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SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL – What’s the Difference in Syllabus & Difficulty?

SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL – What’s the Difference in Syllabus & Difficulty? CGL is tougher, with advanced maths and reasoning, while CHSL has easier topics. CGL targets graduates; CHSL is for 12th passouts.
authorImageSwati Kumar23 Aug, 2025
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SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL – What’s the Difference in Syllabus & Difficulty?

SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL  – What’s the Difference in Syllabus & Difficulty: Candidates interested in SSC CHSL and CGL must have a dwelling question about the syllabus and the types of questions asked in these exams. SSC CHSL is centred around class 12th passouts compared to SSC, which targets graduates. 

The SSC CHSL syllabus is focused on general concepts of English, quantitative aptitude, general awareness, and reasoning. Contrary to this, SSC  has a more challenging syllabus including advanced quantitative aptitude, reasoning, statistics, and comprehension skills. Based on the syllabus, the questions have different levels.

SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL: What Sets Them Apart?

SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) and SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level) are both conducted by the Staff Selection Commission for different government posts. SSC CGL caters to graduates, offering them higher-level administrative positions with a better pay scale. In contrast, SSC CHSL is focused on 12th passouts, providing them entry-level roles such as Lower Division Clerk and Data Entry Operator.

Catering to diverse career aspirants, both exams have different exam patterns, syllabi, and difficulty levels. 

Comparing Exam Patterns: SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL

SSC CGL and SSC CHSL exam patterns differ primarily in the number of tiers, duration, and complexity. While SSC CGL includes objective, descriptive, and skill tests, SSC CHSL includes objective tests and a typing or skill test. The comparative analysis is presented below. 

Comparing Exam Patterns: SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL
Tier SSC CGL  SSC CHSL 
Tier I

Objective in Nature

Subjects: 

  1. General Intelligence & Reasoning
  2. General Awareness
  3. Quantitative Aptitude
  4. English Language

Objective in Nature

Subjects:

  1. General Intelligence
  2. General Awareness
  3. Quantitative Aptitude
  4.  English Language
Tier II

Objective in Nature

Subjects: 

  1. General Intelligence & Reasoning
  2. General Awareness
  3. Quantitative Aptitude
  4. English Language
  1. The paper is Descriptive in Nature
  2. Subjects: Writing an Essay or a Letter/ Application
Tier III
  1. The paper is Descriptive in Nature
  2. Subjects: Writing an Essay or a Letter/ Application
  1. Skill Test/Typing Test
  2. Subjects: To test Computer proficiency and data entry speed
Tier IV Computer Proficiency and Data Entry Speed Test There is No Tier IV in SSC CHSL.
Exam Duration 
  • Tier-I: 60 minutes
  • Tier-II: 120 minutes for each paper
  • Tier-III: 60 minutes
  • Tier-I: 60 minutes
  • Tier-II: 60 minutes
  • Tier-III: 15 minutes
No. of Questions 
  • Tier-I: 100 questions
  • Tier-II: 500 questions
  • Tier-III: 1 question
  • Tier-I: 100 questions
  • Tier-II: 100 questions
  • Tier III: 2000-2200 key depressions
Types of questions
  • Tier-I & Tier-II: MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)
  • Tier-III: Descriptive
  • Tier-I: MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)
  • Tier-II: Descriptive
  • Tier-III: Data Entry Test
Total marks
  • Tier-I: 200 marks
  • Tier-II: 800 marks
  • Tier-III: 100 marks
  • Tier-I: 200 marks
  • Tier-II: 100 marks
  • Tier-III: 8000 Key Depressions 
Language of Exam Tier-I, Tier-II, Tier-III- Bilingual (English and Hindi) Tier-I, Tier-II -Bilingual (English and Hindi)

SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL Eligibility Criteria

SSC CGL requires candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. In contrast, SSC CHSL is open to candidates who have completed their 12th standard. Check out the given table to get an overview of the differences between the eligibility criteria of both SSC CGL and SSC CHSL. 

SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL: Comparing Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility SSC CGL  SSC CHSL 
Age Limit Between 18 to 32 years Between 18 and 27 years old.
Educational Qualification Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. A 12th-grade pass or equivalent from a recognized Board or University

SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL: What’s the Difference in Syllabus?

Even though SSC CHSL and SSC CGL exams share some common subjects like General Intelligence, English, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness, their syllabus and difficulty levels vary significantly. SSC CHSL syllabus focuses more on basic arithmetic and general knowledge. On the other hand, SSC CGL meant for graduates, has a more extensive and challenging syllabus. 

Since the syllabus for General Awareness and General Intelligence & Reasoning is almost similar in both exams, the following table highlights the syllabus differences in Qualitative Aptitude and English subjects. 

SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL: Key Differences in Syllabus
Subject Name SSC CHSL CGL
Quantitative Aptitude
  • Number System
  • Square Root
  • Fractions and Decimals
  • Number Series
  • Data Interpretation
  • Time and Distance
  • Work and Time
  • Profit and Loss
  • Mixture and Alligations
  • Pipes & Cisterns
  • Simple and Compound Interest
  • Ratio and Proportion
  • Percentage
  • Average
  • Probability
  • Permutation and Combination
  • Frequency Polygon
  • Histogram
  • Pie-Chart
  • Bar Diagram
  • Basic Algebraic Identities of School Algebra & Elementary Surds
  • Graphs of Linear Equations
  • Triangle and its various kinds of centres
  • Congruence and similarity of triangles
  • Circle and its chords, tangents
  • Angles subtended by chords of a circle
  • Common tangents to two or more circles
  •  Triangle
  • Quadrilaterals
  • Regular Polygons
  • Circle
  • Right Prism
  • Right Circular Cone
  • Cylinder
  • Right Circular Cylinder
  • Sphere
  • Regular Right Pyramid with Triangular base or Square base
  • Rectangular Parallelepiped
  • Two-dimensional (2D) and Three-dimensional (3D) Mensuration
  • Trigonometric ratio
  • Degree and Radian Measures
  • Standard Identities
  • Complementary angles.
  • Standard Identities
  • Heights and Distances
  • Computation of Whole Number, Decimal and Fractions
  • Relationship between numbers.
  • Percentages
  • Ratio and Proportion,
  • Square roots,
  • Average, Interest (Simple and Compound),
  • Profit and Loss,
  • Discount,
  • Partnership,
  • Business, 
  • Mixture and Alligation,
  •  Time and distance, 
  • Time and work,
  • Basic Algebraic Identities of School Algebra & Elementary Surds,
  • Graphs of Linear Equations 
  • Triangle and its various kinds of centres,
  • Congruence and similarity of triangles, 
  • Circle and its chords,
  • Tangents, 
  • Angles subtended by chords of a circle, 
  • Common tangents to two or more circles.
  • Triangle, Quadrilaterals, 
  • Regular Polygons, 
  • Circle Right Prism, 
  • Right Circular Cone, 
  • Right Circular Cylinder, 
  • Sphere, Hemispheres, 
  • Rectangular Parallelepiped, 
  • Regular Right 
  • Pyramid with triangular or square Base
  • Trigonometry, 
  • Trigonometric ratios, Complementary angles,
  •  Height and distances (simple problems only),
  • Use of Tables and Graphs
  • Histogram
  • Frequency
  • Polygon
  • Bar-diagram
  • Pie-chart
English 
  • Synonyms & Antonyms 
  • One Word Substitution
  • Spelling error
  • Comprehension passages
  • Spot the Error
  • Fill in the Blanks 
  • Synonyms/ Homonyms Antonyms
  • Spellings/ Detecting misspelt words
  • Idioms & Phrases
  • One-word substitution
  • Improvement of Sentences 
  • Active/ Passive 
  • Voice of Verbs 
  • Conversion into Direct/ Indirect narration 
  • Shuffling of Sentence parts

SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL: What’s the Difference in Difficulty Level of Exam?

SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL  difficulty level varies significantly based on the target audience and level of eligibility. SSC CHSL is comparatively easier than CGL, since it is designed for candidates with a 12th-grade education with focus on basic mathematical concepts. However, SSC CGL is more challenging with descriptive and skill tests adding to its complexity. 

SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL  difficulty level is highlighted below in the following table for your ease. 

SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL: What’s the Difference in the Difficulty Level
Parameter SSC CGL SSC CHSL
Question Level Graduate level  Class 12th level
Difficulty Level Easy to Moderate Comparatively higher
Stages of Exam Held in 4 Stages: 
  • Tier I- Objective Test 
  • Tier II – Objective Test
  • Tier III – Descriptive Test
  • Tier IV – Computer Proficiency Test
Held in 3 Levels: 
  • Tier I- Objective Test
  • Tier II – Descriptive Test
  • Tier III – Computer Skil/Typing Test
Past Trends Approximately 5.97 lakh candidates registered for the SSC CGL exam in 2018, and about 8.34 lakh actually took the test. Approximately 5.97 lakh candidates registered for the SSC CGL exam in 2018, and about 8.34 lakh actually took the test.
Quantitative Aptitude Basic Arithmetic Concepts  Advanced topics with applications

Government Job Profiles: How SSC CGL Differs from SSC CHSL?

SSC CHSL focuses on clerical and support roles such as Lower Division Clerk and Data Entry Operator, while SSC CGL offers higher-level administrative and officer positions with greater responsibilities

SSC CGL provides broader career growth and higher salary prospects compared to the more entry-level, but stable, opportunities in SSC CHSL. Get insights into the job profiles offered through these exams. 

Government Job Profiles: How SSC CGL Differs from SSC CHSL?
SSC CGL  SSC CHSL 
  • Assistant Accounts Officers
  • Junior Engineers
  • Income Tax and Central Excise Inspector
  • Tax Assistant
  • Auditor
  • Accountant
  • CBI and NIA Sub Inspector
  • Assistant Section Officer in various departments of the Government
  • Lower Divisional Clerk or Junior Secretariat Assistant
  • Data Entry Operators
  • Postal Assistant or Sorting Assistant

SSC CHSL vs SSC CGL Salary Comparison

SSC CGL provides a higher salary package and better growth prospects compared to the relatively moderate but stable salaries offered in SSC CHSL. Depending on the pay levels and position, the salary structure varies for both exams. Here is a comparative analysis of the SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL salaries. 

SSC CHSL vs SSC CGL: Salary Comparison
Aspects SSC CGL  SSC CHSL 
Grade Pay Ranges from Rs 2,400 to 4,800.  Ranges from Rs 1,900 to 2,400 for various posts.
Starting Monthly Salary Rs. 25,500 to Rs. 1,51,100  Rs. 19,00 to Rs. 92,300.

SSC CHSL and SSC CGL exams are designed for candidates with different educational qualifications and career ambitions. The exams have different formats and challenges, aligned with the specific job roles they lead to. When deciding which exam to take, candidates should keep in mind their education, abilities, and future career plans to choose the right path and prepare in the best way possible for success.

Other Links Related to SSC 2025 
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern SSC CGL Syllabus
SSC CHSL Eligibility Criteria 2025  SSC CGL Eligibility Criteria
SSC CHSL Previous Year Question Papers SSC CGL Previous Year Question Papers

SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL - What is the Difference in Syllabus & Difficulty? FAQs

What subjects are included in both the SSC CHSL and CGL syllabi?

Both CGL and SSC CHSL comprise General Intelligence, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness, but the depth varies.

Which exam is considered more difficult?

SSC CGL is comparatively tougher due to more complex questions and higher analytical requirements.

Does SSC CGL require graduate-level knowledge?

Yes, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree to appear for the SSC CGL exam.

Is the quantitative aptitude syllabus different for both SSC CGL and CHSL?

Yes, SSC CGL includes advanced topics like algebra, trigonometry, and data interpretation beyond SSC CHSL’s basic arithmetic.
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