SSC GD Constable Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2018

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the General Duty (GD) Constable examination to recruit candidates for the constable cadre in various central armed police forces, ministries, and departments. The 2018 edition of the exam followed a wellstructured pattern and a clearly defined syllabus. Understanding this framework is essential for aspirants who wish to prepare efficiently and maximize their scoring potential.

1. Exam Overview

The 2018 SSC GD Constable notification announced a threestage selection process:

1. Physical Endurance Test (PET) 15minutes
2. Physical Standard Test (PST) / Physical Measurement Test (PMT) 30minutes
3. Written Examination 90minutes (PaperI)

Only candidates who clear the physical tests are eligible to appear for the written examination. The written test carries a total of 100 marks and is divided into two sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, and General Awareness and General Knowledge.

2. Exam Pattern Written Paper (PaperI)

Section	Number of Questions	Marks	Time Allotted
PaperI (90 minutes)
General Intelligence & Reasoning	50	50	90 mins
General Awareness & General Knowledge	50	50

All questions are objectivetype (multiple choice) with four options each. No negative marking is applied.

2.1 General Intelligence & Reasoning (50 marks)

• Analogies
• Series Completion
• Logical Reasoning
• Decision Making
• Classification
• Pixelbased problems
• Simple Mathematical Ability (basic arithmetic)

2.2 General Awareness & General Knowledge (50 marks)

• Current Affairs National & International
• Indian History, Geography, Polity, Economy
• Static GK Important Dates, Awards, Schemes
• Science & Technology Basic concepts and recent developments
• Sports Major events and Indian achievements
• Banking, Insurance & Commerce basics

3. Syllabus Details

3.1 General Intelligence & Reasoning

The syllabus emphasizes the ability to analyze patterns, draw logical conclusions, and solve puzzles quickly. Typical topics include:

• Verbal Reasoning syllogisms, codingdecoding, blood groups, direction sense
• NonVerbal Reasoning figure series, mirror images, waterreflection, cubic, and sphere problems
• Analytical Reasoning puzzles, seating arrangements, groupings, rankings
• DecisionMaking critical decision making, path finding
• Simple Arithmetic percentages, ratio & proportion, average, profit & loss, simple interest, time & work, time & distance

3.2 General Awareness & General Knowledge

This section tests a candidates breadth of knowledge across various domains. The 2018 syllabus covered:

• Current Events: Important developments from the last 12 months, including government schemes, sports, awards, and major international events.
• History: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian history key dynasties, freedom struggle milestones, constitutional developments.
• Geography: Physical and Economic Geography of India and the world, map reading, climate, natural resources.
• Polity: Constitution, fundamental rights, duties, parliamentary system, ministries, and local governance.
• Economy: Basic economic terms, budgeting, fiscal policy, banking, NRIs, GST, and major economic surveys.
• Science & Technology: Inventions, discoveries, space missions, IT developments, environmental issues.
• Sports: Olympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, major Indian sports personalities.
• Miscellaneous: Important days, national symbols, awards (Padma, Bharat Ratna), Indian Railways, and defense forces.

4. Eligibility Criteria (2018)

• Age: 18 to 23 years (age relaxations as per government rules)
• Education: Minimum 10th class (SSC) pass from a recognized board.
• Physical Standards: Specified height, chest, and weight requirements varying by gender and category.
• Nationality: Indian citizen.

5. Preparation Strategy

5.1 Build a Timetable

Allocate 23 hours daily for the written exam, dividing the time between reasoning and GK. Reserve weekends for mock tests and physical training.

5.2 Strengthen Fundamentals

• Reasoning practise puzzles from standard books (e.g., R.S. Aggarwal, Arun Sharma).
• GK follow a daily current affairs magazine, maintain a notebook for static GK (important dates, schemes).

5.3 Mock Tests & Analysis

Take a fulllength mock every week. Review errors, note recurring weak areas, and revise accordingly.

5.4 Physical Preparation

Begin PET and PST training at least three months before the scheduled test. Include running, sprinting, and strength exercises to meet height and chest standards.

6. Important Dates (2018 Reference)

• Notification Release: 1st February 2018
• Application Deadline: 12th March 2018
• PET & PST: Early May 2018
• Written Examination: 28th May 2018
• Result Declaration: July 2018

7. Conclusion

The 2018 SSC GD Constable examination followed a straightforward twosection written paper, each worth 50 marks, accompanied by compulsory physical tests. Success hinges on mastering basic reasoning techniques, staying updated on current affairs, and maintaining a disciplined physical training routine. By adhering to a structured study plan, regularly solving mock papers, and keeping the syllabus in constant focus, aspirants can enhance their chances of securing a valuable constable position.