SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL vs SSC MTS: Which Staff Selection Commission Exam Is Right for You in 2025?

Dreaming of a secure government job but confused about which SSC exam to target? You’re not alone. The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts multiple exams each year, offering various entry points into government service but choosing the right one can significantly impact your preparation strategy and career trajectory.

In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll analyze three popular SSC exams: Combined Graduate Level (CGL), Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL), and Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS). By the end of this article, you’ll have clarity on which path aligns best with your qualifications, career aspirations, and preparation level.

What is the Basic Difference Between SSC CGL, SSC CHSL and SSC MTS Exam?

The Staff Selection Commission conducts these three major exams every year. While SSC CGL Exam is for graduate-level candidates, SSC CHSL Exam is meant for those with a higher secondary qualification, and SSC MTS Exam is open to matriculation pass candidates. The table below gives you a quick glance at their differences:

Parameter	SSC CGL	SSC CHSL	SSC MTS
Educational Qualification	Bachelor’s Degree	12th Pass (10+2)	10th Pass
Age Limit	18-32 years	18-27 years	18-27 years
Exam Levels	2 Tiers	2 Tiers	1 Papers with Physical Test for Havaldar Post
Pay Scale	Level 4-7 (₹ 44900 to 142400)	Level 2 – 4 (Rs. 25,500-81,100)	Level 1 (₹18,000-56,900)
Starting Salary	Varies as per post	Varies as per post	₹18,000-25,000
Selection Ratio	1:100+	1:80+	1:50+
Job Profile	Officer/Inspector Level	Clerical/Assistant Level	Support Staff Level

Eligibility Criteria: Which Exam Can You Apply For?

The SSC CGL Eligibility require a graduation degree from a recognized university, while SSC CHSL Eligibility criteria mandate completion of 10+2 or equivalent. On the other hand, SSC MTS Eligibility criteria are relatively simpler, requiring candidates to have passed Class 10 from a recognized board.

SSC CGL

• Age: 18-32 years (relaxation for reserved categories)
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
• Nationality: Indian

SSC CHSL

• Age: 18-27 years (relaxation for reserved categories)
• Education: 12th pass (10+2) from a recognized board
• Nationality: Indian

SSC MTS

• Age: 18-27 years (relaxation for reserved categories)
• Education: 10th pass (Matriculation) from a recognized board
• Nationality: Indian

The educational requirements create a clear hierarchy, with SSC CGL requiring the highest qualification and SSC MTS the lowest. This makes each exam accessible to different segments of job seekers based on their educational background.

What is the Selection Process for SSC CGL Vs SSC CHSL Vs SSC MTS Exams?

The SSC CGL Selection Process includes Tier 1, Tier 2, document verification, and medical examination, making it more comprehensive and challenging. The SSC CHSL Selection Process involves Tier 1, Tier 2 (descriptive), and a skill/typing test. Meanwhile, the SSC MTS selection process is relatively simpler, consisting of a single-tier CBT followed by a physical test (for Havaldar posts) and document verification.

Exam	Selection Stages
SSC CGL	Tier 1 (Objective), Tier 2 (Objective), Document Verification, Medical Exam
SSC CHSL	Tier 1 (Objective), Tier 2 (Typing/DEST), Document Verification
SSC MTS	Tier 1 (Objective), PET/PST (for Havaldar posts), Document Verification

Exam Pattern: Understanding the Structure

The SSC CGL Exam Pattern for Tier 1 is designed at a graduate level and includes higher difficulty in Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning. The SSC CHSL Exam Pattern is of 10+2 level, moderately challenging, especially in English and General Awareness. In contrast, the SSC MTS Exam Pattern is relatively simpler, matching the matriculation level, and is ideal for those aiming to start a government job early.

SSC CGL

Tier I: Computer Based (200 marks)

• General Intelligence & Reasoning: 25 questions, 50 marks
• General Awareness: 25 questions, 50 marks
• Quantitative Aptitude: 25 questions, 50 marks
• English Comprehension: 25 questions, 50 marks
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Negative marking: 0.50 marks

Tier II: Computer Based

• Paper I: Quantitative Abilities (30 questions, 90 marks)
• Paper II: Reasoning and General Intelligence (30 questions, 90 marks)
• Paper III: English Language & Comprehension (45 questions, 135 marks)
• Paper IV: General Awareness (25 questions, 75 marks)
• Paper V: Computer Knowledge (20 question, 60 marks)
• Paper VI: Data Entry Sped Test (15 minutes)
• Statistics Paper (100 questions, 200 marks) – Only for Statistical Investigator posts
• Negative marking: 1 marks (Paper I, II, III, IV, V) and 0.50 marks (Statistics, General Studies paper)

SSC CHSL

Tier I: Computer Based (200 marks)

• General Intelligence: 25 questions, 50 marks
• General Awareness: 25 questions, 50 marks
• Quantitative Aptitude: 25 questions, 50 marks
• English Language: 25 questions, 50 marks
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Negative marking: 0.50 marks

