SSC GD
SSC GD (General Duty Constable) is a recruitment examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for Constable (GD) positions in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and SSF, along with Rifleman (GD) in Assam Rifles.
The recruitment is particularly suited to candidates who want to enter a uniformed central government service after Class 10. Unlike many other SSC examinations, SSC GD combines a computer-based examination with physical and medical stages, making both academic and physical preparation important.
This page covers the major aspects of SSC GD, including eligibility, age limit, syllabus, exam pattern, selection process, forces, physical requirements, salary, vacancy and preparation.
SSC GD 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Staff Selection Commission General Duty |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Level | National-level recruitment examination |
| Posts | Constable (GD) and Rifleman (GD) |
| Forces | BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, SSF and Assam Rifles |
| Educational Qualification | Matriculation or Class 10 pass |
| Age Limit | 18 to 23 years for the 2026 recruitment, subject to applicable relaxation |
| Computer-Based Examination | 80 questions, 160 marks and 60 minutes |
| Physical Tests | Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST) |
| Medical Stage | Detailed Medical Examination / Review Medical Examination, as applicable |
| 2026 Tentative Vacancies | 25,487 |
| Pay Level | Level 3 |
The 2026 vacancy figure is tentative and can be revised by SSC. The recruitment notice specifies the applicable age, qualification and examination conditions for the 2026 cycle.
What is SSC GD?
SSC GD is a recruitment examination for entry-level uniformed positions in selected Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles.
The recruitment process is different from conventional desk-based SSC examinations because candidates must demonstrate both academic performance and physical fitness.
The recruitment scheme includes:
- Computer-Based Examination
- Physical Efficiency Test
- Physical Standard Test
- Medical Examination
- Document Verification
Candidates who qualify the written examination are shortlisted for the physical stages, while the later stages are conducted by the CAPFs according to the prescribed recruitment process.
SSC GD Posts
The main posts covered under the recruitment are:
- Constable (General Duty) in CAPFs
- Rifleman (General Duty) in Assam Rifles
The 2026 recruitment covers vacancies in:
- Border Security Force (BSF)
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
- Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
- Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
- Secretariat Security Force (SSF)
- Assam Rifles
The number of vacancies available in each force can vary from one recruitment cycle to another. Staff Selection Commission
For a detailed breakdown, see [SSC GD Posts].
SSC GD Eligibility
SSC GD has a comparatively accessible educational requirement because candidates need to have passed Matriculation/Class 10 from a recognised board.
Candidates must also satisfy the prescribed:
- Nationality requirements
- Age requirements
- Educational qualification
- Domicile requirements, wherever applicable
- Physical standards
- Medical standards
The exact conditions depend on the recruitment notification and the force/post concerned.
Check the complete [SSC GD Eligibility] guide before applying.
SSC GD Age Limit
For the 2026 recruitment, the prescribed age range is 18 to 23 years as on 1 January 2026.
The notification specifies the corresponding date-of-birth range and provides applicable upper-age relaxation for eligible categories.
For complete details, see [SSC GD Age Limit]
SSC GD Exam Pattern
The SSC GD Computer-Based Examination consists of 80 objective questions carrying 160 marks.
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 20 | 40 |
| General Knowledge & General Awareness | 20 | 40 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 20 | 40 |
| English/Hindi | 20 | 40 |
| Total | 80 | 160 |
The examination duration is 60 minutes, and 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer. The questions are at the matriculation level.
See the complete [SSC GD Exam Pattern] for the detailed marking scheme and examination structure.
SSC GD Syllabus
The SSC GD syllabus is divided into four sections.
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Important areas include:
- Analogies
- Similarities and differences
- Coding-decoding
- Number and figure series
- Spatial visualisation
- Spatial orientation
- Visual memory
- Relationship concepts
- Non-verbal reasoning
General Knowledge & General Awareness
This section can include:
- Current affairs
- History
- Geography
- Indian Constitution
- General science
- Sports
- Culture
- Important national and international events
Elementary Mathematics
Important topics include:
- Number system
- Whole numbers
- Decimals and fractions
- Percentage
- Ratio and proportion
- Average
- Interest
- Profit and loss
- Discount
- Time and distance
- Time and work
- Mensuration
- Basic algebra
- Data interpretation
English/Hindi
The language section tests basic understanding of the selected language, including vocabulary, comprehension and language usage.
For the complete topic-wise breakdown, see [SSC GD Syllabus].
SSC GD Physical Test
Physical fitness is one of the most important parts of SSC GD recruitment.
