SSC GD Exam Date 2026 Key Highlights

• Total Vacancies: 25,487 posts (CAPFs, SSF, Assam Rifles)
• Total Applicants: Approximately 48.8 lakh candidates
• Original Exam Date: February 23, 2026 (postponed)
• Postponement Notice Date: February 17, 2026
• Revised Exam Start Date: April 27, 2026
• Exam End Date: End of May 2026 (multiple phases)
• Preference Window Opens: April 11, 2026 at 3:00 PM IST
• Preference Window Closes: April 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM IST
• Exam Mode: Computer‑Based Test (CBT), Objective Type
• Slot Booking: Cancelled, SSC will auto‑assign dates
• Official Website: ssc.gov.in

SSC GD 2026 New Exam Schedule: Window‑Wise Phase Breakdown

The Staff Selection Commission has introduced a new preference‑based window system to conduct the SSC GD Constable 2026 exam in four phases. Given the massive number of applicants, the exam will be spread across multiple weeks to ensure smooth conduct and better distribution of candidates across centres. The four exam windows are:

• Window 1: April 27, 2026 onwards (first phase)
• Window 2: Continuing into early May 2026
• Window 3: May 18 to May 23, 2026
• Window 4: May 25 to May 30, 2026

The phased windowing approach is aimed at reducing overcrowding at exam centres, managing administrative resources effectively, and providing candidates from remote locations adequate time to arrange travel and accommodation.

SSC GD 2026 Preference Window: How to Submit Your Date Preference

In a significant departure from previous cycles, SSC has introduced a candidate‑friendly preference submission system for the SSC GD 2026 exam. Under this system, candidates can log in to the SSC portal and indicate their preferred exam window. However, final date allotment remains subject to availability and administrative arrangements.

The preference window for SSC GD 2026 will be open as follows:

• Opening Time: 3:00 PM IST on April 11, 2026
• Closing Time: 5:00 PM IST on April 15, 2026

Candidates are strongly advised not to wait until the last few minutes of the deadline to submit their preferences, as high traffic on the portal near the closing time may cause technical difficulties. The window will be strictly closed after 5:00 PM on April 15 with no extension.

Steps to submit SSC GD 2026 exam preference:

• Visit the official SSC website at ssc.gov.in
• Click on the "Login" or "Candidate Login" section on the homepage
• Enter your Registration Number and Password to access your dashboard
• Look for the SSC GD Constable 2026 preference submission option on your dashboard
• Select your preferred exam window from the available options
• Submit the preference before the deadline of April 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM IST

Note that self‑slot selection has been cancelled for this cycle. Unlike previous years where candidates could choose their specific date and shift, SSC will now auto‑assign the exam date and shift within the selected window. The final exam date, shift timing, and centre details will be mentioned on the city intimation slip and admit card.

SSC GD Admit Card 2026: When Will It Be Released?

The SSC GD Admit Card 2026 will be issued region‑wise through the respective regional SSC websites. As per standard practice, the city intimation slip will be released 8 to 10 days before the exam date, and the admit card will follow 2 to 3 days before the exam.

Candidates must download, print, and verify all details on the admit card well before exam day. Any discrepancy in personal details must be reported to the SSC immediately. The admit card will contain:

• Candidate's Name and Roll Number
• Exam Date and Shift Timing
• Reporting Time and Gate Closing Time
• Exam Centre Name and Address
• Photograph and Signature
• Important Exam Day Instructions

No candidate will be allowed entry into the exam hall without a valid printed admit card and a government‑issued photo ID proof.

SSC GD 2026 Exam Pattern: What to Expect in the CBT

The SSC GD Constable 2026 Computer‑Based Examination consists of 80 questions for a total of 160 marks, to be completed in 60 minutes. The exam is divided into 4 parts with 20 questions each:

• Part A: General Intelligence and Reasoning
• Part B: General Knowledge and General Awareness
• Part C: Elementary Mathematics
• Part D: English or Hindi Language

Each question carries 2 marks, and there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer. Candidates appearing in the exam must note that the exam will be conducted in multiple shifts in a day, with expected shift timings at 9:00 AM, 11:45 AM, 2:30 PM, and 5:15 PM, though the exact confirmed shift timings will be mentioned on the admit card.

SSC GD 2026 Selection Process: All Stages After CBT

Candidates who clear the SSC GD Constable CBT with marks at or above the cut‑off will proceed through the following stages before final appointment:

• Stage 1: Computer‑Based Examination (CBE) covering General Intelligence, General Knowledge, Mathematics, and Language sections
• Stage 2: Physical Efficiency Test (PET) consisting of running, long jump, and high jump tasks with gender‑specific standards
• Stage 3: Physical Standard Test (PST) which involves verification of height and chest measurements as per force‑wise eligibility criteria
• Stage 4: Medical Examination (DME/RME) conducted at designated medical centres by force medical officers
• Stage 5: Document Verification involving authentication of all original educational, category, domicile, and other certificates

Final selection is based on performance in all stages combined with merit and the candidate's stated force preference during application. Allocation to a specific force depends on merit, vacancy, and preferences.

SSC GD 2026 Vacancies: Forces and Posts Covered

The 25,487 vacancies under SSC GD Constable 2026 are spread across the following forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs:

• Border Security Force (BSF)
• Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
• Indo‑Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
• Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
• Secretariat Security Force (SSF)
• Rifleman (GD) in Assam Rifles
• Sepoy in Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

Of the 25,487 total vacancies, 23,467 are for male candidates and 2,020 are for female candidates, distributed category‑wise across SC, ST, OBC, and EWS as per reservation norms.

Frequently Asked Questions on SSC GD Exam Date 2026

Q. What is the new SSC GD Exam Date 2026? The revised SSC GD Constable CBT will begin from April 27, 2026, and continue through multiple phases until the end of May 2026.

Q. Why was the SSC GD 2026 exam postponed? The exam originally scheduled from February 23, 2026 was postponed on February 17, 2026 due to administrative reasons. SSC did not specify a detailed cause but confirmed revised dates would follow.

Q. How can I submit my SSC GD 2026 exam window preference? Candidates can log in to ssc.gov.in using their Registration Number and Password and submit their preference between 3:00 PM on April 11 and 5:00 PM on April 15, 2026.

Q. Is slot selection available for SSC GD 2026? No. The self‑slot selection facility has been cancelled. SSC will auto‑assign exam dates and shifts within the selected window.

Q. When will the SSC GD 2026 Admit Card be released? The admit card will be released 2 to 3 days before the exam through regional SSC websites. The city intimation slip will be out 8 to 10 days before the exam.

Q. How many vacancies are there in SSC GD 2026? A total of 25,487 vacancies have been announced, with 23,467 for male and 2,020 for female candidates across CAPFs, SSF, and Assam Rifles.

For official updates on SSC GD Exam Date 2026, admit card, city intimation slip, exam schedule PDF, and preference window, keep visiting ssc.gov.in.