The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has announced the Constable (GD) recruitment for 2026, and understanding the SSC GD physical eligibility criteria is the first step toward your selection. Many aspiring candidates focus solely on the written exam preparation but overlook the physical requirements, leading to disappointment during the Physical Standard Test (PST). The SSC GD physical eligibility includes specific height, chest, and weight standards, along with a mandatory race test that every candidate must clear after qualifying the Computer Based Examination.
Let me break down everything you need to know about SSC GD physical eligibility in simple, straightforward terms so you can prepare effectively.
Understanding SSC GD Physical Eligibility: Basic Requirements
The SSC GD physical eligibility criteria consist of two main components: Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET). The PST measures your height, chest (for males), and weight, while the PET involves a timed race that tests your physical endurance.
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SSC GD Height Requirements: Category-Wise Standards
Height is the primary checkpoint in SSC GD physical eligibility. The standard requirements differ for male and female candidates, with additional relaxations for specific categories.
Standard Height Requirements
| Gender | Standard Height |
|---|---|
| Male | 170 cm |
| Female | 157 cm |
SSC GD Physical Eligibility: Height Relaxation Table
The SSC provides significant height relaxations for candidates from specific regions and communities. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:
| Category | Male Height (cm) | Female Height (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| General Candidates | 170 | 157 |
| All Scheduled Tribes | 162.5 | 150 |
| ST from North Eastern States | 157 | 147.5 |
| ST from LWE affected districts | 160 | 147.5 |
| Garhwalis, Kumaonis, Dogras, Marathas | 165 | 155 |
| Candidates from Assam, HP, J&K, Ladakh | 165 | 155 |
| Candidates from Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura | 162.5 | 152.5 |
| Candidates from Gorkha Territorial Administration (Darjeeling) | 157 | 152.5 |
Important Note: To avail of these relaxations (except ST category), you must produce a certificate from competent authorities at the time of PET/PST in the prescribed format (Annexure-IX).
Chest Measurement Standards in SSC GD Physical Eligibility
Chest measurement is applicable only for male candidates and forms a critical part of SSC GD physical eligibility criteria.
Standard Chest Requirements for Males
| Measurement Type | Standard (cm) |
|---|---|
| Un-expanded Chest | 80 |
| Minimum Expansion | 5 |
Chest Measurement Relaxations
| Category | Un-expanded (cm) | Expansion (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| General Male Candidates | 80 | 5 |
| All Scheduled Tribe candidates | 76 | 5 |
| Garhwalis, Kumaonis, Dogras, Marathas, candidates from Assam, HP, J&K, Ladakh | 78 | 5 |
| Candidates from NE States and GTA areas | 77 | 5 |
For Female Candidates: Chest measurement is not taken. However, medical examiners verify that the chest is well-developed during the medical examination.
Weight Standards in SSC GD Physical Eligibility
Unlike height and chest, the SSC GD physical eligibility notice doesn’t specify exact weight numbers. The requirement states: “Weight: Proportionate to height and age as per medical standards.”
Medical boards assess whether your weight is appropriate for your:
- Height
- Age
- Overall body structure
Practical Tip: Maintain a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index) between 18.5 to 24.9 to avoid issues during medical examination. Neither being underweight nor overweight is acceptable.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Race Requirements
The race test is a crucial component of SSC GD physical eligibility and has no relaxation except for regional variations.
Race Standards Table
| Candidate Category | Distance | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Male (General regions) | 5 km | 24 minutes |
| Female (General regions) | 1.6 km | 8.5 minutes |
| Male (Ladakh region) | 1.6 km | 7 minutes |
| Female (Ladakh region) | 800 meters | 5 minutes |
Critical Point: There is NO appeal process for PET (race). If you don’t complete the race within the stipulated time, you’re disqualified. Unlike PST, where you can appeal measurement results, the race result is final.
