SSC GD Exam Date 2026 Out: CBT from 27 April, Week Preference Window Open

The Staff Selection Commission has officially announced the SSC GD Constable Exam Date 2026. The Computer-Based Test (CBT) will be conducted from 27 April to 30 May 2026 in multiple phases. The Week Preference Window is open from 11 April (3:00 PM) to 15 April (5:00 PM). Candidates must submit their preferences before the deadline to avoid missing this opportunity

◾️ Why This Update Matters Right Now

The wait is finally over. After months of uncertainty, the Staff Selection Commission has officially released the revised SSC GD Constable Exam Date 2026. The Computer-Based Test will now be held from 27 April to 30 May 2026 across the country in four scheduled weekly phases.

The preference submission window will start at 15:00 hours on April 11, 2026, and end at 17:00 hours on April 15, 2026. If you miss this window, you lose the chance to indicate your preferred exam week. Act immediately.

Approximately 48.8 lakh candidates have applied for the SSC GD Constable Recruitment 2026, making it one of the most competitive government exams in India. With so many candidates in the race, every hour counts.

◾️ Quick Info Snapshot

Detail Information
OrganisationStaff Selection Commission (SSC)
Post NameConstable (GD) in CAPFs, SSF, Rifleman (GD) in Assam Rifles, Sepoy in NCB
Total Vacancies25,487 Posts
Update TypeNew CBT Exam Date + Week Preference Window
CBT Dates27 April 2026 to 30 May 2026
Preference Window11 April 2026 (3:00 PM) to 15 April 2026 (5:00 PM)
Current Status🟢 ACTIVE – Preference Submission Open
Official Websitessc.gov.in

A total of 25,487 posts have been announced for Constable (GD) in CAPFs, SSF, and Rifleman (GD) in Assam Rifles under the Ministry of Home Affairs. This is one of the largest central government recruitment drives of 2026.

◾️ Full Update Explained Clearly

The SSC GD CBT was originally scheduled from 23 February 2026 but was postponed due to administrative reasons. After that, candidates were left waiting with no confirmed date for months. Now, finally, the official revised schedule is out.

The Staff Selection Commission has announced the complete schedule for the Constable (GD) Recruitment Examination 2026. The examination will be conducted for the recruitment of various posts in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Secretariat Security Force (SSF) and Rifleman (GD) in the Assam Rifles.

What makes this update different from before is the introduction of a new preference-based system. The commission has given a new preference-based window system for the convenience of candidates. The SSC GD examination will be conducted in four windows due to the huge number of candidates.

◾️ How the Week Preference System Works

Any candidate who has registered for the exam can log in to the official SSC portal using the credentials they have been given. After they log in, they will be able to choose the preference submission option. Any candidate has to choose and order all the available exam windows. They have to fill in all the options so that the commission will consider all their preferences while allocating slots.

This is a preference, not a guaranteed booking. You are submitting your choice, and SSC will consider it while allotting your actual exam slot.
Once April 15 at 5:00 PM passes, this window closes permanently. There will be no extension or second chance. Do not wait till the last hour.

◾️ Step-by-Step: How to Submit Your Week Preference

  1. Open your browser and visit the official SSC website at ssc.gov.in
  2. Look for the "SSC GD Constable 2026 – Exam Schedule / Week Preference" link on the homepage notice board or latest updates section
  3. Click on the "Slot Selection" or "Preference Submission" link
  4. Log in using your Registration ID and Password. No documents are required. Candidates only need their login credentials and access to their registered mobile/email for OTP verification.
  5. You will see four exam week windows on the screen. Arrange them in order of your preference: 1st choice, 2nd choice, 3rd choice, 4th choice
  6. Fill in all the options carefully. Do not leave any preference blank.
  7. Submit your preference and save or screenshot the confirmation page for future reference.
Do this during off-peak hours, early morning or daytime, to avoid server rush. The last day of the window will likely see heavy traffic, so avoid waiting till 15 April.

