SSC CGL ASO vs SSC CGL AAO (Audit) Which is a Better Job?

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) examines the recruitment of various posts of Grade “B” and “C” category in the Central Government Ministries and Departments. Assistant Section Officer (ASO) and Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) are some of the upper posts in the Central Government. To get selected for these posts, it is necessary to score high in the papers. 

SSC CGL Exam

The SSC CGL Exam is conducted in various stages termed Tiers. The examination is conducted in 2 tiers. Tier-I and Tier-II is a Computer-Based Examination that consists of Objective-Type multiple-choice questions. The selected candidates will be required to appear for document verification along with the original documents and their photocopies. 

The selected candidates for the post of Assistant Section Officer (ASO) are allocated positions in different ministries of the Central Government. Similarly, the qualified candidates for the Assistant Audit Officer are posted under the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, which is responsible for the audit of accounts of Central and State Governments and PSUs. 

Before understanding the similarities and differences between SSC CGl ASO and AAO, let’s take an overview of examination of the posts

SSC CGL ASO vs SSC CGL AAO (Audit) Overview

The SSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination is one of the most competitive government exams in India, offering prestigious posts across various ministries and departments. Among the top choices for candidates are the positions of Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) and Assistant Section Officer (ASO). Both posts offer attractive salaries, job stability, and ample growth opportunities but differ significantly in terms of job profile, department, and responsibilities. In this article, we present a detailed comparison between SSC CGL AAO and SSC CGL ASO to help aspirants make an informed choice based on their career goals and preferences.

Name of the ExaminationCombined Graduate Level Examination, 2022
Name of the PostsAssistant Audit Officer, Assistant Section Officer
Name of the Examination Conducting AuthorityStaff Selection Commission
Name of the Department For AAOIndian Audit & Accounts Department under CAG
Name of the Department of ASO Central Secretariat Service,Intelligence Bureau,Ministry of Railway,AFHQ,Others.
Classification of the PostsGroup “B”
The first and the last date of submission of online applications9th June 2025 to 4th July 2025
Tier-I Examination Schedule13th August to 30th August, 2025

SSC CGL ASO vs SSC CGL AAO (Audit) Eligibility

When it comes to choosing between top-tier posts like SSC CGL ASO (Assistant Section Officer) and SSC CGL AAO (Assistant Audit Officer), understanding the SSC CGL Eligibility criteria is essential. Both posts offer excellent career growth and government benefits but differ significantly in terms of department, age limit, educational qualifications, and other eligibility requirements. To make the selection process easier for aspirants, we’ve provided a detailed comparison table between SSC CGL ASO and SSC CGL AAO, covering key aspects such as nationality, age criteria, educational background, and age relaxations as per the official SSC CGL notification.

CriteriaSSC CGL ASOSSC CGL AAO
NationalityMust be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee (arrived before 1 Jan 1962), or a PIO from listed countries.Same as ASO.
Age LimitDepends on the department:• 20–30 years → CSS, Railway, AFHQ, MEA, etc.• 18–30 years → IB, MEITY, others18–30 years (i.e., born not before 02-01-1992 and not later than 01-01-2004)
Age RelaxationSC/ST – 5 yrsOBC – 3 yrsPwD (UR) – 10 yrsPwD (OBC) – 13 yrsPwD (SC/ST) – 15 yrsESM – 3 yrs after deduction of military serviceSame as ASO.
Essential QualificationBachelor’s Degree from a recognized universityBachelor’s Degree from a recognized university
Desirable QualificationNot mandatory, but preferred for some postsCA, CMA, CS, M.Com, MBA (Finance), Master’s in Business Studies/Economics
Other ConditionsMust pass the Subordinate Audit/Accounts Service Exam during probation for confirmation
Final Year StudentsEligible if degree is acquired before the cut-off dateSame as ASO – must have essential qualification before the cut-off date (13 Oct 2022)

Important note

It is pertinent to note that the result of the required qualification should have been declared by the Institute or University by the specified date. Only processing of the result by the respective University or Institute up to the cut-off date will not satisfy the required educational qualification criteria.

