The SSC GD Constable exam starts with mastering its exam pattern. Whether you’re a first-time aspirant or a retaker, understanding the 2025 format CBT structure, physical test benchmarks, and negative marking can make or break your rank. The competition is fierce (39,184 vacancies), and a single misstep in preparation can cost you the job. Let’s break down the SSC GD Constable 2025 exam pattern with real-life prep strategies, expert insights, and hard data so you can train smarter, not just harder.
Key Highlights 📌
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Total Questions | 80 (20 per section) |
| Total Marks | 160 |
| Negative Marking | -0.50 per wrong answer |
| Exam Duration | 60 minutes ⏳ |
| Physical Test (PET) | 5 km in 24 mins (Men), 1.6 km in 8.5 mins (Women) |
| Height Requirement | 170 cm (Men), 157 cm (Women) |
| Official Website | https://ssc.nic.in |
SSC GD Constable CBT Exam Pattern 2025 💻
The Computer-Based Test (CBT) is the first hurdle. Here’s how it’s structured:
Sections & Marking Scheme
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Time Allocation |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 20 | 40 | 60 mins (total) |
| General Knowledge & Awareness | 20 | 40 | |
| Elementary Mathematics | 20 | 40 | |
| English/Hindi | 20 | 40 |
Pro Tip: “Speed and accuracy are non-negotiable. Practice 15-20 mock tests to nail the 60-minute deadline.” Rohan Mehta, SSC Coach .
Negative Marking & Strategy
- +2 marks per correct answer.
- -0.50 marks per wrong guess .
- Unattempted questions: No penalty.
Real-Life Hack: A 2024 qualifier, Priya Singh, skipped 5 unsure math questions but scored 145/160 by focusing on her strengths first.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Standards 🏃♂️
Clearing the CBT? Next up: PET and PST. These are qualifying but brutal if unprepared.
PET Race Timings
| Category | Distance | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Male Candidates | 5 km | 24 mins |
| Female Candidates | 1.6 km | 8.5 mins |
| Ladakh Region (Male) | 1.6 km | 7 mins |
| Ladakh Region (Female) | 800 m | 5 mins |
PST Height & Chest Requirements
| Gender | Height (cm) | Chest (Male Only) |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 170 | 80 cm (unexpanded), +5 cm expansion |
| Female | 157 | Not applicable |
Expert Insight: “Start training 3 months prior. Mix sprint and endurance runs to build stamina.” Dr. Anil Kumar, Fitness Trainer for CAPF aspirants.
Medical Test & Disqualifying Conditions 🏥
The final filter. Even top scorers fail here due to overlooked health issues.
Common Rejection Reasons
| Condition | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Knock Knees | Disqualifies for marching drills |
| Varicose Veins | Indicates poor circulation |
| Flat Foot | Limits long-hour patrolling |
| Squint Eyes | Affects depth perception |
Data Point: In 2023, 12% of PST-qualified candidates were rejected in medical tests for flat feet.
Subject-Wise Preparation Strategy 🎯
High-Weightage Topics (CBT)
| Subject | Top Topics | Marks Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning | Coding-Decoding, Series, Analogy | 8-12 marks |
| Maths | Profit/Loss, Time & Work, Mensuration | 10-14 marks |
| GK | Current Affairs, Polity, Science | 15-18 marks |
| English | Synonyms, Error Detection | 6-10 marks |
LSI Keywords: SSC GD syllabus 2025, SSC GD physical test details, SSC GD negative marking, SSC GD preparation tips.
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them ⚠️
- Ignoring PET Prep: CBT qualifiers often neglect running practice until it’s too late.
- Over-Guessing in CBT: Random guesses can drop scores by 10-15 marks.
- Missing Medical Checks: Get a pre-test health screening to avoid surprises.
Storytelling Hook: “Amit, a 2024 aspirant, lost 5 marks due to reckless guessing but passed by prioritizing GK his strongest section.“
Final Takeaways
- CBT is speed-critical: 60 seconds per question.
- PET is non-negotiable: Train like an athlete.
- Medical fitness is key: Address issues early.
Ananya Reddy is a creative writer specializing in exam notifications and admit cards. With a degree in Journalism and 4+ years of experience, Ananya loves crafting engaging content for students. She enjoys exploring new cuisines.
