The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the General Duty Constable examination to recruit eligible candidates for various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the Secretariat Security Force (SSF), and Rifleman (General Duty) posts in Assam Rifles. The recruitment offers candidates who have completed Class 10 an opportunity to pursue a career in India's uniformed security forces.
According to the SSC notification published on 1 December 2025, the SSC GD Constable Examination 2026 initially announced 25,487 tentative vacancies. The recruitment process includes a Computer-Based Examination (CBE), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Physical Standard Test (PST), medical examination and document verification, as applicable under the official recruitment rules.
This guide explains the vacancy distribution, eligibility conditions, examination pattern, physical tests, salary, application process and documents candidates should prepare. Use the official notification as the final authority whenever a detail changes through a corrigendum or a revised notice.
SSC GD Constable Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Recruitment authority | Staff Selection Commission |
| Examination | Constable (GD) and Rifleman (GD) Examination 2026 |
| Post names | Constable (General Duty) and Rifleman (General Duty) |
| Total tentative vacancies | 25,487 |
| Qualification | Matriculation or Class 10 pass, subject to notification conditions |
| Application mode | Online |
| Examination mode | Computer-Based Examination |
| Recruiting forces | BSF, CISF, CRPF, SSB, ITBP, Assam Rifles and SSF |
| Age limit | Generally 18–23 years under the notified cutoff date and relaxation rules |
| Selection stages | CBE, PET/PST, medical examination and document verification, as applicable |
| Pay level | Pay Level 3 for the notified posts |
| Official website | ssc.gov.in |
The total number of vacancies is not necessarily the same as the number of candidates selected in each category or state. Allocation depends on the official vacancy matrix, eligibility, examination performance, applicable reservation rules, force preferences and other conditions in the notification.
SSC GD Vacancy 2026: Force-Wise Distribution
The initial vacancy document dated 8 December 2025 listed 25,487 tentative posts across seven forces. The following table summarises that published distribution.
| Force | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Border Security Force (BSF) | 616 |
| Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) | 14,595 |
| Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) | 5,490 |
| Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) | 1,764 |
| Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) | 1,293 |
| Assam Rifles (AR) | 1,706 |
| Secretariat Security Force (SSF) | 23 |
| Total | 25,487 |
Source: SSC's tentative vacancy document dated 8 December 2025. Vacancy figures may be revised. Check the latest official vacancy list before relying on the numbers for application or preference decisions.
What do the different forces do?
- BSF: Primarily responsible for guarding India's international borders assigned to the force.
- CISF: Provides security to designated industrial units, airports and other protected establishments.
- CRPF: Supports internal security, law-and-order duties and other assigned security operations.
- SSB: Guards India's designated borders with Nepal and Bhutan.
- ITBP: Performs border-guarding duties in high-altitude and mountainous areas along its assigned frontier.
- Assam Rifles: Performs border-security and other duties assigned to the force, particularly in the Northeast.
- SSF: Provides security services at designated government establishments as assigned.
These forces have different working environments and operational responsibilities. Before submitting force preferences, candidates should understand that posting location, duty hours, climate, training and service requirements can vary significantly.
SSC GD Constable Eligibility Criteria 2026
Meeting the basic eligibility conditions does not automatically guarantee selection. Candidates must also satisfy the age, nationality, physical, medical and document requirements specified in the notification.
1. Educational qualification
Candidates generally need to have passed Matriculation or Class 10 from a recognised board or institution by the qualification cutoff date specified in the official notice. A higher qualification does not remove the requirement to meet the prescribed matriculation condition.
Before applying, check that the name, date of birth and other details on your educational certificate match the information entered in your SSC application. If your result is awaited, do not assume that you are eligible: the prescribed qualification must have been obtained by the notified cutoff date.
2. Nationality
The nationality and domicile-related conditions stated in the official notification must be satisfied. Certain vacancies and reservation benefits may be linked to state or area-specific requirements. Candidates should read the relevant clauses rather than relying on general eligibility summaries.
