The Staff Selection Commission is conducting this Computer-Based Test (CBT) to fill up 25,487 General Duty Constables and Riflemen in various central armed police forces. Every year, lakhs of aspirants appear for the SSC GD exam to get a stable government job in the defence sector.
SSC GD 2026 Overview: Exam Date, Vacancy, Eligibility, Syllabus & Full Details
Table of Contents
What is SSC GD?
SSC GD stands for Staff Selection Commission - General Duty. It is one of the largest government exams in India. Through this examination, the government recruits constables for eight central paramilitary and security forces. The SSC GD Constable 2026 examination will be held from April 27 to May 30, 2026, across the country.
SSC GD 2026 Overview
Here is a quick overview of all the important details for GD Constable 2026. Meanwhile, candidates preparing for the SSC GD Constable Exam should stay updated with the latest exam news, notification details, and important announcements released by the commission.
Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Exam Name | SSC GD Constable 2026 |
Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
Total Vacancies | 25,487 (23,467 Male + 2,020 Female) |
Qualification | 10th Pass (Matric) from a recognised board |
Age Limit | 18 to 23 years (as on January 1, 2026) |
Exam Date (CBT) | April 27 to May 30, 2026 |
Salary | ₹21,700 – ₹69,100 per month (Pay Level 3) |
Application Dates | December 1–31, 2025 (Closed) |
Official Website |
Which SSC GD Force Should You Choose?
The SSC GD exam is very competitive as crores of students appear for the exam every year.
A common question asked by first-time aspirants is: Which force should I opt for? The answer depends on where you want to live, what kind of lifestyle you want, and what your interests are. Here’s a simple breakdown of all the forces:
Force | Full Name | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|
BSF | Border Security Force | Guards India's borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh |
CRPF | Central Reserve Police Force | Internal security, antinaxal operations, J&K duty |
CISF | Central Industrial Security Force | Protects airports, nuclear plants, and government buildings |
ITBP | Indo-Tibetan Border Police | Himalayan border with China, high-altitude posting |
SSB | Sashastra Seema Bal | Borders with Nepal and Bhutan |
Assam Rifles | Assam Rifles | NorthEast India, Myanmar border security |
NCB | Narcotics Control Bureau | Drug law enforcement (Pay Level 1 – Sepoy post) |
SSF | Special Security Force | Parliament House complex security |
Quick Tip: BSF has the highest number of vacancies in 2026 (over 13000 posts). If you are flexible regarding posting location, then applying for BSF gives you the best chance for selection. Many aspirants prefer cities (airports, PSUs) for posting in CISF. ITBP is for the physically very strong and who don't mind high altitude postings
SSC GD Notification 2026
The official notification for SSC GD has been released on December 1, 2025, on the official website of SSC at ssc.gov.in. The PDF notification has all the important details – eligibility criteria, vacancy details, exam pattern, physical standards and application instructions.
Key highlights from the SSC GD notification 2026:
- Total vacancies: 25,487 posts across 8 forces
- Online application was open from December 1 to December 31, 2025
- Correction window was available from January 10 to 13, 2026
- CBT exam dates: April 27 to May 30, 2026
- Admit card released: April 25, 2026
Now the online application process is closed. In case you have applied successfully, you can check your application status and download your admit card from your respective regional SSC website ( from ssc.gov.in directly – see below Admit Card section for details).
SSC GD Important Dates 2026
Event | Date |
|---|---|
Official Notification Released | December 1, 2025 |
Online Application Opens | December 1, 2025 |
Last Date to Apply (SSC GD Last Date) | December 31, 2025 (Closed) |
Application Correction Window | January 10–13, 2026 |
SSC GD Slot Booking Date 2026 | March 2026 (Completed) |
City Intimation Slip | April 19, 2026 |
SSC GD Admit Card 2026 | April 25, 2026 (Released) |
CBT (Computer-Based Test) | April 27 – May 30, 2026 |
Answer Key Release | After exam (tentative June 2026) |
SSC GD Result 2026 | To be announced |
PET / PST | After the CBT result |
Medical Exam & Document Verification | After PET/PST |
Note: The application dates and the booking of slots are already over. If you have applied, the next steps are to download the admit card and appear for the CBT. The exam will end on 30th May 2026 and result and PET dates will be declared after the exam ends.
SSC GD Vacancy 2026
The SSC GD vacancies for the year 2026 is 25,487 posts. These include 23,467 male and 2,020 female vacancies. The force-wise breakup is given in the table below. Keep in mind the 2026 vacancies are lesser than 2025 (which had about 46,000 posts), so competition this year is a little higher.
