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SSB Head Constable Syllabus, SSC Exam Pattern, Books & Preparation

SSB Head Constable Syllabus The SSB Head Constable Syllabus is of a basic level and this article will provide details on the topics covered in the exam. Candidates can also read more about the SSB Constable syllabus on the notification issued by SSB on their official website. The Selection Procedure for the Constable role starts with…

SSB Head Constable Syllabus

The SSB Head Constable Syllabus is of a basic level and this article will provide details on the topics covered in the exam. Candidates can also read more about the SSB Constable syllabus on the notification issued by SSB on their official website. The Selection Procedure for the Constable role starts with PET (Physical Efficiency Test) & PST (Physical Standard Test). The candidates have to qualify for both tests. The written test happens after the physical test on a different date. The written test is conducted in various SSB centers. The centers of SSB can be at different locations across India. The written test is a Common Entrance Test (CET) that has the following question pattern.
SubjectsNumber of Questions/ MarksTotal MarksDuration of Exam
General Knowledge251002 hours
Mathematics25
Logical Reasoning25
General English/ General Hindi25
The written test covers four subjects. The above table shows the mark split up in each subject. Each subject is given equal priority in the exam. So the candidates have to prepare for all the subjects. Each question carries One mark. The total number of questions is 100. The question papers will be bi-lingual i.e. English and Hindi. The final merit list is prepared based on the written exam marks. Hence the candidate has the be physically fit and prepare well for the written exams. The topics covered for each subject in the written exam for SSB Constable are as given below. These topics cover the most, but for general knowledge please be up-to-date with latest happenings. For other topics, you must be strong in math and reasoning.

SSB Head Constable Syllabus for General Knowledge

  • Current Affairs – Local, National and International
  • Sports
  • Science and Technology
  • Personalities in News
  • History – India
  • Indian Polity
  • The Indian Economy
  • Indian Constitution
  • Geography – India etc.

SSB Head Constable Syllabus for Numerical Ability

  • Number System
  • Decimal & Fractions
  • Percentages
  • Problems on Ages
  • Average
  • Simplification
  • Ratio and Proportions
  • Profit and Loss
  • Time and Work
  • Mixtures & Allegations
  • Time and Distance
  • HCF & LCM
  • Simple & Compound Interest
  • Data Interpretation etc.

SSB Head Constable Syllabus for General English & Hindi

  • Error Correction
  • Subject-Verb Agreement
  • Tenses
  • Articles
  • Adverb
  • Fill in the Blanks
  • Sentence Rearrangement
  • Grammar
  • Comprehension
  • Synonyms
  • Vocabulary
  • Idioms & Phrases
  • Unseen Passages
  • Antonyms etc.

SSB Head Constable Syllabus for Reasoning

  • Analytical Reasoning
  • Blood Relations
  • Similarities and Differences
  • Number Series
  • Directions
  • Arrangements
  • Symbols and Notations
  • Analogies
  • Coding & Decoding
  • Statements
  • Alphabet Series
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning
  • Data Sufficiency
  • Visual Ability etc.

SSB Head Constable Exam Pattern

The exam pattern has the following 6 selection process. The candidate has to successfully clear each of them. Some of the selection process may not be needed for certain candidates. The exemption details are described in below sections. The selection process follows the order mentioned below.  Each process have to be cleared to get selected for the next process.
  • Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
  • Physical Standard Test (PST)
  • Written Examination – common entrance test (CET)
  • Skill / Trade / Typing test
  • Documentation and Detailed Medical Examination (DME)
  • Review medical Examination (RME)