Candidates shortlisted from the Computer-Based Examination are called for PET/PST, which are conducted at centres organised by the CAPFs. SSC Portal
Physical Efficiency Test
For candidates other than those belonging to the Ladakh region, the prescribed race is:
- Male: 5 km in 24 minutes
- Female: 1.6 km in 8½ minutes
For candidates belonging to the Ladakh region:
- Male: 1.6 km in 7 minutes
- Female: 800 metres in 5 minutes
These standards are prescribed in the recruitment scheme and should be checked carefully before preparation.
See the detailed [SSC GD Physical Test] guide.
SSC GD Physical Standard Test
The PST checks physical measurements such as height and chest, wherever applicable.
The general standards specified in the recruitment scheme include:
- Male height: 170 cm
- Female height: 157 cm
- Male chest: 80 cm unexpanded
- Minimum chest expansion: 5 cm
Certain categories, regions and communities receive prescribed relaxations in physical standards.
Candidates should not assume that the general standard applies to every applicant because specific relaxations can apply.
See [SSC GD PET/PST] for the detailed requirements.
SSC GD Medical Test
Candidates who qualify the applicable physical stages must undergo the prescribed medical examination.
Medical assessment is an important part of the recruitment because SSC GD involves physically demanding duties.
The recruitment process can include:
- Detailed Medical Examination (DME)
- Review Medical Examination (RME), where applicable
The medical requirements are governed by the applicable recruitment standards and should be checked carefully before applying.
See [SSC GD Medical Test] for detailed information.
SSC GD Selection Process
The SSC GD recruitment process broadly follows this sequence:
Computer-Based Examination → PET/PST → Medical Examination → Document Verification → Final Selection & Force Allocation
Candidates are shortlisted for the physical stages based on their performance in the Computer-Based Examination.
The final result and force allocation are determined by SSC based on the applicable selection criteria, examination performance and force preference, subject to candidates qualifying the required physical, medical and other conditions.
Read the detailed [SSC GD Selection Process].
SSC GD Salary
SSC GD Constable posts are placed at Pay Level 3, with a basic pay range of ₹21,700 to ₹69,100.
In addition to basic pay, employees can receive applicable government allowances and benefits. Actual in-hand salary depends on the posting location, allowances and deductions.
See the detailed [SSC GD Salary] guide for the complete salary structure.
SSC GD Vacancy
For the 2026 recruitment, SSC initially reported 25,487 tentative vacancies.
The force-wise totals include:
| Force | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| BSF | 616 |
| CISF | 14,595 |
| CRPF | 5,490 |
| SSB | 1,764 |
| ITBP | 1,293 |
| Assam Rifles | 1,706 |
| SSF | 23 |
| Total | 25,487 |
These figures are based on SSC’s vacancy position as on 8 December 2025 and are tentative, so candidates should check for subsequent revisions.
See [SSC GD Vacancy] for updated vacancy information.
SSC GD Preparation
SSC GD preparation needs to cover both the written examination and physical fitness.
A practical preparation approach is:
1. Understand the Syllabus
Know exactly what is tested in Reasoning, General Awareness, Mathematics and English/Hindi.
2. Build Basic Concepts
Since the examination is based around the matriculation level, focus on accuracy and strong fundamentals.
3. Solve Previous Year Questions
PYQs help identify recurring concepts and understand the actual level of the examination.
4. Take Timed Mock Tests
The CBE gives candidates only 60 minutes for 80 questions, so speed and accuracy are important.
5. Start Physical Preparation Early
Do not wait until after the written examination to begin running and fitness training.
A candidate who prepares only for the written examination may struggle when the physical stage arrives.
See [SSC GD Preparation] for a complete study and fitness strategy.
SSC GD Previous Year Papers
Previous year papers can help candidates understand:
- Question difficulty
- Repeated concepts
- Section-wise distribution
- Time pressure
- Common mistakes
- Actual examination style
Candidates should combine PYQ practice with mock tests rather than relying only on theoretical study.
See [SSC GD Previous Year Papers].
SSC GD Books
Candidates generally need separate resources for:
- Reasoning
- Mathematics
- General Awareness
- English/Hindi
- Previous year questions
A small, focused collection of books is usually more useful than repeatedly changing study materials.
See [SSC GD Books] for recommended resources.
SSC GD Cut Off
SSC GD cut-offs can vary based on factors such as:
- Category
- State/UT
- Area
- Gender
- Force
- Number of vacancies
- Candidate performance
- Examination difficulty
The cut-off should not be confused with the minimum qualifying requirement. A candidate may need a considerably higher score than the minimum qualifying standard to be shortlisted.
See [SSC GD Cut Off] for previous-year trends and current information.
SSC GD Admit Card
SSC GD admission documents are released through the official SSC and applicable regional systems.
Candidates should check:
- Examination date
- Examination centre
- Reporting time
- Candidate details
- Examination instructions
Admit cards are not sent through post; candidates need to download the applicable admission document through the designated online system.
See [SSC GD Admit Card].
