SSC CHSL vs SSC CGL — Which is Tougher? Salary, Syllabus, and Full Comparison (2025)
If you’re confused between SSC CHSL and SSC CGL and want to know which exam is tougher, which has higher salary, or which is better for you — this article explains all key differences between the two exams conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC).
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SSC CHSL vs SSC CGL — Overview
| Particulars | SSC CHSL | SSC CGL |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Combined Higher Secondary Level | Combined Graduate Level |
| Eligibility | 12th Pass (Higher Secondary) | Graduation in any discipline |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Difficulty | Moderate | High |
| Posts Offered | LDC, DEO, Postal Assistant, Sorting Assistant | Inspector, Assistant, Auditor, Income Tax Officer, etc. |
| Salary Range | ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 / month | ₹45,000 – ₹1,20,000 / month |
| Promotion Scope | Moderate | Excellent (Group B & C Gazetted posts) |
Which is Tough — SSC CHSL or SSC CGL?
SSC CGL is tougher than SSC CHSL because it demands a higher level of knowledge, reasoning, and numerical ability. CGL candidates compete for higher Group B & C posts that require graduation, while CHSL recruits for clerical roles.
- SSC CHSL tests basic 12th-level aptitude and English.
- SSC CGL tests graduate-level Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and Advanced English.
So, if you’re a graduate aiming for a stable and reputed central government job, SSC CGL is more challenging but offers better career growth and salary.
SSC CHSL vs SSC CGL — Syllabus Comparison (2025)
| Subject | SSC CHSL Syllabus | SSC CGL Syllabus |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence / Reasoning | Basic puzzles, analogy, classification, series | Advanced logical reasoning, coding-decoding, data sufficiency |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Arithmetic: ratio, percentage, profit & loss, time-speed-distance | Arithmetic + Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration |
| English Language | Grammar, comprehension, synonyms-antonyms | Grammar, advanced vocabulary, reading comprehension, cloze test |
| General Awareness | Static GK, current affairs, polity, geography | More in-depth GK, economics, current events, and polity |
SSC CHSL vs SSC CGL Salary (2025)
| Post | Pay Level | Basic Pay | Approx. In-Hand Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC CHSL (LDC / JSA) | Level 2 | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 | ₹25,000 – ₹35,000 |
| SSC CHSL (DEO / PA) | Level 4 / 5 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 | ₹30,000 – ₹45,000 |
| SSC CGL (Auditor / Assistant) | Level 6 / 7 | ₹35,400 – ₹44,900 | ₹55,000 – ₹75,000 |
| SSC CGL (Inspector / AAO / Income Tax Officer) | Level 8 / 9 | ₹47,600 – ₹53,100 | ₹80,000 – ₹1,20,000 |
Verdict: SSC CGL offers nearly double the salary of SSC CHSL, with better perks, promotions, and departmental growth.
SSC CHSL vs SSC CGL — Job Profiles
- SSC CHSL Jobs: Clerk, Data Entry Operator, Postal Assistant, Sorting Assistant
- SSC CGL Jobs: Income Tax Officer, Assistant Section Officer, Examiner, Auditor, Inspector
SSC CGL officers handle file work, audit, investigation, and administrative tasks in central ministries — whereas CHSL employees perform clerical and typing-related work.
Which Exam Should You Choose?
If you are a 12th pass candidate looking to enter government service early, start with SSC CHSL. If you are a graduate seeking higher salary, reputation, and career growth, go for SSC CGL.
Quick Comparison Summary
| Criteria | SSC CHSL | SSC CGL |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Level | Intermediate | Graduate |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Tough |
| Salary | ₹25k–₹40k | ₹55k–₹1.2L+ |
| Promotion Scope | Slow | High |
| Prestige & Role | Clerical / Support | Officer / Executive |
Conclusion
In short, SSC CGL is tougher than SSC CHSL but provides higher salary, status, and faster career progression. CHSL is ideal for beginners (12th pass), while CGL is the goal for graduates seeking officer-level central government posts. Both exams are prestigious and serve as strong entry points into India’s government sector.