3. Other eligibility requirements
- Meet the prescribed age limit, including the applicable cutoff date.
- Satisfy the required height, chest, weight and physical-efficiency standards, subject to applicable relaxations.
- Meet the prescribed medical fitness standards.
- Provide valid certificates wherever a reservation, age relaxation or special-category benefit is claimed.
SSC GD Age Limit and Relaxation
The general age range stated for SSC GD recruitment is 18 to 23 years. For the 2026 examination, the relevant age calculation date and permissible relaxation must be checked in the official notification. Candidates should not calculate eligibility using the current date or their age on the day they read this article.
| Category | General age-relaxation rule |
|---|---|
| Unreserved category | Applicable notified age range |
| SC/ST | Generally up to 5 years, subject to rules |
| OBC | Generally up to 3 years, subject to rules |
| Ex-servicemen | As specified in the notification and applicable rules |
| Other eligible categories | Only where a specific provision applies |
Practical example: A candidate who appears to fall within the general age range should still verify the date-of-birth limits printed in the official notice. A difference of even one day can affect eligibility. Candidates claiming relaxation should calculate their age under the applicable category-specific rule and keep the supporting certificate ready.
SSC GD Physical Standards and Efficiency Test
Physical testing is an important stage of the recruitment process. Candidates should not rely on a single generic height or running requirement without checking the standards applicable to their category, sex and notified region.
Physical Standard Test (PST)
The PST checks the prescribed physical measurements. These can include height and, for male candidates, chest measurements. Weight is assessed according to the applicable medical and physical standards. Permitted relaxations may apply to eligible categories or notified areas.
| Measurement | What candidates should check |
|---|---|
| Height | The minimum standard for the candidate's sex, category and applicable regional provisions. |
| Chest | The male chest measurement and expansion requirements, including any applicable relaxation. |
| Weight | Whether body weight is proportionate to height and age under the prescribed medical standards. |
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
The PET assesses whether a candidate can complete the prescribed running event within the permitted time. The distance and time limit depend on the applicable recruitment rules, including any special standards for notified regions.
For this reason, candidates should consult the PET table in the official notification instead of treating the following commonly circulated figures as universal requirements:
- Male candidates: 5 km in 24 minutes in the applicable general-area standard.
- Female candidates: 1.6 km in 8 minutes 30 seconds in the applicable general-area standard.
These figures should not be used for every candidate or every region without verification. Special provisions can apply, including for candidates covered by Ladakh-specific standards.
How to prepare for the physical test
- Begin with a comfortable walking and jogging routine if you are new to running.
- Increase distance and pace gradually instead of attempting maximum effort every day.
- Practise on a measured track so you know your actual time.
- Allow adequate recovery, sleep and hydration.
- Use suitable footwear and stop exercising if you experience unusual pain, dizziness or breathing difficulty.
- Check your height and other measurements before the test rather than waiting until the final stage.
Physical preparation should be consistent, not extreme. Candidates with existing health concerns should seek appropriate professional advice before starting an intensive training routine.
SSC GD Constable Selection Process
The recruitment process is designed to assess written-examination performance, physical suitability, medical fitness and the authenticity of the candidate's documents.
- Computer-Based Examination (CBE): Candidates take the objective written examination. Scores and eligibility are processed according to SSC's rules.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Shortlisted candidates are tested against the applicable running requirements.
- Physical Standard Test (PST): Prescribed physical measurements are checked.
- Medical examination: Candidates undergo the medical assessment required under the recruitment rules.
- Document verification: Educational, identity, category and other relevant documents are checked at the designated stage.
- Final selection and force allocation: These depend on the applicable merit, vacancy, preference, eligibility and allocation rules.
The exact sequence, responsibilities of SSC and the designated forces, and any additional instructions must be confirmed through the official notice. Qualifying one stage does not necessarily guarantee appointment.
