SSC Selection Process 2026: Complete Guide (CGL, CHSL, GD, MTS)

By Exam Kranti Team

Are you preparing for a government job through the Staff Selection Commission (SSC)? Whether you are targeting the prestigious SSC CGL, the popular SSC CHSL, or the uniformed services via SSC GD Constable, understanding the selection roadmap is your first step toward success.

At Exam Kranti, we know that the SSC selection process can feel a bit confusing because it changes depending on the exam. In recent years, SSC has majorly revamped its patterns—removing interviews for Group B and C posts and changing how Tier-2 works.

In this guide, we break down the complete SSC Selection Process, Examination Structure, Physical Standards, and how the Final Merit List is actually made in 2026.

1. Selection Process Overview

The Staff Selection Commission recruitment process is generally divided into multiple stages, often called "Tiers." However, the number of tiers depends on the specific exam.

Broadly, the process flows like this:

1. Computer-Based Examination (CBE): The written test phase (Tier-I and Tier-II).
2. Skill Test / Typing Test: For posts like LDC, DEO, and Tax Assistants.
3. Physical Standard & Efficiency Test (PST/PET): For defense and police-related posts (GD, CPO, Excise Inspector).
4. Document Verification (DV): Checking your original certificates.
5. Medical Examination: Final health check-up.

For the latest notifications on these exams, always keep an eye on our SSC Vacancy Page.

2. Quick Comparison: Know Your Exam

SSC conducts different exams based on your education level. Since each exam has a slightly different pattern, we have organized them here so you can easily differentiate between CGL, CHSL, MTS, and GD.

3. Examination Structure (Tier-wise Details)

Most students get confused here because CGL is different from MTS. Let’s simplify the structure based on the latest 2025-26 patterns.

Tier-I: The Screening Stage

For almost all exams (CGL, CHSL, MTS), Tier-I is an online Computer-Based Examination (CBE).

• Subjects: Typically covers General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness (GK), Quantitative Aptitude (Maths), and English Comprehension.
• Nature:
  • For CGL & CHSL, Tier-I is now Qualifying in nature. Marks from Tier-I are not added to the final merit list; you just need to clear the cutoff.
  • For MTS & GD, the CBE marks are the main basis for selection.

Tier-II: The Merit Decider

This is where the real game is played, especially for CGL and CHSL.

• Structure: It is also a Computer-Based Exam. It includes Mathematical Abilities, Reasoning, English Language, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge.
• Importance: Your final rank depends almost entirely on your marks in this stage.
• Computer Test: A mandatory "Computer Knowledge Module" is often part of Tier-II. It is qualifying but essential.

4. Skill Tests (Typing & Data Entry)

Don't underestimate this stage! Even if you score high in the written exams, failing the skill test disqualifies you immediately.

• DEST (Data Entry Skill Test): Required for Tax Assistants and specific posts. You usually need to type 2000 key depressions in 15 minutes.
• Typing Test: Required for LDC (Lower Division Clerk) and JSA posts, usually at a speed of 35 w.p.m. (English) or 30 w.p.m. (Hindi).

These tests are usually conducted on the same day as the Tier-II exam or shortly after.

5. Physical Standards and Medical Examination

This stage is not for every post, but if you dream of wearing a uniform (like in SSC GD or SSC CPO), this is mandatory.

Physical Standard Test (PST)

This measures your body requirements.

• Height: typically 170 cm for males (General/OBC/SC) and 157 cm for females. Relaxations apply for ST candidates and hilly area residents.
• Chest: Only for male candidates (usually 80 cm unexpanded + 5 cm expansion).

Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

This tests your fitness.

• Running: For example, in SSC GD, males typically have to run 5 km in 24 minutes, while females run 1.6 km in 8.5 minutes.

Medical Examination

For posts like Inspectors (Excise, Examiner, Preventive Officer) and Sub-Inspectors, a medical check is conducted to ensure you are fit for duty. This includes vision tests (color blindness is often a disqualification for specific posts) and general health checks.

6. Document Verification (DV)

Previously, SSC used to conduct the DV. However, under the new rules, Document Verification is largely conducted by the User Departments (the ministry or office where you get selected) after the final results are declared.

Documents you must have ready:

• Matriculation Certificate (10th Class) for Date of Birth.
• 12th Class and Graduation Marksheets/Degrees.
• Caste/Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) in the central government format.
• PwD Certificate (if applicable).
• Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar/Voter ID/PAN).

Make sure your name and your parents' names match exactly across all documents. If there is a mismatch, get an affidavit made.

7. Final Merit List

How does you finally get the job?

1. Basis of Marks: The merit list is prepared strictly based on marks obtained in Tier-II (for CGL/CHSL) or the CBE (for GD/MTS). Tier-I marks are usually ignored for the final list in CGL/CHSL.
2. Qualifying Sections: You must pass the Computer Knowledge section and the Typing/Data Entry test. If you fail these, you are out, even with high marks in other subjects.
3. Preferences: SSC asks for "Post Preferences" before the final result. You will be allocated a post based on your rank and your preference order.
4. Tie-Breaking: If two students have the same marks, marks in specific sections (like General Awareness) or Date of Birth (older candidates get preference) are used to break the tie.

You can check previous Exam Results to understand the cutoff trends.

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