◾️ What Happens After You Submit Preference?

After the preference window closes on April 15, SSC will process all submissions and allot exam dates to candidates. Here is what comes next:

City Intimation Slip will be released 8 to 10 days before the exam. Admit Card will be released 2 to 3 days before the exam on the regional SSC websites.

Timeline after April 15:

  • Preference window closes: April 15, 2026 (5:00 PM)
  • SSC processes and allots slots
  • City Intimation Slip: approx 8 to 10 days before your allotted exam date
  • Admit Card: approx 2 to 3 days before your exam date
  • Exam begins: April 27, 2026 (Week 1)

◾️ What You Will See in the Admit Card

The admit card will contain key details such as the candidate's name, roll number, exam date, shift timing, reporting time, exam centre, and important instructions. Candidates must carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID proof to the examination centre.

Do not confuse the city slip with the admit card. The city slip just tells you where your exam is. The admit card is your official entry document. Candidates must report to the exam centre at least one hour before their scheduled shift.

◾️ SSC GD Selection Process 2026 (All Stages)

Stage Details
Stage 1Computer-Based Examination (CBE): 80 questions, 160 marks, 60 minutes
Stage 2Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Running, long jump, high jump tasks (gender-specific standards)
Stage 3Physical Standard Test (PST): Verification of height and chest measurements
Stage 4Medical Examination: Conducted at a designated medical centre
Stage 5Document Verification: Final check of all original certificates and documents
Physical preparation is just as important as academics. SSC GD PET requires males to run 5 km in 24 minutes and females 1.6 km in 8.5 minutes. Ex-servicemen are exempted from PET.

PST checks height (males 170 cm, females 157 cm; relaxations for hills), chest (males 80/85 cm), and weight proportional to height. Medical standards mandate 6/6 vision without glasses, no colour blindness, and fitness for armed duties.

◾️ Salary – Is This Job Worth It?

Absolutely yes, without any doubt. SSC GD salary follows 7th Pay Commission Pay Level-3 (Rs. 21,700 to Rs. 69,100 basic), with in-hand pay around Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 37,000 including DA, HRA, TA, and risk allowances.

A stable central government job, uniform, full benefits, pension, and respect. This recruitment is genuinely worth every bit of effort you put in.

◾️ Situations You May Face and Smart Solutions

Website is slow or crashing

Try accessing the portal in early morning hours. Avoid peak hours like evening or the last day. Use a stable internet connection and avoid mobile data if possible.

Forgot Registration ID or Password

Use the "Forgot Password" option on the SSC login page. Your registered email ID or mobile number will be used to reset it. Do this before April 15 to avoid any last-minute panic.

Preference window not visible after login

Check whether the portal is updated. Clear browser cache. Try a different browser (Chrome, Edge). If the issue persists, candidates should contact the SSC regional office or use the helpdesk details provided on the SSC website.

Not sure which week to prefer

Think practically. Consider your travel distance to exam city, your preparation level, and any personal commitments. Week 1 (April 27 to May 2) gives the least preparation time, so if you need more time, prefer Week 3 or Week 4.

◾️ Mistakes That Can Hurt You

  • Waiting for the last day to submit preference: The portal may crash due to heavy traffic. Submit by April 13 at the latest.
  • Leaving preference fields blank: Fill all four options. SSC considers your full preference order during allotment.
  • Using wrong login credentials: Double-check your registration ID and password before attempting login. Repeated failed attempts can temporarily lock your account.
  • Confusing city slip with admit card: The city slip is NOT the admit card and cannot be used for entry to the exam hall.
  • Ignoring negative marking: Focus on accuracy to avoid negative marking. Attempting random questions can reduce your score significantly.

◾️ Smart Exam Preparation Strategy

First of all, aspirants should not believe any rumour and keep their preparation going. Revise short notes (if any) and take full-length mock tests.

Cover all four sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Knowledge and Awareness, Elementary Mathematics, and English/Hindi. SSC GD Exam 2026 will be conducted in 200+ cities to accommodate 48 lakh applicants this year. The competition is massive, so consistent practice is the only reliable strategy.

