SSC · Updated 19 October 2026
SSC GD Constable 2026Exam Date, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Cut-Off and Free Mock Test
SSC General Duty Constable (GD)
Conducted by the Staff Selection Commission, this large-scale recruitment drive selects Constables (General Duty) in BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, and SSF, and Riflemen in Assam Rifles. It comprises an 80-question Computer-Based Examination offered in 13 regional languages, followed by physical endurance and medical tests.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- SSC
Start for free with SSC GD Constable syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
SSC GD Constable exam overview and highlights
About SSC GD Constable
The SSC GD Constable examination recruits General Duty Constables for the Central Armed Police Forces (BSF, CISF, CRPF, SSB, ITBP), Rifleman (GD) in Assam Rifles and Constables in the Secretariat Security Force. The 2026 notice does not list any Narcotics Control Bureau Sepoy vacancies. It is one of the largest recruitment drives in the country and is open to Class 10 pass candidates. Selection involves a computer-based test, physical tests and a medical examination.
The examination process for SSC GD Constable comprises 4 stages: Computer-based examination, followed by Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST), followed by Detailed Medical Examination (DME), followed by Document verification and force allocation. The official syllabus tests candidates across 4 core areas — General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Knowledge and General Awareness, Elementary Mathematics, English or Hindi — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Candidates are shortlisted for PET and PST on normalised CBT marks. The physical tests and the medical examination are qualifying only, and final merit is based on CBT marks, with forces allotted by merit and preference after document verification.
Key subjects
- General Intelligence and Reasoning
- General Knowledge and General Awareness
- Elementary Mathematics
- English or Hindi
What clearing SSC GD Constable leads to
- Constable (GD) in BSF, CISF, CRPF, SSB and ITBP
- Rifleman (GD) in Assam Rifles
- Constable (GD) in Secretariat Security Force
- Compensation & Pay Scale: Pay Level 3 (basic pay from around ₹21,700) plus force-specific allowances
- Central / Institutional appointment through Staff Selection Commission (SSC) merit recommendation
- Structured time-scale promotions, Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) elevation, and central allowances (DA, HRA, TA, Medical & NPS)
Quick facts
- Full name
- SSC General Duty Constable (GD)
- Conducting body
- Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
- Frequency
- Usually once a year
- Exam mode
- Online (computer-based test) followed by physical and medical tests
- Languages
- English, Hindi and 13 regional languages
- Stages & papers
- 4 stages (1 paper total)
- Negative marking
- Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer
- Official website
- ssc.gov.in
SSC GD Constable — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of SSC GD Constable conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC GD Constable — SSC General Duty Constable (GD) |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Category | SSC |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Recruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection) |
| Exam Frequency | Usually once a year |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | The 2026 cycle was notified on 1 December 2025 and the computer-based examination was held from 27 April to 30 May 2026; PET, PST and medical examination follow over the next months |
| Mode of Application | Online on ssc.gov.in after one-time registration (OTR) |
| Mode of Examination | Online (computer-based test) followed by physical and medical tests |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English, Hindi and 13 regional languages |
| Selection Stages | 4 Stages (1 Paper Total): Computer-based examination → Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST) → Detailed Medical Examination (DME) → Document verification and force allocation |
| Negative Marking | Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer |
| Selection / Merit Process | Candidates are shortlisted for PET and PST on normalised CBT marks. The physical tests and the medical examination are qualifying only, and final merit is based on CBT marks, with forces allotted by merit and preference after document verification. |
| Educational Qualification | Passed Class 10 (Matriculation) or equivalent from a recognised board |
| Age Limit | 18 to 23 years, with relaxation for reserved categories and ex-servicemen |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | Pay Level 3 (basic pay from around ₹21,700) plus force-specific allowances |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | Among the largest recruitments in the country, with tens of lakhs of applicants for tens of thousands of posts |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
SSC GD Constable 2026: important dates, vacancy and application process
Last verified on 19 October 2026 against the official notification. Always confirm dates on the official website before you apply.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Notification | 1 December 2025 | Done |
| Online application window | 1 to 31 Dec 2025 | Done |
| Last date for fee payment | 1 January 2026 | Done |
| Application correction window (rescheduled) | 10 to 13 Jan 2026 | Done |
| Exam city details released | 19 April 2026 | Done |
| Computer based exam | 27 Apr to 30 May 2026 | Done |
| Tentative answer key | 15 June 2026 (challenges till 20 June 2026) | Done |
| Result for PET/PST shortlisting | 12 October 2026 | Done |
- Vacancies
- 25,487 (tentative): 23,467 for men and 2,020 for women
- Salary
- Pay Level 3 (₹21,700 to ₹69,100) for all posts
- Application fee
- ₹100. Women and candidates from SC, ST and ex-servicemen categories eligible for reservation pay no fee.