Selection Process

The Physical Test (PET / PST) is the first phase of the selection process. The application have to be accepted to take part in this test. Those who pass this physical test will take part in written test. The written test is a common entrance test (CET). Upon clearing written test, the SSB conducts the Skill test. The number invitations sent for Skill / Trade / Typing test is equal to 15 times the available posts. After the test, the verification of the documents and the certificates will be performed. They have to visit 3 times for the document verification process. The last steps are Detailed Medical Examination (DME) and Review Medical Examination (RME). The RME process can be used by candidates to review the decision of DME process, if not satisfied. After this, the SSB publishes the selected list. Then the cut-off marks, order of merit etc. decides the final merit list. The written test marks is plays a vital role to get selected in the final merit list. The candidates should arrive at recruitment venue ahead of the scheduled time. This would give them enough time to prepare for the selection process. Avoid any last minute hurry and tension during the selection process. In the recruitment venue, before the section process each candidate have to provide their below details.
  • Bio-metric attendance
  • Digital photograph
  • Signature / Thumb impression
It is mandatory to provide the above details to recruitment board. Once the candidate details are collected, the selection process will be started.

1.   Physical Efficiency Test (PET) – SSB Head Constable Syllabus

The Physical Efficiency Test is the first phase of the selection process. It is conducted by the board of officers. Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) appoints the officers. The PET test are held at different SSB locations across India. Job roles for constable include Ayah, Barber, Carpenter, Cobbler, Cook, Driver, Gardener, Laboratory Assistant, Painter, Plumber, Safaiwala, Tailor, Washerman, Water Carrier, Waiter, and Veterinary. The candidate has to undergo this test for all job roles. This test has to be taken by both male and female candidates. This test is to ensure the physical fitness of the candidate. The physical fitness is mandatory for the SSB Constable exam. The candidate have to race a particular distance within a specified time. The distance and time is defined based on the job role and gender. The details can be found in the below.
Job RoleMaleFemale
Distance in KmTime in MinutesDistance in KmTime in Minutes
Head Constable (Ministerial)1.66.50.84
Constable4.8242.418
For example, male candidate applying for constable role have to race 4.8 km in 24 minutes to clear the test. Ex-servicemen are exempted from taking up PET. However, they have to participate and qualify for all other selection rounds. This is an mandatory test for rest of them.

2.   Physical Standard Test (PST) – SSB Head Constable Syllabus

Only the candidates who qualify from the PET are selected for PST. Each of them should have a minimum height and weight measurements to qualify the physical standard test. The general minimum criteria requirement is set based on the gender. The details of the requirement are given below:
GenderMinimum Height in cmWeightChest in cm.Minimum expansion (cm.)
Male170Weight appropriate to the height according to medical standards805
Female157Weight appropriate to the height according to medical standardsNot ApplicableNot Applicable
The above details are general height and weight requirement by gender for this test. This requirement slightly varies based on the job roles. The details of these requirements for each job role are listed in the sections below.

For SSC Head Constable (Ministerial) – SSB Head Constable Syllabus

CategoryGenderMinimum Height in cm.Chest in cm.Minimum expansion (cm.)
Candidates other than those Scheduled CasteMale165775
Female155Not applicableNot applicable
Candidates belonging to:
  • Dogras
  • Garhwalis
  • Gorkhas
  • Kumaonis
  • Marathas
Or People living in states like
  • Sikkim
  • Nagaland
  • Arunachal Pradesh
  • Manipur
  • Tripura
  • Mizoram
  • Assam
  • Meghalaya
  • Himachal Pradesh
  • J & K
Male162.5775
Female150Not applicableNot applicable
Candidates of Scheduled Tribes categoriesMale162.5765
Female150Not applicableNot applicable

For Constable (Laboratory Assistant and Veterinary) – SSB Head Constable Syllabus

CategoryGenderMinimum Height in cm.Chest in cm.Minimum expansion (cm.)
Candidates other than Scheduled CasteMale170805
Female157Not applicableNot applicable
Candidates belonging to:
  • Dogras
  • Garhwalis
  • Gorkhas
  • Kumaonis
  • Marathas
Or People living in states like
  • Sikkim
  • Nagaland
  • Arunachal Pradesh
  • Manipur
  • Tripura
  • Mizoram
  • Assam
  • Meghalaya
  • Himachal Pradesh
  • J & K
Male165785
Female155Not applicableNot applicable
Candidates of Scheduled Tribes categoriesMale162.5765
Female150Not applicableNot applicable