After the admit card is released, check exam centre, shift time, and reporting time carefully. Carry all essential documents for exam day.

◾️ FAQs

Q1. When will the SSC GD Constable CBT 2026 be held?

The SSC GD CBT has been officially rescheduled and will now be held from 27 April to 30 May 2026 in four weekly phases across 200+ cities in India.

Q2. What is the SSC GD Week Preference Window and how does it work?

Any candidate who has registered for the exam can log in to the official SSC portal using the credentials they have been given. After they log in, they will be able to choose the preference submission option. Any candidate has to choose and order all the available exam windows and fill in all the options.

Q3. What is the last date to submit week preference?

The preference window will start at 15:00 hours on April 11, 2026, and end at 17:00 hours on April 15, 2026. Do not wait for the last hour.

Q4. Is the preference guaranteed to be accepted?

No. This is a preference system, not confirmed slot booking. SSC will consider your submitted preference order while allotting exam dates and centres based on availability and administrative factors.

Q5. When will the City Intimation Slip be released?

The SSC GD City Intimation Slip will be released 8 to 10 days before the revised exam date.

Q6. When will the Admit Card be released?

The SSC GD Admit Card will be issued 2 to 3 days before the examination on the official SSC website.

Q7. How many total vacancies are there in SSC GD Constable 2026?

A total of 25,487 vacancies have been announced for the recruitment of Constables (GD) in CAPFs, SSF, and Riflemen in Assam Rifles.

🔥 Along with SSC GD, you can also apply MPESB Forest Guard & Jail Prahari Recruitment 2026: 1679 Posts


◾️ Key Takeaways

  • CBT officially scheduled: 27 April to 30 May 2026
  • Four weekly phases with dates confirmed
  • Week Preference Window: 11 April (3 PM) to 15 April (5 PM)
  • Submit all four preferences  do not leave blank
  • City Slip comes 7 to 10 days before exam; Admit Card 2 to 4 days before
  • Admit Card is NOT the same as City Slip carry only admit card on exam day
  • Report to exam centre at least one hour early
  • Negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer , focus on accuracy
  • Physical preparation for PET/PST equally important  keep body fit
  • All updates only on ssc.gov.in – ignore social media rumours

◾️ Final Strategy Note

The revised exam date is out. The preference window is open. The road ahead is clear now. What matters from this moment is how smartly you act.

Submit your week preference today. Plan your travel based on your preferred city. Keep your preparation sharp and your body fit. When the admit card drops, read every detail carefully and reach your exam centre well in advance.

Those who applied for 25,487 vacancies must keep preparing and not compromise with their studies. This is one of the most prestigious central government job opportunities of 2026. The preparation you have put in over the past months deserves a strong finish. Stay focused, stay consistent, and give your best on exam day.

Best of luck – you have got this!

◾️ Final Accuracy & Fact-Check Log

Claim Source Status
CBT: 27 April to 30 May 2026Official SSC Notice Apr 11, 2026Confirmed
Four weekly exam phasesOfficial ScheduleConfirmed
Week Preference Window: Apr 11 to 15Official NoticeConfirmed
Preference opens 3 PM, closes 5 PM Apr 15Verified sourceConfirmed
City Slip: 8 to 10 days before examSSC official patternConfirmed
Admit Card: 2 to 3 days before examSSC official noticeConfirmed
Total vacancies: 25,487Official NotificationConfirmed
48.8 lakh candidates appliedVerified sourcesConfirmed
Negative marking: 0.25 per wrong answerSSC Exam PatternConfirmed
New "preference-based window" (Apr 11)SSC Notice Apr 11, 2026Confirmed (new system)
Disclaimer: All information in this article is based on official SSC notices dated April 11, 2026, and verified sources. Exam schedules, dates, and procedures are subject to change by the Commission. Always verify final details at ssc.gov.in before taking any action.

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