Force | Male | Female | Total | % of Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BSF | 12,819 | 699 | 13,518 | 53.1% |
CRPF | 4,807 | 521 | 5,328 | 20.9% |
CISF | 2,268 | 421 | 2,689 | 10.6% |
ITBP | 1,524 | 122 | 1,646 | 6.5% |
SSB | 819 | 148 | 967 | 3.8% |
Assam Rifles | 1,015 | 46 | 1,061 | 4.2% |
Others (SSF, NCB) | 215 | 63 | 278 | 1.1% |
TOTAL | 23,467 | 2,020 | 25,487 | 100% |
Competition Ratio: Approximately 48.83 lakh (4.88 million) candidates applied for SSC GD 2026. That means there is about one seat for every 192 applicants. This is why consistent preparation matters so much.
SSC GD Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before you start preparing for any exam, you need to be sure of your eligibility. Here is the detailed SSC GD eligibility criteria 2026:
Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
Nationality | Indian citizen (or subject of Nepal/Bhutan/Tibet as per rules) |
Education | 10th Pass (Matriculation) from any recognised board - no 12th or graduation needed |
Age Limit | 18 to 23 years as on January 1, 2026 (Date of Birth: Jan 2, 2003 to Jan 1, 2008) |
Age Relaxation - SC/ST | +5 years (can apply up to 28 years) |
Age Relaxation - OBC | +3 years (can apply up to 26 years) |
Age Relaxation - Ex-Servicemen | As per government rules (usually 3-5 years extra) |
Domicile | Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC) required - state-wise vacancies are filled separately |
Marital Status | No restriction |
Important Note on Domicile (PRC)
SSC GD has a special domicile requirement that many aspirants miss out on. The vacancies are filled state-wise which means you need a Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC) from your home state. Even if there are more vacancies in another state, you can usually only apply for vacancies in the state you are registered in. Have your PRC good and ready.
SSC GD Age Limit - OBC, ST, and Other Categories
SSC GD Age Limit is 18 to 23 Years for the General category. But if you are SC/ST, you get 5 years extra, so you can apply till 28 years of age. OBC candidates get 3 years relaxation and can apply up to 26 years. The age limit for the OBC category is different from the general category, so do check your correct category before applying.
SSC GD Exam Pattern 2026
The SSC GD CBT (Computer-Based Test) is an objective-type exam. All questions are multiple choice (MCQ) with 4 options. Here is the full exam pattern:
Subject | Questions | Marks | Time (Overall) | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
General Intelligence & Reasoning | 20 | 40 | 60 Minutes | 15 Languages |
General Knowledge & General Awareness | 20 | 40 | (Total) | Including Hindi & |
Elementary Mathematics | 20 | 40 |
| English |
English / Hindi (your choice) | 20 | 40 |
|
|
TOTAL | 80 | 160 | 60 Minutes | - |
Major points to keep in mind:
- Each question carries 2 marks. So the total paper is 160 marks.
- For every wrong answer, 0.25 marks (negative marking) will be deducted. Do not guess randomly.
- The English section is optional - you can choose Hindi instead. Most Hindimedium students find it easier to attempt the Hindi paper.
- The exam is available in 15 languages, including Hindi, English, and regional languages like Gujarati, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, etc.
- There is no sectional cutoff - only the overall cutoff matters.
NCC Bonus Marks - A Big Advantage Many Students Miss
If you hold an NCC certificate (B or C grade) you are eligible for bonus marks added to your normalised CBT score. Candidates who have NCC C Certificate will be given a bonus of +2%, and candidates who have NCC B Certificate will be given a bonus of +1%. This can genuinely take you above the cutoff in a tight merit list.
SSC GD Syllabus 2026 - Topicwise Breakdown
The SSC GD syllabus is of 10th standard level but it can be a bit difficult due to competition. Proper knowledge of the syllabus helps you in planning your preparation in a better way.
Subject | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
Reasoning | Analogies, Similarities & Differences, Spatial Visualisation, Spatial Orientation, Discrimination, Observation, Relationship Concepts, Arithmetical Reasoning, Verbal & Figure Classification, Non-Verbal Series, Coding & Decoding, Syllogism |
General Knowledge | History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Polity, Indian Constitution, Sports, Current Affairs (last 6 months), Science (basic) |
Elementary Mathematics | Number System, Whole Numbers, Decimals, Fractions, LCM & HCF, Ratio & Proportion, Percentages, Simple & Compound Interest, Profit & Loss, Discount, Mensuration, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Basic Algebra |
English / Hindi | English: Spot the Error, Fill in the Blanks, Synonyms/Antonyms, Comprehension, Sentence Improvement | Hindi: व्याकरण, रिक्त स्थान, मुहावरे, वाक्य सुधार |
Which Subjects Should You Focus on Most?
