SSC GD Constable Preparation Guide: Pattern, Syllabus & Physical Tests
SSC Exams · Updated September 2026
SSC GD recruits constables (General Duty) for the Central Armed Police Forces — BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB — along with Assam Rifles and some other forces. It is one of the largest recruitments in the country by vacancy count, open to Class-10 pass candidates.
Selection combines a computer-based written test with physical efficiency and standard tests (PET/PST) and a medical examination, so preparation has to cover both the paper and your fitness.
Written exam pattern
The CBT is a single 60-minute paper of 80 questions worth 160 marks (2 marks each), available in English, Hindi and several regional languages. Wrong answers carry a penalty of 0.50 marks (a quarter of the question’s value), so accuracy still matters.
- General Intelligence & Reasoning — 20 questions, 40 marks
- General Knowledge & General Awareness — 20 questions, 40 marks
- Elementary Mathematics — 20 questions, 40 marks
- English / Hindi (your choice) — 20 questions, 40 marks
Physical tests (PET/PST)
Candidates who clear the written cut-off are called for the physical efficiency test — a timed run (longer distance for male candidates, shorter for female candidates) — and physical standard measurements of height and chest as applicable, with relaxations for specified categories and regions. Standards are published in each notification; verify your applicable category there and build running practice into your routine from day one, not after the written result.
Preparation strategy
The written paper is elementary in depth but competitive in speed. Most questions come from a predictable pool that PYQs expose well.
- Cover elementary maths (Class-10 arithmetic) and basic reasoning with topic-wise PYQs first.
- For GK, focus on static basics — polity, geography, history, national symbols, sports — plus a light current-affairs revision.
- Choose the language section (English or Hindi) you are genuinely stronger in and drill its grammar basics.
- Alternate written mocks with physical training — three runs a week minimum.
Frequently asked questions
Does SSC GD have negative marking?
Yes — 0.50 marks are deducted per wrong answer (each question is worth 2 marks). Attempt confidently but avoid blind guessing.
What is the eligibility for SSC GD?
Class 10 pass, with age generally between 18 and 23 plus category and force-specific relaxations. Height, chest and run standards vary by category and region — always confirm against the current official notification.
Which is harder in SSC GD — written or physical?
Neither is individually hard, but both eliminate. Most failures come from ignoring one side; train for the run and the paper in parallel.
Can I write the exam in my regional language?
The CBT is offered in Hindi, English and more than a dozen regional languages in recent cycles; you pick your medium during application.
Put this strategy into practice
Attempt a free full-length mock on the current pattern, or drill previous-year questions topic by topic.
Selection With Sathi is an independent educational platform, not affiliated with any government recruitment body. Exam patterns, dates, vacancies and eligibility rules change from cycle to cycle — always verify the details in the official notification before applying.