RRB ALP Vs SSC CHSL, Which is the Better Option?

RRB ALP Vs SSC CHSL

RRB ALP Vs SSC CHSL: The Railway Recruitment Board Assistant Loco Pilot (RRB ALP) and the Staff Selection Commission Combined Higher Secondary Level (SSC CHSL) are two prominent government exams, but they cater to different education levels and job roles. RRB ALP is an exam for candidates with an engineering background aiming for technical roles in Indian Railways, while SSC CHSL is designed for intermediate-level candidates seeking clerical positions in various government ministries and departments. This article provides a detailed comparison to help you decide which exam might be the better option for your career.

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SSC CHSL Vs RRB ALP – Eligibility Criteria

  • RRB ALP: Candidates must have a relevant engineering qualification from a government-recognized institution.
  • SSC CHSL: Candidates must have completed their intermediate (10+2) from a recognized board.

Recruitment Process

The recruitment processes for both exams differ in terms of stages and complexity. Below is the detailed breakdown of each.

RRB ALP Selection Process

The RRB ALP selection process consists of three main stages:

  1. CBT Stage 1
  2. CBT Stage 2 (Part A & Part B)
  3. CBAT (Computer-Based Aptitude Test)
  4. Document Verification

CBT Stage 1 Exam Pattern

SubjectsNo. of QuestionsMarks
Maths2020
General Intelligence & Reasoning2525
General Science2020
General Awareness on Current Affairs1010
Total7575
  • Duration: 60 minutes.

CBT Stage 2 Exam Pattern

Part A:

  • Subjects include Maths, Reasoning, Basic Science & Engineering, and Current Affairs.
  • 100 questions in 90 minutes.

Part B:

  • Focus on the Relevant Discipline/Trade.
  • 75 questions in 60 minutes.
  • Part B is qualifying in nature, while Part A determines progression to the next stage.
PartsSubjectsNo. of QuestionsDuration
Part AMaths, Reasoning, Science, Current Affairs10090 minutes
Part BRelevant Trade7560 minutes
Total1752 hours 30 mins

SSC CHSL Selection Process

SSC CHSL follows a two-tier examination process:

Tier 1 Exam Pattern

SubjectsQuestionsTotal Marks
General Awareness2550
General Intelligence2550
Quantitative Aptitude2550
English Language2550
Total100200
  • Duration: 60 minutes.
  • Negative Marking: 0.50 marks per wrong answer.

Tier 2 Exam Pattern

Updated Tier-II Exam Pattern:

SessionSectionModulesNo. of QuestionsMax MarksDuration
ISection-I:Module-I: Mathematical Abilities30601 hour
Module-II: Reasoning & General Intelligence30601 hour
Section-II:Module-I: English Language & Comprehension40601 hour
Module-II: General Awareness2060
Section-III:Module-I: Computer Knowledge154515 minutes
IISection-III: Skill Test/ Typing TestSkill Test for DEOs, Typing Test for LDC/JSA15 minutes
  • Negative Marking: 1 mark for each wrong answer.

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RRB ALP or SSC CHSL – Salary and Job Profile

Let’s now take a look at the salary and job profile of both RRB ALP and SSC CHSL posts.

RRB ALP Job Profile

The job responsibilities of an Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) include:

  • Assisting the Loco Driver in operating and maintaining the locomotive.
  • Monitoring the efficiency of the train’s performance.
  • Ensuring punctuality, safety, and security during the journey.
  • Noticing track defects and repairing minor issues with the locomotive.

Salary

ParticularsDetails
Grade Pay₹1900
Basic Pay₹19,900
Total (including allowances)₹35,000 – ₹40,000 approx.

SSC CHSL Job Profile

Candidates selected through SSC CHSL work in clerical positions in various government departments. Key duties include:

  • Data entry and maintaining records.
  • Assisting in administrative tasks.
  • Processing official documents and correspondence.

Salary

ParticularsDetails
Grade Pay₹2400
Basic Pay₹25,500
Total (including allowances)₹30,000 – ₹35,000 approx.

Conclusion

Both RRB ALP and SSC CHSL offer excellent opportunities for government job aspirants, but the choice largely depends on your educational background and career interests. RRB ALP is ideal for those with an engineering background and a preference for technical roles, while SSC CHSL is better suited for intermediate-level candidates aiming for clerical positions.

RRB ALP Vs SSC CHSL – FAQs

What is the key difference between RRB ALP and SSC CHSL exams?

RRB ALP recruits Assistant Loco Pilots with a technical background, while SSC CHSL recruits clerical staff with 10+2 qualifications.

Which exam is easier, RRB ALP or SSC CHSL?

SSC CHSL is generally easier as it requires basic qualifications, while RRB ALP involves technical knowledge.

What are the eligibility criteria for RRB ALP?

RRB ALP requires a technical diploma or engineering degree.

What are the eligibility criteria for SSC CHSL?

SSC CHSL requires 10+2 from a recognized board.

Which exam offers a better salary package, RRB ALP or SSC CHSL?

RRB ALP offers a higher starting salary, around Rs. 19,900, while SSC CHSL starts around Rs. 17,000.

What is the selection process for RRB ALP?

RRB ALP involves CBT Stage 1, Stage 2, CBAT, and document verification.

What is the selection process for SSC CHSL?

SSC CHSL involves Tier 1 (objective), Tier 2 (descriptive), and a Skill/Typing Test.

Which job offers better career growth, RRB ALP or SSC CHSL?

RRB ALP offers technical promotions, while SSC CHSL offers growth through departmental promotions.

Is there a negative marking in RRB ALP and SSC CHSL?

Yes, RRB ALP has 1/3rd negative marking, and SSC CHSL deducts 0.50 marks for wrong answers.

Which exam is better for candidates with a technical background?

RRB ALP is better for technical candidates, while SSC CHSL suits general qualification holders.



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