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For candidates who have just completed their 12th standard, choosing the right government exam can be tricky. Two popular options are SSC CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level) and IB ACIO (Assistant Central Intelligence Officer). While both are prestigious, they differ in eligibility, job roles, salary, and career growth. This article compares SSC CHSL vs IB ACIO to help candidates choose the right exam.
SSC CHSL vs IB ACIO, Notification Comparison
Both SSC CHSL and IB ACIO notifications are released separately by different recruiting bodies. While SSC CHSL is conducted annually by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for 12th pass aspirants, IB ACIO notification is released by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for graduates. The notifications differ in eligibility, exam dates, vacancies, and job responsibilities.
| Aspect | SSC CHSL Notification | IB ACIO Notification |
|---|
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) | Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Intelligence Bureau |
| Frequency | Released annually | Released as per requirement (not fixed annually) |
| Eligibility | 12th pass candidates | Graduation in any stream |
| Posts Offered | LDC, JSA, DEO, PA/SA | Assistant Central Intelligence Officer Grade II |
| Selection Process | Tier 1 (Objective), Tier 2 (Descriptive), Skill Test | Tier 1 (Objective), Tier 2 (Essay), Interview |
| Salary (Starting) | ₹25,000 – ₹32,000/month (post-wise) | ₹44,900 – ₹52,000/month (plus allowances) |
| Job Nature | Clerical/assistant-level office work | Intelligence, security, and field + office mix |
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SSC CHSL vs IB ACIO, Eligibility Criteria
The SSC CHSL Eligibility allows 12th pass candidates to apply for clerical and assistant-level posts in government departments. On the other hand, IB ACIO Eligibility requires a graduation degree, making it suitable for aspirants who have completed higher studies.
| Criteria | SSC CHSL | IB ACIO |
|---|
| Educational Qualification | 12th pass from a recognized board | Graduation required (any stream) |
| Age Limit | 18 to 27 years (with relaxation) | 18 to 27 years (with relaxation) |
| Nationality | Indian citizens only | Indian citizens only |
SSC CHSL is open for 12th pass aspirants, while IB ACIO requires a graduation degree. So, a 12th pass candidate is not eligible for IB ACIO directly.
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SSC CHSL vs IB ACIO, Exam Pattern
The SSC CHSL Exam Pattern includes two tiers. Both the SSC CHSL Tier 1 and Tier 2 exams will be conducted online, and a typing/skill test. The IB ACIO Exam Pattern has Tier 1 (objective), Tier 2 (essay & comprehension), and an interview stage.
| Aspect | SSC CHSL | IB ACIO |
|---|
| Tier 1 | Objective (Online) – Reasoning, English, Quant, GK | Objective (Online) – Reasoning, English, Quant, GK |
| Tier 2 | Objective (Online) - Quant, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, and Computer | Essay & English Comprehension (Descriptive) |
| Skill/Final Stage | Typing/DEST Test + Document Verification | Interview + Document Verification |
What are the important dates for SSC CHSL 2026 compared to IB ACIO 2025?
SSC CHSL 2026 notification is expected in April 2026, with applications likely closing in May and Tier 1 exams tentatively scheduled between July and September, whereas IB ACIO 2025 notification was on 14th July 2025 with Tier 1 exams held from 16–18 September 2025.
| Event | SSC CHSL 2025 | SSC CHSL 2026 (Expected) | IB ACIO 2025 |
|---|
| Notification Release | 23rd June 2025 | April 2026 | 14th July 2025 |
| Online Application Start | 23rd June 2025 | April 2026 | 19th July 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 18th July 2025 (23:00) | May 2026 (TBA) | 10th August 2025 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 19th July 2025 (23:00) | TBA | 10th August 2025 |
| Application Form Correction | 25–26th July 2025 | TBA | N/A |
| Tier 1 Exam Date | 12–30th Nov 2025 | July–Sept 2026 (Tentative) | 16–18th Sept 2025 |
| Tier 2 Exam Date | Feb–March 2026 | TBA | 11th Jan 2026 |
| City Intimation Slip | N/A | N/A | 5th Sept 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | Few days before exam | TBA | By 13th Sept 2025 |
SSC CHSL vs IB ACIO, Salary & Perks
The SSC CHSL Salary varies depending on the post, with LDC/JSA receiving around ₹25,000–₹32,000 per month and DEO/PA/SA earning up to ₹35,000 per month. Along with the basic pay, candidates also receive DA, HRA, transport allowance, and pension benefits. On the other hand, the IB ACIO Salary is much higher, starting from ₹44,900 and going up to ₹52,000 per month, excluding allowances. IB ACIO officers also receive risk allowance, special security allowance, and additional perks due to the nature of intelligence and security-related work.
