SSC GD Constable is one of the biggest recruitment exams in India. It fills constable posts in BSF, CISF, CRPF, SSB, ITBP, Assam Rifles and other forces, and it is open to Class 10 pass candidates.
This guide explains the complete SSC GD syllabus for 2026: the computer-based test (CBT) pattern, every topic in its four sections, and the physical standards you need to meet.
SSC GD 2026 selection stages
Selection happens in four stages. Only the CBT is scored; the rest are qualifying.
- Computer-Based Test (CBT): 80 questions, 160 marks
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): a timed race
- Physical Standard Test (PST): height and chest measurement
- Medical examination and document verification
SSC GD CBT exam pattern
| Section | Questions | 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 |
The paper lasts 60 minutes. Each wrong answer costs 0.25 marks. Confirm the details in the official SSC GD 2026 notification on ssc.gov.in.
SSC GD syllabus, section by section
General Intelligence and Reasoning
- Analogy, classification, series (number, letter and figure)
- Coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense
- Arithmetic reasoning, venn diagrams, word arrangement
- Mirror and water images, paper folding, embedded figures
General Knowledge and General Awareness
- Indian history, culture and freedom struggle
- Geography of India and the world
- Indian polity and constitution, economy
- General science, sports, awards, books and authors
- Current affairs of the last 6 months
Elementary Mathematics
- Number system, whole numbers, decimals and fractions, LCM and HCF
- Percentage, ratio and proportion, average
- Profit and loss, discount, simple interest
- Time and work, time and distance
- Mensuration (area and volume of basic shapes)
English or Hindi
- Basic grammar: error spotting, fill in the blanks, sentence correction
- Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms, one-word substitution, idioms
- Reading comprehension and cloze test
Practise each topic in short sets with our SSC GD topic-wise practice.
PET and PST standards
After the CBT, shortlisted candidates take the physical tests. Both are qualifying.
| Men | Women | |
|---|---|---|
| Race (PET) | 5 km in 24 minutes | 1.6 km in 8 minutes 30 seconds |
| Height (PST, general) | 170 cm | 157 cm |
| Height (hill regions) | 162.5 cm | 150 cm |
Men also need a minimum chest measurement with expansion, and further relaxations apply to some categories and regions. Candidates from Ladakh have different race standards. Check the exact table in the official notification.
How to prepare for the CBT
- Start with Maths and Reasoning. These two sections improve fastest with daily practice, and the questions are at Class 10 level.
- Revise GK every day. Spend 30 minutes on static GK and 15 minutes on current affairs.
- Do not ignore the language section. It carries 40 marks, the same as the others.
- Train for the race early. Begin running months before the CBT result, not after it.
- Take timed mocks. 80 questions in 60 minutes is tight, so practise with a full SSC GD mock test each week.
With 0.25 marks lost per wrong answer, it often pays to attempt a question when you can rule out two options. Our guide on negative marking and when to guess explains the maths.
Frequently asked questions
How many marks is the SSC GD CBT?
The CBT has 80 questions worth 2 marks each, for a total of 160 marks. You get 60 minutes, and 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
Can I take the SSC GD exam in Hindi?
Yes. Candidates choose either English or Hindi for the language section, and the paper is also available in several regional languages. Check the language list in the official notification.
Is the SSC GD race qualifying?
Yes. The PET (race) and PST (height and chest) are qualifying. The final merit list is based on your CBT marks, plus any bonus marks for NCC certificate holders.
What is the age limit for SSC GD?
The general age limit is 18 to 23 years, with relaxation for reserved categories as per government rules. You must have passed Class 10.
Which section is most important in SSC GD?
All four sections carry 40 marks each. Reasoning and Elementary Maths are the fastest to improve, while General Knowledge needs regular revision. A balanced score in all four works best.
