The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) holds many exams every year, and new aspirants often ask: SSC CGL vs CHSL vs MTS - which exam should I choose? The answer depends on your qualification, your age, the kind of job you want and how much time you can give. This post compares the main SSC exams side by side in simple words, so you can pick the right one and plan your preparation.
Key Points (Quick Revision)
- SSC MTS and SSC GD need Class 10; SSC CHSL needs Class 12; SSC CGL and SSC CPO need graduation.
- SSC CGL offers the highest pay among these, from Level 4 to Level 8.
- SSC GD and SSC CPO are uniformed jobs with physical tests.
- The syllabus overlaps a lot, so one preparation covers several SSC exams.
1. SSC exams at a glance
| Exam | Minimum qualification | Main posts | Pay level |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSC CGL | Graduation | ASO, Inspector, AAO, Auditor, Tax Assistant | Level 4 to 8 |
| SSC CHSL | Class 12 | LDC, JSA, DEO | Level 2 to 5 |
| SSC MTS and Havaldar | Class 10 | Multi-Tasking Staff, Havaldar (CBIC and CBN) | Level 1 |
| SSC GD Constable | Class 10 | Constable in CAPFs, SSF, Assam Rifles and others | Level 3 |
| SSC CPO | Graduation | Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs | Level 6 |
| SSC Stenographer | Class 12 | Stenographer Grade C and D | Level 6 and 4 |
| SSC Selection Post | Class 10, 12 or graduation, by post | Many department-specific posts | Varies by post |
Posts, pay levels and age limits are from recent notices and can change. Always read the current notification.
2. CGL vs CHSL
| Point | SSC CGL | SSC CHSL |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Graduation | Class 12 |
| Age (recent) | 18-27 to 18-32, depending on post | 18-27 |
| Stages | Tier 1 and Tier 2 | Tier 1 and Tier 2 with skill test |
| Level of maths | Higher, with more advanced topics | Moderate |
| Starting basic pay | ₹25,500 to ₹47,600 | ₹19,900 to ₹29,200 |
A graduate can take both. Many candidates prepare for CGL and take CHSL as a backup, since the syllabus is similar.
3. MTS vs GD
| Point | SSC MTS | SSC GD |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification | Class 10 | Class 10 |
| Age (recent) | 18-25, and 18-27 for Havaldar and some posts | 18-23 |
| Nature of job | Office support work | Armed forces-style duty in CAPFs |
| Physical test | Only for Havaldar | Yes, running and physical standards |
| Pay level | Level 1 | Level 3 |
4. Desk job or uniform job?
- Desk jobs - CGL (ASO, Auditor, AAO), CHSL (LDC, DEO), MTS and Stenographer. Fixed hours, office work, mostly in cities.
- Field jobs - CGL Inspector posts, with tax checks and field visits.
- Uniform jobs - GD and CPO. Physical fitness, discipline, postings in border and remote areas, and strong service pride.
Choose based on what you enjoy, not only on pay.
5. How the syllabus overlaps
Most SSC exams test the same four areas:
- Quantitative aptitude - arithmetic, and some advanced maths for CGL.
- Reasoning - verbal and non-verbal.
- English - grammar, vocabulary, comprehension.
- General Awareness - history, polity, geography, economy, science and current affairs.
So a strong base in these four areas lets you take several SSC exams in a year. Only skill tests, physical tests and a few special papers differ.
6. Which exam should you choose?
- Class 10 pass - start with MTS and GD (if fit and interested in uniform service).
- Class 12 pass - add CHSL and Stenographer (if you can learn shorthand).
- Graduate - aim for CGL, take CHSL as a backup, and CPO if you want a uniformed officer post.
- Short of time - pick one main exam and treat the others as practice.
7. Planning the year
SSC releases an exam calendar with tentative dates. Use it to plan:
- Mark the notification and exam windows of the exams you are eligible for.
- Keep common subjects going all year, and add skill or physical practice a few months before the relevant exam.
- Do not miss application deadlines - apply for every exam you are eligible for.
8. Quick revision table
- Minimum qualification for SSC CGL – Graduation
- Minimum qualification for SSC CHSL – Class 12
- Minimum qualification for SSC MTS – Class 10
- Minimum qualification for SSC GD Constable – Class 10
- Minimum qualification for SSC CPO – Graduation
- Highest pay level among SSC CGL posts – Level 8 (AAO)
- Pay level of SSC CHSL LDC/JSA – Level 2
- Pay level of SSC MTS – Level 1
- Pay level of SSC GD Constable – Level 3
- Pay level of SSC CPO Sub-Inspector – Level 6
- Age limit of SSC CHSL in recent notices – 18-27 years
- Age limit of SSC GD in recent notices – 18-23 years
- Which SSC exam has a physical test for all candidates? – SSC GD and SSC CPO
- Which MTS post has a physical test? – Havaldar
- Which SSC exams have a typing or skill test? – CHSL, Stenographer and some CGL posts
9. How to revise this topic
Start with qualification: Class 10 - MTS, GD; Class 12 - CHSL, Stenographer; graduation - CGL, CPO.
Next, learn the pay levels: MTS Level 1, CHSL LDC Level 2, GD Level 3, CPO Level 6, CGL Level 4 to 8.
Then note the special stages: skill tests in CHSL and Stenographer, physical tests in GD, CPO and Havaldar.
Finally, remember that the four common subjects - maths, reasoning, English and GA - cover most SSC exams.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, SSC CGL or CHSL?
SSC CGL offers higher posts and pay (Level 4 to 8) but needs graduation. SSC CHSL needs only Class 12 and offers Level 2 to 5 posts. Graduates often prepare for CGL and take CHSL as a backup.
Which SSC exam is easiest?
MTS is usually considered the easiest in level, but competition is high because many candidates are eligible. Difficulty also depends on your strengths.
Can I take both SSC CGL and CHSL?
Yes. A graduate who meets the age limits can apply for both, since CHSL needs only Class 12.
Which SSC exam has the highest salary?
Among the common SSC exams, CGL has the highest-paid posts - Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer at Level 8, with a starting basic pay of ₹47,600.
Is the syllabus of all SSC exams the same?
Largely yes. Most SSC exams test maths, reasoning, English and General Awareness. Skill tests, physical tests and a few special papers differ by exam.
For full details, see the SSC CGL post list and salary, SSC CHSL post list and salary, SSC MTS, SSC GD and SSC CPO guides. You may also like our How to Prepare for SSC Exams from Scratch post, or browse the Exam Strategy section.