SSC GD Constable Exam pattern 2026

SSC GD exam pattern 2026

The SSC GD exam pattern 2026 starts with a 60-minute Computer Based Examination (CBE) of 80 questions worth 160 marks. There are four equal sections: Reasoning, General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics, and English or Hindi. Each correct answer earns 2 marks and each wrong answer costs 0.25 marks. Candidates who clear the CBE cut-off then go through the PET, PST, medical examination and document verification.

SSC GD selection process

1. Computer Based Examination (CBE): the only stage that counts towards merit.
2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET): a qualifying race.
3. Physical Standard Test (PST): height, chest and weight are measured.
4. Medical examination (DME, plus RME if needed): checks that you are fit for field duty.
5. Document verification: a final check of certificates and eligibility.

SSC GD CBE pattern

Part	Section	Questions	Marks
A	General Intelligence and Reasoning	20	40
B	General Knowledge and General Awareness	20	40
C	Elementary Mathematics	20	40
D	English / Hindi	20	40
	Total	80	160

Marking scheme and duration

Particulars	Details
Correct answer	+2 marks
Wrong answer	−0.25 marks
Unattempted	0
Duration	60 minutes, no sectional time limit
Difficulty	Around Class 10 level
Mode	Online (computer-based)

Score formula: total = (correct × 2) − (wrong × 0.25). For example, 64 correct and 10 wrong gives 128 − 2.5 = 125.5 out of 160. You can apply this formula with the SSC GD answer key.

Exam languages

• The CBE is offered in English, Hindi and 13 regional languages: Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Konkani, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu.
• Part D is different. You choose either English or Hindi, and that part is set only in the language you choose.

PET pattern

Candidate	Distance	Time limit
Men (general areas)	5 km	24 minutes
Men (Ladakh region)	1.6 km	6½ minutes
Women (general areas)	1.6 km	8½ minutes
Women (Ladakh region)	800 metres	4 minutes

PST pattern

Category	Height (men)	Height (women)	Chest (men, unexpanded / expansion)
General / OBC / SC	170 cm	157 cm	80 cm / +5 cm
Scheduled Tribe	162.5 cm	150 cm	76 cm / +5 cm

Further relaxations apply to candidates from the North-Eastern states, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh and other notified areas. They are all listed on the SSC GD eligibility page.

Medical examination

Only candidates who clear both PET and PST are sent for the medical. The board checks for:

• Normal eyesight and hearing.
• No physical deformity that could affect duty.
• No major disease or chronic illness.
• Overall fitness, certified by the medical board.

Minimum qualifying marks in the CBE

Category	Minimum qualifying marks
General (UR)	30%
OBC / EWS	25%
SC / ST and others	20%

Reaching the qualifying percentage only keeps you in the race. Shortlisting for PET/PST depends on the state-wise, category-wise SSC GD cut-off.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are in the SSC GD CBE?

The CBE has 80 questions worth 160 marks, with 20 questions in each of the four sections. You get 60 minutes in total.

What is the negative marking in SSC GD?

Each wrong answer costs 0.25 marks, while a correct answer earns 2 marks. Questions you leave blank do not lose marks.

Is there sectional timing in the SSC GD exam?

No. The full 60 minutes is shared across the sections, and you can attempt them in any order.

Are PET and PST marks added to the SSC GD merit list?

No. PET and PST are qualifying only. The final merit is prepared on the normalised CBE score, plus NCC bonus marks where they apply.

In which languages can I write the SSC GD exam?

The paper is available in English, Hindi and 13 regional languages. The English/Hindi section, however, is set only in the language you choose.

Always check the latest official notification on ssc.gov.in before applying.