Aspirants taking the SSC CGL Exam should be aware of the numerous tasks and duties as well as the comprehensive job description of the position they are looking for. In order to correctly organise their study plan, aspirants studying for the SSC Combined Graduate Level Exam (CGL) should be conversant with the curriculum. Employees of the SSC CGL are paid differently according to the position they have. Here we provide a comparison between SSC CGL ASO vs SSC CGL AAO positions.
SSC CGL ASO vs SSC CGL AAO
Through the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Exam, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) offers one of the most prestigious positions. Assistant Section Officer (ASO), formerly known as Assistant in the Central Secretariat Service, is one of the most popular jobs (CSS). An ASO reports to a Section Officer, who is in charge of the section. A section is the lowest unit in the Indian government. CSS is the backbone of administrative operations in India’s central government, providing permanent bureaucracy and functionary workers. Another way to become a Gazetted Officer in the Government of India is to work as an Assistant Account Officer(AAO). It’s one of just two Gazetted officer positions available via the SSC CGL test.
SSC CGL ASO vs SSC CGL AAO (Accounts) Eligibility Criteria
When preparing for the SSC CGL exam, candidates often compare the SSC CGL Eligibility criteria for different posts to determine which positions they qualify for. Two such popular posts under SSC CGL are Assistant Section Officer (ASO) and Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO). While both offer prestigious career opportunities in various ministries and departments, their eligibility requirements particularly in terms of age and educational qualifications differ. The table below provides a detailed comparison of the SSC CGL ASO vs SSC CGL AAO eligibility criteria to help aspirants make an informed decision.
| Criteria | Assistant Section Officer (ASO) | Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO) |
| Nationality | – Citizen of India- Subject of Nepal or Bhutan- Tibetan refugee (came before 1st Jan 1962)- PIO from select countries intending permanent settlement in India | – Same eligibility as ASO |
| Age Limit | – 20 to 30 years- Born between 1st Feb 1991 and 1st Jan 2001 (approx.)- Age relaxation applicable | – Not exceeding 30 years- Born between 2nd Jan 1992 and 1st Jan 2004 (approx.)- Age relaxation applicable |
| Age Relaxation | – OBC: 3 years- SC/ST: 5 years- PwD (Gen): 10 years- PwD + OBC: 13 years- PwD + SC/ST: 15 years- Ex-Servicemen: 3 years (after service)- Defence personnel disabled in duty: 3–8 years (based on category) | – Same as ASO |
| Educational Qualification | – Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university | – Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university- Desirable: CA, CMA, CS, M.Com, MBA (Finance), Master’s in Business Studies/Economics |
SSC CGL ASO vs SSC CGL AAO (Accounts) Vacancy
From 2014 forward, the following table shows the total number of SSC CGL Vacancies available for various categories in the SSC CGL Exam. Before applying for the SSC CGL 2025, candidates should look at the table below to see the average vacancy.
| Year | Vacancy | Download Link |
| 2024 -25 | 18,236 | Download PDF |
| 2023 | 7,859 | Download PDF |
| 2022 | 36,001 | Download PDF |
| 2021 | 7,621 | Download PDF |
| 2020 | 7,108 | Download PDF |
| 2019 | 8,428 | Download PDF |
| 2018 | 12,613 | Download PDF |
| 2017 | 8,121 | Download PDF |
| 2016 | 10,661 | Download PDF |
| 2015 | 8,561 | Download PDF |
| 2014 | 17,166 | Download PDF |
SSC CGL ASO vs SSC CGL AAO (Accounts) Vacancy of the previous year
The list of vacant jobs is published in the SSC CGL announcement, along with a breakdown of vacancies by category and post. The openings for 2025 will be revealed shortly. The table below will assist candidates in understanding the departments and postings.
| Post | Department | UR | EWS | OBC | SC | ST | Total | ESM | Pwd |
| Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO) | Indian Audit & Accounts Dept (C&AG) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Assistant Section Officer (ASO) | Central Secretariat Service (DoPT) | 69 | 8 | 51 | 13 | 10 | 151 | 0 | 6 |
| Assistant Section Officer (ASO) | Intelligence Bureau | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 1 |
| Assistant Section Officer (ASO) | Ministry of External Affairs | 38 | 8 | 24 | 13 | 6 | 89 | 0 | 4 |
| Assistant Section Officer (ASO) | AFHQ (Ministry of Defence) | 36 | 8 | 20 | 15 | 9 | 88 | 0 | 4 |
| Assistant Section Officer (ASO) | Other Ministries & Orgs* | 8 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 20 | 0 | 1 |
SSC CGL ASO vs SSC CGL AAO (Accounts) Salary
The SSC CGL Salary scale for an Assistant Section Officer in several departments is shown in the table below.
| DEPARTMENT/MINISTRY | PAY BAND | PAY GRADE |
| Intelligence Bureau (IB) | Rs.9300- Rs.34800 | Rs.4600 |
| Central Secretariat Service (CSS) | Rs.9300- Rs.34800 | Rs.4600 |
| Ministry of Railway | Rs.9300- Rs.34800 | Rs.4600 |
| Ministry of External Affairs | Rs.9300- Rs.34800 | Rs.4600 |
| Other Organizations/Departments/Ministries | Rs.9300- Rs.34800 | Rs.4600 |
| Armed Forces Headquarters (AFHQ) | Rs.9300- Rs.34800 | Rs.4600 |
The job’s greatest benefit is the ease with which it may be completed. Workplace stress is manageable, and you get numerous vacation days. Furthermore, the working hours are convenient. You will work a set shift from 9 AM to 5 PM There are no prospects of a move because the headquarters are in Delhi. You will only be assigned to the capital.
