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Exam Comparison

UPSC IAS vs SSC CGL 2026

UPSC IAS (CSE) 2026 selects ~1,000 candidates for Group A gazetted officer posts like IAS, IPS, and IFS through a year-long 3-stage process; SSC CGL 2026 selects 15,000+ candidates for Group B/C posts in a faster 2-stage online exam.

Last updated: July 4, 2026

ParameterUPSC IAS (CSE) 2026SSC CGL 2026
Conducting BodyUPSC (Union Public Service Commission)Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
Vacancies 2026~1,05615,000+
EligibilityGraduate (any discipline), age 21–32Graduate (any discipline), age 18–32
Exam StagesPrelims → Mains (9 papers) → Personality TestTier I → Tier II → Skill Test
Exam Duration~12–15 months (full cycle)~8–10 months (full cycle)
Attempts6 attempts (General category)No attempt limit
Salary₹56,100/month (IAS) + perks + accommodation₹25,500–₹67,700/month (Level 4–8)
Post ExamplesIAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, IRTS, IAS State ServiceInspector IT/Central Excise, Auditor, Assistant, SI CBI
Power & PrestigeHighest — District Collector, Cabinet Secretary levelGood — Central govt employee, departmental authority
Preparation Time2–4 years typically6–12 months typically
Optional SubjectYes — 1 optional subject (500 marks)No
DifficultyExtremely high — one of India's toughest examsHigh but manageable with focused preparation

Choose UPSC IAS (CSE) 2026 if…

Choose UPSC IAS if you want the highest administrative power, prestige, and long-term career growth. IAS officers shape policy at district and national levels.

UPSC IAS (CSE) 2026 full details →

Choose SSC CGL 2026 if…

Choose SSC CGL if you want a stable central government job faster, with a clear syllabus, no attempt limit, and a good salary without years of preparation.

SSC CGL 2026 full details →

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is harder — UPSC IAS or SSC CGL?▼
UPSC IAS (Civil Services Exam) is significantly harder. It has a 0.1–0.2% selection rate vs ~0.5–1% for SSC CGL. The Mains has 9 papers including an essay and optional subject, and the Personality Test is rigorous. SSC CGL has no interview and a more predictable syllabus.
Can I prepare for both UPSC IAS and SSC CGL simultaneously?▼
Yes, and many aspirants do. The GK and reasoning sections overlap. However, UPSC demands much deeper optional subject study and essay/answer-writing skills. Splitting preparation reduces focus for UPSC specifically.
Which has a better salary — UPSC IAS or SSC CGL?▼
UPSC IAS officers earn more in total compensation. An IAS officer gets ₹56,100 basic pay + government accommodation + vehicle + staff allowances, making total perks far exceed an SSC CGL officer. SSC CGL salary (₹25,500–₹67,700) is competitive but without the same perks.
Is there an age limit difference between UPSC IAS and SSC CGL?▼
UPSC IAS requires a minimum age of 21 and maximum of 32 (General), with only 6 attempts. SSC CGL minimum age is 18, maximum 32 (General), with no attempt limit. SC/ST/OBC relaxations apply to both.

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