SSC CHSL vs CGL vs MTS: Which Exam Should You Choose?
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) runs three exams that together attract a very large share of central government job aspirants: the Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) exam for Class 10 pass candidates, the Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) exam for Class 12 pass candidates, and the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) exam for graduates. They look similar from the outside because all three use computer-based tests with reasoning, maths, English and general awareness. But the posts, pay, age limits and difficulty are quite different. This guide compares them using the official SSC notices, so you can decide where to put your time.
The Short Answer
- Class 10 pass only: MTS (and Havaldar) is the exam you can take.
- Class 12 pass: CHSL is the main option, and you can also take MTS.
- Graduate: you can take all three. CGL offers the highest pay levels, CHSL is often a good second target, and MTS is a backup that some graduates also write.
Eligibility decides the first filter. After that, your choice depends on your age, how much time you have, and the kind of job you want.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Point | MTS and Havaldar | CHSL | CGL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum education | Matriculation (Class 10) or equivalent | Class 12 or equivalent | Bachelor's degree (some posts need specific subjects) |
| Typical age limit | 18-25 years for MTS; 18-27 for Havaldar and a few MTS posts | 18-27 years | Post-wise: 18-27, 20-30, 18-30 or 18-32 years |
| Pay level (7th CPC) | Level 1 | Level 2 (LDC/JSA), Level 4 and 5 (DEO) | Level 4 to Level 8 |
| Group | Group C | Group C | Group B and Group C |
| Stages | One computer-based exam; PET/PST for Havaldar | Tier-I and Tier-II (with typing or skill test) | Tier-I and Tier-II (with computer test and data entry speed test) |
| Application fee | ₹100 (exemptions apply) | ₹100 (exemptions apply) | ₹100 (exemptions apply) |
Sources: SSC MTS and Havaldar Examination 2025 notice, CHSL 2026 notice and CGL 2026 notice. In all three, women, SC, ST, PwBD and eligible ex-servicemen candidates are exempt from the fee.
SSC MTS and Havaldar
What the job is
Multi-Tasking (Non-Technical) Staff is a Group C, Pay Level 1 post in central ministries and offices. Work is general office support. Havaldar posts are in the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), also at Pay Level 1.
Exam pattern (2025 notice)
The computer-based exam has two sessions on the same day, both compulsory:
- Session-I (45 minutes): Numerical and Mathematical Ability (20 questions, 60 marks) and Reasoning Ability and Problem Solving (20 questions, 60 marks). There is no negative marking in this session.
- Session-II (45 minutes): General Awareness (25 questions, 75 marks) and English Language and Comprehension (25 questions, 75 marks). One mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
Havaldar candidates also need to pass a Physical Efficiency Test and Physical Standard Test.
Who should choose it
MTS suits Class 10 pass candidates and those who want a central government job quickly with a single exam stage. Graduates sometimes write it as a safety option, but remember the pay level is the lowest of the three.
SSC CHSL
What the job is
CHSL fills Lower Division Clerk (LDC) and Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA) posts at Pay Level 2, and Data Entry Operator (DEO) posts at Pay Levels 4 and 5, in central ministries, departments and offices. Work is clerical and data entry.
Exam pattern (2026 notice)
- Tier-I: 100 questions for 200 marks in 60 minutes, covering English, General Intelligence, Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness (25 questions each), with 0.50 marks deducted per wrong answer.
- Tier-II: Section-I (Mathematical Abilities and Reasoning), Section-II (English and General Awareness), Section-III (Computer Knowledge Test, qualifying), and Section-IV (Skill Test for DEOs or Typing Test for LDC/JSA, qualifying). Final merit is based on Sections I and II of Tier-II.
Who should choose it
CHSL suits Class 12 pass candidates, and graduates who want a desk job and are comfortable with typing. Do not ignore the typing or skill test. It is qualifying, but failing it means you are out regardless of your score.
