Which is Easier: SSC CGL or State PCS?

It often comes down to personal experience and individual strengths when discussing the relative ease of the SSC CGL (Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level) and State Public Service Commission (State PCS) exams. While it's true that SSC CGL has a more limited syllabus, making it easier for some candidates, the reality is that today's job market remains highly competitive, and the difficulty of these exams should not be compared merely in terms of objective measures.

Competition in the Government Sector

No job comes without its challenges in today's competitive job market, especially in the government sector. Both SSC CGL and State PCS exams demand significant preparation and effort. However, for the sake of understanding, here's a breakdown of the differences:

SSC CGL

The SSC CGL exam is known for its objective format, making it more predictable and achievable with hard work. The syllabus is relatively limited, which means students can focus their preparation more narrowly. Although SSC CGL used to have a tier 3 in a subjective format, this has been changed over the years to a simpler structure. This change makes the exam more manageable for many candidates, as they no longer need to worry about essay writing or other subjective-based questions.

State PCS

On the other hand, State PCS exams are known for their vast syllabi, which often include preparatory, main, and interview rounds. The mains portion of the exam is conducted in a subjective format, which can introduce uncertainty even after extensive preparation. Achieving a 100% success rate is challenging due to the unpredictable nature of the questions and the subjective evaluation process.

Personal Factors and Preparation

The difficulty of these exams also depends heavily on individual strengths. If you are strong in mathematics and English, the SSC CGL might be easier. Conversely, if you excel in memorization and have a strong theoretical foundation, State PCS could be more manageable for you. The nature of the jobs provided through these exams also varies. State PCS jobs often offer better positions and more stability compared to SSC CGL positions.

A Real-World Example

Consider this example: I am preparing for State PCS and have already cleared SSC CGL. I know someone who, despite being a graduate from IIT Kanpur, struggled with SSC CGL and performed poorly over multiple attempts. However, he cleared the Civil Services Exam (UPSC CSE) with a brilliant rank after years of preparation. This illustrates that even the most academically strong candidates can find SSC CGL challenging.

Conclusion

In summary, while SSC CGL is generally considered easier due to its smaller syllabus and objective format, State PCS exams are more extensive and include multiple rounds. The choice ultimately depends on your strengths and individual circumstances. Whether you find SSC CGL or State PCS easier will largely depend on your specific skills, the subjects you find easier, and the type of job you are seeking.

So, are you ready to take on a challenge with SSC CGL or are you considering the detailed and comprehensive preparation required for State PCS? Best of luck in your journey!