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Special Provisions in SSC GD Physical Eligibility
Ex-Servicemen Exemption
Ex-servicemen are exempted from PET/PST under SSC GD physical eligibility rules. However:
- They must appear for measurement recording (height, chest, weight)
- They must qualify the medical examination
- PET (race) will not be conducted for them
Pregnant Female Candidates
The SSC GD physical eligibility process has specific provisions for pregnant candidates:
- Self-declaration about pregnancy status before PET/PST
- If pregnant, confirmatory test conducted
- Candidature held in abeyance until confinement is over
- Vacancies reserved for such candidates
- Re-examination for PET/PST six weeks post-confinement
- Must produce medical fitness certificate from registered practitioner
Preparing for SSC GD Physical Eligibility Tests
Document Checklist
To prove your SSC GD physical eligibility and avail relaxations, keep these documents ready:
- Matriculation Certificate (for age, name verification)
- Domicile/Permanent Resident Certificate
- Caste Certificate (if applicable) in prescribed format
- Certificate for height/chest relaxation (Annexure-IX format)
- NCC Certificate (if applicable)
- Ex-serviceman documents (if applicable)
Physical Preparation Strategy
For the Race (3-4 months before exam):
- Month 1: Build base stamina with 2-3 km daily runs
- Month 2: Increase distance to target level gradually
- Month 3: Focus on speed training and interval running
- Month 4: Practice exact distance with time tracking
For General Fitness:
- Maintain healthy diet rich in proteins and complex carbs
- Stay hydrated throughout preparation
- Get adequate sleep (7-8 hours)
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
According to Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines, candidates participate in recruitment at their own risk, and recruiting agencies aren’t responsible for incidents during physical tests.
Medical Examination After Meeting Physical Eligibility
Clearing the SSC GD physical eligibility criteria (PST and PET) qualifies you for Detailed Medical Examination (DME). The DME follows uniform guidelines issued by MHA dated May 20, 2015 and May 31, 2021.
The medical examination assesses:
- Vision standards (distant and near vision)
- Hearing capacity
- Cardiovascular fitness
- Overall physical and mental health
- Any deformities or medical conditions
Complete medical standards are available on the official SSC website.
Common Mistakes That Disqualify Candidates
Attempting artificial height increase methods: Some candidates use tamarind or create artificial swelling on their heads. This leads to:
- Immediate disqualification
- Debarment from future exams
Using performance-enhancing drugs: Candidates found under the influence of energetic medicines during PET face permanent debarment.
Incorrect documentation: Even if you meet physical standards, missing or incorrect certificates cancel your candidature.
Not verifying relaxation eligibility: Many candidates don’t realize they qualify for relaxed standards and miss opportunities.
Appeal Process for Physical Standards
If declared unfit in PST (height/chest measurements):
- Appeal to Appellate Authority on the same day
- Submit appeal through the Presiding Officer at the center
- Appellate Authority’s decision is final
- No further appeals entertained
Remember: There’s NO appeal for PET (race) results. The race performance is final and non-negotiable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About SSC GD Physical Eligibility
Final Thoughts on SSC GD Physical Eligibility
Meeting the SSC GD physical eligibility criteria requires advance planning and consistent preparation. Thousands of candidates qualify the written exam each year, but many fail at the physical stage simply because they didn’t prepare adequately or weren’t aware of the exact requirements.
Key Takeaways:
- Verify your exact height/chest requirements based on your category
- Start race preparation at least 3-4 months before expected PET date
- Keep all required certificates ready in prescribed formats
- Don’t attempt any fraudulent methods to meet standards
- Maintain overall fitness and healthy body weight
For complete official details about SSC GD physical eligibility and regular updates, visit the Staff Selection Commission website and CRPF website where PET/PST admission certificates will be uploaded.
The application window is open from December 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. Don’t wait until the last moment—apply early and start your physical preparation immediately. Your dream of joining the Central Armed Police Forces depends not just on your written exam score but equally on meeting the SSC GD physical eligibility standards.
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