SSC GD Constable 2026 Exam Pattern
The examination pattern announced for the recruitment comprises four objective sections. Candidates should become comfortable with the format and practise answering questions within the available time.
| Subject | Questions | Maximum marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 20 | 40 |
| General Knowledge and General Awareness | 20 | 40 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 20 | 40 |
| English or Hindi | 20 | 40 |
| Total | 80 | 160 |
| Examination mode | Computer-based test |
|---|---|
| Question type | Objective multiple-choice questions |
| Duration | 60 minutes, under the notified pattern |
| Marks per correct answer | 2 marks |
| Negative marking | Check the official notice for the applicable deduction; the notified scheme specifies 0.25 mark for each wrong answer. |
Always check the latest examination instructions before the test. The language options, marking scheme, test duration and other conditions must be followed as specified by SSC for the relevant examination.
How negative marking affects your score
Suppose a candidate answers 60 questions correctly and gets 10 questions wrong. Under a scheme awarding 2 marks for a correct answer and deducting 0.25 mark for a wrong answer, the score from those attempts would be:
60 × 2 − 10 × 0.25 = 117.5 marks.
This example illustrates why accuracy matters. Avoid guessing blindly when you have no reasonable basis for eliminating options. Practise with timed mock tests and review every incorrect answer to understand the underlying concept.
SSC GD Syllabus and Subject-Wise Preparation
1. General Intelligence and Reasoning
This section tests pattern recognition, logical thinking and the ability to identify relationships between information. Common practice areas include:
- Analogy and classification
- Number and alphabet series
- Coding and decoding
- Similarities and differences
- Spatial visualisation and orientation
- Non-verbal reasoning and figure-based questions
- Relationship and other basic logical-reasoning problems
Preparation tip: Solve a small set of questions daily. After checking your answers, note whether your mistakes came from misunderstanding the pattern, reading the question too quickly or spending too much time on one problem.
2. General Knowledge and General Awareness
This section may cover static general knowledge and current affairs. Important preparation areas include Indian history, geography, the Constitution, basic economics, science, sports, awards, important national events and developments relevant to the examination period.
Preparation tip: Use a reliable current-affairs source and maintain short revision notes. Do not spend all your study time collecting facts; regularly test yourself without looking at the answers.
3. Elementary Mathematics
Build a strong foundation in basic arithmetic and practise applying formulas accurately. Common areas include:
- Number systems and basic operations
- Decimals, fractions and simplification
- Percentages and ratios
- Averages
- Profit, loss and discount
- Simple interest and related arithmetic
- Time and work
- Time, speed and distance
- Mensuration and other notified elementary mathematics topics
Preparation tip: Learn why a formula works before memorising it. Practise calculations without a calculator and maintain a notebook of formulas, common errors and questions that take too long to solve.
4. English or Hindi
The language section assesses basic language understanding and usage. Preparation may include vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, comprehension, synonyms, antonyms, spelling and other topics specified in the syllabus.
Preparation tip: Read short passages regularly, revise grammar rules and keep a list of unfamiliar words. Solve previous examination questions to understand the style and difficulty of the questions.
A practical weekly study routine
| Day | Suggested study focus |
|---|---|
| Monday | Reasoning concepts and practice questions |
| Tuesday | Mathematics concepts and calculation practice |
| Wednesday | General knowledge and current-affairs revision |
| Thursday | English or Hindi grammar and comprehension |
| Friday | Mixed practice and revision of weak topics |
| Saturday | Timed mock test and error analysis |
| Sunday | Review mistakes, revise notes and plan the next week |
This is a suggested routine, not an official SSC timetable. Adjust the hours according to your existing preparation, work schedule and areas of difficulty.
SSC GD Constable Salary and Allowances
The notified Constable (GD) and Rifleman (GD) posts generally fall under Pay Level 3 of the applicable pay matrix. The basic pay scale is ₹21,700 to ₹69,100, subject to the applicable service and recruitment rules.
| Salary component | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Pay level | Level 3 |
| Basic pay at entry | ₹21,700 per month |
| Pay-scale ceiling | ₹69,100 per month under the Level 3 scale |
| Dearness allowance | Payable under applicable government rules |
| House Rent Allowance | Depends on the applicable rules and accommodation circumstances |
| Transport and other admissible benefits | Subject to entitlement and service conditions |
What may affect in-hand salary?
