SSC CHSL vs MTS - Which Exam to Choose?
Related Exam Comparisons
Exam Type Recommendations Based on Your Profile
If You’re 12th Pass:
- Primary Choice: SSC CHSL (better career growth)
- Alternative: SSC MTS (easier competition, quicker job)
If You’re 10th Pass:
- Primary Choice: SSC MTS (eligible immediately)
- Upgrade Path: Complete 12th, then appear for CHSL
Career Progression Planning:
- Start with MTS → Gain experience → Complete 12th → Appear for CHSL
- Direct CHSL → Better career trajectory from start
SSC CHSL vs MTS: At a Glance
Parameter | SSC CHSL | SSC MTS |
---|---|---|
Qualification | 12th Pass | 10th Pass |
Age Limit | 18-27 years | 18-25 years |
Exam Difficulty | Moderate | Easy |
Math Level | 10th standard | 8th-10th standard |
Salary | ₹25,500-81,100 | ₹18,000-56,900 |
Job Type | Clerical/Data Entry | Multi-tasking Staff |
Career Growth | Moderate | Limited |
Competition | High | Very High |
Detailed Comparison
1. Eligibility Criteria
SSC CHSL:
- ✅ 12th pass from recognized board
- ✅ Age: 18-27 years
- ✅ Any stream (Science/Commerce/Arts)
SSC MTS:
- ✅ 10th pass (Matriculation)
- ✅ Age: 18-25 years
- ✅ Lower educational requirement
Winner: MTS (Lower qualification needed)
2. Exam Pattern
Tier-I (Computer Based)
CHSL:
- 100 questions, 200 marks
- Time: 60 minutes
- Subjects: English(25), Math(25), Reasoning(25), GK(25)
MTS:
- 100 questions, 100 marks
- Time: 90 minutes
- Subjects: English(25), Math(25), Reasoning(25), GK(25)
Key Difference:
- CHSL: 2 marks per question, negative marking (-0.50)
- MTS: 1 mark per question, negative marking (-0.25)
- MTS: More time per question (54 seconds vs 36 seconds)
3. Syllabus & Difficulty
Math Comparison:
CHSL (10th Level):
- Number Systems, Percentages
- Profit & Loss, Time & Work
- Geometry, Mensuration
- Data Interpretation
MTS (8th-10th Level):
- Basic Arithmetic
- Simple Percentage
- Basic Geometry
- Easier calculations
Difficulty: CHSL > MTS
Reasoning:
CHSL:
- All reasoning types
- Moderate difficulty
- Syllogisms, Puzzles
MTS:
- Basic reasoning
- Easier patterns
- Simple analogies
English:
CHSL:
- Grammar, Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Cloze Test
MTS:
- Basic Grammar
- Simple Vocabulary
- Easy Comprehension
Winner: MTS (Much easier syllabus)
4. Job Profiles & Salary
CHSL Posts:
Post | Grade Pay | Salary Range | Work |
---|---|---|---|
LDC/JSA | ₹19,900 Level | ₹19,900-63,200 | Clerical |
DEO | ₹25,500 Level | ₹25,500-81,100 | Data Entry |
PA/SA | ₹25,500 Level | ₹25,500-81,100 | Secretarial |
Court Clerk | ₹19,900 Level | ₹19,900-63,200 | Court work |
MTS Posts:
Post | Grade Pay | Salary Range | Work |
---|---|---|---|
Peon | ₹18,000 Level | ₹18,000-56,900 | Office help |
Daftary | ₹18,000 Level | ₹18,000-56,900 | File handling |
Chowkidar | ₹18,000 Level | ₹18,000-56,900 | Security |
Mali | ₹18,000 Level | ₹18,000-56,900 | Gardening |
Salary Difference: CHSL pays ₹7,000-25,000 more per month
Job Nature:
- CHSL: Office/Computer work
- MTS: Physical/Manual work
5. Career Growth
SSC CHSL:
- ✅ Can become UDC (Upper Division Clerk)
- ✅ Promotion to Assistant level
- ✅ Can attempt SSC CGL after graduation
- ✅ Better career progression
- ✅ Skill development opportunities
SSC MTS:
- ❌ Limited promotion scope
- ❌ Mostly same level throughout
- ❌ Can attempt CHSL/CGL after qualification
- ❌ Manual work, less skill development
- ✅ But permanent government job