Tier II: Computer Based (100 marks)

• Paper I: Quantitative Abilities (30 questions, 90 marks)
• Paper II: Reasoning and General Intelligence (30 questions, 90 marks)
• Paper III: English Language & Comprehension (40 questions, 120 marks)
• Paper IV: General Awareness (20 questions, 60 marks)
• Paper V: Computer Knowledge (15 question, 45 marks)
• Paper VI: Data Entry Sped Test/Typing Test (15 minutes/10minutes) based on the post

SSC MTS

Paper I: Computer Based (100 marks)

• General Intelligence & Reasoning: 20 questions, 60 marks
• Numerical Aptitude: 20 questions, 60 marks
• General English: 25 questions, 75 marks
• General Awareness: 25 questions, 75 marks
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Negative marking: 1 mark (for General English, General Awareness)

The difficulty level increases from SSC MTS (simplest) to CGL (most difficult), with CGL having specialized papers for different posts and the most rigorous testing structure.

Posts Provided: Where Will You Work?

When deciding between SSC CGL, CHSL, and MTS, it’s important to consider the type of post each exam offers. From high-ranking officer and inspector roles in CGL to clerical and assistant-level roles in CHSL, and essential support staff roles in MTS each exam leads to different work environments and responsibilities. The details of the posts are as follows:

SSC CGL

• Assistant Section Officer
• Assistant/Superintendent
• Inspector (Central Excise/Income Tax/Preventive Officer/Examiner)
• Sub-Inspector
• Junior Statistical Officer
• Divisional Accountant
• Tax Assistant
• Compiler

SSC CHSL

• Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC)
• Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA)
• Postal Assistant (PA)
• Sorting Assistant (SA)
• Data Entry Operator (DEO)

SSC MTS

• Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS)
• Havaldar
• Safaiwala
• Peon
• Office Attendant

The posts show the hierarchical nature of these exams, with SSC CGL offering officer/inspector level positions, SSC CHSL offering clerical/assistant level roles, and SSC MTS offering support staff positions.

Salary and Benefits: The Financial Perspective

The SSC CGL Salary is the highest among the three, with pay levels ranging from Level 4 to Level 8 and basic pay starting at ₹25,500, going up to ₹1,42,400 depending on the post. The SSC CHSL Salary falls under Level 2 to Level 4 with basic pay starting at ₹19,900, while the SSC MTS Salary is at Level 1 with a starting basic pay of ₹18,000. Each also comes with perks like DA, HRA, and other allowances, making them attractive options based on qualifications and preferences.

SSC CGL

• Pay Scale: Level 4-7 (₹ 44900 to 142400) depending on post
• Gross Salary: Approximately ₹47,801-79,987 per month (including allowances)
• Perks: Housing allowance, medical benefits, pension, leave travel concession

SSC CHSL

• Pay Scale: Level 2 – 4 (Rs. 25,500-81,100)
• Gross Salary: Approximately ₹33,092-48,688 per month (including allowances)
• Perks: Housing allowance, medical benefits, pension, leave travel concession

SSC MTS

• Pay Scale: Level 1 (₹18,000-56,900)
• Gross Salary: Approximately Rs.31,256 to Rs.27,206 per month (including allowances)
• Perks: Housing allowance, medical benefits, pension, leave travel concession

The salary difference varies a lot, with CGL officers earning significantly more than CHSL clerks, who in turn earn more than MTS staff. However, all three provide the stability and benefits typical of government employment.

Job Profile and Responsibilities: What Will You Do?

Beyond salary and position titles, it’s crucial to understand the day-to-day duties you’ll be expected to handle. The nature of responsibilities varies widely from managerial and audit roles in SSC CGL, to data entry and clerical work in CHSL, and logistical support tasks in MTS. Further details of the job profile for each post are as follows:

SSC CGL

• Supervisory and officer-level responsibilities
• Financial auditing and accounting (for specific posts)
• Tax assessment and collection
• Investigation and enforcement
• Statistical analysis and data management
• Administrative and managerial functions
• Policy implementation

SSC CHSL

• Clerical and administrative support
• Data entry and record keeping
• Document processing and verification
• Customer service at government offices
• Mail sorting and processing (for Postal Assistants)
• Office correspondence management

SSC MTS

• Basic support functions
• File movement and delivery
• Photocopying and document handling
• Office maintenance assistance
• Basic clerical support
• Physical maintenance tasks

The nature of work varies significantly, with CGL positions involving decision-making and supervisory roles, CHSL positions focusing on procedural and clerical tasks, and MTS positions centered on support functions.

Career Growth: Your Path Forward

Each SSC exam provides a different career growth. While CGL posts often come with structured promotion paths and leadership roles, CHSL and MTS also provides internal growth through experience and departmental exams.

