SSC CHSL Exam vs Bank Clerk Exam
Every year, lakhs of candidates apply for both the SSC CHSL and Bank Clerk exams to secure government jobs. While both offer stable careers, they differ in terms of exam pattern, job roles, and selection processes. This comparison will help you understand the key similarities and differences between the SSC CHSL and Bank Clerk exams.
SSC CHSL Exam vs Bank Clerk Exam
SSC CHSL and Bank Clerk exams are two popular government job options, but they differ in eligibility, job roles, and departments. SSC CHSL is for 12th pass candidates looking for central government clerical jobs, while the Bank Clerk exam is for graduates aiming to work in public sector banks. Here’s a quick comparison of both exams to help you decide which one suits you better.
SSC CHSL Exam
The SSC CHSL exam is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission for clerical posts in central government offices. It is suitable for candidates who have passed Class 12 and want a government job after school.
- Conducted by SSC
- Minimum qualification: 12th pass
- Job roles: LDC, JSA, DEO
- Posting: Central govt. ministries/departments
- Work: Office files, typing, data entry
Bank Clerk Exam
The Bank Clerk exam is conducted by IBPS to recruit clerks in public sector banks. It is ideal for graduates who want to work in banking and handle customer service tasks.
- Conducted by IBPS
- Minimum qualification: Graduation
- Job roles: IBPS Clerk/IBPS RRB Office Assistant/ SBI Clerk and more
- Posting: Bank branches across India
- Work: Cash handling, customer service, banking operations
SSC CHSL Exam vs Bank Clerk Exam – Eligibility Criteria
There is a difference between the eligibility criteria a candidate has to fulfill while filling out the application form for the exam. The eligibility details have been mentioned below for both the clerical examination:
| Parameters | SSC CHSL | Bank Clerk |
| Age Limit | 18-27 | 20-28 |
| Educational Qualification | Candidates should have passed 10+2 or equivalent. | Candidates should have a Graduation Degree. |
SSC CHSL Exam vs Bank Clerk Exam – Selection Process
When considering the selection process for the SSC CHSL Exam and the Bank Clerk Exam, it’s important to note both similarities and differences.
SSC CHSL Exam Selection Process:
- Tier-I: Computer Based Examination (Objective Type).
- Tier-II: Computer Based Examination and Skill Test/ Typing Test.
Bank Clerk Exam Selection Process:
- Preliminary Examination: Computer Based Test (Objective Type)
- Main Examination: Computer Based Test (Objective Type)
- Proficiency Language Test: Candidates applying for vacancies in a specific State or Union Territory must be fluent in the local language of that area. This includes being able to read, write, speak, and understand the language. A test to assess proficiency in the specified local language will be conducted. This test will take place after successfully passing the online Main examination but before joining the Bank.
SSC CHSL Exam vs Bank Clerk Exam – Exam Pattern
When comparing the exam patterns of the SSC CHSL Exam and the Bank Clerk Exam, it’s essential to understand the differences. In the SSC CHSL Exam, both Tier 1 and Tier 2 include questions from General Awareness, whereas the Bank Clerk Prelims Exam does not have questions from the General Awareness topic. The detailed exam pattern is as follows:
SSC CHSL Exam Pattern
The SSC CHSL 2025 exam is conducted in two tiers Tier 1 and Tier 2. Both are computer-based exams with objective-type questions. Tier 2 also includes a Skill Test or Typing Test depending on the post applied for.
SSC CHSL Tier 1 Exam Pattern
The Tier 1 exam is the first stage of the SSC CHSL selection process. It is objective in nature and tests candidates across four major subjects.
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 200
- Duration: 60 minutes (80 minutes for candidates using a scribe)
- Question Type: Multiple-choice (Objective)
- Medium: Bilingual – English and Hindi (except English section)
- Negative Marking: 0.50 marks deducted for each wrong answer
| Subjects | Questions | Total Marks |
| General Awareness | 25 | 50 |
| General Intelligence | 25 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 |
| English Language | 25 | 50 |
| Total | 100 | 200 |
SSC CHSL Tier 2 Exam Pattern
Tier 2 is conducted in two sessions on the same day and includes objective-type questions, a computer knowledge module, and a skill/typing test. This stage is qualifying in nature and forms the basis of the final merit.
| Tier | Session | Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time allowed |
| II | Session-I (2 hours & 15 minutes) | Section-I: Module-I: Mathematical Abilities Module II: Reasoning and General Intelligence. | 30 30 Total = 60 | 60*3 = 180 | 1 hour (for each section) (1 hour & 20 minutes for the candidates eligible for a scribe) |
| Section-II: Module-I: English Language & Comprehension Module II: General Awareness | 40 20 Total = 60 | 60*3 = 180 | |||
| Section-III: Module-I: Computer Knowledge Module | 15 | 15*3 = 45 | 15 Minutes (20 minutes for the candidates eligible for scribe) | ||
| Session-II | Section-III: Module-II: Skill Test/ Typing Test Module | Part A: Skill Test for DEOs. | – | 15 Minutes (20 minutes for the candidates eligible for scribe) | |
| Part B: Typing Test for LDC/ JSA. | – | 10 Minutes (15 minutes for the candidates eligible for scribe) |
There will be a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect answer. For visually handicapped candidates (40% disability), the test duration for the Computer Knowledge Module is extended to 30 minutes.
