SSC vs UPSC

One of the more prevalent questions or dilemmas among the youth of India after completing education is to whether to prepare for SSC or UPSC exams. Additionally, since a government job offers high job security, stable career, excellent pay, and regular promotion along with a high status in society, it is understandable to have the majority of the youth inclined towards jobs through the Staff Selection Commission and Union Public Service Commission.

While both SSC and UPSC will land you a high rank and well-paying career with unbeatable job security, the two are vastly different paths to be travelled. And, that's what troubles the candidates as they often end up confused about which one to go after. Also, a high number of candidates choose to prepare for both SSC and UPSC exams simultaneously. So, if you're also someone who's still in the dilemma of whether to prepare for SSC exams, UPSC exams, or both, our piece on the comparison between the two government recruitment agencies will surely help you in understanding the significant differences and similarities between the same, and also assist you in picking the most suitable track for you.

Let's start with the general introduction to both SSC and UPSC. Union Public Service Commission, or UPSC, falls under the Constitution of India’s articles 315 to 323 of part XIV, "Services Under the Union and States". UPSC is responsible for organising various recruitment exams such as the Civil Service Examination, Combined Defense Service Examination, National Defense Examination, Naval Academy Examination, and the Combined Medical Services Examination.

The Staff Selection Commission, on the other hand, is responsible for the recruitment of individuals on Group C (Non-technical) and Group B (non-gazette, both technical and non-technical) posts in the department of Government of India and its subsidiaries. However, the Railway Recruitment Board and Industrial Establishment are also responsible for the recruitment on the same posts in some departments.

Speaking of the recruitment process, the UPSC takes care of the recruitment of the finest individuals to work in the government bureaucracy and take charge of framing and implementing the government’s policies. The UPSC question paper comprises of two parts, Paper One and Paper Two, with the Paper One featuring questions from the following subjects:

* General Science

* History of India

* History of Indian National Movement

* Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India as well as the World

* Indian Policy and Governance - Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, and more

* Economic and Social Development - Sustainable development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, and more

* General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change

* Current national and international events

As for Paper Two: Candidates are asked questions from:

* Analytical Ability

* Decision Making

* Problem Solving

* Comprehension

* Interpersonal Skills including Communication skills

* Logical Reasoning

* General Mental Ability

* Basic Numeracy of Class X level

* Data Interpretation of Class X level

* English Language Comprehension Skills of Class X level

Moving on to the SSC exams, the preliminary round incorporates four different sections:

* General Intelligence and Reasoning

* General Awareness

* Quantitative Aptitude

* English Comprehension

Each of the four sections features 25 questions of two marks each. Moreover, candidates recruited by the SSC become part of the government machinery and take care of the general administrative work and smooth operation of the department and ministry. The SSC has nine regional and sub-regional offices located in Allahabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Guwahati, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Raipur, and Chandigarh. Following the preliminary examination (Tier-I), SSC conducts the Tier-II, conducts the Tier-III, and conducts the Tier-IV examinations to complete the recruitment on various posts such as Income Tax Inspector, Tax Assistant, Examiner, and others. UPSC, on the other hand, recruits individuals on posts like IAS, IRS, IPS, and others.

So, having a look at just the syllabi of the two examinations, it won't be any wrong to say that the UPSC examination is more lengthy and tougher than SSC, which is quite understandable since the UPSC recruits for Group A and B posts, while the SSC recruits for Group B and C posts. With the difference in rank comes the difference in pay and other perks that one is entitled to after obtaining a job via the UPSC.

UPSC-selected candidates enjoy a higher social status as well as other benefits that are offered by the government. Also, while the SSC-selected candidates do not possess much authority, UPSC-selected officers, like IAS, are posted as District Collectors, and can make policies for the whole district.

Now, considering an individual's interests, candidates with good Mathematical skills can target the SSC exams, whereas youth with more interest in subjective reading, analysis, and policy-making should aim at cracking the UPSC. Nonetheless, candidates with good mathematical and reasoning skills with a deep interest in reading and learning can easily prepare for both SSC and UPSC concurrently.

Some tips to excel at both SSC and UPSC examinations:

* Dedicate time and hard work on improving weaker traits and skills. If you're stuck a reasoning ability, don't stop, keep at it until you master the art of reasoning, same applies for any other subject or topic.

* Keep yourself updated with happenings around the world.

* Read NCERT books, especially for UPSC.

* Prepare according to the time table. Give yourself deadlines and push the limits.

* Solve as many mock tests as possible.

* Keep revising already covered topics at regular intervals.

We hope we were able to provide you with enough information to distinguish between SSC and UPSC examinations and make the correct choice for yourself. No matter if you prepare for SSC or UPSC, hard work, along with a bit of smartness is the need of the hour in today's high-intensity competition for government jobs. With that said, we, at Exammr, wish you the best for your preparations and upcoming exams.