SSC CGL vs CHSL 2026: Eligibility, Pattern, Posts and Which to Choose
SSC CGL is for graduates and leads to Group B and Group C posts; SSC CHSL is for 12th-pass candidates and leads to Group C clerical and data-entry posts. The tier structure looks similar, but the syllabus depth, merit marks and skill tests differ. This guide compares them using the 2026 notices recorded on this site so you can decide where to focus.
At a glance
| SSC CGL 2026 | SSC CHSL 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum qualification | Bachelor's degree (any discipline for most posts) | 12th pass (Science with Maths for a few DEO posts) |
| Post groups | Group B and Group C | Group C |
| Main posts | AAO, ASO, Income Tax Inspector, CBIC Inspector, Sub-Inspector CBI, JSO, Auditor, Accountant, Tax Assistant | LDC / JSA, DEO, DEO Grade 'A' |
| Pay levels | Level 4 to Level 8 | Level 2 (LDC/JSA); Level 4 and 5 (DEO) |
| Age (as per notice) | 18 to 27, 30 or 32 depending on post | 18 to 27 as on 1 August 2026 |
| Notification | 21 May 2026 | 7 September 2026 |
| Vacancies notified | 12,256 (tentative; subject to revision) | about 2,536 (tentative) |
| Tier 1 | 30 September to 30 October 2026 | Dates not announced |
| Interview | None | None |
Always confirm eligibility, age cut-off dates and vacancies in the official notices on ssc.gov.in; they override any summary. See the pages for CGL eligibility, CGL posts and salary and the CHSL exam page.
Exam pattern compared
Tier 1 (screening in both)
| CGL | CHSL | |
|---|---|---|
| Questions and marks | 100 questions, 200 marks | 100 questions, 200 marks |
| Sections | Quant, Reasoning, English, GA (25 each) | English, General Intelligence, Quant, GA (25 each) |
| Duration | 60 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Marking | +2 correct, -0.50 wrong | +2 correct, -0.50 wrong |
| Sectional timer | Reported at 15 minutes per subject for 2026 | 15 minutes per subject |
| Counts for merit? | No | No |
Tier 2
| CGL Paper 1 | CHSL | |
|---|---|---|
| Maths | 30 questions | 30 questions |
| Reasoning | 30 questions | 30 questions |
| English | 45 questions | 40 questions |
| General Awareness | 25 questions | 20 questions |
| Merit marks | 390 | 360 (Sections I and II) |
| Marking | +3 correct, -1 wrong | +3 correct, -1 wrong |
| Computer module | 20 questions, qualifying | 15 questions, qualifying |
| Skill test | Data Entry Speed Test, qualifying | Typing test (LDC/JSA) or data-entry skill test (DEO), qualifying |
The CGL notice for 2026 is reported to introduce a 15-minute timer per subject in Tier 1; confirm on the CGL admit card. For the CHSL pattern, see the CHSL exam pattern page.
Syllabus depth and difficulty
The four subjects are the same, but the depth differs.
- Quant. CHSL tests basic arithmetic skill. CGL goes further: Geometry, Trigonometry, Algebra and Data Interpretation are major CGL blocks, and Tier 2 is harder still.
- Reasoning. Same families of questions (series, analogy, coding, puzzles, figure-based types). CGL puzzles tend to be longer.
- English. Same areas (grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, cloze). CGL Tier 2 has 45 questions against 40 in CHSL.
- General Awareness. Same syllabus style. CHSL has 20 Tier 2 questions, CGL 25.
In practice, CGL prep covers CHSL prep, but not the other way around. The topic notes on this site are exam-agnostic, so they serve both: see Percentage, Series and Reading Comprehension for examples.
Skill tests and who needs which
- CGL: the Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) is a qualifying Tier 2 module for all posts, at about 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes. Practise with the typing test.
- CHSL, LDC/JSA: typing test of 10 minutes at 35 words per minute in English or 30 in Hindi (Mangal font). Medium is fixed at application.
