SSC GD 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Course & Stream Requirements for 10th Pass Students

INTRODUCTION

Are you a Class 10 student looking to start a prestigious path with the Central Armed Police Forces? Understanding the SSC GD 2026 Eligibility Criteria is the first step toward securing your future. In 2026, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has streamlined the requirements for the General Duty (GD) Constable course, making it one of the most accessible yet physically demanding entry-level programs in India.

This guide provides a deep dive into the academic streams, age limits, and rigorous physical standards required for the 2026 cycle. Whether you are aiming for the BSF, CISF, CRPF, or SSB, ensuring you meet every parameter of the SSC GD 2026 Eligibility Criteria is essential before you fill out your application.

1. Academic Qualification & Stream Details

The beauty of the SSC GD Constable program lies in its simplicity regarding academic background. Unlike technical entries, this course is designed for students from all academic streams—be it Arts, Science, or Commerce.

Minimum Educational Requirement

As per the latest 2026 guidelines, candidates must have passed Matriculation or the 10th Class Examination from a recognized Board or University.

• Cut-off Date: You must have your passing certificate/mark sheet issued on or before January 1, 2026.

• Stream Flexibility: Students from any stream are eligible. Whether you studied vocational subjects or standard academics in 10th, your eligibility remains intact.

• Appearance vs. Passing: Candidates who are currently appearing for their 10th exams and do not have the results by the cut-off date are not eligible to apply.

While the entry is at the 10th-pass level, many students use this as a steppingstone. If you are planning to pursue higher education alongside, check out our guide on balancing competitive exams with college.

2. SSC GD 2026 Age Limit & Relaxations

The age bracket is a critical component of the SSC GD 2026 Eligibility Criteria. The commission is strict about these dates to ensure candidates are at their peak physical potential.

General Category Age Limit

For the 2026 recruitment, the age limit is set between 18 and 23 years.

• Minimum Age: 18 Years (as of Jan 1, 2026)

• Maximum Age: 23 Years (as of Jan 1, 2026)

• Birth Window: Candidates should not have been born earlier than January 2, 2003, and later than January 1, 2008.

Category-Wise Age Relaxations

To ensure inclusive participation, the government provides significant relaxations to the upper age limit:

Category	Age Relaxation	Maximum Age for 2026
SC / ST	5 Years	28 Years
OBC	3 Years	26 Years
Ex-Servicemen	3 Years (after service deduction)	Varies
Riot Victims (1984/2002)	5 to 10 Years	Up to 33 Years

3. Physical Standard Test (PST) 2026

Since the GD Constable role involves field duty in various terrains, the physical standards are non-negotiable. The PST measures height and chest (for males).

Height Requirements

The SSC GD 2026 Eligibility Criteria specifies different height standards based on gender and region.

• Male (General/OBC/SC): 170 cm

• Female (General/OBC/SC): 157 cm

Relaxation in Height

Specific regions and categories receive height relaxations:

• ST Candidates: 162.5 cm (Male) | 150.0 cm (Female)

• North Eastern States: 162.5 cm (Male) | 152.5 cm (Female)

• Hilly Areas (Garhwalis, Dogras, etc.): 165 cm (Male) | 155 cm (Female)

Chest Requirements (Males Only)

Male candidates must meet the following chest measurements:

• Unexpanded: 80 cm

• Minimum Expansion: 5 cm

4. Physical Efficiency Test (PET) 2026

While PST is about measurements, PET is about endurance. You must pass the running test to qualify for the next round.

Gender	Distance	Time Duration
Male	5 Kilometers	24 Minutes
Female	1.6 Kilometers	8.5 Minutes

Note: Candidates from the Ladakh region have different standards (1.6 km in 7 mins for males and 800m in 5 mins for females).

5. Selection Process & Course Structure

Shortlisted candidates undergo a multi-stage selection process. Understanding this structure helps in choosing the right preparation stream.

1. Computer-Based Examination (CBT): An objective test covering Intelligence, Knowledge, Mathematics, and Language.

2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Physical Standard Test (PST).

3. Detailed Medical Examination (DME): Ensuring the candidate is medically fit for high-altitude and extreme weather duties.

4. Document Verification: Confirming that all SSC GD 2026 Eligibility Criteria documents are authentic.

   
   

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6. How to Prepare for SSC GD 2026?

Meeting the eligibility is just the start. Since the CBT is based on 10th-standard mathematics and logic, focusing on foundational concepts is key.

• Mathematics: Focus on percentages, ratios, and averages.

• Reasoning: Practice non-verbal and analytical patterns.

• Physical: Start running 2-3 km daily at least 6 months before the exam.

FAQ: SSC GD 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Q1: What is the minimum education needed for SSC GD 2026 Eligibility Criteria?

A1: Candidates must have passed the 10th class (Matriculation) from a recognized board. No specific stream like Science or Commerce is required; any 10th-pass student can apply.

Q2: Is there any change in the SSC GD 2026 Eligibility Criteria age limit?

A2: For 2026, the age limit remains 18-23 years for General category students. However, relaxations of 3 years for OBC and 5 years for SC/ST are applicable as per government norms.

Q3: Can a 12th-appearing student meet the SSC GD 2026 Eligibility Criteria?

A3: Yes, as long as you have already passed your 10th grade and meet the age requirements, being in 12th grade does not disqualify you.

Q4: What are the height requirements under SSC GD 2026 Eligibility Criteria for females?

A4: General, OBC, and SC female candidates must have a minimum height of 157 cm. ST female candidates have a relaxed requirement of 150 cm.

Q5: Are diploma holders eligible under the SSC GD 2026 Eligibility Criteria?

A5: Yes, if the diploma is considered equivalent to a 10th-grade certificate by the government, the candidate is eligible to apply for the GD Constable course.

Conclusion

The SSC GD 2026 Eligibility Criteria are designed to be inclusive yet demanding. By focusing on your 10th-grade fundamentals and maintaining peak physical health, you can successfully navigate this selection process. Remember, the 2026 cycle is highly competitive, so verifying your documents and physical measurements early is vital.

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