Do you dream of wearing a uniform and serving the nation with pride and honour? For lakhs of young and patriotic Indians who have passed their 10th class, the SSC GD Constable exam is the biggest and most awaited opportunity to make this dream a reality.
But what exactly is SSC GD? Which forces can you join through it? What are the physical and medical requirements? What will be your salary, and how can you prepare to join the ranks of India’s brave hearts?
Welcome to the ultimate master guide by Rojgar Point. This article is your A-to-Z roadmap for the SSC General Duty (GD) Constable examination. We will cover every single detail you need to know to begin your journey of service to the nation. Let’s begin! 🇮🇳
What is the Full Form of SSC GD?
First, let’s understand the name. The full form of SSC GD is Staff Selection Commission – General Duty.
- SSC (Staff Selection Commission): The central government agency responsible for conducting the recruitment process.
- GD (General Duty) Constable: This refers to the post. A General Duty Constable is the backbone of India’s security forces, involved in a wide range of operational tasks.
In simple terms, SSC GD is a national-level examination to recruit constables for India’s elite Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and other security forces.
Forces You Can Join Through SSC GD
This single exam is your gateway to joining several of India’s most prestigious uniformed services:
- BSF (Border Security Force): Guards India’s land borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
- CISF (Central Industrial Security Force): Protects vital industrial installations, airports, and metro stations.
- CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force): The largest CAPF, used for internal security and counter-insurgency operations.
- ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police): Guards the high-altitude Indo-China border.
- SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal): Guards the borders with Nepal and Bhutan.
- SSF (Secretariat Security Force): Provides security to the Central Secretariat buildings in Delhi.
- Assam Rifles (AR): An elite force responsible for counter-insurgency in the North-East and guarding the Indo-Myanmar border.
Why a Career as an SSC GD Constable is an Honour?
A job as a GD Constable is more than just employment; it’s a commitment to the nation. Here’s why it is a dream for many:
- Pride and Honour: The respect that comes with the uniform is unparalleled.
- Serve the Nation: It offers a direct opportunity to protect the country and its citizens.
- Job Security: Being a central government job, it offers complete job security.
- Good Salary & Allowances: The salary is attractive for a 10th-pass job, and it includes special benefits like Risk/Hardship Allowance.
- Adventure and Discipline: The life of a soldier is disciplined, active, and full of adventure.
- Pension and Medical Benefits: You and your family are covered under excellent pension schemes and medical facilities for life.
SSC GD Constable Eligibility Criteria (Updated 2025)
You must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the SSC GD exam. This is the first and most important step.
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Nationality | Must be a citizen of India. |
| Educational Qualification | 10th Class (Matriculation) pass from a recognized board. |
| Age Limit | 18 to 23 years. (The exact cut-off dates are mentioned in the official notification). |
Age Relaxation
Relaxation in the upper age limit is provided for reserved categories as per government rules.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years after deduction of military service |
Physical Standards (PST) and Physical Efficiency (PET)
For a uniformed job, physical fitness is as important as the written exam. You must meet these standards.
Physical Standard Test (PST)
This test measures your height and chest.
| Category | Height (Male) | Height (Female) | Chest (Male Only) |
| General, SC & OBC | 170 cm | 157 cm | 80 cm (with 5 cm expansion) |
| ST (All States) | 162.5 cm | 150 cm | 76 cm (with 5 cm expansion) |
| Candidates from North-Eastern States & Gorkha Territories | 162.5 cm | 152.5 cm | 77 cm (with 5 cm expansion) |
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
This test measures your stamina and running ability.
| Task | For Male Candidates | For Female Candidates |
| Race | 5 km in 24 minutes | 1.6 km in 8.5 minutes |
| (For candidates of Ladakh Region) | 1.6 km in 6.5 minutes | 800 meters in 4 minutes |
SSC GD Exam Pattern (Latest Structure)
The selection process has multiple stages. Understanding the pattern is key to your preparation.
Computer Based Examination (CBE)
This is the first written stage. The exam is conducted online.
| Part | Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
| Part A | General Intelligence & Reasoning | 20 | 40 |
| Part B | General Knowledge & General Awareness | 20 | 40 |
| Part C | Elementary Mathematics | 20 | 40 |
| Part D | English / Hindi (Choice) | 20 | 40 |
| Total | 80 | 160 |
- Total Duration: 60 Minutes (1 Hour).
- Negative Marking: There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
SSC GD Syllabus: What to Study
The syllabus is based on the 10th standard level, making it achievable with dedicated preparation.
- General Intelligence & Reasoning: Analogies, Similarities and Differences, Coding-Decoding, Number Series, Syllogism, Visual Memory, Relationship Concepts.
- General Knowledge & General Awareness: India and its neighboring countries, Sports, History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, Indian Constitution, and Scientific Research. Special focus on Current Affairs.
- Elementary Mathematics: Number Systems, Percentages, Averages, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Simple & Compound Interest, Mensuration.
- English / Hindi: Basic comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Fill in the Blanks, Synonyms & Antonyms, Error Spotting. (You have to choose one language).
SSC GD Salary Structure (In-Hand)
The salary of an SSC GD Constable is excellent for an entry-level position. The post falls under Pay Level-3 (₹21,700 – ₹69,100).
Here is a breakdown of the approximate monthly in-hand salary:
| Salary Component | Approximate Amount |
| Basic Pay | ₹21,700 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | ~ ₹10,850 (Currently 50% of Basic Pay) |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | ₹1,953 to ₹6,510 (Varies for X, Y, Z city) |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | ₹1,800 to ₹3,600 (Varies by city) |
| Risk / Hardship Allowance | ₹6,000 to ₹17,300 (Depends on posting location, e.g., border, high-altitude, or conflict zone) |
| Gross Salary (Approx.) | ~ ₹42,000 to ₹60,000 per month |
| Deductions (NPS, etc.) | ~ ₹3,000 – ₹4,000 |
| In-Hand Salary (Approx.) | ~ ₹39,000 to ₹56,000 per month |
The salary can be significantly higher in high-risk areas compared to a peaceful city posting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I choose the force (BSF, CRPF, etc.) I want to join?
Ans: Yes, during the application process, you will be asked to give your preference for the forces. Allotment is done based on your rank in the merit list and your given preferences.
Q2: I have an NCC certificate. Will I get any benefit?
Ans: Absolutely! NCC certificate holders get bonus marks in the CBE. NCC ‘C’ certificate gets 5% of max marks, ‘B’ certificate gets 3%, and ‘A’ certificate gets 2%.
Q3: Can female candidates apply for SSC GD?
Ans: Yes, female candidates are encouraged to apply. There are vacancies reserved for them in all forces.
Q4: I have a tattoo on my arm. Am I eligible?
Ans: Tattoos are permitted on the inner aspect of the forearm and on the reverse side of the palm. However, tattoos depicting religious symbols or names are also permitted. Tattoos on any other part of the body are generally a cause for rejection.
Q5: What is the first step in the selection process?
Ans: The first step is the online Computer Based Examination (CBE). You must clear this exam to be called for the Physical Tests (PET/PST).
We hope this master guide from Rojgar Point has given you complete clarity on the SSC GD Constable recruitment. This is your chance to live a life of honour, discipline, and service. Start working on your studies and physical fitness from today. Jai Hind!
