The SSC GD Constable Exam 2026 is one of the largest central government recruitment drives in the country this year, with 25,487 vacancies across BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, NCB, SSF, and Assam Rifles. The exam window runs from 27 April to 30 May 2026, and the Exam Slot Selection process opened on 11 April 2026 with a deadline of 15 April 2026.
Most articles on this recruitment tell you the same thing: dates, vacancy numbers, and a generic steps list. This article goes deeper. You will find the full CBT exam pattern with negative marking details, the exact running distances and times for PET, the height and chest standards category-wise for PST, what happens after you clear the physical tests, salary structure after joining, and the one critical thing most candidates miss about the slot selection process itself.
SSC GD Constable Exam Slot Selection 2026 featured image highlighting exam date, shift choice, and important schedule updates.Key Dates at a Glance
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start | 01 December 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 31 December 2025 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 01 January 2026 |
| Form Correction Window | 10 to 13 January 2026 |
| Exam Slot Selection | 11 to 15 April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before Exam (check ssc.gov.in) |
| Computer Based Exam (CBT) | 27 April to 30 May 2026 |
| Result | To be announced |
What Is Exam Slot Selection and Why It Matters
SSC usually allots exam dates and shifts automatically. Slot selection is not a standard feature for every SSC exam. When SSC does offer it, it gives candidates the option to choose their preferred exam date and shift (morning or evening) from the available slots. Once you confirm your selection, it cannot be changed.
There is an important clarification here that most articles miss: slot selection does not guarantee your preferred date. SSC allocates slots based on availability at the time of your selection. Early action significantly improves your chances of getting a convenient date and location. Candidates who wait until the last day find fewer options remaining.
If you missed the slot selection window (which closed 15 April 2026), your exam date and shift will be assigned automatically by SSC. Check your admit card when it is released on the official portal at ssc.gov.in.
How to Check or Change Exam Slot: Step by Step
Step 1: Go to the official SSC portal: ssc.gov.in
Step 2: Click on “Login / Candidate Login” on the homepage.
Step 3: Enter your Registration Number and Password.
Step 4: After logging in, look for “GD Constable Exam Slot Selection 2026” in your dashboard. If the option is visible, you can choose your preferred Exam Date and Shift (Morning or Evening).
Step 5: Review your selection carefully before confirming. Once submitted, it cannot be reversed.
Step 6: Download and save the confirmation page.
If you have forgotten your login credentials, use the “Forgot Password” or “Forgot Registration Number” option on the login page. Do not register again as a new user — that creates a duplicate application which can lead to cancellation.
Vacancy Breakdown: Category and Force Wise
The total vacancy of 25,487 is distributed across General, EWS, OBC, SC, and ST categories, with separate counts for male and female candidates:
| Category | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 10,198 | 904 | 11,102 |
| EWS | 2,416 | 189 | 2,605 |
| OBC | 5,329 | 436 | 5,765 |
| SC | 3,433 | 269 | 3,702 |
| ST | 2,091 | 222 | 2,313 |
| Total | 23,467 | 2,020 | 25,487 |
The forces covered include BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal), NCB (Narcotics Control Bureau), SSF (Special Security Force), and Rifleman (GD) in Assam Rifles. Force preference is indicated during document verification, not at the application stage.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General, EWS, OBC | Rs. 100 |
| SC, ST | Nil (Exempt) |
| All Female Candidates | Nil (Exempt) |
Form correction fee: Rs. 200 for the first correction, Rs. 500 for the second. The correction window was open from 10 to 13 January 2026. No corrections are possible after that window has closed.
Eligibility: Age, Qualification, and Nationality
Age Limit (as on 01 January 2026)
Minimum 18 years, maximum 23 years. Age relaxation is provided as per government rules: 3 years for OBC, 5 years for SC/ST, 5 years for Ex-Servicemen (after deducting military service from age), and additional relaxation for specific categories per the official notification.
Educational Qualification
Matriculation (Class 10) or equivalent from a recognized Board or University. There is no requirement for Class 12 or any degree. This makes SSC GD one of the most accessible central government exams for candidates who passed Class 10.
Nationality
Indian citizen. Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan, Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1 January 1962, and persons of Indian origin who have migrated from specified countries may also be eligible under certain conditions as per the official notification.