Therefore, the candidates making an application should be able to prove through documentary evidence that the result was declared on or before the cut-off date of the qualifying exam. In such a result declaration, the candidates should have been declared passed for considering them eligible for the applied post. 

SSC CGL ASO vs SSC CGL AAO (Audit) Vacancies

Detailed break-up of SSC CGL Vacancy for SSC CGL ASO and AAO for 2025 are not yet announced. Break-up of previous year vacancies are as follows :

2024-2025

Vacancy for these posts occurs in different Central Government Departments. The SSC has released the final vacancies for SSC CGL 2024-25, including detailed numbers for top posts like ASO.No vacancies were reported for the Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) post for theat year. Below is the detailed department-wise breakup for ASO vacancies.

Post CodeDepartment/MinistryURSCSTOBCEWSTotal
B03CSS (Central Secretariat Service)5812151073871431433
B04Intelligence Bureau (IB)29170161173
B05Ministry of Railways110013
B06Ministry of External Affairs9023143618181
B07Armed Forces Headquarters (AFHQ)13500119
B08Election Commission of India10100011
B09NIC, Ministry of Electronics & IT310105
B10Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology300104
B11Central Administrative Tribunal4114111
B12Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs5204112
B14Central Information Commission200103
B34Central Vigilance Commission110103
B40Ministry of Corporate Affairs100001
B41Narcotics Control Bureau4113211

2023 – 2024

Below is the detailed post-wise breakup for Assistant Section Officer (ASO) and Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) across various ministries and departments for the year 2023-2024.

DepartmentPostURSCSTOBCEWSTotal
Central Secretariat Service (DoPT)ASO3421082414969692
Intelligence BureauASO184501037
Ministry of RailwaysASO12144324
Ministry of External AffairsASO581391010100
Ministry of Defence (AFHQ)ASO144310435
Election CommissionASO300014
NIC, Ministry of Electronics & ITASO100001
Ministry of Electronics & ITASO210003
Central Administrative TribunalASO200305
DepartmentPostURSCSTOBCEWSTotal
C&AG (Comptroller and Auditor General of India)Assistant Audit Officer15849248431346
C&AG (Comptroller and Auditor General of India)Assistant Accounts Officer531782810116
202122

Below is the detailed post-wise breakup for Assistant Section Officer (ASO) and Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) across various ministries and departments for the year 2021-2022.

Name of Department URSCSTOBCEWSTotal
Central Secretariat Service (DOPT)8925145520203
Ministry of External Affairs2613624858
Intelligence Bureau11316212
AFHQ (Ministry of Defence)2712512662
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology7011110
Election Commission4204111
Central Administrative Tribunal011002
National Technical Research Organisation110114
Central Vigilance Commission001001
Name of the Department URSC STOBCEWSTotal
Indian Audit & Accounts Department under CAG13850249033335
202021

Below is the detailed post-wise breakup for Assistant Section Officer (ASO) and Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) across various ministries and departments for the year 2020-2021.

Name of Department URSCSTOBCEWSTotal
Central Secretariat Service (DOPT)691310518151
Ministry of External Affairs3813624889
Intelligence Bureau11316223
AFHQ (Ministry of Defence)3615920888
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology210115
Election Commission010304
Central Administrative Tribunal310105
National Technical Research Organisation301116
Central Vigilance Commission200002
Name of the Department URSC STOBCEWSTotal
Indian Audit & Accounts Department under CAG10337186725250

SSC CGL ASO v/s SSC CGL AAO Salary

The SSC CGL Salary for ASO vs AAO is as follows :

SSC CGL ASO Salary

The post of ASO comes under 4600-grade pay after application of the 7th Pay Commission. The salary will be upgraded as follows for different categories of departments. It is differentiated based on different categories. 

