SSC exams are very popular among job seekers in India. Two of the most common SSC exams are SSC GD Constable and SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level). Many candidates get confused about the difference between these exams.
In this article, we will explain the key differences between SSC GD and SSC CGL, including eligibility, exam pattern, salary, job profile, and promotion opportunities in a very simple way.
Table of Contents
Overview of SSC GD and SSC CGL
| Feature | SSC GD (General Duty) | SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level) |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Staff Selection Commission General Duty | Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level |
| Exam Level | 10th Pass (Matriculation) | Graduate Level (Any Bachelor’s Degree) |
| Posts | Constable, Rifleman, Security Staff | Inspector, Auditor, Tax Assistant, etc. |
| Exam Mode | Physical + Written + PET/PST | Written (Tier 1, 2, 3, 4) |
| Salary | ₹21,700 – ₹28,000 approx. in-hand | ₹35,000 – ₹55,000+ in-hand depending on post |
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | SSC GD | SSC CGL |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | 10th Pass from a recognised board | Bachelor’s degree in any stream |
| Age Limit | 18 – 23 years | 18 – 32 years (varies by post) |
| Gender | Male & Female | Male & Female |
| Physical Standards | Chest, Height, and Physical Efficiency Test required | No physical standard required |
Exam Pattern
SSC GD Exam Pattern:
- Written Test: 100 marks (General Knowledge, Maths, General Intelligence, Reasoning)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Physical Standard Test (PST)
- Medical Test after qualifying PET/PST
SSC CGL Exam Pattern:
- Tier 1: Objective Multiple Choice (General Awareness, Maths, English, Reasoning)
- Tier 2: Maths, Statistics, Economics or Finance (depending on post)
- Tier 3: Descriptive English
- Tier 4: Skill/Typing Test (if applicable)
Salary and Benefits
- SSC GD Constable: In-hand ₹21,700 – ₹28,000 with allowances like DA, HRA, TA.
- SSC CGL: In-hand ₹35,000 – ₹55,000+ depending on post and grade pay.
- Both get a pension, medical facilities, leave benefits, and promotion opportunities.
Salary and Benefits: SSC GD vs SSC CGL
| Feature / Benefit | SSC GD Constable / Rifleman | SSC CGL (Inspector, TA, Auditor, etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹21,700 – ₹28,000 approx. (Level 3 Pay Matrix) | ₹35,000 – ₹55,000+ approx. (Depends on post & Grade Pay) |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | Yes, revised twice a year | Yes, revised twice a year |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | Yes, depends on city class (X, Y, Z) | Yes, depends on the city class |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | Yes, fixed monthly | Yes, higher than GD posts |
| Medical Benefits | Free medical facilities for self & family | Free medical facilities for self & family |
| Overtime Allowance | Applicable for extra duty hours | Applicable depending on the post |
| Night Duty Allowance | Yes | Yes, only for certain posts |
| Pension | Available after retirement (Defined Pension Scheme) | Available, higher post = higher pension |
| Annual Increment | 3% basic pay increment | 3% basic pay increment |
| Promotion Opportunities | Head Constable – ASI – Inspector (department-wise) | Higher posts via seniority & departmental exams |
| Job Security | High, central government post | High, central government post |
| Other Perks | Festival bonus, risk allowance, uniform, free transport | Bonus, allowances based on department, flexible postings |
Job Profile
SSC GD Job Profile
SSC GD jobs are mainly field and security-oriented posts. Candidates selected in SSC GD work in central armed police forces like BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, and Assam Rifles.
Main Responsibilities:
- Patrolling and maintaining law & order in assigned areas
- Crowd control during events or emergencies
- Anti-smuggling and anti-theft operations
- Assisting in VIP protection and national security duties
- Field training and participating in exercises for operational readiness
Key Points:
- Mostly outdoor and physically demanding work
- Requires physical fitness and discipline
- Posting anywhere in India, sometimes in challenging areas
SSC CGL Job Profile
SSC CGL jobs are office and administrative-oriented posts in government departments. Candidates work in ministries, tax departments, audit offices, and other government offices.
Main Responsibilities:
- Inspecting financial records and audits (Auditor, Accountant posts)
- Tax collection and verification (Tax Assistant, Inspector posts)
- Administrative work and data management
- Drafting reports, preparing documents, and assisting senior officers
- Skill-based or computer-based tasks, depending on the post
Key Points:
- Mostly office-based work with fixed hours
- Less physically demanding compared to SSC GD
- Posting usually in cities or headquarters, rarely in field postings
Career Growth & Promotion: SSC GD vs SSC CGL
SSC GD Career Growth & Promotion
SSC GD is an entry-level field job in the central armed police forces. Career growth is structured but depends on seniority, departmental exams, and performance.
Promotion Path:
- Constable – Head Constable – Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) – Sub-Inspector / Inspector
- Promotions are department-specific and take several years
- Additional perks and a pay rise with each promotion
- Opportunity to move to specialised units or training roles
SSC CGL Career Growth & Promotion
SSC CGL is a graduate-level office/admin job, offering faster career growth and higher posts compared to SSC GD.
Promotion Path:
- Tax Assistant / Auditor / Inspector – Senior Inspector / Assistant Section Officer (ASO) – Section Officer – Under Secretary / Deputy Director (depending on department)
- Promotions depend on seniority, departmental exams, and performance
- Higher posts come with Grade Pay and a salary hike
- Some posts also offer training & foreign postings
FAQs: Difference between SSC GD and SSC CGL
Can a 12th pass apply for SSC CGL?
No, SSC CGL requires a graduate degree. 12th pass can only apply for SSC GD.
Which exam pays more, SSC GD or SSC CGL?
SSC CGL pays significantly higher than SSC GD due to higher posts and responsibilities.
Is physical fitness required for SSC CGL?
No, SSC CGL does not have physical standards, but SSC GD requires physical fitness tests.
How does promotion work in SSC GD Constable?
Promotion in SSC GD Constable depends on performance, seniority, and departmental exams. A Constable can be promoted to Head Constable in around 7–8 years, followed by Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and then Sub-Inspector (SI).
How is salary and promotion structured in SSC CGL?
Salary and promotion in SSC CGL depend on the Grade Pay and post. With experience and departmental exams, candidates can rise from ASO – Section Officer – Under Secretary, with salary increasing at each stage.
How long does it take for promotion in SSC GD?
It generally takes around 7–8 years to get promoted from Constable to Head Constable, and further promotions to ASI and SI depend on departmental exams and total service years.
What is the main difference in career growth between SSC GD and SSC CGL?
SSC GD career growth is field-based, requiring physical fitness and exams, whereas SSC CGL career growth is office-based, with higher chances of managerial roles and promotions.
How does promotion happen in SSC CGL?
Promotion in SSC CGL depends on seniority, performance, and departmental exams. For example, an Assistant Section Officer (ASO) can be promoted to Section Officer after clearing departmental exams and gaining experience. Some posts, like Income Tax Inspector, can reach Assistant Commissioner level in 7–8 years.
Conclusion
The main difference between SSC GD and SSC CGL lies in eligibility, exam level, job profile, and salary. SSC GD is for 10th pass candidates seeking field jobs like Constable or Rifleman, while SSC CGL is for graduates aiming for office and administrative positions with higher pay.
If you are a 10th pass with physical fitness, SSC GD is your path. If you are a graduate looking for better pay and promotions, SSC CGL is the ideal choice.
If you are preparing for these exams, check out our guide on How to Prepare for SSC Exam to boost your chances of success with tips, strategy, and study resources.