Latest updates
- GD 2026 notice published on 1 Dec 2025 with 25,487 tentative vacancies.
- The exam planned from 23 Feb 2026 was deferred on 17 Feb 2026 and then held from 27 Apr to 30 May 2026.
- Tentative answer keys released on 15 Jun 2026, with challenges open till 20 Jun 2026.
- Result for PET/PST shortlisting declared on 12 Oct 2026; 21,56,776 candidates had taken the exam.
- PET/PST dates had not been announced as of 19 Oct 2026.
PET/PST, medical exam and final result dates are not announced yet. SSC notices give two end dates for the exam (30 May and 31 May 2026); the result notice says 30 May 2026.
Sources: Notice of Constable (GD) in CAPFs and SSF, and Rifleman (GD) in Assam Rifles Examination, 2026 (1 Dec 2025), Tentative vacancies of GD Constable 2026 (8 Dec 2025), Rescheduled correction window, GD 2026 (9 Jan 2026), Deferment of GD 2026 exam (17 Feb 2026), Schedule of GD 2026 exam (11 Apr 2026), Exam city and admission certificate notice, GD 2026 (19 Apr 2026), Tentative answer keys, GD 2026 (15 June 2026), Shortlisting of candidates for PET/PST, GD 2026 (12 Oct 2026)
How to apply online for SSC GD Constable
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit ssc.gov.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on ssc.gov.in after one-time registration (OTR).
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the SSC GD Constable application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English, Hindi and 13 regional languages), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final SSC GD Constable Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
SSC GD Constable eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for SSC GD Constable must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by SSC.
Educational qualification
Passed Class 10 (Matriculation) or equivalent from a recognised board.
Age limit & relaxations
18 to 23 years, with relaxation for reserved categories and ex-servicemen.
Number of attempts
Unlimited attempts permitted as long as the candidate remains within the eligible category-wise upper age limit as on the crucial cut-off date.
Nationality & domicile
Citizen of India.
Other conditions & standards
Physical standards: height around 170 cm for men and 157 cm for women, with chest 80 cm and 5 cm expansion for men. PET: men run 5 km in 24 minutes and women run 1.6 km in 8.5 minutes. Relaxations apply to candidates from hill areas, North Eastern states and tribal categories.
SSC GD Constable — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Central Government Norms) | +5 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Requires valid SC/ST certificate in the prescribed Government of India format. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) (Central Government Norms) | +3 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Candidate must fall outside the Creamy Layer as on the crucial closing date of the online application. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD — UR / OBC / SC-ST) | +10 Years (UR) / +13 Years (OBC) / +15 Years (SC/ST) | Subject to post suitability and 40%+ benchmark disability certificate under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & Commissioned Officers (ECO / SSCO) | +3 to 5 Years after deducting military service rendered from actual age | Must produce discharge book / NOC from the competent defence authority at document verification. |
SSC GD Constable selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. Selection & Merit Weightage: Candidates are shortlisted for PET and PST on normalised CBT marks. The physical tests and the medical examination are qualifying only, and final merit is based on CBT marks, with forces allotted by merit and preference after document verification.
Stage 1: Computer-based examination
Online (computer-based test) • 1 Paper (General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Knowledge and General Awareness, Elementary Mathematics, English or Hindi) • 80 Questions • 160 Total Marks • Duration: 60 minutes • An objective test with four parts of 20 questions each.
