SSC GD Exam 2026

The SSC GD (General Duty) exam is one of the most popular competitive exams in India for candidates who have completed their secondary education. Conducted by the Staff Selection Commission, it aims to recruit personnel for various paramilitary forces.

• Exam Name: SSC GD Constable 2026
• Conducting Body: Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
• Exam Level: National
• Minimum Qualification: 10th Pass (Matriculation)
• Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Examination (CBE)
• Forces Included: BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, SSF, and Rifleman (GD) in Assam Rifles.

Candidates should keep track of the following tentative schedule for the SSC GD 2026 recruitment cycle:

• Official Notification Release: November 2025
• Online Application Start Date: November 2025
• Last Date to Apply: December 2025
• Admit Card Release: January 2026
• SSC GD 2026 Exam Date: January - February 2026
• Answer Key Release: March 2026
• Result Declaration: April 2026

The SSC GD is a national-level recruitment examination conducted to appoint Constables (General Duty). It is the primary gateway for young aspirants to join the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and other security organizations. The selection process ensures that candidates are physically fit and mentally prepared for the rigors of national security duties.

The full form of SSC GD is Staff Selection Commission General Duty. It refers to the recruitment of General Duty Constables who perform various tasks ranging from border security and maintaining law and order to assisting in anti-insurgency operations.

Over the years, the SSC GD exam has transitioned from a pen-and-paper mode to a Computer-Based Examination (CBE) to ensure transparency and faster processing. The number of vacancies has seen significant fluctuations, often ranging from 25,000 to over 50,000, reflecting the manpower requirements of the Indian paramilitary forces. In 2026, the exam continues to be highly competitive, with millions of applicants vying for a few thousand seats.

Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria to apply for the SSC GD 2026 exam:

• Nationality: Must be a citizen of India.
• Educational Qualification: Must have passed 10th Class (Matriculation) from a recognized board.
• Age Limit: 18 to 23 years (as of the cutoff date).
• Age Relaxation: SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), and Ex-Servicemen as per government norms.
• Physical Standards: Specific height and chest measurements apply for male and female candidates.

The application process for SSC GD 2026 is entirely online. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website: ssc.gov.in.
2. Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) with basic details.
3. Log in using your registration number and password.
4. Fill out the SSC GD 2026 application form.
5. Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature.
6. Select your preferred exam centers and force preferences.
7. Pay the application fee (INR 100 for General/OBC; Exempted for Women/SC/ST/Ex-S).
8. Submit and print the application form.

The Computer-Based Examination consists of four primary subjects designed to test basic intelligence and elementary knowledge:

• General Intelligence and Reasoning
• General Knowledge and General Awareness
• Elementary Mathematics
• English or Hindi (Candidate's choice)

The syllabus for 2026 includes:

• Reasoning: Analogies, spatial visualization, coding-decoding, visual memory, and observation.
• General Knowledge: Current affairs, Indian history, geography, culture, and basic polity.
• Mathematics: Number systems, percentages, ratio and proportion, averages, interest, and time & work.
• Language: Basic grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary in either English or Hindi.

The SSC GD 2026 exam pattern is as follows:

• Total Questions: 80
• Total Marks: 160 (2 marks per question)
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Negative Marking: 0.50 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
• Language of Exam: English, Hindi, and 13 regional languages.

The selection process for SSC GD 2026 consists of four distinct stages:

1. Computer-Based Examination (CBE): Objective type test.
2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Physical Standard Test (PST): Testing physical endurance and measurements.
3. Detailed Medical Examination (DME): Assessing physical fitness for service.
4. Document Verification (DV): Checking original certificates and eligibility proofs.

Unlike academic entrance exams, SSC GD does not involve universities. Instead, candidates are recruited into the following Participating Organizations:

• 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 (AR)

The SSC GD 2026 Results will be published on the official SSC website. Results are usually released in the form of a PDF merit list containing the roll numbers and names of qualified candidates. Separate lists are published for male and female candidates for each stage of the examination.

Once the CBE results are announced, shortlisted candidates must prepare for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET). This involves running (5km for males, 1.6km for females within specified time limits). Following the physical tests, candidates undergo medical checkups before the final merit list is prepared for induction.

In the context of SSC GD, "counselling" refers to the Force Allocation Process. Candidates are assigned to a specific force (like BSF or CISF) based on:

• Their rank in the final merit list.
• The preference order filled during the application process.
• The availability of vacancies in specific categories and states.

The SSC GD cut-off marks vary every year based on the difficulty of the paper and the number of vacancies. For 2026, the expected qualifying percentages are:

• UR: 30%
• OBC/EWS: 25%
• All other categories: 20%

Note that actual state-wise cut-offs for selection are usually much higher than these qualifying marks.

While the SSC conducts the exam, for any queries regarding the recruitment process, candidates can contact the Staff Selection Commission regional offices or the headquarters:

• Official Website: ssc.gov.in
• Address: Block No-12, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003
• Helpline: Refer to the regional website for specific state-wise contact numbers.