Why is The SSC CGL Called a Mini IAS?

SSC CGL (Staff Selection Commission – Combined Graduate Level) and IAS (Indian Administrative Service) are two of the most sought-after government exams in India. While SSC CGL recruits candidates for various Group B and C posts in ministries and departments, the IAS exam, conducted by UPSC, selects top-tier officers for administrative roles across the country.

SSC CGL Exam is often considered a “mini IAS” due to its wide departmental scope, but it differs in difficulty, prestige, and responsibilities.

In this blog, we will compare SSC CGL vs IAS to help you understand the key differences in exam pattern, salary, career growth, and more.

Why SSC CGL is Called “Mini IAS”?

The SSC CGL Exam is often called a “mini IAS” because it is considered to be one of the top-level exams for recruitment in government services in India, just like the IAS exam. Both exams have similar eligibility criteria and require candidates to have a graduation degree from a recognized university. Additionally, clearing either of these exams is considered to be a prestigious achievement in India, and successful candidates are highly respected in society.

While the IAS exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for recruitment in the Indian Administrative Service, SSC CGL is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission for recruitment in various Group B and Group C posts in government ministries and departments. However, the syllabus for both exams covers similar subjects such as current affairs, general awareness, and reasoning. Additionally, both exams have a rigorous selection process, and clearing either of these exams requires a lot of hard work and dedication.

Here are some key reasons why the SSC CGL exam is often called a “mini IAS”:

CriteriaSSC CGLIAS (UPSC CSE)
Range of PostsGroup B & C posts in ministries and govt. departmentsIAS, IPS, IRS, IFS, and other Group A civil services
Conducting BodyStaff Selection Commission (SSC)Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
EligibilityGraduation in any discipline from a recognized universityGraduation in any discipline from a recognized university
Exam StagesTier 1 (Prelims), Tier 2 (Mains), DEST/CPT, Document VerificationPrelims, Mains (9 papers), Personality Test (Interview)
Difficulty LevelModerateVery High
Salary StructurePay Level 6 to 8 (₹35,400 to ₹81,100 approx.)Pay Level 10 to 18 (starting from ₹56,100 to ₹2,50,000)
BenefitsGovernment allowances, job stability, promotionsHigh authority, government perks, car, house, staff
Posting AreasMostly desk jobs in central/state departmentsField-level and administrative posts at district/state/national levels
Promotion ScopeSlower; limited to department hierarchyFaster and broader; may reach Secretary or Cabinet Secretary level

Overall, while the SSC CGL exam is often referred to as a “mini IAS” due to similarities in the recruitment process, it is important to note that the IAS exam is considered much more difficult and prestigious than the SSC CGL exam.

What is SSC CGL?

SSC CGL (Staff Selection Commission – Combined Graduate Level) is a national level competitive exam conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) in India. The SSC CGL exam is conducted annually to recruit candidates for various Group B and Group C posts in various ministries, departments, and organizations of the Government of India.

The SSC CGL exam is one of the most popular exams for graduates in India, and it is known for its high level of competition. The exam is conducted in three stages, namely Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3.

The SSC CGL Exam Pattern consists of four tiers: Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4. Each tier evaluates candidates’ skills and knowledge through various formats like computer-based tests, descriptive exams, and skill tests. Tier 1 is an online exam with multiple-choice questions, assessing General Intelligence, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Tier 2 is more advanced, consisting of two papers focused on Quantitative Abilities and English Language & Comprehension. Tier 3 is a descriptive paper that tests writing skills in English or Hindi. Tier 4 includes skill-based tests for specific posts. The detailed marking scheme and subjects covered in each tier are crucial for candidates to understand the exam’s structure and prepare effectively.

What is IAS?

IAS stands for Indian Administrative Service, which is one of the premier civil services in India. The IAS is a part of the All India Services, which also includes the Indian Police Service (IPS) and the Indian Forest Service (IFS).

