SSC CGL vs CPO - Complete Comparison 2025
SSC CGL vs CPO: Quick Comparison
| Parameter | SSC CGL | SSC CPO |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Combined Graduate Level | Central Police Organization |
| Qualification | Graduate | Graduate |
| Age Limit | 18-32 years | 20-25 years (relaxation for reserved) |
| Physical Test | No | Yes (PET/PST) |
| Medical Test | Basic | Detailed (Eye test crucial) |
| Job Profile | Desk jobs, Inspection | Police/Armed forces |
| Difficulty | High | Very High |
| Average Salary | ₹40,000-80,000 | ₹50,000-90,000 |
Detailed Comparison
1. Eligibility
SSC CGL:
- ✅ Graduate (any stream)
- ✅ Age: 18-32 years
- ✅ No physical requirements
- ✅ No eye sight requirements
SSC CPO:
- ✅ Graduate (any stream)
- ✅ Age: 20-25 years
- ✅ Height: Male 165cm, Female 157cm
- ✅ Chest: Male 80-85cm
- ✅ Eye sight: 6/6 (without glasses)
Winner: CGL (More relaxed eligibility)
2. Exam Pattern
Paper-I (Both similar)
- 200 questions, 200 marks
- Subjects: English, Math, Reasoning, GK
- Negative marking: 0.25
Key Differences:
SSC CGL:
- 3 Tiers (Written only)
- Tier-II: Paper-specific
- No physical test
SSC CPO:
- 2 Papers + PET/PST + Medical
- Paper-II: English only
- Physical mandatory
- Detailed medical examination
3. Physical Standards (CPO Only)
Physical Efficiency Test (PET):
Male:
- Running: 1.6 km in 6.5 minutes
- High Jump OR Long Jump
Female:
- Running: 800m in 4 minutes
- High Jump OR Long Jump
Physical Standard Test (PST):
- Height, Chest measurements
- Eye sight (most critical!)
Winner: CGL (No physical requirement)
4. Syllabus Difficulty
Similarities:
- Same Tier-I syllabus
- Math, Reasoning, English, GK
Differences:
CGL Tier-II:
- Advanced Math (difficult)
- Statistics/Economics papers
- Computer proficiency
CPO Paper-II:
- Only English (200 questions)
- Essay writing
- Comprehension
Math Difficulty: CGL > CPO Overall: CGL (Academic), CPO (Physical+Academic)
5. Job Profiles & Posts
SSC CGL Posts
| Post | Salary (approx) | Work Type |
|---|---|---|
| Income Tax Inspector | ₹44,900-1,42,400 | Field + Office |
| Auditor | ₹44,900-1,42,400 | Office |
| Assistant | ₹25,500-81,100 | Office |
SSC CPO Posts
| Post | Salary (approx) | Work Type |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-Inspector (Delhi Police) | ₹69,100-2,07,200 | Field + Investigation |
| Sub-Inspector (CAPF) | ₹69,100-2,07,200 | Border/Security |
| Assistant Sub-Inspector (CISF) | ₹47,600-1,51,100 | Security |
Salary Winner: CPO (₹10-20K more) Job Nature: CGL (Office), CPO (Field/Security)
6. Career Growth
SSC CGL:
- ✅ Can reach Group A officer
- ✅ Departmental exams for promotion
- ✅ Comfortable office work
- ✅ Work-life balance
SSC CPO:
- ✅ Fast promotions in police
- ✅ Authority and power
- ✅ Field work, investigation
- ✅ High respect in society
- ❌ Risky, challenging work
7. Medical Requirements
SSC CGL:
- Basic medical fitness
- No specific eye sight requirement
SSC CPO - Strict Medical:
- Eye Sight: 6/6, 6/9 (crucial)
- Color Blindness: Not allowed
- Flat Foot: Not allowed
- Knock Knees: Not allowed
- Medical Examination: Very detailed
Many candidates rejected in CPO medical!
8. Which Exam to Choose?
Choose SSC CGL if:
- ✅ You want office/desk job
- ✅ No physical fitness concerns
- ✅ Prefer 9-5 work culture
- ✅ Want Group A promotion path
- ✅ Not physically very fit
- ✅ Eye sight issues (glasses)
Choose SSC CPO if:
- ✅ You want police/security job
- ✅ Physically very fit (can clear PET)
- ✅ Perfect eye sight (6/6 without glasses)
- ✅ Want field work
- ✅ Interested in investigation/law enforcement
- ✅ Don’t mind transfers/postings
Can Attempt Both?
Yes! Strategy:
- Prepare for CGL (covers CPO syllabus too)
- If physically fit → Apply for CPO also
- CPO has higher salary but stricter requirements
- CGL is safer option with more posts
9. Preparation Strategy
Common Preparation:
- 80% syllabus is same
- Focus on CGL preparation
- Practice Math, Reasoning, English, GK
Additional for CPO:
- Physical Training: Daily running
- English Paper-II: 200 questions practice
- Medical Preparation: Get eyes checked early
- Essay Writing: Practice weekly
10. Success Rate & Competition
SSC CGL:
- Vacancies: 7,000-10,000
- Applicants: 20-30 lakh
- Success Rate: ~0.4%
SSC CPO:
- Vacancies: 4,000-5,000
- Applicants: 10-15 lakh
- Rejection: 50% in medical/physical
- Success Rate: ~0.3%
Note: CPO has physical/medical barrier reducing competition for qualified candidates
Quick Decision Matrix
| Your Profile | Better Choice |
|---|---|
| Wear glasses/eye issues | CGL |
| Perfect health + fitness | CPO |
| Want office job | CGL |
| Want field/police work | CPO |
| Age 18-20 | CGL |
| Age 20-25 | Both |
| Want highest salary | CPO |
| Want work-life balance | CGL |
Subject-wise Preparation Links
Study Plans
FAQs
Q1: Can I apply for both CGL and CPO? A: Yes! Both are conducted in different months.
Q2: CPO has higher salary, should I only prepare for it? A: No. Medical rejection rate is 40-50%. Keep CGL as backup.
Q3: I wear glasses. Can I still apply for CPO? A: No. CPO requires 6/6 vision WITHOUT glasses/lenses.
Q4: Which is easier - CGL or CPO? A: CGL (no physical test). But CPO Paper-II English is easier than CGL Tier-II Math.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re physically fit with perfect eyesight, attempt both! Prepare for CGL, and CPO preparation is 80% covered. Practice running and English for CPO Paper-II.
BETA
