SSC GD 2026 Latest Updates: Exam Dates, Admit Card, and New Rules Explained

The SSC GD 2026 exam has been postponed to April. Read about the cancelled self-slot booking, admit card release stages, and the complete selection process.

3 min read

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) General Duty (GD) exam is a massive opportunity for candidates looking to join India's paramilitary forces like the BSF, CISF, and CRPF. For the 2026 recruitment cycle, there are 25,487 open positions up for grabs.

If you are one of the millions of applicants waiting to take the test, stay alert—there have been major changes to the schedule and administrative rules. Here is a clear breakdown of everything you need to know right now.

1. Exam Dates Postponed to April

The online Computer-Based Test (CBT) was originally scheduled to begin on February 23, 2026. However, the SSC has officially postponed the examination due to administrative reasons.

  • New Timeline: The exams are now expected to take place in April 2026.
  • Exact Schedule: While the specific start and end dates haven't been published yet, the SSC is expected to announce the full calendar shortly on their official website: ssc.gov.in.

2. Self-Slot Booking is Cancelled

Earlier this year, rumors circulated regarding a "self-slot booking" feature that would allow candidates to choose their preferred exam date, shift, and city.

The SSC has officially cancelled this facility.

What this means for you

You will not have the option to select your exam details. The SSC will automatically assign your center, date, and shift based on regional availability. These assignments are final; once your slot is set, no requests for changes will be entertained.

3. When Will You Get Your Admit Card?

To prevent server crashes and maintain high security, the SSC releases exam information in two distinct stages:

Step 1: The City Intimation Slip (8-10 Days Before Exam)

About 8 to 10 days before your specific test date, the SSC will release a City Slip.

  • Purpose: It tells you the city and the shift timing so you can arrange travel.
  • Note: This is not an admit card and cannot be used to enter the exam center.

Step 2: The Official Admit Card (2-4 Days Before Exam)

Your actual Admit Card will be available for download strictly 2 to 4 days before your test.

  • Details: This document contains the exact street address of your exam venue.
  • Requirement: You must carry a printed copy of this card along with a valid original photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Driving License) to the hall.

4. What Happens After the Written Exam?

The online written test is only the beginning. To secure one of the 25,487 positions, candidates must pass through several rigorous stages:

  1. Computer-Based Test (CBT): The initial written hurdle.
  2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET): A running test to measure stamina and endurance.
  3. Physical Standard Test (PST): A verification of height and chest measurements against military requirements.
  4. Medical Exam & Document Verification: A final health screening and a thorough check of your 10th-grade certificates and identity proofs.

Note: Physical test dates will be announced only after the CBT results are declared.

Next Steps

Use this extra time to your advantage. Focus on high-yield topics, take regular mock tests, and keep a close watch on ssc.gov.in for the final April date announcement.

Good luck, aspirants!

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