SSC Exams Explained: CGL, CHSL, MTS, GD, CPO, JE and More
The Staff Selection Commission recruits for Group B and Group C posts in central ministries, departments and the central armed police forces. Each exam targets a different qualification.
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SSC Exams at a Glance
| Exam | Minimum qualification | Posts it fills |
|---|---|---|
| Combined Graduate Level (CGL) | Graduation | Inspectors, assistants, auditors, accountants and clerks in central departments |
| Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) | Class 12 | Lower Division Clerk, Junior Secretariat Assistant, Data Entry Operator |
| Multi-Tasking Staff and Havaldar (MTS) | Class 10 | Multi-Tasking Staff in offices; Havaldar in CBIC and CBN |
| Constable (GD) | Class 10 | Constables in BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles and others |
| Central Police Organisation (CPO) | Graduation | Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and the central armed police forces |
| Junior Engineer (JE) | Diploma or degree in civil, mechanical or electrical engineering | Junior Engineers in CPWD, MES, BRO and other departments |
| Stenographer Grade C and D | Class 12 and shorthand skill | Stenographers in ministries and departments |
| Junior Hindi Translator and related posts | Master's degree with Hindi and English | Translators in ministries and departments |
| Selection Post | Class 10, 12 or graduation, by post | Many smaller posts, each with its own eligibility |
How SSC Selection Usually Works
- Computer-based exams in one or two tiers decide merit.
- Skill tests such as typing, data entry or stenography are qualifying where the post needs them.
- Police and constable recruitment adds a physical standard test, a physical efficiency test and a medical examination.
- Document verification comes before the final result, and posts are allotted by merit and preference.
Choosing the Right Exam
Start from your highest qualification. A graduate can sit CGL, CHSL, MTS and GD, since a higher qualification never stops you from applying for a lower one. Each exam is a separate application with its own fee and age limit.
If you want a uniformed job, CPO and GD lead to the police and armed forces. For office work, CGL and CHSL lead to the secretariat, tax and audit departments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SSC exam is easiest to clear?
No exam is easy, because competition is high in all of them. MTS and GD have the lowest qualification requirement and so the most candidates.
Does SSC recruit for state government jobs?
No. SSC recruits for central government posts. States have their own commissions and selection boards.
What does SSC stand for?
Staff Selection Commission. In school certificates, SSC also means Secondary School Certificate, the Class 10 exam.
Posts, pay levels and eligibility here are those most notices have carried. The current notification is the final word on vacancies, dates, fees and exam details.