AspectDetails
RoleAdministration and governance at district, state, and national levels
Appointing AuthorityPresident of India
Responsibilities– Implementing government policies- Managing government programs- Regulating public services
Exam NameCivil Services Examination (CSE)
Conducted ByUnion Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam FrequencyAnnually
Selection Stages1. Preliminary Exam (Objective-type)2. Mains Exam (Descriptive – 9 papers)3. Personality Test (Interview)
Mains Papers Include– Indian Language- English- Essay- General Studies- Optional Subject
Significance of IAS OfficersBackbone of Indian bureaucracy; handle top administrative roles
PrestigeOne of the most respected and powerful civil services in India
ImpactDirect role in policy execution, public administration, and national development

How SSC CGL and IAS is similar

SSC CGL (Staff Selection Commission – Combined Graduate Level) and IAS (Indian Administrative Service) are two exams that are conducted in India for recruitment in government services. While there are significant differences between the two exams, there are also some similarities:

CriteriaSSC CGLIAS (UPSC CSE)
Eligibility CriteriaGraduation degree from a recognized universityGraduation degree from a recognized university
Competitive NatureHighly competitive; lakhs of applicants every yearExtremely competitive; considered one of the toughest exams in India
Syllabus OverlapIncludes General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English ComprehensionIncludes General Studies, CSAT, Essay, Optional Subject; overlaps in reasoning, current affairs, and comprehension
Exam StagesTier-I (Prelims), Tier-II (Mains), Skill Test, Document VerificationPrelims, Mains (9 papers), and Interview
Government JobsOffers jobs in various ministries and departments (Group B & C posts)Offers top administrative roles like IAS, IPS, IRS, IFS (Group A posts)
PrestigeReputed and stable government jobHighly prestigious with top-level administrative responsibilities

While SSC CGL and IAS are similar in some ways, it is important to note that the IAS is considered to be much more challenging and prestigious than SSC CGL. The IAS exam is one of the toughest exams in India and is highly respected in the government sector.

Difference Between SSC CGL and IAS

SSC CGL (Staff Selection Commission – Combined Graduate Level) and IAS (Indian Administrative Service) are two important exams conducted in India for recruitment in government services. While both exams are conducted for recruitment in government departments, there are significant differences between the two exams:

AspectSSC CGLIAS
Nature of ExamNational-level exam for Group B & C posts in ministries and departmentsHighly prestigious exam for recruitment into the Indian Administrative Service
Conducting AuthorityStaff Selection Commission (SSC)Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
SyllabusGeneral Intelligence, Reasoning, General Awareness, Quant Aptitude, EnglishIndian Polity, History, Geography, Economy, Current Affairs, Ethics, Essay, etc.
Level of DifficultyModerate to highVery high – considered one of the toughest exams in India
Selection ProcessFour tiers – Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3 (Descriptive), Tier 4 (Skill/DEST)Three stages – Preliminary, Mains (9 papers), and Interview
Job Roles/PostingsVarious Group B & C posts in ministries and government departmentsIAS officers handle administration at district, state, and national levels
Prestige & ResponsibilityRespected exam with good career scopeConsidered one of the most prestigious and powerful government positions in India

Hope this article gives an clear view about the topic



Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1. What is SSC CGL?

Ans. SSC CGL stands for Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level examination. It is a national-level exam conducted to recruit staff in various departments, ministries, and organizations of the Government of India.

Q2. What is the eligibility criteria for SSC CGL?

Ans. The eligibility criteria for SSC CGL is a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. The age limit varies for different posts and categories.

Q3. What is IAS?

Ans. IAS stands for Indian Administrative Service. It is one of the premier civil services in India that recruits candidates for administrative positions in the central and state governments.

Q4. What is the eligibility criteria for IAS?

Ans. The eligibility criteria for IAS is a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. The age limit for the exam is 21-32 years.

Q5. Which exam is tougher – SSC CGL or IAS?

Ans. The IAS exam is significantly tougher than SSC CGL due to its vast syllabus, level of competition, and three-stage selection process including an extensive written mains and personality test.

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