An objective test with four parts of 20 questions each. Marks from this test are used to shortlist candidates for the physical tests and to prepare the final merit list.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Knowledge and General Awareness, Elementary Mathematics, English or Hindi2 marks per question; 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer 80 160 60 minutes Stage 2: Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST)
Online (computer-based test) followed by physical and medical tests • Conducted by the CAPFs.
Conducted by the CAPFs. Candidates must complete the race within the time limit and meet height and chest standards. These tests are qualifying only.
Stage 3: Detailed Medical Examination (DME)
Online (computer-based test) followed by physical and medical tests • Medical fitness is checked for vision, hearing, and general health as per CAPF standards.
Medical fitness is checked for vision, hearing, and general health as per CAPF standards. Candidates declared unfit may appeal for a review medical examination.
Stage 4: Document verification and force allocation
Online (computer-based test) followed by physical and medical tests • Forces are allotted on the basis of merit and the preferences given in the application.
Forces are allotted on the basis of merit and the preferences given in the application.
SSC GD Constable subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
General Intelligence and Reasoning — Part I (Analogies and similarities)
- Analogies and similarities
- Spatial visualisation and orientation
- Coding and decoding
General Intelligence and Reasoning — Part II (Series)
- Series: number, alphabet and figure
- Non-verbal reasoning
- Arithmetical reasoning
General Knowledge and General Awareness — Part I (Indian history and culture)
- Indian history and culture
- Geography of India
- Indian polity and Constitution
General Knowledge and General Awareness — Part II (Economy basics)
- Economy basics
- General science
- Sports, awards and current affairs
Elementary Mathematics — Part I (Number system and simplification)
- Number system and simplification
- Fractions, decimals and percentages
- Ratio and proportion
- Averages and interest
Elementary Mathematics — Part II (Profit and loss, discount)
- Profit and loss, discount
- Time and work, time and distance
- Mensuration basics
English or Hindi — Part I (Basic grammar and sentence correction)
- Basic grammar and sentence correction
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Fill in the blanks
English or Hindi — Part II (Spelling and vocabulary)
- Spelling and vocabulary
- Reading comprehension
SSC GD Constable salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
Pay Level 3 (basic pay from around ₹21,700) plus force-specific allowances. Appointments under Staff Selection Commission (SSC) carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.
Pay Scale & Grade Structure
Pay Level 3 (basic pay from around ₹21,700) plus force-specific allowances.
Appointing / Cadre Authority
Staff Selection Commission (SSC) (Central Government / Public Sector Service)
Allowances & Perks
Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (X/Y/Z cities: 30%/20%/10%), Transport Allowance, CGHS/Medical cover, LTC, and NPS contribution.
Probation & Training
Initial probation period (typically 1 to 2 years) with induction/foundation training before cadre confirmation.
Allowances, Perks & Service Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA) revised bi-annually in line with Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or official government quarters / leased accommodation
- Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Children Education Allowance
- Comprehensive medical care (CGHS / ECHS / State Health Scheme) for employee and dependents
- National Pension System (NPS) employer contribution, gratuity, and paid maternity/paternity/study leave
Promotion Hierarchy & Career Progression
- Entry-Level Cadre Appointment (Post allotment & induction training under Staff Selection Commission (SSC))
- Senior / Higher Grade Scale via Time-Bound Financial Upgradation (MACP / Dynamic ACP)
- Sectional / Supervisory / Inspector / Assistant Executive Cadre via Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or LDCE
- Middle Management / Gazetted / Divisional Officer Scale
- Senior Administrative / Directorate / Executive Leadership Cadre
SSC GD Constable cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Staff Selection Commission (SSC) releases stage-wise and category-wise SSC GD Constable cut-off marks at each stage (Prelims/Tier-I shortlisting, Mains/Tier-II evaluation, and Final Merit List). Candidates must clear both minimum qualifying standards and overall/sectional merit cut-offs to advance.