Bank Clerk Exam Pattern
The Bank Clerk exam is conducted in two phases Preliminary and Mains. Both stages are computer-based and objective in nature. Prelims is qualifying, while the final selection is based on Mains performance and language proficiency.
Bank Clerk Exam Pattern – Prelims
The Bank Clerk Prelims exam consists of 3 sections – Quant, Reasoning, and English. Each has a duration of 20 minutes. While English is of 30 questions and 30 marks, Quant and Reasoning are of 35 questions and marks each.
| S.No. | Name of Tests(Objective) | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| 1 | English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| 2 | Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| 3 | Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
- Objective-type questions only
- Each wrong answer will result in 0.25 negative marks
Bank Clerk Exam Pattern – Mains
The Mains exam includes four sections and carries a total of 200 marks. Each section is separately timed, and marks contribute to the final merit.
| S.No. | Name of Tests (Objective) | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| 1 | Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| 2 | English Language | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| 3 | Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| 4 | General/ Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 minutes |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 160 |
- Negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer
- All sections are objective in nature.
SSC CHSL Exam vs Bank Clerk Exam – Syllabus
In terms of syllabus, the SSC CHSL Exam covers a wider range compared to the Bank Clerical examination. However, the level of questions asked in the SSC CHSL examination tends to be simpler compared to those in the Bank Clerk examination.
| Subject | SSC CHSL 2025 Topics | IBPS Bank Clerk 2025 Topics |
| General Intelligence / Reasoning | – Analogy – Classification – Series (Number/Alphabet) – Syllogism – Direction & Distance – Coding-Decoding – Blood Relations – Seating Arrangement – Puzzles – Input-Output – Non-verbal Reasoning | – Analogy – Classification – Alphanumeric Series – Coding-Decoding – Blood Relations – Syllogism – Direction Sense – Puzzles – Seating Arrangement – Input-Output – Statement & Conclusion |
| Quantitative Aptitude | – Simplification – Number Systems – Ratio & Proportion – Percentage – Profit & Loss – Time & Work – Time, Speed & Distance – Mensuration – Simple & Compound Interest – Algebra – Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs) – Probability, Permutation & Combination | – Simplification – Ratio & Proportion – Averages – Time & Work – Speed & Distance – Profit & Loss – Percentages – Quadratic Equations – Data Interpretation – Mensuration – Logarithms – Permutation & Combination |
| English Language | – Reading Comprehension – Cloze Test – Fill in the Blanks – Sentence Improvement – Error Spotting – One-word Substitution – Synonyms/Antonyms – Idioms & Phrases – Active/Passive Voice – Direct/Indirect Speech – Para jumbles – Spelling correction | – Reading Comprehension – Cloze Test – Sentence Rearrangement – Fill in the Blanks – Error Spotting – Synonyms/Antonyms – Idioms & Phrases – Spelling – Grammar-based MCQs – Active/Passive – Direct/Indirect Speech |
| General Awareness | – History – Geography – Polity – Economy – Science & Technology – Awards & Honors – Books & Authors – Important Days – Current Affairs (last 6–12 months) | – Banking Awareness – Financial Terms – Regulatory Bodies (RBI, SEBI) – Indian Economy – Government Schemes – Current Affairs (National & International) – Abbreviations – Static GK |
SSC CHSL Exam vs Bank Clerk Exam
The SSC CHSL Exam is ideal for 12th pass candidates aiming to work in various ministries and departments under the Central Government. It covers a broad syllabus, including General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude, English, and General Awareness, with a simpler question level overall.
The Bank Clerk Exam, on the other hand, is designed for graduates aspiring to join public sector banks. It emphasizes speed, accuracy, and knowledge of banking, computers, and financial awareness.
In short, choose SSC CHSL if you prefer a wider subject range with central government roles, and go for the Bank Clerk exam if you’re more inclined toward banking and financial services.
SSC CHSL Exam vs Bank Clerk Exam – FAQs
Ans. The SSC CHSL Exam requires candidates to have completed their higher secondary education (10+2), while the Bank Clerk Exam generally requires candidates to have a graduation degree.
Ans. The Bank Clerk exam includes a test in the local language.
Ans. Yes, a graduate is eligible for both exams.
Ans. Bank Clerk exams usually release more vacancies annually.
Ans. SSC CHSL is preferred for central government jobs; Bank Clerk is ideal for public sector bank roles.
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