Aside from a competitive salary, an Assistant Section Officer in one of the aforementioned departments is also entitled to the following benefits:
| ALLOWANCES BASIC | CATEGORY X | CATEGORY Y | CATEGORY Z |
| Basic | 44900 | 44900 | 44900 |
| Dearness Allowance | 13919 | 13919 | 13919 |
| Transport Allowance | 3600 | 1800 | 1800 |
| House Rent Allowance | 10776 | 7184 | 3592 |
| NPS | 4490 | 4490 | 4490 |
| Gross salary | 73195 | 67803 | 64211 |
| CGEGIS | 2500 | 2500 | 2500 |
| CGHS | 325 | 325 | 325 |
| Deductions | 7315 | 7315 | 7315 |
| In-hand salary | 65880 | 60488 | 56896 |
The salary scale for an SSC CGL Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO) are shown in the table below:
| All numbers in INR | X class cities | Y class cities (Higher TA) | Y class cities | Z class cities |
| Basic salary | 47,600/- | 47,600/- | 47,600/- | 47,600/- |
| HRA | 11,424/- | 7616/- | 7616/- | 3808/- |
| DA (31%) | 14756/- | 14756/- | 14756/- | 14756/- |
| TA | 4212/- | 4212/- | 2106/- | 2106/- |
| Gross salary | 77,992/- | 74184/- | 72078/- | 68270/- |
| DeductionsNPS | 5570/- | 5570/- | 5570/- | 5570/- |
| Income tax | 4000/- | 4000/- | 4000/- | 4000/- |
| Professional tax | 200/- | 200/- | 200/- | 200/- |
| CGEGIS | 60/- | 60/- | 60/- | 60/- |
| Total deductions | 9830/- | 9830/- | 9830/- | 9830/- |
| In-hand salary | 68162/- | 64354/- | 62248/- | 58440/- |
The figures are based on publicly accessible information. The Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO) is paid at pay level 8, which starts at Rs. 47,600, according to the pay matrix of the 7th pay commission. As an Assistant Accounts Officer, your starting pay would be Rs. 47,600. This portion of your payment remains constant regardless of where you work or what you accomplish. HRA (House Rent Allowance), DA (Dearness Allowance), TA (Transport Allowance), and LTC are some of the perks you’ll get as an Assistant Accounts Officer (Leave Travel Concession).
SSC CGL ASO vs SSC CGL AAO (Accounts) Powers & Responsibilities
Both the Assistant Section Officer (ASO) and Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO) posts under SSC CGL offer unique roles and responsibilities in the Central Government. Understanding their key duties helps aspirants decide which post aligns with their skills and interests. Below is a detailed comparison of the powers and responsibilities of ASO and AAO:
| Aspect | Assistant Section Officer (ASO) | Assistant Accounts Officer (AAO) |
| Posting Department | Various Ministries (e.g., MEA, DoPT, MoD) | Indian Audit & Accounts Department (under CAG) |
| Job Nature | Administrative and policy-related desk job | Finance and accounts-related desk job |
| Core Responsibilities | – Drafting, noting, submitting cases- Assisting in policy formulation & implementation- Reviewing and monitoring policy execution- Coordinating with Parliament and Central Secretariat- Preparing replies for litigation/court cases- Budget and cadre management | – Passing government bills- Drafting payment receipts- Supervising subordinates and assigning duties- Maintaining departmental discipline and order- Keeping financial records/registers updated- Drafting reports and statutory accounts- Preparing budget forecasts and financial plans |
| Work Timing | Mostly 9 AM to 5:30 PM (govt. hours) | Fixed hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (govt. office) |
| Work Mode | Desk job with clerical and file movement | Desk job with financial oversight |
| Skill Focus | Policy analysis, administrative knowledge, coordination | Financial analysis, auditing, supervision, planning |
FAQ’s
Ans. The primary responsibilities of an ASO in CSS include clerical tasks such as filing and preparing reports, routine notes, composing and submitting letters to higher authorities.
Ans. The Assistant Section Officer, or ASO, in the Central Secretariat Service (CSS), is a government of India Grade B position. They are essentially a desk position that serves as a link between the Parliament and the Central Secretariat.
Ans. Because the SSC CGL question paper is broken into four portions, the difficulty level of each of the four sections ranged from Easy to Moderate.
Ans. It is the backbone of administrative operations in India’s Central Government, providing permanent bureaucracy and functionary workers. CSS’s “Assistant section officer” is regarded as one of the greatest occupations available through the SSC CGL Exam.
Ans. Another way to become a Gazetted Officer in the Government of India is to work as an Assistant Account Officer(AAO). It’s one of just two Gazetted officer positions available via the SSC CGL test.
Yes, a candidate can apply for more than one job at the same time for SSC CGL 2025 if they meet the eligibility requirements for both.
No, there are no reservations for government civil servants. Candidates who have served for at least 3 years in a regular, continuous capacity as of the application deadline are eligible for age relaxation.
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