SSC GD Overview (General Duty) and Examination

The SSC GD (Staff Selection Commission General Duty) exam is a national-level recruitment examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to select candidates for the post of Constable (General Duty) in various paramilitary forces such as BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, and others. This exam aims to recruit personnel for security forces responsible for maintaining law and order, internal security, and border protection in India. ​The official website of the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) is https://ssc.nic.in/.

EXAMINATION PATTERN 

The selection process is designed to assess a candidate’s intelligence, physical fitness, and medical suitability for serving in security forces. The exam follows a four-stage selection process, which is described in detail below:

1. Computer-Based Test (CBTA)

The first stage is an online examination comprising objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs) from four subjects:​

• General Intelligence & Reasoning: Assesses logical thinking and problem-solving abilities.​
  
• General Knowledge & General Awareness: Covers current affairs, history, geography, polity, and general topics.​
  
• Elementary Mathematics: Includes arithmetic topics like percentages, profit and loss, ratios, averages, time and work, etc.​
  
• English/Hindi: Tests language proficiency, comprehension, and grammar.

Exam Structure:

• Total Questions: 80​
  
• Total Marks: 160 (Each question carries 2 marks)
  
• Time Duration: 60 minutes​
  
• Negative Marking: 0.50 marks deducted for each incorrect answer

Section-wise Distribution

Subject	No. of Questions	Maximum Marks
General Intelligence & Reasoning	20	40
General Knowledge & General Awareness	20	40
Elementary Mathematics	20	40
English/Hindi	20	40
Total	80	160

Time Duration – 1 hour ( 60 minutes ) 

2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

Candidates who clear the CBE are shortlisted for the PET, which evaluates physical endurance. The requirements vary based on gender and region:​

• Male Candidates:
  
  • Race: 5 km in 24 minutes​
    
• Female Candidates:
  
  • Race: 1.6 km in 8 minutes 30 seconds​
    

Note: Candidates from specific regions like Ladakh have different criteria.​

3. Physical Standard Test (PST)

The PST assesses physical measurements to ensure candidates meet the required standards:​

• Height:
  
  • Male: 170 cm (relaxations applicable for certain categories)​
    
  • Female: 157 cm (relaxations applicable for certain categories)​
    
• Chest (For Males Only):
  
  • Unexpanded: 80 cm​
    
  • Expanded: Minimum 5 cm expansion​
    
• Weight: Proportionate to height and age as per medical standards​
  

4. Medical Examination & Document Verification

Candidates who qualify the PET and PST undergo a detailed medical examination to ensure fitness for service. This includes:​

• Eye Test: Checks distant and near vision.​
  
• Hearing Test: Assesses hearing ability.​
  
• General Health Check-up: Ensures overall medical fitness.​
  
• Document Verification: Validates educational certificates, caste/category certificates, domicile proof, and other relevant documents.​
  

Final Selection & Merit List

The final merit list is prepared based on candidates’ performance in the Computer-Based Examination (CBE), subject to their qualifying in PET, PST, and Medical Examination. Candidates are allocated to various paramilitary forces like BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, NIA, SSF, and Assam Rifles based on their merit and preference.​

This comprehensive selection process ensures that only the most suitable candidates are inducted into India’s security forces, maintaining high standards of service and dedication.

SSC GD SYLLABUS 

The SSC GD (General Duty) Constable Exam assesses candidates across four primary subjects:​

1. General Intelligence & Reasoning
   
2. General Knowledge & General Awareness
   
3. Elementary Mathematics
   
4. English/Hindi Language
   

Below is the detailed syllabus for each section:

1. General Intelligence & Reasoning

This section evaluates the candidate’s analytical and logical reasoning abilities. Key topics include:​

• Analogies: Identifying relationships between pairs of words or figures.​
  
• Similarities and Differences: Distinguishing between related and unrelated items.​
  
• Spatial Visualization and Orientation: Understanding and manipulating shapes and spatial patterns.​
  
