SSC GD Constable
Recruitment as Constable (GD) in the Central Armed Police Forces (BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB), the Secretariat Security Force (SSF), Rifleman (GD) in Assam Rifles, and Sepoy in the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
Eligibility
Class 10 pass from a recognised board, and an Indian citizen. Age is 18–23 years, with relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC and 3 years for ex-servicemen after deducting military service. Candidates must meet the Physical Standard Test (PST) norms. Generally this means a height of 170 cm for men and 157 cm for women, with relaxations for certain regions and communities.
Age limit: 18–23 years (relaxation for reserved categories)
Exam pattern
Computer-based examination of 80 questions for 160 marks in 60 minutes, available in English, Hindi and 13 regional languages. It covers General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Knowledge and General Awareness, Elementary Mathematics, and English or Hindi (20 questions each, 2 marks each), with 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer. Shortlisted candidates take the Physical Efficiency Test: men run 5 km in 24 minutes and women run 1.6 km in 8.5 minutes (relaxed norms apply in Ladakh). This is followed by the PST, a medical examination and document verification. Final merit is based on CBE marks, with bonus marks for NCC certificate holders.
Syllabus at a glance
Class 10-level arithmetic (number system, percentages, ratio, averages, interest, profit and loss, time-work and mensuration). Basic analytical and non-verbal reasoning. Elementary English or Hindi grammar and comprehension. General Awareness covering India and its neighbours, history, geography, polity, economy, sports, culture and current events.
Upcoming dates
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| GD Constable 2027 notification (calendar date of 30 Sep 2026 has passed; not yet issued) | Late Oct – Nov 2026 (expected) | expected |
| Online application window | About 30 days from notification | expected |
| Computer-based examination | Jan – Mar 2027 (expected) | expected |
| PET/PST | Mid-2027 (expected) | tba |
Expected dates follow the usual calendar; confirm on the official notification before planning.
Free prep material
Standard books
- SSC GD Constable Chapter-wise Solved Papers – Kiran Prakashan
- Fast Track Objective Arithmetic – Rajesh Verma (Arihant)
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning – R.S. Aggarwal
- Lucent's General Knowledge – Lucent Publications
- SSC GD Constable Guide – Arihant Experts
How toppers play it
- Start running training alongside written preparation. The 5 km in 24 minutes (men) or 1.6 km in 8.5 minutes (women) is a strict pass/fail test, and the window between the result and the PET is short.
- With only 0.25 marks lost per wrong answer against 2 marks per correct one, an educated guess is worth it once you can eliminate one or two options.
- Reasoning and Maths are the highest-scoring sections. Aim for 18+ out of 20 in each, and use General Awareness as the tie-breaker.
- Merit and cut-offs are set state-wise and force-wise. Check your state's previous cut-offs, and claim NCC bonus marks if you are eligible.