SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal / सशस्त्र सीमा बल) 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
| Stage | What Happens | Eliminates? |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | PET (Physical Efficiency Test) — Race | Yes — fail = out |
| Stage 2 | PST (Physical Standard Test) — Height, Chest | Yes — don't meet standards = out |
| Stage 3 | Written Exam (CBT) — 100 MCQs, 2 hours | Yes — merit based |
| Stage 4 | Trade/Skill Test — 50 marks (post-specific) | Yes — qualifying (60% needed) |
| Stage 5 | Document Verification | Yes — wrong documents = out |
| Stage 6 | Medical Examination (DME) | Yes — must be medically fit |
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
| Post | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Constable Tradesman | 4.8 km in 24 minutes | 2.4 km in 18 minutes |
| Head Constable | 1.6 km in 6 min 30 sec + Long Jump 3.65m | 800m in 4 min |
| ASI / SI | 1.6 km in 6 min 30 sec | 800m in 4 min |
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
| Category | Male Height | Male Chest (Unexpanded/Expanded) | Female Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / SC | 170 cm | 80 / 85 cm | 157 cm |
| ST | 162.5 cm | 76 / 81 cm | 150 cm |
| Hill Area / NE States | 165 cm | 78 / 83 cm | 155 cm |
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.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge / Awareness | 25 | 25 | 10th Standard |
| Elementary Mathematics | 25 | 25 | 10th Standard |
| Logical Reasoning | 25 | 25 | 10th Standard |
| General English / Hindi | 25 | 25 | 10th Standard |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
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