Winner: CHSL (Much better growth)
6. Work-Life Balance
CHSL:
- ✅ 9-5 office timings
- ✅ Computer/desk work
- ✅ Air-conditioned office
- ✅ Professional environment
- ✅ Weekends off
MTS:
- ✅ Fixed timings (usually)
- ❌ Physical/manual work
- ❌ May involve outdoor work
- ❌ Different work nature
- ✅ Less mental stress
7. Preparation Time Required
CHSL Preparation:
- Duration: 6-9 months
- Daily Study: 4-6 hours
- Focus: All subjects equally
- Difficulty: Moderate preparation
MTS Preparation:
- Duration: 3-6 months
- Daily Study: 3-4 hours
- Focus: Basic concepts
- Difficulty: Easy preparation
Winner: MTS (Less preparation time)
8. Competition & Vacancies
CHSL:
- Vacancies: 3,000-5,000 annually
- Applicants: 15-20 lakh
- Competition: 1:400-500
MTS:
- Vacancies: 5,000-10,000 annually
- Applicants: 25-35 lakh
- Competition: 1:250-350
Note: MTS has more vacancies but also more applicants (10th pass = larger pool)
9. Which Exam to Choose?
Choose SSC CHSL if:
- ✅ You are 12th pass
- ✅ Want better salary (₹25K-35K)
- ✅ Prefer office/computer work
- ✅ Want career growth
- ✅ Can study 6-9 months
- ✅ Planning to do graduation later (for CGL)
Choose SSC MTS if:
- ✅ You are 10th pass (not 12th yet)
- ✅ Need quick government job
- ✅ Can prepare in 3-6 months
- ✅ Don’t mind manual work
- ✅ Want less competition relatively
- ✅ Looking for job security primarily
Smart Strategy:
If you’re 12th pass:
- Attempt CHSL (better option)
- Can also attempt MTS as backup
- Both exams in same year possible
If you’re 10th pass:
- Attempt MTS now
- Complete 12th → Attempt CHSL
- After graduation → Attempt CGL
10. Preparation Strategy
For CHSL:
- Focus on all subjects equally
- Practice 10th level math daily
- Strong English grammar needed
- 6 months consistent study
For MTS:
- Focus on basic concepts
- Simple calculation practice
- Basic grammar rules
- 3-4 months preparation enough
Common Preparation:
- 60% syllabus overlaps
- Preparing for CHSL covers MTS
- Can attempt both together
Subject-wise Preparation
Decision Table
Your Situation | Recommended |
---|---|
10th pass, need job urgently | MTS |
12th pass, want better salary | CHSL |
Weak in studies | MTS |
Good in studies | CHSL |
Want office work | CHSL |
Don’t mind manual work | MTS |
Plan to study further | MTS now, CHSL/CGL later |
Want one-time job | MTS |
Real Student Examples
Case 1: Rahul (10th pass)
- Cleared MTS in 2023
- Salary: ₹22,000/month
- Work: Peon in Income Tax Office
- Plan: Preparing for CHSL while working
Case 2: Priya (12th pass)
- Cleared CHSL in 2024
- Salary: ₹28,000/month
- Work: DEO in Ministry
- Plan: Doing graduation, will attempt CGL
FAQs
Q1: I’m 12th pass. Should I attempt MTS for quick job? A: Not recommended. CHSL has much better salary and career growth. Invest 6 months more.
Q2: Can I do CHSL job and prepare for CGL? A: Yes! Many CHSL employees clear CGL later. You’ll have job security while preparing.
Q3: MTS vs CHSL - Which is easier to clear? A: MTS exam is easier, but competition is also more. Success rate similar for both.
Q4: Which has better job satisfaction? A: CHSL (office work, better salary, growth). MTS is good for job security only.
💡 Final Advice:
- 10th pass? → Go for MTS, get job, study further
- 12th pass? → Skip MTS, go for CHSL directly
- Graduate? → Aim for SSC CGL, not CHSL/MTS
Remember: Government job is good, but choose wisely based on your qualification and goals!