The take-home amount can differ by posting, applicable allowances, government accommodation, deductions and other service-related factors. Therefore, an estimated monthly figure should not be treated as a guaranteed salary for every selected candidate.
For financial planning, distinguish between basic pay, gross salary and in-hand salary. The basic pay is the pay-matrix component; gross salary may include admissible allowances, while take-home salary is the amount remaining after applicable deductions.
SSC GD Application Fee
| Candidate category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| General and other fee-paying candidates | ₹100 |
| Women candidates | Exempt under the notified rules |
| SC/ST candidates | Exempt under the notified rules |
| Eligible ex-servicemen | Exemption applies as specified in the notification |
The fee exemption depends on the conditions stated in the official notice. Candidates should confirm their eligibility for exemption before payment. If a fee is payable, use the permitted payment method and retain the transaction confirmation.
Documents and Details to Prepare
Keeping your information ready helps reduce mistakes when filling out a recruitment form or attending later stages. The exact document requirements may differ by stage and candidate category.
- Class 10 certificate and marksheet showing the required personal and educational details.
- A valid identity document, as accepted under the applicable instructions.
- Recent photograph and signature prepared according to the application specifications.
- Active mobile number and email address for registration and communication.
- SC, ST, OBC, EWS or other relevant certificate, if claiming a benefit.
- Domicile or other area-related documents, where specifically required.
- Ex-servicemen documents, if applicable.
- Application confirmation, fee receipt and copies of submitted details.
Important: This is a preparation checklist, not a replacement for the official document-verification instructions. Certificate formats, issue dates, competent authorities and other conditions must meet the recruitment rules.
How to Apply Online for SSC GD Constable
The original application window for the 2026 examination has closed. The following steps explain the online process for reference and may help candidates prepare for a future SSC GD recruitment cycle.
- Open the official SSC website: Visit https://ssc.gov.in/.
- Complete registration: Use the official registration facility and enter your personal information accurately.
- Verify your details: Check your name, date of birth, contact information and other particulars against your documents.
- Find the relevant examination: Open the Constable (GD) recruitment notice for the correct examination year.
- Fill in the application: Provide educational details, category information and any other requested particulars.
- Upload the required items: Follow the current photograph, signature and document specifications displayed in the application.
- Review force preferences: Read the available options carefully. Preferences should reflect your informed choices and must follow the instructions in the notice.
- Pay the fee if applicable: Complete payment through an authorised method where a fee is required.
- Submit the form: Review the application before final submission and confirm that the portal records it successfully.
- Save the confirmation: Keep a copy of the submitted application and any payment receipt for your records.
Application mistakes worth avoiding
- Entering a date of birth that differs from the required certificate.
- Selecting the wrong category or claiming an unsupported relaxation.
- Uploading an unclear photograph or signature.
- Waiting until the final hours to submit the form.
- Making a payment without checking whether it has been recorded successfully.
- Relying on unofficial links or sharing login credentials with strangers.
SSC recruitment applications should be completed through the official portal. Never pay an agent who promises selection, a guaranteed examination score or a job in exchange for money.
SSC GD Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
| Event | Date or status |
|---|---|
| Official notification | 1 December 2025 |
| Online application start | 1 December 2025 |
| Last date to apply | 31 December 2025, 11:00 PM |
| Last date for fee payment | 1 January 2026, 11:00 PM |
| Application correction window | 8–10 January 2026 |
| Tentative examination period stated in the original notice | February–April 2026 |
| Admit card and subsequent notices | Check the latest official SSC updates |
The dates above are from the original notification and should be read as historical schedule information, not as confirmation of a current open application window or an unchanged examination timetable. SSC may issue revised schedules and other notices.