• Visual Memory: Recalling visual information.​
  
• Discrimination: Noticing subtle differences between similar items.
• Observation: Paying attention to details.​
  
• Relationship Concepts: Identifying connections between concepts.​
  
• Arithmetical Reasoning: Solving arithmetic problems logically.​
  
• Figural Classification: Categorizing figures based on common properties.​
• Arithmetic Number Series: Identifying patterns in number sequences.​
  
• Non-Verbal Series: Recognizing patterns in sequences of shapes or symbols.​
  
• Coding and Decoding: Interpreting coded messages.​
  

2. General Knowledge & General Awareness

This section tests the candidate’s awareness of current events and general information about India and its neighboring countries. Topics include:​

• Current Affairs: National and international events of importance.​
  
• History: Significant historical events and movements.​
  
• Geography: Physical and political geography of India and the world.​
  
• Culture: Art, literature, and traditions.​
  
• Economic Scene: Basic economic concepts and developments.​
  
• General Polity: Political system and constitution of India.​
  
• Indian Constitution: Fundamental rights, duties, and structure.​
  
• Scientific Research: General science and recent discoveries.​
  

3. Elementary Mathematics

This section assesses basic mathematical skills. Topics covered are:​

• Number Systems: Whole numbers, decimals, and fractions.​
  
• Computation of Whole Numbers: Basic arithmetic operations.​
  
• Decimals and Fractions: Relationship between numbers.​
  
• Fundamental Arithmetical Operations: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.​
  
• Percentages: Calculating proportions.​
  
• Ratio and Proportion: Comparing quantities.​
  
• Averages: Mean values.​
  
• Interest: Simple and compound interest calculations.​
  
• Profit and Loss: Basic commercial mathematics.​
  
• Discount: Determining price reductions.​
  
• Mensuration: Area, volume, and perimeter calculations.​
  
• Time and Distance: Speed-related problems.​
  
• Time and Work: Work efficiency problems.

4. English/Hindi Language

This section evaluates proficiency in the chosen language. Topics include:​

• Error Spotting: Identifying grammatical mistakes.​
  
• Fill in the Blanks: Completing sentences with appropriate words.​
  
• Phrase and Idioms Meaning: Understanding common expressions.​
  
• One Word Substitution: Replacing phrases with single words.​
  
• Phrase Replacements: Rewriting sentences with different expressions.​
  
• Cloze Test: Completing passages with missing words.​
  
• Synonyms & Antonyms: Identifying words with similar or opposite meanings.​
  
• Spellings: Correcting misspelled words.​
  
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and interpreting passages.​
  

For comprehensive preparation, candidates are advised to consult the official SSC guidelines and refer to standard textbooks and practice materials.

SSC GD EXAMINATION 2024 CUT-OFF 

 Below is the detailed category-wise cut-off information for both male and female candidates qualified against All-India vacancies of SSF (Secretariat Security Force):

Male Candidates

Category	Cut-Off Marks	Part A Marks	Part B Marks
UR	153.56851	37.75	22.00
SC	148.21914	35.50	18.50
ST	143.65896	33.75	15.25
EWS	151.15627	40.00	22.50
OBC	152.28771	33.25	22.00
ESM	94.65261	19.75	8.50

Female Candidates

Category	Cut-Off Marks	Part A Marks	Part B Marks
UR	146.53420	40.00	26.50
SC	138.20538	40.00	20.75
ST	130.27926	35.50	28.75
EWS	143.07090	40.00	26.50
OBC	144.43563	33.25	33.50
ESM	62.65710	25.50	17.50

These cut-off marks are based on the final results declared by the SSC on December 13, 2024. For a comprehensive understanding and additional details, candidates are encouraged to refer to the official SSC notification available at :   

Final Result _Write up_CTGD 2024_13122024.pdf

SSC GD Constable Salary, Allowances, Rank & Promotion

1. Salary Structure (2024-25)

The SSC GD Constable salary is based on the 7th Pay Commission. The basic pay varies between ₹21,700 to ₹69,100, depending on experience and promotions. The starting in-hand salary ranges between ₹25,000 – ₹30,000 per month, including allowances.

