SSC General Duty Constable Examination 2017

1. Introduction

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the General Duty Constable examination to recruit constables for various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) such as BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, CBI and SSB. The 2017 cycle attracted a massive number of applicants due to the promise of a stable government job, attractive salary, and career growth opportunities. This page provides a concise overview of the 2017 examits schedule, eligibility, syllabus, pattern, preparation tips, and result analysis.

2. Important Dates (2017)

• Release of Official Notification: 13 December 2016
• Last Date for Online Application: 14 January 2017
• Application Fee Payment Deadline: 15 January 2017
• Admit Card Release: 30 January 2017
• Written Exam (Online): 30 April 2017
• Result Declaration: 16 May 2017
• Physical Requirement Test (PRT) & Interview: JulyAugust 2017

3. Eligibility Criteria

3.1 Age Limit

3.2 Educational Qualification

• 10+2 or equivalent examination recognized by the Central/State Government.
• Educational certificates must be in the name of the candidate and should be verifiable.

3.3 Physical Standards

• Height: Minimum 165 cm (male) and 155 cm (female). Relaxations apply for OBC, SC/ST, and ex-servicemen.
• Chest (male): Minimum 78 cm (unexpanded), 84 cm (expanded).
• Vision: Normal color vision; distant vision not less than 6/18 in each eye (correctable).

4. Exam Pattern

The 2017 examination consisted of a single online objective-type test followed by a Physical Requirement Test and personal interview.

4.1 Written Examination

Total: 90 questions, 90 marks. Each correct answer carries 1 mark; there is no negative marking.

4.2 Physical Requirement Test (PRT)

The PRT comprises a physical endurance test (100meter dash, 800meter run, 2km race), a strength test (pushups and situps), and a jobspecific tasks test (e.g., obstacle course). Candidates must clear the PRT to be considered for the interview.

5. Syllabus Overview

5.1 General Awareness

• Current affairs (national & international)
• History of India and Indian National Movement
• Geography (physical, social, economic)
• Polity & Governance (Constitution, Parliament, Judiciary)
• Economics (budget, banking, taxes)
• Science & Technology (basic concepts, inventions)
• Sports, Awards, Important Days

5.2 Reasoning

• Verbal and NonVerbal Reasoning
• Series, Analogy, Classification, CodingDecoding
• Blood Relations, Direction, Syllogism
• Seating Arrangement, Puzzle, Data Interpretation

5.3 General English

• Grammar (tenses, voice, speech, articles, conjunctions)
• Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, idioms, oneword replacements)
• Reading Comprehension (single & multiple passages)
• Spelling, Fill in the Blanks, Error Detection

6. Preparation Strategies

1. Understand the Pattern: Practice fulllength mock tests that mimic the 90question, 60minute format.
2. Daily Current Affairs: Read a reputable newspaper, follow a currentaffairs portal, and maintain short notes.
3. Reasoning Practice: Solve at least 30 reasoning questions daily; focus on speed and accuracy.
4. English Basics: Review grammar rules weekly and solve 2025 English questions each day.
5. Physical Fitness: Begin a structured PRT regimen at least three months before the testrun, sprint, pushups, and stamina drills.
6. Time Management: Allocate 20 minutes per section during practice; refine the strategy based on mock results.
7. Previous Year Papers: Analyze the 2016 SSC GD Constable paper to identify recurrent topics.
8. Study Material: Use concise books (e.g., General Awareness for SSC by Arihant) and reputable online video lessons.
9. Group Study: Form small study groups to discuss tricky reasoning puzzles and exchange currentaffairs briefs.
10. Health & Nutrition: Maintain a balanced diet, proper sleep, and regular stretching to avoid injuries before the PRT.

7. Result Analysis (2017)

The 2017 result announced a total of 8,500 vacancies across all CAPFs. The merit list was released based on the written test marks alone; physical test scores were considered only for eligibility to the final interview. The cutoff marks varied by category:

• General: 45.5 marks
• OBC: 41.0 marks
• SC/ST: 36.5 marks

Approximately 35% of candidates cleared the written exam, while about 70% of those cleared the PRT. The final selection ratio was therefore around 24% of total applicants.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I apply for more than one CAPF?

Yes. The application allows candidates to select up to two CAPFs, provided they meet the specific height and physical requirements for each.

Q2. Is there any provision for relaxation in the physical standards for women?

Women receive a 5 cm relaxation in height and a 4 cm reduction in chest measurement (where applicable). The exact figures are listed in the official notification.

Q3. What documents must I carry to the PRT?

Original admit card, a governmentissued photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport), recent 2inch passportsize photographs, and any disability certificate if applying under the relaxed standards.

Q4. How long does the selection process take?

From the date of the written exam to final appointment, the process typically spans 46 months, depending on the speed of PRT and interview completions.

9. Useful Links

• Official SSC Website
• 2017 Notification (PDF)
• Result & Cutoff (PDF)
• Previous Year Papers & Solutions

10. Conclusion

The SSC General Duty Constable Examination 2017 offered an excellent entry point into the nations security forces. By understanding the exam pattern, adhering to the eligibility norms, and following a disciplined studyplusfitness regimen, aspirants could significantly improve their chances of clearing the written test and the subsequent physical and interview stages. The experience from 2017 continues to guide current candidates, as the core syllabus and selection process remain largely unchanged.