If you’re planning to apply for the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) GD Constable recruitment in 2026, it’s essential to know the eligibility requirements — including age limit, educational qualification, and physical standards. Meeting these criteria is mandatory before you proceed with application. Below is a comprehensive guide.
Table of Contents
✅ Who can apply: Basic Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed 10th standard (Matriculation) or its equivalent from a recognized board/Institution.
In addition to academic qualification, being medically fit and meeting the prescribed physical standards (height/chest, vision etc.) is mandatory.
Thus, the minimum bar of education set by SSC for GD Constable ensures a basic level of literacy and comprehension.
🎯 Age Limit Criteria (as of 2026)
Minimum Age: 18 years — applicants must have completed 18 years by the date specified in the notification.
Maximum Age: 23 years for general category candidates (SC/ST/OBC and other relaxations apply as per Commission’s rules).
Age relaxations for reserved categories, domiciles, ex-servicemen, etc., are as per government norms.
It’s important that applicants check the “as on date” clause from the official notification to confirm their eligibility.
🏃 Physical Standards: Height, Chest & Physical Fitness
Since GD Constable posts involve patrolling, fieldwork, physical duties — SSC sets certain physical standards for safety and job-effectiveness. Below are the commonly required parameters:
| Parameter | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Height | 170 cm (varies for some categories/regions) | 157 cm |
| Chest (Only for Male) | Minimum 80 cm with at least 5 cm expansion | — |
| Physical Fitness | Must be medically fit with good eyesight and physical endurance (as per medical exam) |
Note: Height/chest standards may be relaxed for certain categories (e.g. SC/ST, northeastern states, certain domiciles). Always cross-check with the latest official notification.
Passing a medical examination — including heart, lungs, vision (with or without glasses), hearing — is mandatory before final selection.
⚠️ Why These Criteria Matter
The educational qualification ensures candidates can fill forms, read/write reports, understand orders and follow official communication.
The age limit keeps the workforce young and physically capable.
The physical standards ensure that candidates can handle the demanding physical duties — patrolling, standing long hours, responding to emergencies, and performing law-and-order tasks.
Medical fitness helps in ensuring candidates are physically and mentally capable of handling the stress and rigors of the job.
If a candidate fails to meet even one standard, their application can be rejected or candidature cancelled during medical or physical test.
📌 Key Points & Tips for Applicants
Ensure you have the 10th pass certificate or equivalent before applying. Excess or higher qualification does notadd advantage — the baseline is what matters.
Confirm your exact date of birth and that you meet the “as on” age criteria.
If you belong to a reserved category or come from a scheduled area or special domicile — check whether relaxations apply (height, chest, age, etc.).
Undergo a preliminary medical check-up (vision, general fitness, height measurement) before applying. It avoids surprises later at final medical exam.
Keep scanned copies of certificates and identity proofs ready — these are required at application and verification stages.
📣 What to Do Next
If you meet all eligibility norms (education + age + physical standards), you can start preparing the necessary documents. Also, plan a fitness routine & health check — good posture, stamina and eyesight will help clear medical tests.
When the official 2026 recruitment notification is out, download it — verify all norms (especially for reserved categories) — then apply.