SSC CGL

• Excellent growth prospects
• Time-bound promotions with additional departmental exams
• Can reach senior administrative positions
• Opportunity to specialize in specific domains (tax, audit, etc.)
• Potential for lateral movement between departments

SSC CHSL

• Good growth prospects
• Promotion to Upper Division Clerk after 5-8 years
• Can reach supervisory positions over time
• Opportunity to appear for departmental exams for faster promotion
• Can apply for higher posts through SSC CGL after gaining experience

SSC MTS

• Limited vertical growth prospects
• Mostly time-bound promotions
• Can reach clerical positions after substantial experience
• Opportunity to appear for higher exams like CHSL after gaining experience
• Primarily horizontal movement within the organization

The career trajectory is most promising for CGL officers, followed by CHSL clerks, while MTS positions have more limited vertical growth opportunities.

Difficulty Level and Competition: What Are Your Chances?

Before choosing an SSC exam, it’s essential to evaluate how tough it is to crack. The competition, exam pattern complexity, and subject depth vary significantly among CGL, CHSL, and MTS. The details about the exam difficulty, level of competition are as follows:

SSC CGL

• Most difficult among the three
• Highly competitive (1:100+ selection ratio)
• Comprehensive testing across multiple subjects
• Specialized papers for different posts
• Requires in-depth knowledge and analytical skills

SSC CHSL

• Moderately difficult
• Very competitive (1:80+ selection ratio)
• Similar to CGL Tier I but with a simpler overall structure
• Descriptive paper is less demanding than CGL
• Focus on basic aptitude and language skills

SSC MTS

• Relatively easier
• Still competitive (1:50+ selection ratio)
• Simplest exam structure
• Basic level questions
• Shorter descriptive component

At Oliveboard, our analysis of previous years’ cutoffs and selection ratios indicates that while MTS has the lowest difficulty level, competition remains significant due to the large number of applicants with minimum qualifications.

Preparation Time Required: How Long Should You Study?

The amount of time you need to prepare effectively depends on both the exam level and your current academic foundation. SSC CGL demands a longer preparation period due to its difficulty, while CHSL and MTS are relatively quicker to prepare for. The details of the required preparation time are as follows:

SSC CGL

• Recommended preparation time: 8-12 months
• Requires in-depth understanding of multiple subjects
• Need for specialized preparation for Tier II papers
• Descriptive writing practice essential
• Skill test preparation may be needed

SSC CHSL

• Recommended preparation time: 6-8 months
• Focus on building strong fundamentals
• Regular practice for speed and accuracy
• Typing skills development (if required for the post)
• Descriptive writing practice

SSC MTS

• Recommended preparation time: 3-6 months
• Emphasis on basic concepts and fundamentals
• Regular practice with previous year questions
• Focus on speed and accuracy
• Basic descriptive writing practice

Which Exam Should You Choose?

With several SSC exams to choose from, selecting the most suitable one can be a challenging decision. The ideal exam for you will depend on multiple factors, including your educational qualifications, long-term career objectives, preferred job role, and the amount of time you can dedicate to preparation.

Choose SSC CGL if:

• You have a bachelor’s degree
• You aspire for officer-level positions with higher responsibility
• You want the highest possible salary among these three exams
• You’re willing to invest 8-12 months in preparation
• You have strong analytical and reasoning skills
• You’re looking for diverse career opportunities across government departments

Choose SSC CHSL if:

• You have completed 12th standard (but may not have a degree)
• You’re looking for clerical/assistant positions with decent pay
• You prefer a slightly less competitive exam than CGL
• You can dedicate 6-8 months to preparation
• You have good typing skills or are willing to develop them
• You’re interested in office-based administrative work

Choose SSC MTS if:

• You have completed 10th standard
• You’re looking for an entry-level government position
• You want the quickest entry into government service
• You can prepare for 3-6 months
• You’re comfortable with support staff roles
• You plan to use this as a stepping stone while pursuing further education

Preparation Strategy: How to Approach These Exams

While these exams have different patterns and difficulty levels, a strategic preparation can help you succeed:

1. Understand the exam pattern thoroughly: Each exam has its unique structure and emphasis.

2. Build strong fundamentals: Focus on basic concepts in reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English, and general awareness.

3. Practice regularly with mock tests: Time management and accuracy are crucial for all SSC exams.

4. Develop speed and accuracy: All three exams have time constraints that require quick problem-solving.

5. Stay updated with current affairs: General awareness is important for all three exams.

Tips to Make Your Final Decision

Choosing between SSC CGL, CHSL, and MTS ultimately depends on your educational qualifications, career aspirations, and preparation capacity. Here are some practical considerations:

• Educational constraints: Your current qualifications may naturally direct you toward a specific exam.
• Time availability: Consider how much time you can dedicate to preparation.
• Career goals: Think about the type of role and responsibility level you desire.
• Salary expectations: Consider the financial returns of each exam.
• Long-term plans: Some candidates use lower-level exams as stepping stones while pursuing higher education.

Success in any of these SSC exams can lead to a stable and rewarding government career, providing long-term security and benefits. The key lies in making an informed decision based on your qualifications and career objectives, followed by dedicated and strategic preparation.

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