SSC GD Answer Key
After the Computer-Based Examination, SSC can release the tentative answer key and candidate response sheet.
Candidates can use the response sheet to:
- Check their answers
- Estimate their score
- Identify incorrect responses
- Raise challenges during the permitted objection period
See [SSC GD Answer Key] for the complete process.
SSC GD Result
SSC publishes the result after evaluating the applicable examination stages.
Candidates who qualify the Computer-Based Examination can be shortlisted for the physical stages, while the final selection process also depends on qualifying the prescribed physical, medical and document requirements.
Final force allocation is made according to the applicable recruitment rules and selection criteria.
See [SSC GD Result] for result updates and checking instructions.
SSC GD Career
SSC GD provides an opportunity to begin a career in India’s Central Armed Police Forces and related organisations.
Depending on the force and assignment, the work can involve:
- Border security
- Internal security duties
- Industrial security
- Protection of important installations
- Law-and-order support
- Field duties
- Security operations
- Other responsibilities assigned by the force
The work environment can be physically demanding and may involve transfers or postings according to organisational requirements.
Who Should Prepare for SSC GD?
SSC GD can be suitable for candidates who:
- Have passed Class 10
- Want a uniformed government career
- Are comfortable with physical fitness requirements
- Can prepare for both academic and physical tests
- Are interested in CAPF or Assam Rifles service
- Are willing to work in different locations
Candidates should understand the physical and medical requirements before choosing SSC GD simply because of the number of vacancies.
SSC GD Preparation Strategy
A balanced approach is:
Written Preparation + Physical Training + Mock Tests + PYQ Practice + Revision
Candidates should ideally begin physical preparation alongside written preparation.
For example, a weekly routine can combine:
- Mathematics practice
- Reasoning practice
- General Awareness revision
- Language practice
- Previous year questions
- Running
- Endurance training
- Recovery and rest
The objective is not just to qualify the written examination but to remain ready for every stage of recruitment.
Important SSC GD Resources
- [SSC GD Eligibility]
- [SSC GD Age Limit]
- [SSC GD Syllabus]
- [SSC GD Exam
- [SSC GD Selection Process]
- [SSC GD Posts]
- [SSC GD Salary]
- [SSC GD Job Profile]
- [SSC GD Physical Test]
- [SSC GD PET/PST]
- [SSC GD Medical Test]
- [SSC GD Preparation]
- [SSC GD Books]
- [SSC GD Previous Year Papers]
- [SSC GD Cut Off]
- [SSC GD Vacancy]
- [SSC GD Admit Card]
- [SSC GD Answer Key]
- [SSC GD Result]
SSC GD FAQs
What is SSC GD?
SSC GD is a recruitment examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission for Constable (GD) positions in specified CAPFs and SSF and Rifleman (GD) in Assam Rifles.
What qualification is required for SSC GD?
Candidates generally need to have passed Matriculation/Class 10 from a recognised board. Staff Selection Commission
What is the SSC GD age limit?
For the 2026 recruitment, the standard age range is 18 to 23 years as on 1 January 2026, subject to applicable age relaxation.
How many questions are there in SSC GD?
The Computer-Based Examination contains 80 objective questions carrying 160 marks and has a duration of 60 minutes.
Is there negative marking in SSC GD?
Yes. The 2026 examination scheme provides for 0.25 marks of negative marking for each wrong answer.
What is the physical test in SSC GD?
Candidates shortlisted from the Computer-Based Examination undergo PET and PST. The PET includes a prescribed race, while the PST checks physical measurements such as height and applicable chest standards.
What is the SSC GD salary?
SSC GD Constable posts are generally placed at Pay Level 3, with basic pay ranging from ₹21,700 to ₹69,100.
How many SSC GD vacancies are there in 2026?
The 2026 tentative vacancy position is 25,487 posts, subject to revision by SSC.
Which forces recruit through SSC GD?
The 2026 recruitment covers BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, SSF and Assam Rifles.
Can women apply for SSC GD?
Yes. SSC GD recruitment includes vacancies for eligible female candidates, with force-wise vacancies notified by SSC. The 2026 vacancy notice includes 2,020 female vacancies in total.
Is SSC GD only a written examination?
No. SSC GD is not only a written examination. Candidates must qualify the applicable Computer-Based Examination, PET/PST, medical examination and document verification stages.
Is SSC GD difficult?
The written examination is based around the matriculation level, but the overall recruitment can be challenging because candidates must prepare for both the academic examination and physical/medical stages.
Where should candidates check the latest SSC GD updates?
Candidates should use the official SSC website and the latest SSC notification as the final source for examination dates, vacancies, eligibility, physical standards and other recruitment conditions. SSC’s website also provides dedicated resources for examinations, vacancies, answer keys and results.