Comparing SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, and SSC MTS Syllabus: Key Differences and Overlapping Areas Explained

If you're planning to sit for any of the major SSC exams, such as SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, or SSC MTS, understanding their syllabuses is crucial. Each of these exams caters to different job profiles, and while there are some similarities in their syllabuses, there are also key differences that every candidate should be aware of. In this article, we'll break down the SSC CGL syllabus, SSC CHSL syllabus, and SSC MTS syllabus, focusing on the main differences and the overlapping areas. This way, you can better prepare and strategize your study plan based on the exam you're targeting.

SSC Exams: An Overview

Before diving into the specifics of each syllabus, it’s helpful to understand the purpose of these exams:

SSC CGL (Combined Graduate Level): This exam is for graduate-level candidates aiming for various Group B and C posts in different government departments.

SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level): Targeted at candidates who have completed their 12th standard, this exam fills posts like Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC), Data Entry Operator (DEO), and Postal Assistants/Sorting Assistants.

SSC MTS (Multi-Tasking Staff): This exam is for 10th-pass candidates, and the roles are more clerical and support-oriented, such as Peon, Jamadar, and Junior Gestetner Operator.

SSC CGL Syllabus

The SSC CGL syllabus is the most extensive among the three. Given the graduate-level requirement, the subjects are more advanced, and the exam is divided into four tiers:

Tier-I (Preliminary Examination): This is a computer-based test (CBT) consisting of four sections:

General Intelligence and Reasoning: Topics include analogies, coding-decoding, puzzles, seating arrangement, syllogism, and logical reasoning.
General Awareness: This covers current affairs, history, geography, economic scene, general policy & scientific research, and culture.
Quantitative Aptitude: Here, candidates face arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, mensuration, and data interpretation questions.
English Comprehension: This includes grammar, vocabulary, sentence correction, error detection, cloze test, and comprehension passages.
Tier-II (Main Examination): This is another CBT with two mandatory papers and two optional ones:

Paper I - Quantitative Abilities: Advanced mathematical topics, data interpretation, and simplifications.
Paper II - English Language and Comprehension: It’s more detailed than Tier-I, covering error spotting, sentence completion, and para jumbles.
Paper III & IV (Optional): Paper III is for candidates applying for the post of Junior Statistical Officer and includes statistics. Paper IV is for Assistant Audit Officer and includes General Studies (Finance and Economics).
Tier-III (Descriptive Paper): This is a pen-and-paper test where candidates write essays, letters, and applications.

Tier-IV (Skill Test/Computer Proficiency Test): Depending on the post, this tier includes a Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) or Computer Proficiency Test (CPT).

SSC CHSL Syllabus

The SSC CHSL syllabus is slightly less comprehensive than the SSC CGL syllabus, but it still requires thorough preparation. The exam is divided into three tiers:

Tier-I (Preliminary Examination): This is a CBT with sections similar to SSC CGL but with a lesser degree of difficulty:

General Intelligence: Involves simpler reasoning questions compared to CGL.
General Awareness: A mix of current events and basic concepts from history, geography, and politics.
Quantitative Aptitude (Basic Arithmetic Skill): Includes number systems, simple interest, time and work, profit and loss, and data interpretation.
English Language: Focuses on basic grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and sentence structure.
Tier-II (Descriptive Paper): This is a pen-and-paper test where candidates write a letter or essay in either English or Hindi.

Tier-III (Typing/Skill Test): This tier is practical and tests typing speed or data entry speed, depending on the post applied for.

SSC MTS Syllabus

The SSC MTS syllabus is the simplest among the three and is geared towards the 10th pass candidates. The exam is divided into two parts:

Paper-I (Preliminary Examination): This is a CBT with the following sections:

General Intelligence & Reasoning: Includes simpler questions like analogies, similarities and differences, and problem-solving.
General Awareness: Focuses more on basic knowledge of current events and general science.
Numerical Aptitude: Basic arithmetic including number systems, decimals, fractions, percentages, and averages.
General English: Simple grammar, basic vocabulary, and sentence formation.
Paper-II (Descriptive): This is a pen-and-paper test where candidates write a short essay or letter in English or any other language mentioned in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution.

Key Differences Between SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, and SSC MTS Syllabus

While all three exams have some overlap, especially in subjects like General Awareness and English, the level of difficulty and the depth of topics differ significantly.

Level of Difficulty:

The SSC CGL syllabus is more challenging because it’s for graduate-level posts, requiring in-depth knowledge and advanced skills, especially in Quantitative Aptitude and English.
The SSC CHSL syllabus is a bit easier, designed for candidates who have completed their 12th grade. It still covers a broad range of topics but without the depth required for SSC CGL.
The SSC MTS syllabus is the most basic, focusing on foundational knowledge, suitable for 10th pass candidates.
Quantitative Aptitude:

SSC CGL: Covers advanced mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
SSC CHSL: Focuses on basic arithmetic, which is less complex than the CGL exam.
SSC MTS: Very basic arithmetic, suitable for candidates with a 10th-grade education.
General Intelligence & Reasoning:

SSC CGL: Involves complex reasoning and logic puzzles that require analytical thinking.
SSC CHSL: The questions are simpler but still test the candidate’s reasoning skills.
SSC MTS: Basic reasoning questions, often straightforward and easy to solve.
English Language:

SSC CGL: Tests a candidate’s proficiency in advanced grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary.
SSC CHSL: Focuses on basic grammar, sentence structure, and comprehension.
SSC MTS: Tests very basic English skills, including simple sentence formation and basic grammar.
General Awareness:

This section is quite similar across all three exams, but the complexity and depth of questions differ.
SSC CGL: Involves a broader range of topics with questions that require a deeper understanding of subjects.
SSC CHSL: Covers similar topics but with less depth, focusing on basic concepts and current events.
SSC MTS: The questions are basic and cover general knowledge without going into much detail.

Overlapping Areas

Despite the differences, there are overlapping areas between the SSC CGL syllabus, SSC CHSL syllabus, and SSC MTS syllabus, especially in the following sections:

General Awareness: All three exams cover current affairs, basic history, geography, general science, and the economic scene. The depth and complexity vary, but the core topics remain similar.

English Language: Although the level of difficulty differs, the basic areas such as grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension are tested across all three exams.

Reasoning Ability: Logical reasoning is a part of all three exams, although the SSC CGL and SSC CHSL exams involve more complex questions compared to SSC MTS.

Conclusion

Understanding the SSC CGL syllabus, SSC CHSL syllabus, and SSC MTS syllabus is essential for anyone preparing for these exams. While there are overlapping areas, the key differences lie in the level of difficulty and the depth of topics covered. The SSC CGL syllabus is the most advanced, targeting graduate-level candidates, while the SSC CHSL syllabus is designed for 12th pass candidates, and the SSC MTS syllabus is the simplest, catering to 10th pass candidates.

By recognizing these differences and overlaps, candidates can tailor their preparation strategies according to the exam they are targeting, ensuring that they focus on the right areas and maximize their chances of success.