Component	Amount (₹)
Pay Band	₹21,700 – ₹69,100
Grade Pay	₹2,000
Basic Pay	₹21,700
DA (Dearness Allowance)	₹3,689 (Approx. 17% of Basic Pay)
HRA (House Rent Allowance)	₹2,439 (8% – 24% based on city)
TA (Transport Allowance)	₹1,224
Risk Allowance	₹1,000 – ₹2,500
Ration Money	₹3,600 (Approx.)
In-Hand Salary	₹25,000 – ₹30,000 (After deductions)

2. Allowances & Perks

Apart from the salary, SSC GD Constables receive various benefits:

• Dearness Allowance (DA) – Revised periodically based on inflation.
  
• House Rent Allowance (HRA) – Depends on the posting location:
  
  • X Cities (Metro) – 24% of Basic Pay
    
  • Y Cities – 16% of Basic Pay
    
  • Z Cities (Rural Areas) – 8% of Basic Pay
    
• Transport Allowance (TA) – Varies based on location.
  
• Medical Facilities – Free medical treatment in government hospitals.
  
• Pension Benefits – Covered under the National Pension System (NPS).
  
• Risk & Hardship Allowance – For personnel posted in high-risk zones.
  
• Annual Leave – Earned leaves, casual leaves, and medical leaves.
  
• Insurance Coverage – Group Insurance Scheme (GIS) for security.
  

3. Rank Hierarchy & Promotion

SSC GD Constables have opportunities for promotion based on service tenure, departmental exams, and performance. Below is the promotion hierarchy:

1. Constable (GD) – Entry Level
   
2. Lance Naik (Promoted after 5-7 years based on performance)
   
3. Naik (Departmental promotion after 10-12 years)
   
4. Havildar (Senior post after clearing exams & fulfilling eligibility)
   
5. Naib Subedar (Promoted based on experience and performance)
   
6. Subedar
   
7. Subedar Major
   
8. Inspector (Subject to exceptional service record)
   

Promotions depend on years of service, internal examinations, and available vacancies in respective forces.

PYQ ANALYSIS 2024

Section-Wise Analysis

1. General Intelligence & Reasoning
   
   • Difficulty Level: Moderate​
     
   • Topics Covered: Analogies, coding-decoding, series, and pattern recognition.​
     
   • Observations: Questions required logical thinking and were manageable with regular practice.​
     
2. General Knowledge & General Awareness
   
   • Difficulty Level: Moderate​    
   • Topics Covered: Current affairs, history, geography, and general science.​
   • Observations: A balanced mix of static GK and current events; staying updated with recent news was beneficial.​
     
3. Elementary Mathematics
   
   • Difficulty Level: Moderate​
     
   • Topics Covered: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and basic trigonometry.​
     
   • Observations: Emphasis on arithmetic problems; practicing fundamental concepts was key.​
     
4. English/Hindi
   
   • Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
   • Topics Covered: Comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure.​
   • Observations: Questions were straightforward; a good grasp of language rules and regular reading helped in scoring well.​
     

Good Attempts

Based on candidate feedback, the number of good attempts varied across shifts but generally ranged between 50 to 60 questions out of 80. Achieving this range was considered favorable for qualifying.

Overall Difficulty Level

The 2024 examination was generally categorized as easy to moderate across various shifts. Candidates reported that the questions were straightforward, with some sections posing moderate challenges.

Recommendations for Aspirants

• Practice Regularly: Engage with previous year question papers to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and question types. ​
  
• Stay Updated: Keep abreast of current affairs and general knowledge topics, as they form a significant portion of the exam.​
  
• Strengthen Fundamentals: Focus on core concepts in mathematics and reasoning to tackle moderate-level questions effectively.​
  
• Language Proficiency: Enhance your command over English or Hindi through regular reading and grammar exercises.