How to Track Your Application and Avoid Recruitment Scams
After submitting an application, use the official SSC website to check examination notices, admission certificates, answer keys, results and further instructions. Do not rely solely on screenshots shared through messaging groups or social media.
- Check the notice board periodically for changes in the examination schedule.
- Read instructions for your specific examination before downloading an admission certificate.
- Verify the examination date, reporting time, centre address and identity requirements on your own document.
- Never publish your password, one-time password or sensitive application details on public groups.
- Be cautious of websites charging money for information that SSC provides free of charge.
- Do not assume that a third-party admit-card link is genuine merely because it uses the SSC name or logo.
Official notices should be treated as the final source for examination-related decisions. If information on a job portal differs from the latest SSC announcement, follow the official announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many vacancies were initially announced for SSC GD Constable 2026?
The initial vacancy document dated 8 December 2025 listed 25,487 tentative vacancies across BSF, CISF, CRPF, SSB, ITBP, Assam Rifles and SSF. The number may change through official revisions.
2. Is SSC GD Constable 2026 the same as SSC GD Constable 2025?
No. The recruitment notice published on 1 December 2025 was for the SSC GD Constable Examination 2026. The year in the examination title matters when checking dates, vacancies and eligibility conditions.
3. What educational qualification is required?
Candidates generally need to have passed Class 10 or Matriculation from a recognised board by the prescribed qualification cutoff date. The official notice determines the exact requirement.
4. What is the general age limit?
The general age range is 18 to 23 years, subject to the specified cutoff date and applicable age-relaxation provisions. Check the official notification to determine whether you qualify.
5. What is the total number of questions in the computer-based examination?
The notified pattern consists of 80 objective questions carrying a total of 160 marks, divided equally across four sections. Candidates should verify the latest examination instructions before appearing.
6. Is there negative marking?
Yes. Under the notified marking scheme, 0.25 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer. Candidates should consult the official examination instructions in case of any revision.
7. What is the starting basic pay?
The notified posts generally fall under Pay Level 3, with an entry basic pay of ₹21,700 per month. Gross and in-hand salary depend on applicable allowances, posting and deductions.
8. Are female candidates eligible?
Yes. Female candidates can apply if they meet the prescribed eligibility conditions and the requirements for the relevant vacancies. Vacancy availability and physical standards should be checked in the official notice.
9. Is the SSC GD 2026 application window still open?
No. The original application window ran from 1 December to 31 December 2025. Check SSC for any subsequent notices; do not use an old application link as proof that registration is currently available.
10. Where can candidates check the official SSC GD admit card or result?
Visit the official SSC website and look for the relevant examination notice and candidate login instructions. Availability depends on the stage and the current schedule.
11. Does passing the computer-based test guarantee a job?
No. Candidates must meet the applicable requirements at the subsequent stages and satisfy the final merit, vacancy, medical, document and allocation rules.
12. Where can I find the authentic vacancy list?
Use the SSC website and consult the official tentative vacancy document or any later revised vacancy notice for the relevant examination.
SSC GD Constable 2026: Important Official Links
| Resource | Official link |
|---|---|
| SSC official website | Visit SSC |
| Original examination notification | Open notification PDF |
| Initial tentative vacancy document | View vacancy PDF |
| Registration and candidate portal | Open SSC portal |
| Admit card and examination updates | Check latest SSC notices |
| Results and answer keys | Visit official SSC website |
Final Note for Candidates
SSC GD recruitment requires more than meeting the minimum educational qualification. Candidates should understand the written examination, prepare for physical tests, maintain accurate documents and follow official instructions at every stage. A realistic preparation routine and regular revision can help candidates identify weak areas before the examination.
The vacancy figures, age conditions, physical standards, examination dates and other recruitment details in this article are based on the cited initial notices. Always check the latest official SSC announcement before making a decision or acting on a deadline.
Editorial information: This article is an independent informational guide and is not an official publication of the Staff Selection Commission. Recruitment information should be verified against the official notice and subsequent updates.
