SSC CPO Salary vs SSC GD Salary 2026 – Complete Detailed Comparison Guide
Overview
If you are preparing for central government uniform jobs, you have probably come across two major options: SSC GD Constable and SSC CPO (Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs).
Both are conducted by the Staff Selection Commission. Both offer central government benefits. Both provide job security.
But they are not the same job.
The difference is not just salary. It is responsibility, authority, promotion speed, workload, and long-term growth.
This article explains in detail the real difference between SSC GD and SSC CPO salary structure, in-hand pay, allowances, and career growth so you can make a clear decision instead of guessing.
Important Dates
SSC GD 2026 notification is expected between October and December 2026.
SSC CPO 2026 notification is expected between July and September 2026.
Both exams follow a similar pattern: Computer-Based Test, Physical Test, Medical Test. SSC CPO also includes Paper 2 after physical clearance.
Salary is governed by the 7th Pay Commission and applicable from the date of joining.
Eligibility
For SSC GD, the minimum qualification is 10th pass. The age limit is usually 18 to 23 years with relaxation for reserved categories.
For SSC CPO, the minimum qualification is a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. The age limit is generally 20 to 25 years with relaxation as per government norms.
This difference in qualification directly impacts salary level and rank.
SSC GD recruits candidates as Constables. SSC CPO recruits candidates directly as Sub-Inspectors.
That single difference changes everything in terms of pay scale and authority.
Selection Process
SSC GD selection includes Computer-Based Test, Physical Efficiency Test, Physical Standard Test, and Medical Examination. There is no interview.
SSC CPO selection includes Paper 1 (Computer-Based Test), Physical Test, Paper 2 (English), and Medical Examination.
SSC CPO is academically tougher and physically demanding.
Higher qualification requirement and tougher exam = higher pay level.
Salary Structure – SSC GD
SSC GD Constable falls under Pay Level 3 of the 7th Pay Commission.
Basic Pay starts at ₹21,700 per month.
In addition to basic pay, you receive:
Dearness Allowance
House Rent Allowance
Transport Allowance
Risk Allowance (depending on posting area)
Uniform Allowance
After adding allowances and deducting NPS contribution and other deductions, the in-hand salary usually ranges between ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 per month depending on posting location.
If you are posted in a metro city, HRA is higher. If posted in border or high-risk zones, hardship allowance increases.
However, starting salary is still in Level 3, which limits early financial growth.
Salary Structure – SSC CPO
SSC CPO Sub-Inspector falls under Pay Level 6 of the 7th Pay Commission.
Starting Basic Pay is ₹35,400 per month.
Now add:
Dearness Allowance
House Rent Allowance
Transport Allowance
Special Security Allowance (for certain forces)
Uniform Allowance
After allowances and deductions, in-hand salary usually ranges between ₹50,000 to ₹65,000 per month depending on city and force allocation.
That is a difference of ₹15,000–₹25,000 per month compared to SSC GD at entry level.
Over a year, that becomes ₹2–3 lakh difference.
Over 10 years, the gap becomes massive.
Authority and Responsibility Difference
SSC GD Constable works under supervision of Head Constable and Sub-Inspector. The role involves ground-level duty, patrolling, guarding, and operational tasks.
SSC CPO Sub-Inspector supervises constables. The SI is responsible for team management, reporting, investigation (in Delhi Police), and operational leadership.
Higher rank means higher responsibility, higher accountability, and higher decision-making authority.
Salary reflects that difference.
Promotion and Long-Term Growth
SSC GD promotions depend heavily on seniority and departmental exams.
Constable → Head Constable → Assistant Sub-Inspector → Sub-Inspector
This process can take many years.
SSC CPO starts directly at Sub-Inspector rank.
Sub-Inspector → Inspector → Assistant Commandant (in some forces through promotion channel)
Promotion speed is generally faster for officers compared to constables.
Within 10–15 years, an SSC CPO officer can reach positions that SSC GD personnel may take much longer to reach.
Salary growth compounds over time because increments are calculated on higher basic pay.
Work Nature and Lifestyle
SSC GD postings can be physically tough, especially in border areas or conflict zones. Work schedule can be irregular and demanding.
SSC CPO officers also face tough postings, but the role involves more supervision, investigation, and leadership rather than only ground execution.
Both jobs are demanding, but the hierarchy is different.
Financial Comparison Over 10 Years
Let’s be practical.
If SSC GD starts at ₹30,000 in-hand and SSC CPO starts at ₹55,000 in-hand:
Difference per month: around ₹25,000
Difference per year: ₹3,00,000
Over 10 years (without even counting increments), that becomes ₹30,00,000 difference.
Now include annual increments and DA revisions.
The real long-term difference becomes significantly larger.
This is why educational qualification matters.
Job Security and Benefits
Both SSC GD and SSC CPO are central government jobs.
Both provide:
National Pension System benefits
Medical facilities
Leave benefits
Uniform allowance
Travel benefits
Security level is similar. Pay scale is not.
Who Should Choose What?
If you are 10th pass and want early entry into government service, SSC GD is a strong option.
If you have a graduation degree and can prepare seriously for a competitive exam, SSC CPO offers far better long-term financial growth and authority.
The decision should not be emotional. It should be strategic.
Qualification level determines your pay level.
Direct Official Link
Always verify from official SSC website before applying:
Never depend only on coaching websites for salary details.