)
| Post | Pay Level | Basic Pay | Approx. Salary (per month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC CGL Group B (ASO/ITO) | Level 7–8 | ₹44,900 – ₹47,600 | ₹70,000 – ₹90,000 |
| UPSC IAS Officer | Level 10–18 | ₹56,100 – ₹2,25,000 | ₹85,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
| UPSC IPS Officer | Level 10–18 | ₹56,100 – ₹2,25,000 | ₹80,000 – ₹2,40,000 |
Conclusion: UPSC officers (IAS/IPS) earn more and get higher perks, but SSC CGL jobs offer stability and work-life balance.
SSC CGL vs UPSC Syllabus Comparison
| Subject Area | SSC CGL | UPSC CSE |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies | Basic GK, Polity, Economy, Geography | Detailed GS (History, Polity, Economy, Environment, etc.) |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Yes (High Weightage) | Minimal (Only in CSAT) |
| English Language | Grammar, Comprehension | Advanced writing, comprehension, essay |
| Optional Subject | No | Yes (one full paper in mains) |
| Interview | No (only document verification) | Personality Test (275 marks) |
SSC CGL vs UPSC EPFO — Which is Tough?
UPSC EPFO (Enforcement Officer/Accounts Officer) is tougher than SSC CGL due to conceptual questions from Labour Laws, Indian Economy, and Governance. However, its syllabus is smaller than the full UPSC CSE.
Which is Better — SSC CGL or UPSC?
- If you want prestige, power, and top administration roles → Choose UPSC.
- If you prefer job security, faster recruitment, and good salary → Go for SSC CGL.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: SSC CGL vs UPSC — Which is tough according to Quora?
A: Most users on Quora agree that UPSC is far tougher due to its vast syllabus and high competition ratio.
Q2: SSC CGL vs UPSC salary difference?
A: UPSC officers earn around ₹85,000–₹2,25,000 per month, while SSC CGL officers earn ₹70,000–₹90,000 on average.
Q3: SSC CGL vs UPSC syllabus difference?
A: SSC focuses on aptitude and GK; UPSC includes optional papers, essay, and detailed General Studies.
Q4: Which has better promotion and power?
A: UPSC officers (IAS, IPS) get faster promotions and higher authority compared to SSC CGL officers.
Q5: Which exam gives faster posting?
A: SSC CGL results and joining come faster — within 1 year of exam completion. UPSC takes around 1.5–2 years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, UPSC is tougher but more rewarding with higher power and prestige, while SSC CGL is easier to crack and provides stability. Choose UPSC if you dream of becoming an IAS or IPS officer, or SSC CGL if you prefer a balanced central government job with good salary and security.