| Post | Pay Level | Pay Scale | In-hand Salary (Approx.) | Perks & Benefits |
|---|
| LDC / JSA | Pay Level-2 | ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 | ₹25,000 – ₹32,000 | DA, HRA, Transport Allowance, Pension |
| DEO (Level-4) | Pay Level-4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 | ₹29,000 – ₹35,000 | Same as above, with limited promotion scope |
| DEO (Level-5) | Pay Level-5 | ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 | ₹32,000 – ₹38,000 | Same as above |
| DEO, Grade "A" | Pay Level-4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 | ₹29,000 – ₹35,000 | DA, HRA, Transport Allowance, Pension |
| IB ACIO (Grade II) | Pay Level-7 | ₹44,900 – ₹ 1,42,400 | ₹80,375 – ₹90,257 | Risk Allowance, Special Security Allowances, DA, HRA, Transport, Pension |
IB ACIO offers a higher starting salary and special allowances due to intelligence & security risks.
SSC CHSL vs IB ACIO, Job Profile
The SSC CHSL job profile is primarily clerical and assistant-level, involving file management, data entry, typing, and office-related tasks. It offers fixed working hours and a stable environment, making it suitable for candidates who prefer less pressure and a balanced work-life routine. On the other hand, the IB ACIO job profile falls under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and involves intelligence gathering, surveillance, analysis, and support in national security operations. This role is far more demanding, confidential, and responsibility-driven, often requiring travel and fieldwork in addition to office duties.
| Aspect | SSC CHSL Job Profile | IB ACIO Job Profile |
|---|
| Nature of Work | Clerical/assistant-level, data entry, typing, office support | Intelligence gathering, surveillance, security operations |
| Work Environment | Office-based, fixed timings | Mix of fieldwork + office work, irregular timings |
| Responsibility Level | Low to moderate | High responsibility, confidential tasks |
| Field Exposure | Very limited | Frequent, depending on assignment |
| Stress Level | Low, predictable work routine | High, challenging, and dynamic |
SSC CHSL vs IB ACIO, Career Growth
The SSC CHSL career growth is comparatively slow, as promotions in clerical cadres usually take 7–10 years for the first major upgrade. The path moves gradually from LDC to UDC, then Assistant, and later Section Officer. While the growth is steady and stable, the scope of fast promotions is limited. On the other hand, the IB ACIO career growth is much faster and performance-driven. Officers start as ACIO-II and, with consistent performance, can move up to ACIO-I, DCIO, and eventually Assistant Director. The career path in IB is challenging but offers faster recognition, more responsibility, and higher prestige.
| Aspect | SSC CHSL | IB ACIO |
|---|
| Promotion Speed | Slow (7–10 years for first major promotion) | Faster promotions based on performance |
| Career Path | LDC → UDC → Assistant → Section Officer | ACIO-II → ACIO-I → DCIO → Assistant Director |
| Long-Term Stability | Stable, less stressful, office-centric | Challenging, higher risks but faster recognition |
Which is better for 12th pass aspirants?
If you are 12th pass right now, you can apply only for SSC CHSL, since IB ACIO requires graduation. SSC CHSL offers a stable clerical job with decent salary and work-life balance. Once you complete graduation, you can aim for IB ACIO, which offers higher salary, better growth, and prestige but comes with more responsibilities.
Is the IB ACIO exam tougher than SSC CGL?
Yes, the IB ACIO exam is generally considered tougher than SSC CGL due to higher difficulty level and analytical reasoning emphasis.
What are the key takeaways?
Below are the key takeaways:
- SSC CHSL is for 12th pass, IB ACIO requires graduation.
- SSC CHSL 2026 notification is expected in April 2026; IB ACIO 2025 was in July 2025.
- SSC CHSL salary starts at ₹25,000–₹32,000, IB ACIO starts at ₹44,900–₹52,000.
- SSC CHSL jobs are clerical/assistant-level office work, IB ACIO involves intelligence and field operations.
- SSC CHSL career growth is slow and stable, IB ACIO growth is faster and performance-based.
- SSC CHSL Tier 1 & 2 exams are objective + descriptive with skill/typing test, IB ACIO includes objective, descriptive, and interview.
- IB ACIO exam is tougher than SSC CGL due to higher difficulty and reasoning emphasis.
- 12th pass candidates should start with SSC CHSL, and aim for IB ACIO after graduation.
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