SSB Syllabus 2026 — Exam Pattern, PET/PST, CBT Topics & Selection Process

SSB recruitment 2026 is out — 1,194 posts across Constable, HC, ASI, and SI. You've decided to apply. Now what? Figure out what's actually in the exam. Because SSB selection isn't just one test. It's a multi-stage process — physical tests, written exam, trade test, medical. Skip one, and you're out.

This guide covers the complete syllabus and selection process for every SSB post — Constable Tradesman, Head Constable, ASI, and SI. Physical standards, CBT topics, trade test details, and the exact qualifying marks. Everything you need in one place.

SSB Selection Process — The Full Pipeline

Most candidates focus only on the written exam. Big mistake. More people are eliminated in PET/PST than in the written test. If you can't run 4.8 km in 24 minutes, your GK knowledge doesn't matter.

Physical Tests — PET & PST Standards

PET (Physical Efficiency Test) — Race

Pro tip: Start running NOW. Not next week, not after the admit card. TODAY. The race is the very first stage — you either clear it or go home. Practice at the exact distance and time. If you can do 4.8 km in 22 minutes during practice, you'll comfortably do it in 24 on exam day.

PST (Physical Standard Test) — Height & Chest

These are non-negotiable. If you're 169.5 cm and need 170, you're out. No appeals, no relaxation (except for ST and hill area candidates). Measure yourself properly before applying.

Written Exam (CBT) — Constable Tradesman

The big one. 100 MCQs, 2 hours, 0.25 negative marking per wrong answer. This is different from UPTET — here wrong answers COST you marks. So don't blindly guess.

Qualifying: 50% (UR/OBC/EWS), 45% (SC/ST). Final selection is purely on CBT merit.

Subject-Wise Topics

General Knowledge (25 marks):

• Current Affairs — national & international (last 6 months is enough)
• Indian History — freedom movement, Mughal period, ancient India basics
• Indian Geography — states, rivers, mountains, climate
• Indian Polity — Constitution basics, Parliament, Fundamental Rights
• Indian Economy — Five Year Plans, GDP, budget basics
• Science — basic physics, chemistry, biology from Class 10
• Sports, Awards, Books, Personalities in News

Elementary Mathematics (25 marks):

• Number System, HCF/LCM, Simplification
• Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest
• Ratio & Proportion, Average, Time & Work, Time & Distance
• Geometry — area, perimeter, volume basics
• Data Interpretation — tables, bar graphs, pie charts

Logical Reasoning (25 marks):

• Analogy, Series (number & alphabet), Coding-Decoding
• Blood Relations, Direction Test, Ranking
• Venn Diagrams, Puzzle, Classification
• Non-verbal reasoning — mirror image, paper folding, pattern

English / Hindi (25 marks):

• English: Fill in blanks, Error spotting, Synonyms/Antonyms, Comprehension, Sentence correction, One word substitution
• Hindi: अपठित गद्यांश, विलोम, पर्यायवाची, मुहावरे, संधि, समास, वाक्य शुद्धि

Written Exam — Head Constable (Part I + Part II)

HC exam is harder than Constable — it has TWO parts:

Part II is trade-specific. If you're applying for HC (Electrician), Part II covers electrical theory. HC (Communication) covers radio communication, signals, networking. You must qualify both parts separately.

Trade Test / Skill Test — 50 Marks

After the written exam, you face a practical trade test. This is qualifying — you need 60% (30/50).

• Tradesman: Practical test in your trade — carpentry, tailoring, cooking, driving, etc.
• HC Electrician: Wiring, circuit testing, equipment repair
• HC Communication: Radio operation, signal transmission
• ASI Radiographer: X-ray machine operation, patient positioning
• SI Staff Nurse: Nursing procedures, patient care assessment

This test is often ignored during preparation. Don't. If you're a Tradesman (Tailor), practice actual tailoring. If you're a Driver, practice driving — including reverse, hill driving, night driving. They test real skills, not bookish knowledge.

Preparation Strategy — Quick Roadmap

• Month 1: Start running daily. Build stamina for PET. Simultaneously, begin GK + Current Affairs.
• Month 2: Maths + Reasoning — solve 50 questions daily. These are scoring if practiced.
• Month 3: English/Hindi language + previous year papers. Start full mock tests.
• Last 2 weeks: Current affairs revision + 1 mock test daily. Keep running.
• Key rule: 0.25 negative marking means DON'T guess randomly. Skip questions you have zero idea about.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there negative marking in SSB exam?
Yes. 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer. 100 MCQs, 2 hours. Don't guess blindly — skip questions you have zero idea about.

What is the SSB exam date 2026?
Written exam date hasn't been announced yet. PET/PST is the first stage. Admit cards will be released on the official SSB website before each stage.

Is SSB exam same as SSC GD?
No. SSC GD is conducted by SSC for all CAPFs. SSB's own departmental recruitment has a separate exam. SSC GD: 80 questions in 60 minutes. SSB exam: 100 questions in 120 minutes with 0.25 negative marking.

What happens in the medical test?
Eyes (6/6 vision without glasses for Constable), flat feet check, color blindness, hearing test, X-ray, blood pressure, varicose veins, tattoo policy. Permanent tattoo on visible body parts may lead to rejection (except tribal candidates).

Is there interview in SSB recruitment?
No interview. Selection is purely PET + PST + CBT merit + Trade test + Medical. No viva or panel interview.

Can I prepare for SSB and SSC GD simultaneously?
Yes — syllabus overlaps 80% (GK, Maths, Reasoning, English/Hindi). Preparing for one covers most of the other. Just note the exam pattern differences.