Home / Compare exams / SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL
SSC CGL vs SSC CHSL
SSC CGL: 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes. SSC CHSL: 100 questions, 200 marks, 60 minutes. Both test English, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude / Maths, General Awareness, so preparing for one covers much of the other. Most aspirants in this bracket sit both.
| SSC CGL Tier 1 | SSC CHSL Tier 1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Conducted by | Staff Selection Commission | Staff Selection Commission |
| Questions | 100 | 100 |
| Marks | 200 | 200 |
| Time | 60 min | 60 min |
| Seconds a question | 36 | 36 |
| Marking | +2 for each correct answer, −0.5 for each wrong answer. Computer-based, in English and Hindi. | +2 for each correct answer, −0.5 for each wrong answer. Computer-based, in English and Hindi. |
| Sections | General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension | English Language, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness |
| Languages | English, Hindi | English, Hindi |
| Age (UR) | 18–27 | 18–27 |
| Qualification | Bachelor's degree from a recognised university or equivalent. | Class 12 pass from a recognised board. DEO in Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, SSC and Ministry of Culture needs Class 12 Science with Mathematics. |
| Next exam | Not announced | 30 Nov – 31 Dec 2026 |
| Last cut-off (UR) | 136.4 / 200 (SSC CGL 2025 Tier 1 cutoff (all other posts), UR) | 144.26 / 200 (SSC CHSL 2025 Tier 1 cutoff (LDC/JSA, List 1), UR) |
| Mocks on RankVyuh | 9 full (2 free) | 8 full (2 free) |
Which should you prepare for?
- Both test English, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude / Maths, General Awareness, so preparing for one covers much of the other. Most aspirants in this bracket sit both.
- Age limit is the same for both: 27 for unreserved candidates, with category relaxations.
- Qualification: SSC CGL needs bachelor's degree from a recognised university or equivalent; SSC CHSL needs class 12 pass from a recognised board. deo in ministry of consumer affairs, food & public distribution, ssc and ministry of culture needs class 12 science with mathematics.
Neither is "easier": cut-offs move with vacancies and candidates every year. Take a free mock of each and compare your two reports; the gap to each exam's last cut-off is the honest answer.
FAQ
- Can I prepare for SSC CGL and SSC CHSL together?
- Yes. Both test English, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude / Maths, General Awareness. Prepare those once, then the sections only one of them has.
- Which has negative marking, SSC CGL or SSC CHSL?
- SSC CGL: +2 for each correct answer, −0.5 for each wrong answer. Computer-based, in English and Hindi. SSC CHSL: +2 for each correct answer, −0.5 for each wrong answer. Computer-based, in English and Hindi.
- What are the age limits for SSC CGL and SSC CHSL?
- SSC CGL: 18 to 27 for unreserved candidates (as on 2026-08-01). SSC CHSL: 18 to 27 (as on 2026-08-01). Category relaxations apply; check with the age-limit calculator.
Sources: official notifications of Staff Selection Commission (website ) and Staff Selection Commission (website ); SSC Notice, Combined Graduate Level Examination 2026, F. No. HQ-C11018/1/2026-C-1, published 21-05-2026; SSC Notice, Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination 2026, F. No. HQ-C1102/5/2026-C-1, published 07-09-2026 (applications 07-09-2026 to 07-10-2026). Age-limit calculator · All comparisons