Are you aspiring to join India’s elite paramilitary forces as a General Duty (GD) Constable? The SSC GD Constable 2026 recruitment is your gateway to a rewarding career in organizations like BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, NIA, SSF, and Assam Rifles. With the official notification expected on November 11, 2025, and the exam scheduled for January-February 2026, now is the perfect time to understand the SSC GD Constable selection process 2026. This comprehensive guide breaks down every stage, eligibility, and tips to help you prepare effectively.
Whether you’re a 10th-pass candidate dreaming of national service or seeking stable government jobs, mastering the selection process is key to success. Let’s dive into the details!
What is SSC GD Constable 2026?
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the SSC GD Constable exam annually to recruit candidates for the post of Constable (GD) and Rifleman (GD) in various central armed police forces. The 2026 cycle aims to fill thousands of vacancies, offering a starting salary of Rs 21,700 – Rs 69,100 (Pay Level 3), along with perks like housing, medical benefits, and pension.
The entire process is merit-based, emphasizing both mental aptitude and physical fitness. Qualifying the SSC GD selection process 2026 ensures a spot on the final merit list, prepared based on Computer-Based Exam (CBE) scores and performance in subsequent tests.
Important Dates for SSC GD Constable 2026
Stay ahead by marking these tentative dates from the SSC Calendar 2025-26:
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| SSC GD Notification 2026 Release | November 11, 2025 |
| Online Application Start | November 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | December 2025 |
| Application Fee Payment Last Date | December 2025 |
| SSC GD Exam Date 2026 (CBE) | January-February 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 7 days before exam |
| Result Declaration (CBE) | March-April 2026 |
| PET/PST Dates | To be announced |
| Medical Examination | To be announced |
| Final Merit List | June-July 2026 |
Note: Exact dates will be confirmed in the official notification. Regularly check ssc.gov.in for updates.
Eligibility Criteria for SSC GD Constable 2026
Before applying, ensure you meet the SSC GD eligibility criteria 2026:
- Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.
- Educational Qualification: Passed Class 10th (Matriculation) or equivalent from a recognized board as of January 1, 2026. Appearing candidates are ineligible.
- Age Limit: 18-23 years as of January 1, 2026 (born between January 2, 2003, and January 1, 2008).
- Age Relaxation:
- OBC: 3 years
- SC/ST: 5 years
- Ex-Servicemen: 3 years after military service deduction
- Widows/Divorced Women: Up to 35 years (with conditions)
- Age Relaxation:
- Physical Standards (for PST): Vary by category and gender (detailed below).
Failing any criterion leads to disqualification. Prepare your documents early for verification.
Step-by-Step SSC GD Constable Selection Process 2026
The SSC GD selection process 2026 is multi-stage and qualifying in nature. Only CBE qualifiers proceed further. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Stage 1: Computer-Based Examination (CBE)
This is the first and most crucial stage—a 60-minute online test worth 160 marks. It’s objective-type with negative marking (0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer).
SSC GD Exam Pattern 2026
| Section | Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | General Intelligence & Reasoning | 20 | 40 | Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Series, Blood Relations |
| Part B | General Knowledge & General Awareness | 20 | 40 | Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Science |
| Part C | Elementary Mathematics | 20 | 40 | Number System, Percentage, Ratio, Time & Work, Mensuration |
| Part D | English/Hindi | 20 | 40 | Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension (choose one language) |
- Qualifying Marks: UR: 30-35%, OBC/EWS: 25-30%, SC/ST: 20-25% (subject to change).
- Normalization: Applied to adjust scores across shifts for fairness.
Aim for 120+ marks to comfortably clear the cutoff. Practice with previous years’ papers for speed and accuracy.
Stage 2: Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Shortlisted candidates undergo PET to test endurance. It’s mandatory and qualifying—no marks allotted.
PET Requirements
| Test | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Running | 5 km in 24 minutes | 1.6 km in 8.5 minutes |
- Relaxations for SC/ST candidates in some forces.
- Conducted outdoors; wear comfortable attire.
Failure here ends your candidature, so incorporate daily running into your routine.
Stage 3: Physical Standard Test (PST)
PST measures basic physical attributes. It’s qualifying and conducted alongside PET.
PST Standards
| Category | Height (Male/Female) | Chest (Male only – Unexpanded/Expanded) | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 170 cm / 157 cm | 80 cm / 85 cm | Proportionate to height |
| SC/ST | 162.5 cm / 150 cm | 76 cm / 81 cm | Proportionate |
| Hill Areas (Schedule Tribes) | Relaxed by 5 cm | Relaxed by 5 cm | Proportionate |
- Vision: 6/6 in one eye, 6/9 in the other (correctable).
- No color blindness or night blindness.
Get a preliminary check-up to avoid last-minute surprises.
Stage 4: Medical Examination
A thorough check by CAPF medical boards ensures fitness for duty.
- Eyesight: Distant vision 6/6 & 6/9 (without glasses); near vision 0.5.
- General Health: No knock knees, flat foot, varicose veins, or chronic diseases.
- Hearing: Normal, no aids allowed.
Rejections are common here—maintain overall health through diet and exercise.
Stage 5: Document Verification
Final verification of originals:
- 10th certificate/marksheet
- Age proof (birth certificate)
- Caste/Category certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile certificate
- NOC from employer (if in service)
- Two passport-size photos
Mismatch leads to disqualification. Keep attested copies ready.
How to Apply for SSC GD Constable 2026
- Visit ssc.gov.in and complete One-Time Registration (OTR) if new.
- Select “SSC GD Constable 2026” and fill Part 1 (personal details).
- Upload photo (20-50 KB) and signature (10-20 KB).
- Fill Part 2 (education, preferences).
- Pay fee: Rs 100 (General/OBC); exempted for females/SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen.
- Submit and take a printout.
Apply early to avoid technical glitches!
Preparation Tips to Ace SSC GD Constable Selection Process 2026
- For CBE: Dedicate 2 hours daily to each section. Use apps like Adda247 or Oliveboard for mocks. Focus on weak areas via topic-wise tests.
- Physical Prep: Run 3-5 km daily, add strength training (push-ups, squats). Join a local gym or follow YouTube routines.
- Time Management: Create a 3-month plan—1 month syllabus coverage, 1 month revision, 1 month mocks/PET practice.
- Resources:
- Books: RS Aggarwal (Maths), Lucent GK, Arihant Reasoning.
- Online: SSC Adda, Testbook for free PDFs and videos.
- Health Focus: Balanced diet, 7-8 hours sleep. Track progress weekly.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Ignoring negative marking, skipping PET prep, or delaying application.
With consistent effort, cracking SSC GD 2026 is achievable. Track cutoffs from previous years (e.g., 2025: UR Male ~140) for targets.
Conclusion: Your Path to Becoming an SSC GD Constable Starts Now
The SSC GD Constable selection process 2026 demands holistic preparation—mental sharpness for CBE and physical prowess for PET/PST/Medical. With vacancies likely exceeding 40,000 (based on trends), this is a golden opportunity for 10th-pass youth to serve the nation.
Hi, I’m Varun Pathak, the founder of TheSarkariNaukri.com—a dedicated platform for the latest updates on government jobs (Sarkari Naukri) in India. With years of experience curating reliable information on job vacancies, admit cards, exam results, and preparation strategies, I help thousands of aspirants navigate the competitive world of public sector opportunities. Passionate about job security, career growth, and empowering freshers for roles like IAS, IPS, and PSU positions, I update the site regularly with actionable insights for 2025 and beyond. Let’s connect to turn your career dreams into reality!