Why Choose SSC GD Constable as a Career?

The SSC GD (General Duty) Constable exam is one of the most sought-after recruitment processes for individuals who aspire to serve in India’s paramilitary forces. It offers job security, attractive salary, career growth opportunities, and a chance to serve the nation.

1. Government Job with Job Security

SSC GD Constables are recruited into Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) such as BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, NIA, SSF, and Assam Rifles. These are permanent government jobs with stability, fixed salary increments, and retirement benefits.

2. Competitive Salary and Allowances

• The starting in-hand salary ranges between ₹25,000 – ₹30,000 per month.
  
• Additional benefits include Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), Medical benefits, and Risk Allowance.
  
• Covered under National Pension System (NPS) ensuring post-retirement security.
  

3. Growth and Promotion Opportunities

• The career progression includes promotions from Constable → Lance Naik → Naik → Havildar → Naib Subedar → Subedar → Subedar Major → Inspector based on seniority and departmental exams.
  
• Over time, candidates can even reach officer-level positions in their respective forces.
  

4. Adventurous & Respectable Job Role

• The job involves border security, counter-insurgency operations, disaster relief, VIP security, and law enforcement.
  
• Opportunities for foreign postings under UN Peacekeeping Forces for some branches like BSF and CRPF.
  

5. Minimal Educational Qualification Requirement

• Only Class 10 (Matriculation) qualification is required, making it accessible to a large number of candidates.
  
• No requirement for higher education degrees.
  

6. Physical Fitness & Discipline

• Ideal for individuals who are physically active and want a disciplined, structured lifestyle.
  
• Regular training and fitness regimes ensure good health and stamina.
  

7. Opportunity to Serve the Nation

• Working in defense and paramilitary services is a matter of pride and honor.
  
• Constables play a key role in national security, internal law enforcement, and disaster management.
  

8. Various Posting Locations

• Postings across different terrains – from urban cities to border areas – providing diverse work experiences.
  
• Transfer policies allow movement to preferred locations over time.
  

9. Reservation Benefits & Relaxations

• Age relaxations for SC/ST/OBC/Ex-servicemen.
  
• Women candidates have increasing recruitment opportunities.

How Majestic Academy Supports Your SSC GD Preparation

​Embarking on a career as an SSC GD Constable requires dedicated preparation and strategic guidance. Majestic Academy, based in Guwahati, Assam, offers comprehensive coaching programs tailored to assist aspirants in their journey toward success in SSC examinations.

1. Expert Faculty: Majestic Academy boasts a team of seasoned educators specializing in SSC exam subjects. Their expertise ensures that students receive in-depth understanding and personalized attention, catering to individual learning needs.
   
2. Comprehensive Study Material: The academy provides meticulously curated study materials that align with the latest SSC GD exam syllabus and patterns. This ensures that students have access to relevant and updated content, facilitating effective preparation.
   
3. Mock Tests and Performance Analysis: Regular mock tests simulate the actual exam environment, helping students build confidence and time management skills. Detailed performance analyses identify strengths and areas for improvement, allowing for targeted study plans.
   
4. Flexible Learning Options: Understanding diverse student needs, Majestic Academy offers both online and offline coaching modes. This flexibility enables learners to choose a format that best suits their schedules and learning preferences.
   
5. Affordable Courses with Flexible Payment: The academy offers competitively priced courses with flexible payment options, making quality education accessible to a broader range of students.
   
6. Success Stories: Majestic Academy has a track record of successful candidates, such as Abhilekh Konwar, who cleared the SSC GD exam, showcasing the effectiveness of their coaching programs.
   

Choosing SSC GD Constable is a prestigious, financially stable, and adventurous career choice, offering long-term benefits, respect, and a chance to contribute to national security. It is best suited for individuals passionate about public service, discipline, and physical fitness. By enrolling in Majestic Academy, SSC GD aspirants can leverage structured guidance, quality resources, and a supportive learning environment to enhance their chances of success in the examination.