According to previous year papers (PYP) analysis, Reasoning and General Knowledge/General Awareness are the most scoring sections for most of the students. Maths is a tricky subject if you are weak in calculations, so it is advisable to practice the basic topics on a daily basis. Generally, English or Hindi is easier if you stick to the basics of grammar.
The SSC GD Syllabus has not changed much from previous years. Focus your energy on Reasoning and GK first and then Maths and Language. This order is most suitable for most aspirants.
How to Apply for SSC GD 2026?
Candidates can apply for SSC GD 2026 through the official SSC website by completing the online registration and application process. Before applying, candidates should carefully check the eligibility criteria, age limit, and required documents.
Steps to Apply Online for SSC GD
- Visit the official SSC website: SSC Official Website
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process if not already registered.
- Log in using your registration ID and password.
- Click on the “SSC GD Constable 2026” application link.
- Fill in personal, educational, and communication details carefully.
- Upload required documents, including a photograph and signature, in the prescribed format.
- Select your preferred exam centre.
- Pay the application fee through online mode.
- Review all details carefully and submit the application form.
- Download and print the final application form for future reference.
Candidates are advised to complete the application process before the last date to avoid server issues or technical problems.
SSC GD Selection Process
Getting selected in SSC GD is not just about clearing one exam. There are four stages in the selection process, and you have to clear each stage to proceed to the next. This is how the entire process works:
Stage 1 - CBT (Computer-Based Test)
This is the main written examination. Based on your (normalized) CBT score, the merit list is prepared. The reason for normalisation is that the exam is held over many days and in many shifts – it adjusts the scores so that all shifts can be fairly compared. The candidates who score above the cut-off in the CBT are called for the next stage.
Stage 2 - PET / PST (Physical Efficiency Test & Physical Standard Test)
This one will test your physical fitness. You will be measured for height and chest (PST), then run the distance required in the time permitted (PET). PET and PST are qualifying rounds, not marks added to your merit. You either pass or you fail.
Stage 3 - Medical Examination
Once PET/PST is cleared, you are ready for a full medical. Doctors will check your eyes, ears, your fitness and general health. In 2026, there is an important change, which is that your weight will NOT be checked at the PST stage. Instead, BMI (Body Mass Index) between 18 and 25 will be checked at the medical exam.
Stage 4 - Document Verification (DV)
If you pass all 3 stages, you will be called for document verification. You submit the 10th certificate, category certificate (if applicable), domicile certificate, NCC certificate (if you have one) and other certificates here. Following DV a final merit list is prepared and joining letters are issued.
SSC GD PET / PST Physical Standards 2026
The physical requirements for SSC GD are determined by the government and are identical for all the forces. The full list of requirements is below:
Standard | Male (UR/OBC/SC) | Male (ST/Ladakh) | Female (All) |
|---|---|---|---|
Height | 170 cm | 162.5 cm | 157 cm |
Chest (Unexpanded) | 80 cm | 77 cm | Not Applicable |
Chest (Expanded) | 85 cm (min 5 cm expansion) | 82 cm | Not Applicable |
Running (Race) | 1600m in 5 min 30 sec | 1600m in 5 min 30 sec | 1 km in 4 minutes |
Weight / BMI | BMI 18–25 at Medical Exam (weight NOT checked at PST in 2026) | Same as UR | BMI 18–25 at Medical Exam |
This is a new and important 2026 Medical Update. Candidates were used to be rejected at PST if their weight was in the extreme. Note that weight is not taken at the PST stage in 2026. Your BMI (18–25) will only be checked at the Medical Examination stage. This was good news for some candidates who were worried about weight.
SSC GD Admit Card 2026
SSC GD admit card 2026 is released on 25 April 2026. If you are appearing for CBT, you must bring a printed copy of your admit card to the examination centre. You will not be allowed to appear for the exam without an admit card.
How to Download the SSC GD Admit Card
Many aspirants make a mistake of going to ssc.gov.in for downloading their admit card. The SSC GD admit card is NOT available on the main SSC website. It is available on your region’s SSC website. There are 9 regional SSC websites, and you need to go to the one for your state.