SSC GD Constable — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
When SSC GD Constable is conducted across multiple shifts or sessions, Staff Selection Commission (SSC) applies standard score normalization (Equi-Percentile or Mean-Standard Deviation method) to account for any variation in paper difficulty across shifts. Because raw marks are governed by yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer, maintaining high accuracy (85%+) significantly boosts your normalized score.
Factors Determining SSC GD Constable Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the SSC GD Constable cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
SSC GD Constable admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
SSC GD Constable Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Staff Selection Commission (SSC) releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official SSC GD Constable Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on ssc.gov.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the SSC GD Constable e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
SSC GD Constable Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, Staff Selection Commission (SSC) uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on ssc.gov.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
SSC GD Constable Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Staff Selection Commission (SSC) declares the SSC GD Constable result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on ssc.gov.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official SSC GD Constable Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
SSC GD Constable mock tests
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SSC GD Constable Full Mock Test 1
Computer-based examination · 80 questions · 60 minutes
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Computer-based examination · 80 questions · 60 minutes
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Computer-based examination · 80 questions · 60 minutes
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SSC GD Constable Full Mock Test 4
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SSC GD Constable Full Mock Test 5
Computer-based examination · 80 questions · 60 minutes
SSC GD Constable previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all SSC GD Constable previous year papers by year
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Predicted questions for SSC GD Constable
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for SSC GD Constable
- Start running practice at least three months before the exam; the 5 km race is the stage where many candidates with good written scores drop out.
- Keep the written test simple: Class 10 level maths and reasoning done fast and accurately will take you past the cut-off.
- Prepare General Knowledge from a single standard GK book plus six months of current affairs rather than scattered sources.
- Choose the language section (English or Hindi) you are strongest in and practice it from previous papers.
- Verify your height, chest and medical standards early so there are no surprises at the PST or DME stage.
- Read the official SSC GD Constable notification carefully for the exact pattern, eligibility and selection stages.
SSC GD Constable FAQs
Is there negative marking in SSC GD Constable?
Yes. 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer, and each question carries 2 marks.
What is the age limit for SSC GD Constable?
The age limit is 18 to 23 years, with relaxation for SC, ST, OBC, ex-servicemen and other categories as per rules.
What is the running distance in the SSC GD physical test?
Male candidates run 5 km in 24 minutes and female candidates run 1.6 km in 8.5 minutes. Shorter distances apply to candidates from Ladakh.
What is the salary of an SSC GD Constable?
Constable (GD) posts are at Pay Level 3 of the 7th Pay Commission, with allowances such as DA, HRA and force-specific allowances.
Can women apply for SSC GD Constable?
Yes. Vacancies are notified separately for female candidates in the CAPFs, with their own physical standards.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for SSC GD Constable?
SSC GD Constable is conducted by Staff Selection Commission (SSC) across 4 stages: Computer-based examination → Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST) → Detailed Medical Examination (DME) → Document verification and force allocation. Candidates are shortlisted for PET and PST on normalised CBT marks. The physical tests and the medical examination are qualifying only, and final merit is based on CBT marks, with forces allotted by merit and preference after document verification.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for SSC GD Constable?
Educational Qualification: Passed Class 10 (Matriculation) or equivalent from a recognised board. Age Limit: 18 to 23 years, with relaxation for reserved categories and ex-servicemen.
When is the SSC GD Constable notification released and how can I apply online?
SSC GD Constable is held usually once a year (The 2026 cycle was notified on 1 December 2025 and the computer-based examination was held from 27 April to 30 May 2026; PET, PST and medical examination follow over the next months). Online on ssc.gov.in after one-time registration (OTR).
Where can I practice free SSC GD Constable mock tests and solved previous year papers?
Select SSC GD Constable as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Knowledge and General Awareness, Elementary Mathematics, English or Hindi, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact SSC GD Constable pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.
How can I prepare for SSC GD Constable on SmartRank?
Select SSC GD Constable as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Knowledge and General Awareness, Elementary Mathematics, English or Hindi, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact SSC GD Constable pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.