SSC GD Eligibility 2026: Age Limit, Qualification & Physical Standards
Check SSC GD Eligibility Criteria 2026 including age limit, qualification, physical standards, PET/PST requirements, medical rules, and BMI criteria for Constable GD recruitment.
Overview
SSC GD Eligibility 2026: Age Limit, Height, Educational Qualification, Physical Standards and Medical Test
The SSC GD Eligibility Criteria 2026 outline the essential requirements candidates must meet to apply for the Constable (General Duty) recruitment. To be eligible, candidates must be Indian citizens, be 18 to 23 years of age (with applicable category-wise age relaxation), and have passed the Matriculation (Class 10) examination from a recognized board. Candidates must also satisfy the prescribed physical standards, physical efficiency test (PET), and medical fitness requirements, including the latest Body Mass Index (BMI) criteria. Before applying, candidates should carefully review the complete SSC GD Eligibility Criteria 2026, including age limit, educational qualification, nationality, physical standards, physical efficiency, and medical requirements.
SSC GD Eligibility Criteria 2026 Overview
Before checking the detailed SSC GD Eligibility Criteria 2026, candidates should review the overview provided below. The table highlights the key eligibility requirements, including age limit, educational qualification, nationality, physical standards, and other essential details for the SSC GD Constable 2026 examination.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Post Name | Constable (General Duty) |
| Age Limit | 18 to 23 Years |
| Educational Qualification | Matriculation (Class 10) or equivalent from a recognized Board/University |
| Nationality | Indian Citizen |
| Official Website | www.ssc.gov.in |
SSC GD Age Limit 2026
As per the SSC GD Eligibility Criteria 2026, candidates applying for the SSC GD Constable Exam must be between 18 and 23 years of age. The prescribed age limit is applicable to candidates in the General category, while candidates belonging to reserved categories are eligible for age relaxation as per the Government of India and SSC rules. The detailed SSC GD Age Limit 2026 is provided in the table below.
| Category | Age Relaxation | Maximum Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | Not Applicable | 23 Years |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 3 Years | 26 Years |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 5 Years | 28 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 3 Years (after deduction of military service rendered from the actual age) | 26 Years* |
| Children and Dependents of Victims of the 1984 Riots | UR: 5 Years OBC: 8 Years SC/ST: 10 Years |
UR: 28 Years OBC: 31 Years SC/ST: 33 Years |
| Children and Dependents of Victims of the 2002 Communal Riots (Gujarat) | UR: 5 Years OBC: 8 Years SC/ST: 10 Years |
UR: 28 Years OBC: 31 Years SC/ST: 33 Years |
| Candidates Domiciled in Jammu & Kashmir (01 Jan 1980 to 31 Dec 1989) | UR: 5 Years OBC: 8 Years SC/ST: 10 Years |
UR: 28 Years OBC: 31 Years SC/ST: 33 Years |
SSC GD Age Limit 2026 for General Candidates
For candidates belonging to the General (UR) category, the SSC GD age limit 2026 is 18 to 23 years. Candidates must fall within this prescribed age range as on the cut-off date specified in the official SSC GD 2026 notification. Those who do not meet the age criteria will not be eligible to apply for the recruitment.
SSC GD Age Limit 2026 for OBC Candidates
Candidates belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category are eligible for an age relaxation of 3 years as per the Government of India and SSC guidelines. Accordingly, the maximum age limit for OBC candidates applying for the SSC GD Constable 2026 examination is 26 years, subject to the cut-off date specified in the official notification.
SSC GD Age Limit 2026 for SC/ST Candidates
Candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories are eligible for an age relaxation of 5 years as per the Government of India and SSC guidelines. Accordingly, the maximum age limit for SC/ST candidates applying for the SSC GD Constable 2026 examination is 28 years, subject to the cut-off date specified in the official notification.
SSC GD Educational Qualification 2026
Candidates applying for the SSC GD Constable 2026 examination must fulfil the prescribed educational qualification specified by the Staff Selection Commission. Before submitting the application form, candidates should ensure that they meet all the required eligibility conditions. The detailed SSC GD Educational Qualification 2026 for various posts is provided in the table below.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Candidates must have passed Matriculation (Class 10) or an equivalent examination from a recognized Board/University. |
| Eligibility Condition | Candidates who have not acquired the required educational qualification on or before the prescribed cut-off date mentioned in the official notification are not eligible to apply for the SSC GD Constable 2026 examination. |
SSC GD Physical Standard Requirements 2026
Candidates who qualify the Computer-Based Examination (CBE) must appear for the Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET) as part of the SSC GD selection process. These tests assess whether candidates meet the prescribed physical standards and physical fitness requirements for the post of Constable (GD). The PST verifies parameters such as height, chest (for male candidates), and weight, while the PET evaluates physical endurance. Both tests are conducted by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) at designated centres. The detailed SSC GD Physical Standard Requirements 2026 are provided in the table below.
| Physical Parameter | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Height | 170 cm | 157 cm |
| Chest Measurement | 80 cm (Unexpanded) | Not Applicable |
| Chest Expansion | Minimum 5 cm (Expanded Chest: 85 cm) | Not Applicable |
| Weight | Proportionate to height and age as per medical standards | Proportionate to height and age as per medical standards |
SSC GD Height for Male Candidates 2026
The minimum height requirement for male candidates applying for the SSC GD Constable 2026 examination is 170 cm. Candidates belonging to reserved categories and those from specified regions are eligible for height relaxation as per the SSC rules and the official notification.
SSC GD Height for Female Candidates 2026
For female candidates, the minimum height requirement for SSC GD Constable 2026 is 157 cm. Eligible candidates from reserved categories and specified regions can avail of the prescribed height relaxation in accordance with the SSC guidelines.
SSC GD Height Relaxation for SC/ST/OBC Candidates
Candidates belonging to the SC, ST, and OBC categories may be eligible for height relaxation as prescribed in the official SSC GD 2026 notification. Additional relaxation is also provided to candidates belonging to hilly, tribal, border, and other notified regions, subject to the applicable eligibility conditions.
SSC GD Physical Efficiency Test (PET) 2026
The Physical Efficiency Test (PET) is conducted to assess the physical fitness, endurance, and stamina of candidates who qualify the Physical Standard Test (PST). This stage is qualifying in nature and is designed to evaluate whether candidates possess the physical capability required for the duties of a General Duty (GD) Constable. The PET standards are different for male and female candidates and are as follows:
- Male Candidates: 5 km race to be completed in 24 minutes.
- Female Candidates: 1.6 km race to be completed in 8.5 minutes.
SSC GD Medical Eligibility 2026 (New Rules Updated)
The medical eligibility criteria for SSC GD 2026 have been updated as per the revised MHA guidelines. The latest medical standards focus mainly on Body Mass Index (BMI), and candidates must meet the prescribed fitness requirements to qualify.
Key Medical Changes
- The PST Board will measure candidates’ height, weight, and chest measurements; however, candidates will not be rejected solely on the basis of weight during the PST stage.
- The Medical Officer will record the candidate’s weight during the Medical Examination Test (MET).
- The final decision regarding medical fitness will be taken during the Detailed Medical Examination (DME) / Review Medical Examination (RME) stage.
SSC GD BMI Criteria 2026
| BMI Range | Medical Status |
|---|---|
| 18 to 25 | Normal BMI (Eligible) |
| Below 18 | Underweight (May lead to rejection) |
| Above 25 | Overweight (May lead to rejection) |
Candidates are advised to maintain a healthy BMI within the prescribed range to improve their chances of clearing the SSC GD medical examination.