SSC CGL
What the job is
CGL fills a wide range of Group B and C posts, from Assistant Section Officer and Inspector posts to Auditor, Accountant, Postal Assistant and Tax Assistant. The CGL 2026 notice lists posts from Pay Level 4 (₹25,500-81,100) to Pay Level 8 (₹47,600-1,51,100) and about 12,256 tentative vacancies.
Exam pattern (2026 notice)
- Tier-I: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Comprehension, 25 questions each, 200 marks in 60 minutes, with 0.50 marks negative per wrong answer.
- Tier-II: Paper-I is compulsory for all posts and has four sections: Maths and Reasoning, English and General Awareness, a Computer Knowledge Test, and a Data Entry Speed Test. Paper-II (statistics) is only for Junior Statistical Officer and Statistical Investigator posts, and Paper-III is only for Assistant Audit Officer and Assistant Accounts Officer. Paper-I Sections I to III carry one mark negative per wrong answer.
Who should choose it
CGL suits graduates who can give serious preparation time. It has the widest choice of posts and the highest pay of the three. Some posts have physical standards or specific degree requirements, so read the post list carefully before you fill preferences.
How to Decide: Five Questions to Ask Yourself
1. What is my highest qualification today?
This decides which exams you can take. A final-year student can apply only if the result is declared by the cut-off date given in the notice.
2. How many attempts do I have left?
Count your age against each exam's limit. CGL has some posts up to 32 years, but many popular posts are 18-27 or 18-30. Add any category relaxation you are entitled to. Our age relaxation guide explains how.
3. How much time can I give?
All three share a common base: arithmetic, reasoning, English grammar and general awareness. CGL Tier-II goes deeper in maths and English. If you are working, our timetable for working candidates may help.
4. Am I ready for typing or data entry tests?
CHSL needs a typing or skill test, and CGL Paper-I has a Data Entry Speed Test. Practise typing early. It is a skill that improves only with daily practice.
5. What kind of work do I want?
Some CGL posts involve field work and transfers, while CHSL and MTS posts are mostly office-based. The CHSL and CGL notices say all their posts carry All India Service Liability, meaning you can be posted anywhere in India. MTS vacancies are filled State/UT-wise, and the MTS notice explains how your choice of State/UT affects which vacancies you are considered for.
Can I Prepare for All Three Together?
Yes, and many candidates do. The Tier-I syllabus of CHSL and CGL is very similar, and MTS covers the same subjects at a more basic level. A sensible approach is to build a strong base for CGL Tier-I, which automatically covers most of CHSL Tier-I and MTS. Then add typing practice for CHSL and deeper maths and English for CGL Tier-II. Keep an eye on the SSC exam calendar so that exam dates do not clash with your plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a graduate apply for CHSL and MTS?
Yes. These exams set a minimum qualification, not a maximum. A graduate meets the Class 12 and Class 10 requirements.
Which exam is the easiest?
MTS has the most basic syllabus, but it also attracts a very large number of candidates, so the competition is not light. Difficulty depends as much on competition as on syllabus.
Is there an interview in these exams?
No. The notices we checked describe computer-based tests, qualifying skill or typing tests where needed, document verification, and physical tests only for certain posts.
Do these exams have negative marking?
Yes. CHSL and CGL Tier-I deduct 0.50 marks per wrong answer. MTS has no negative marking in Session-I but deducts one mark per wrong answer in Session-II.
Is the 2026 MTS notice covered here?
This guide uses the MTS 2025 notice, the latest MTS notice we could verify on ssc.gov.in when we checked. Read the current notice for updated dates and vacancies.
Sources and Last Checked
Checked on 01 October 2026:
- SSC MTS (Non-Technical) and Havaldar (CBIC and CBN) Examination 2025 notice: ssc.gov.in
- SSC CHSL Examination 2026 notice: ssc.gov.in
- SSC CGL Examination 2026 notice: ssc.gov.in
Patterns and age limits are set per notice and can change. Always read the current notice before applying.