- CHSL, DEO: a 15-minute data-entry skill test at 8,000 key depressions per hour, or 15,000 for DEO Grade 'A' posts in a few ministries, which also need Science with Maths in 12th.
All skill tests are qualifying only and do not add to merit, but failing one ends the candidature. Practise on a physical keyboard from the start.
Which one should you choose?
| Your situation | Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Graduate, can prepare Quant to full depth | CGL is the main target; its posts reach Level 7 and 8 |
| Graduate, weak at advanced maths | CGL is still possible, but keep CHSL as a second option, since its syllabus is lighter and its posts are Group C |
| In the final year of graduation | CGL requires the degree to be complete by the cut-off date in the notification; CHSL needs a 12th pass |
| 12th pass, not yet a graduate | CHSL is the immediate option; build towards CGL after graduation |
| Near the upper age limit | Check the notice for each exam: the CHSL limit is 27 (with relaxations) while several CGL posts go up to 30 or 32 |
Differences in pay and profile are significant, so decide using the notices and the post details rather than only difficulty. The decision also depends on dates; the applications for CHSL 2026 ran from 7 September to 7 October 2026, so check the date windows for the next cycle.
Preparing for both
Since the syllabus overlaps, one plan can cover both with some adjustments:
- Build the common base first. Arithmetic, verbal reasoning, grammar and vocabulary, and current affairs serve both exams.
- Add CGL depth after the base. Geometry, Trigonometry, Algebra and DI are the extra blocks; they take about 4 to 6 weeks of focused work.
- Run mocks for each exam in its own format, with the right timing and marks. Our CGL mocks follow the CGL pattern.
- Keep a small daily typing slot (15 to 20 minutes) because both exams have qualifying skill tests.
- Use the schedules in the study plans for CGL and compress the advanced blocks for CHSL.
No plan guarantees selection in either exam, but a shared base makes the second attempt cheaper in time. Read the CGL exam pattern and syllabus pages for the full CGL details.
Frequently asked questions
Is SSC CGL harder than CHSL?
Yes, in syllabus depth, particularly in Quant (Geometry, Trigonometry, Algebra, DI) and in the number of questions in Tier 2. Both have the same four subjects and similar Tier 1 structure.
Can a graduate apply for CHSL?
CHSL requires a 12th pass, which a graduate has also cleared, but check the exact wording of the notice, including post-specific conditions such as Science with Maths for some DEO posts.
Which has better posts, CGL or CHSL?
CGL offers Group B and Group C posts at Levels 4 to 8, while CHSL offers Group C posts at Level 2, 4 and 5. Posting location, work profile and promotion matter too, so read the post details before choosing.
Is there an interview in CGL or CHSL?
No. Both rely on computer-based tiers, qualifying skill or typing tests, and document verification.
Do Tier 1 marks count in the final merit?
No, in both exams Tier 1 only shortlists you for Tier 2. For CGL, merit comes from Paper 1 (390 marks); for CHSL, from Sections I and II of Tier 2 (360 marks).
Can I use the same preparation for both exams?
Largely yes. CGL preparation covers CHSL topics in greater depth, so the main addition for CGL is the advanced Quant and a longer Tier 2. Practise typing for both.
SSC CGL 2026 preparation strategy: how Tier 1 and Tier 2 fit together, section-wise approach, mock cadence, revision loops and an attempt plan for Tier 1.
A 30-day SSC CGL 2026 study plan for candidates with a basic foundation: 6 hours a day, week-by-week topics, mock schedule and a final-week revision loop.
An 8-week SSC CGL 2026 study plan at 5 hours a day: weekly topic tables for Quant, Reasoning, English and GA, topic tests and a mock schedule.
A 12-week SSC CGL 2026 study plan from scratch at 5.5 hours a day: three phases, week-wise topic tables, mock cadence and revision loops for Tier 1.
Commonly used SSC CGL books for Quant, Reasoning, English, GA and Computer, with what each suits and how to avoid buying too many. Suggestions only.
SSC CGL Tier 2 strategy for 2026: Paper 1 pattern out of 390, section-wise approach, marking maths, Computer and DEST, and a 10-week roadmap after Tier 1.