CBT Exam Pattern: What the Written Test Actually Looks Like
The Computer Based Test is the first stage and the most critical filter. Understanding exactly how it is structured helps you allocate preparation time correctly.
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mode | Online (Computer Based) |
| Total Questions | 80 |
| Total Marks | 160 |
| Marks per Question | 2 marks |
| Negative Marking | 0.50 marks deducted per wrong answer |
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice (Objective) |
| Language | English and Hindi both available |
| Difficulty Level | Class 10 standard |
Section-wise Breakdown
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 20 | 40 |
| General Knowledge and General Awareness | 20 | 40 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 20 | 40 |
| English / Hindi | 20 | 40 |
| Total | 80 | 160 |
There is no sectional cut-off. Your overall score determines whether you are shortlisted for PET and PST. The negative marking of 0.50 per wrong answer means blind guessing hurts. If you are unsure about an answer, skipping is better than guessing randomly.
Based on previous years, the General category cut-off for CBT has ranged between 130 and 140 out of 160. OBC cut-offs have been around 120 to 130. These are indicative, not guaranteed, as cut-offs vary each cycle based on difficulty and competition.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Exact Standards
The PET comes after CBT results are published. It is qualifying in nature — pass or fail, no marks are added to your total. The race distances and time limits are:
| Candidate Type | Distance | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Male (General / All except Ladakh) | 5 km | 24 minutes |
| Female (General / All except Ladakh) | 1.6 km | 8.5 minutes |
| Male (Ladakh region) | 1.6 km | 7 minutes |
| Female (Ladakh region) | 800 metres | 5 minutes |
Ex-Servicemen are exempt from PET. They only appear for PST (height, chest, weight recording). Pregnant female candidates at the time of PET are declared temporarily unfit and re-examined after six weeks of confinement with a fitness certificate. No appeal is entertained for PET failure. If you fail the race, there is no second chance at that stage.
This is the stage where most physically unprepared candidates lose out despite clearing the written exam. Starting a running routine months before the PET is not optional for serious candidates.
Physical Standard Test (PST): Height, Chest, and Weight
PST is conducted after PET. It checks whether you meet the physical measurements required for a paramilitary constable post.
Height Requirements
| Category | Male Height | Female Height |
|---|---|---|
| General, OBC, EWS, SC | 170 cm | 157 cm |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 162.5 cm | 150 cm |
| Candidates from North-East, hill areas (Garhwal, Kumaon, Himachal, J&K, etc.) | 165 cm | 155 cm |
| Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA) candidates | 157 cm | 152 cm |
Chest Requirements (Male Only)
| Category | Minimum Unexpanded | Minimum Expanded |
|---|---|---|
| General, OBC, EWS, SC | 80 cm | 85 cm |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 76 cm | 81 cm |
| Hill area / NE candidates | 78 cm | 83 cm |
Female candidates do not have a specific chest measurement requirement, but overall physical development is assessed. Weight for all candidates must be proportionate to height and age as per standard medical norms. There is no fixed weight table — it is assessed by the medical board.
Appeals against PST rejection (height or chest measurement disputes) can be made to the Appellate Authority on the same day. The appellate authority’s decision is final. No further petitions are entertained after that.
Medical Examination: What It Covers
Candidates who clear both PET and PST appear for a Detailed Medical Examination (DME) conducted by a medical board. The standards are strict because these are armed paramilitary posts.
The DME checks overall physical and mental fitness including vision, hearing, dental health, blood pressure, absence of chronic diseases, and absence of structural deformities. The key vision standard is 6/6 in both eyes without glasses. Colour blindness is a disqualifying condition.
If you are declared unfit in DME, you can apply for a Review Medical Examination (RME) within the specified period after DME results. A fresh medical board conducts the RME. Candidates declared unfit in RME have no further appeal.
Document Verification
Candidates who clear the medical examination proceed to document verification. At this stage, the following are checked:
- Class 10 marksheet and certificate (proof of qualification and date of birth)
- Category certificate (SC, ST, OBC, EWS) issued by competent authority
- Domicile or permanent residence certificate
- Ex-Serviceman discharge certificate (if applicable)
- Any other document specified in the official notification
Final selection and force allocation happen after document verification. Candidates are placed in a merit list and allocated forces based on their CBT rank, preferences, and vacancies available in each force.