- North region (Delhi, UP, Uttarakhand, Bihar, etc.) : sscer.org or sscnr.net.in
- South region (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala) : sscsr.gov.in
- East region (West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand) : sscer.org
- West region (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa) : sscwr.net
- Central region (MP, Chhattisgarh, UPpart) : sscmpr.org
- And other regional websites for Rajasthan, NE, NWR, CR, etc.
Documents to Carry to Exam Hall
- Printed admit card (colour or black & white, A4 size)
- Original photo ID - Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or PAN card
- Passport-size photograph (as mentioned in the admit card instructions)
Some of the candidates had got their admit cards with the barcode missing or blurred. If there is any barcode issue in your admit card you should immediately re download your admit card from the regional website. The admit card without a barcode may not be accepted at the exam centre.
SSC GD Answer Key 2026
After all shifts of the CBT are over (the exam concludes on May 30, 2026), SSC will publish a provisional answer key. You can check the answer key on the official website of SSC and match it with your answers.
How to Challenge the Answer Key
If you believe that any answer in the provisional key is incorrect, you can raise an objection by paying a fee of ₹100 per question. If your objection is upheld the fee will be returned. Objections are reviewed by subject experts and then a final answer key is published.
SSC GD Result 2026
The SSC GD result is divided into two parts. Firstly, the CBT outcome is declared in the shape of the merit list PDF. There will be separate PDF for male & female candidate. You can search for your name or roll number in the PDF with Ctrl+F. The scorecard displays your section-wise marks and your normalised score.
Shortlisted candidates after CBT result will be called for PET/PST, Medical and DV. The final SSC GD constable result (final merit list) is released after all stages are over, usually a few months after the CBT ends.
SSC GD Cut Off 2026
The SSC GD 2026 cut-off is not released yet. But here is what the expected cutoff looks like for the CBT stage based on trends from previous years. These are approximate normalised scores out of 160:
Year | UR Male | OBC Male | SC Male | ST Male |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2021-22 | ~130–135 | ~125–130 | ~118–122 | ~108–115 |
2022-23 | ~128–132 | ~122–126 | ~115–120 | ~105–112 |
2024-25 | ~125–130 | ~120–125 | ~112–118 | ~102–110 |
Safe Target 2026 | ~135–140 | ~128–133 | ~120–125 | ~110–115 |
Note that cutoffs for individual forces (BSF, CRPF, CISF etc.) are marginally different. BSF has the most number of vacancies and a generally lower cutoff than CRPF and CISF. For women, the cutoffs are generally lower than for men. A safe strategy is to aim for 10 to 12 marks more than the expected cutoff to have a comfortable margin.
SSC GD Cut Off 2026 will be released officially after the result declaration. Keep checking the official SSC website and respective regional websites for updates.
SSC GD Salary 2026 - Forcewise Breakdown
The SSC GD Salary is one of the most searched topics. As a constable in SSC GD, you will get a salary along with various government benefits other than the basic pay. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Force / Post | Pay Level | Basic Pay Range | Approx. In-hand (City X) |
|---|---|---|---|
BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, SSF Constable | Level 3 | ₹21,700 – ₹69,100 | ₹32,000 – ₹38,000/month |
NCB Sepoy | Level 1 | ₹18,000 – ₹56,900 | ₹26,000 – ₹30,000/month |
On top of the basic pay, a GD Constable also receives:
- DA (Dearness Allowance) - changes every quarter based on inflation
- HRA (House Rent Allowance) - 8%, 16% or 24% of basic salary depending upon the city (X, Y or Z category)
- Transport allowance (TA)
- CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) - free medical care for you and your family
- LTC (Leave Travel Concession) - reimbursement of travel expenses for family travel
- Uniform and ration allowances
- Allowances for risk and hardship for duty in difficult areas
Career Growth Path
To become a constable is only the beginning. You can be promoted based on your seniority and departmental exams. The normal career ladder is:
Constable : Head Constable : Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) : Sub Inspector (SI) : Inspector
Many senior officers in paramilitary forces started their career as SSC GD constables. It is a stable and respected profession with good growth prospects.
NCC Bonus Marks in SSC GD - The Advantage You Should Know
One of the most underrated advantages of SSC GD and most of the aspirants even don't know about it. If you have done NCC (National Cadet Corps) training and have an NCC certificate, you get bonus marks which are added to your final normalised score.