ParticularsX- CategoryY-CategoryZ-Category
Basic – A449004490044900
Dearness Allowances139191391913919
House Rent Allowance – B1212380824041
Travel Allowance – C360018001800
DA on TA1116558558
Gross Salary (Total of A, B, C)756586925965218
National Pension Scheme 556755675567
CGHS325325325
CGEGIS288028802880
Total Deductions877287728772
Salary in Hand668866048756446

1. Promotion to Section Officer (4800): To get promoted after 5-7 years, it is necessary to pass the inter-department exam, or else the promotion takes place after 10-12 years. 

2. Promotion from Section Officer to Section Officer (5400): It requires around 4 years to get promoted to 5400-grade pay Section Officer. 

3. For Promotion from Section Officer (5400) to Under Secretary, it requires four to six years. 

4. You will be promoted to the post of Deputy Secretary just before retirement, i.e., before you reach the age of 60 years. It is one of the highest posts with the highest salary. 

SSC CGL AAO Salary

The salary of an Assistant Audit Officer (AAO) is in the range of 63000 to 70000, which is in-hand salary varying as per the city of posting. The salary structure with different elements is provided below: 

Level of PayscalePay level-B
PayscaleRs. 47600 to Rs. 151100
Grade Pay4800
Basic PayRs. 47600
HRA (depending on the city)27% Cities – Rs. 12852
18% Cities- Rs 8568
9% Cities- Rs 4284
Dearness Allowances (Current-31%) Rs. 14756
Travel AllowancesCities- 3600,Other Places- 1800
Gross Salary 27 % Cities- Rs. 79924
18% Cities- Rs 73,282
9% Cities- Rs 68,998

Promotion Policy: There are in total two promotions and retirement takes place at the Grade Pay of Rs. 6600. 

SSC CGL ASO v/s SSC CGL AAO Powers and Responsibilities

Powers and responsibilities of SSC CGL ASO vs AAO is as follows :

AspectSSC CGL ASO (Assistant Section Officer)SSC CGL AAO (Assistant Audit Officer)
Posting DepartmentsCentral Secretariat Service, Ministry of Railway, Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and others.Indian Audit and Accounts Department (IAAD), assisting CAG in auditing Central and State Government and Public Sector Enterprises.
Powers– Monitor and take quick action on project/activity delays.- Analyze rules, guidelines, procedures, precedents.- Identify alternative solutions and analyze pros/cons.- Manage cadre of various established services.- Handle questions from MPs, government bills.- Maintain link between Central Secretariat and Parliament.- Organize financial management, budget preparation.- Handle litigation work.- Monitor and control government policies.– Accept leave applications, claims, provident fund claims.- Dispose of e-waste and old records.- Implement departmental guidelines.- Procure permissions for audit tours, training.- Conduct audit-related training.- Verify bills (TA, LTC, expenses).- Maintain office premises, service book, library.- Scrutinize and present Inspector Reports.- Manage major/minor irregularities in audit software.- Manage audit planning and execution.- Convert audit paras to draft reports.- Coordinate with field units for info.- Review postal unit invoices for discrepancies.
Responsibilities– Drafting notes, submissions, letters.- Examine court case issues.- Collect additional info impacting court cases.- Assist in policy formation, implementation, and monitoring deviations.- Balance powers and responsibilities.- Comfortable working hours, weekends off.- Prestigious and straightforward role.– Conduct audit tours 4 times a year.- Stay outstation 45-60 days per quarter for audits.- Prepare audit plan within 10-15 days.- Handle various sections: Administration, Audit Planning & Execution, Reporting, Post Communication.- Manage junior staff and in-house training.- Ensure audit compliance and reporting accuracy.

 

FAQs

What is the difference between the age limit for SSC CGL ASO v/s SSC CGL AAO (Audit)?

The age limit for AAO lies between 18-30 years whereas, for ASO, the age limit lies in the range of 20-30 years. It is only for the Intelligence Bureau, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and other Ministries/ Departments/ Organisations that for the post of Assistant Section Officer, the age limit range is fixed between 18-30 years.

What is the category of the AAO and ASO?

The AAO and ASO are Group “B” category posts.

What is the last date to make an application under SSC CGL for the year 2021?

The candidate should make an application on or before 23-01-2022 and make the payment up to 25-01-2022.

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