SSC GD Constable Salary After Joining
This is information most slot-selection articles skip entirely, but it is often the first thing candidates actually want to know. SSC GD Constable falls under Pay Level 3 of the 7th Pay Commission.
| Pay Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (Pay Level 3) | ₹21,700 to ₹69,100 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As per central government rates (revised quarterly) |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | Depends on posting city (8% to 24% of basic) |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | As applicable |
| Risk and Hardship Allowance | For deployments in sensitive or border areas |
| Approximate In-Hand Pay | ₹30,000 to ₹37,000 per month depending on posting |
In addition to salary, GD Constables receive free accommodation in force quarters (or HRA in lieu), medical facilities, annual leave, and pension under the New Pension Scheme. Promotion to Head Constable moves the pay to Level 4, with corresponding salary increases.
Preparation Strategy: What to Focus on Before the Exam
With less than two weeks until the exam starts on 27 April, this is the revision and fitness phase, not the learning phase.
For CBT (Written Exam)
The exam is 80 questions in 60 minutes. That is 45 seconds per question. Accuracy matters more than attempting all 80, given the 0.50 negative marking. Focus on the sections where you are already strong to maximise your score rather than spending time on weak areas you cannot fix in two weeks.
General Knowledge and Current Affairs typically have 5 to 6 questions on recent events. Cover at least the last 3 months. Mathematics questions at Class 10 level cover percentages, ratios, averages, time-distance, and simple algebra. Reasoning covers analogies, coding-decoding, series completion, and spatial reasoning.
For PET (Physical Test)
If your CBT date is in late April or early May, you likely have several weeks before PET results are declared and the physical tests are scheduled. Use that time. Male candidates running 5 km in 24 minutes need a pace of approximately 4 minutes 48 seconds per kilometre. If you are not already training, start immediately. Two weeks of consistent running makes a measurable difference.
CRPF Constable Tradesman 2026: A Related Opportunity
Candidates preparing for SSC GD may also want to check the CRPF Constable Tradesman Recruitment 2026, which has 9,195 posts open for application. The force is the same as one of the SSC GD deployment options, and the physical standards are similar. Applying for both simultaneously increases your probability of selection in a CRPF posting this year.
Candidates with an interest in CAPF officer-level roles should also watch for the UPSC CAPF AC 2026 notification, which covers 349 Assistant Commandant vacancies across the same forces. The CAPF AC route requires graduation and a different preparation approach, but the career is in the same sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my exam slot after confirming?
No. Once you submit your slot selection, it cannot be changed under any circumstances. Review your preferred date and shift carefully before confirming.
I missed the slot selection window. Will I still get an exam date?
Yes. SSC will automatically assign an exam date and shift to candidates who did not complete slot selection. Check your admit card when it is released on ssc.gov.in.
Is there a limit on how many times you can appear for SSC GD?
The official notification does not specify a maximum number of attempts. As long as you meet the age and other eligibility criteria, you can apply each year. Once you cross 23 years of age (with applicable relaxation used), you are no longer eligible.
My category certificate was issued by a Patwari, not a Tehsildar. Will it be accepted at document verification?
No. Caste and income certificates must be issued by an officer of competent authority as specified in the notification, typically at Tehsildar level or above. A certificate from a lower-ranking official will be rejected at document verification, even if everything else is in order.
If I fail PET, can I appeal?
No. There is no appeal mechanism for PET (the race). Appeals are only allowed for PST (height and chest measurements) on the same day of testing.
Can Ex-Servicemen apply even if they are above 23 years of age?
Yes. Ex-Servicemen get age relaxation of 3 years plus the length of their military service. This often makes them eligible even well above the standard 23-year limit. The exact calculation is in the official notification.
I wear spectacles. Am I eligible?
The medical standard for vision is 6/6 without glasses. If your corrected vision with spectacles is 6/6 but your uncorrected vision is not, you may be declared unfit at the medical examination. Consult the detailed medical standards in the official notification for the exact eyesight requirements.
Important Links
- SSC Official Website: ssc.gov.in
- Slot Selection / Candidate Login: Available on ssc.gov.in after login
- Latest SSC Jobs on RecruitmentOfficer: SSC Jobs
- Defence and Paramilitary Jobs: Defence Jobs