NCC Certificate | Bonus Marks | How it Helps |
|---|---|---|
NCC B Certificate | +1% of your normalised CBT score | Can push you above the cutoff by 1–2 marks |
NCC C Certificate | +2% of your normalised CBT score | Strongest advantage - can make a major difference in the merit list |
No NCC Certificate | No bonus | Compete purely on the CBT score |
Here’s why that matters: Competition in SSC GD is very tough. At the cut-off mark, thousands of candidates are sometimes separated by only 0.5 to 1 mark. Let’s say you have a normalised score of 128, and the cutoff is 130, a +2% NCC C certificate bonus could easily push you past the cutoff. This is a real advantage that can literally make or break your selection.
You must have completed your NCC training and received the certificate from the NCC authority. The certificate shall be produced at the time of Document Verification. If you are still studying or in school/college, think about joining NCC now for future exams.
SSC GD Previous Year Question Papers
One of the best ways to prepare is to solve the SSC GD Previous year question papers. PYQ’s give you a real sense of the level of difficulty, types of questions and time pressure of the real exam. Nearly all the toppers suggest solving a minimum of 25 to 30 PYQ’s before appearing for the exam.
- Solve the paper in a timed environment (exactly 60 minutes, no breaks)
- Check your answers after, and note down all mistakes
- Identify which topics you got wrong - those need extra revision
- Track your score improvement over time
- Focus on papers from the last 3 years - the pattern and difficulty level are similar
SSC GD previous year papers are available in Hindi and English. Solve papers from different shifts, as different shifts had slightly different questions.
SSC GD Preparation Tips
- Practise daily. Focus on Coding, Decoding, Analogies, and Number Series - these topics appear the most. Reasoning (Highest Scorer):
- Read Lucent's GK and follow daily current affairs. Focus on history, geography, and basic science. General Knowledge (High Weightage):
- Practice Percentage, Ratio, ProfitLoss, and Time & Work every day. These topics are straightforward at the 10th level. Mathematics (Scoring if practised):
- If you are comfortable in Hindi, choose the Hindi paper. Focus on grammar, fill in the blanks, and comprehension. English / Hindi (Easier for most):
30-Day Study Plan for SSC GD
Week | Focus Area | Daily Goal |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 | Reasoning (Analogies, Coding, Decoding, Series) + Number System Maths | 2 topics + 30 practice questions |
Week 2 | GK/GA (History, Geography, Polity, Science) + Arithmetic (Percentage, Ratio, ProfitLoss) | Revise 1 topic + 40 practice questions |
Week 3 | English/Hindi grammar + Current Affairs (last 6 months) + Full mock test every alternate day | 1 mock test every 2 days + analysis |
Week 4 | Previous Year Papers (PYPs) - 2 per day + Weak area revision + PET physical training daily | 2 PYPs + physical practice |
Golden Rule: Begin your physical training from Day 1 itself. Don't wait for the CBT result to start running. Many of the candidates lose their SSC GD jobs as they are not physically prepared even after clearing the written examination.
Best Books for SSC GD Preparation
Subject | Recommended Book | Author / Publisher |
|---|---|---|
Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
General Knowledge | Lucent's General Knowledge | Lucent Publications |
Mathematics | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal |
English | Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi (Arihant) |
SSC GD Full Practice | SSC GD Constable Bharti Pariksha (Hindi/English) | Arihant / Kiran Publications |
SSC GD Mock Test
Mock tests are an extremely significant component of SSC GD studies. A good mock test should provide a realistic examination experience of: 80 questions, 160 marks, 60 minutes and negative marking (0.25 per incorrect answer). Regularly doing mock tests will enable you to:
- Get used to the time pressure of the actual exam
- Understand what questions to answer and which to avoid attempting
- Mark topics that need revision (weak topics)
The vast majority of students who take 20-30 practice tests prior to the test will do much better on test day. Take at least one complete mock test every other day during the last two weeks of revision. Immediately review your errors after every test (this is as important as the test).
FAQ’s On SSC GD Exam 2026
Height relaxation is 170 cm for male candidates and 157 cm for female candidates for ST candidates and some categories of regions.
The general age is 18-23 years. OBC candidates are granted 3 years relaxation and SC/ST candidates are granted 5 years relaxation.
The salary of SSC GD Constable is typically in the range of ₹32,000 to ₹38,000 per month, with allowances and benefits included.
Yes, SSC GD is having state-wise vacancies, so candidates need to possess the Permanent Residence Certificate (PRC) of their state.
Yes, 0.25 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer in the Computer-Based Test (CBT).
The number of attempts to make is not specified. Applications are accepted annually till the maximum age of the candidates.
The SSC GD Result 2026 is anticipated to be released within a few months of the exam, from which the result could be expected during the month of August/September 2026.