For Constable (Ayah Female) – SSB Head Constable Syllabus

CategoryGenderMinimum Height in cm.Chest in cm.
Candidates other than Scheduled CasteFemale157Not applicable
Candidates belonging to
  • Dogras
  • Garhwalis
  • Gorkhas
  • Kumaonis
  • Marathas
Or People living in states like
  • Sikkim
  • Nagaland
  • Arunachal Pradesh
  • Manipur
  • Tripura
  • Mizoram
  • Assam
  • Meghalaya
  • Himachal Pradesh
  • J & K
Female155Not applicable
Candidates of Scheduled Tribes categoriesFemale150Not applicable

For the Constable rest of the roles – SSB Head Constable Syllabus

The rest of the constable roles include Carpenter, Plumber, Painter, Cook, Washerman, Barber, Safaiwala, Water Career, Waiter, Tailor, Gardner, and Cobbler. The minimum height and chest requirement for these roles are listed below.
CategoryGenderMinimum Height in cm.Chest in cm.Minimum expansion (cm.)
Candidates other than Scheduled CasteMale167.5785
Female157Not applicableNot applicable
Candidates belonging to
  • Dogras
  • Garhwalis
  • Gorkhas
  • Kumaonis
  • Marathas
Or People living in states like
  • Sikkim
  • Nagaland
  • Arunachal Pradesh
  • Manipur
  • Tripura
  • Mizoram
  • Assam
  • Meghalaya
  • Himachal Pradesh
  • J & K
Male165785
Female155Not applicableNot applicable
Candidates of Scheduled Tribes categoriesMale162.5765
Female150Not applicableNot applicable
There is a relaxation in height and weight measurements based on the state to which you belong. To make use of the height and weight relaxation,  you must submit the necessary supporting government documents. You can obtain get the proof from the respective District Authorities of the state. If you clear the PST exam you are eligible to participate in the written exam. If you do not qualify in PST, you can appeal for the same by giving written consent. The written consent once approved, then they can re-appear for the PST test.

3.   Written Examination – SSB Head Constable Syllabus

The written test is nothing but the Common Entrance Test. The exam mode is a pen-paper-based offline test. The test contains 100 MCQs (Multiple choice questions). The duration of the exam is 2 hours. There is no negative marking for wrong answers. No marks ard deducted for un-answered questions.  So try to answer all the questions to increase your success chances. You must not mark two options as answers to the same question. If marked, then that question is not evaluated. No marks will be given. The written examinations are held at different locations as per the convenience of the administration. The locations can be SSB centers or hired Govt. Schools or KVs. The minimum qualifying marks are different for each category. The details are listed below.
CategoryMinimum Qualifying Marks
General, EWS, OBC, and Ex-Servicemen50%
SC and ST45%
The SSB recruitment board evaluates the answer sheets. They prepare the final merit list based on the candidate’s mark obtained in the Written Examination (Common Entrance Test). The qualified candidates can proceed to the next Skill / Trade / Typing Test.

4.   Skill/Trade/Typing Test – SSB Head Constable Syllabus

SSB Head Constable Syllabus: After the written examination, the qualified candidates are called in for a skill/typing test. Depending on the job role, they have to appear for a Skill or Trade or Typing Test. They may have to attend one or more test based on the job role applied. For example, the Constable Driver posting requires experience as a driver. He / She should possess a valid driving license. They will be evaluated on their specific skill. The skill test for all the posts will be 50 marks. The minimum qualifying marks for all candidates including SC / ST / OBC / EWS / Ex-Servicemen will be 60%. Trade tests for all posts will be qualifying in nature. The final merit list preparation will not include the marks of the trade test. More details on the evaluation criteria for each role are listed below.
Job roleCriteria
Constable Driver
  • Possession of a Heavy vehicle driving license
  • 2 years of experience in driving.
Constable Veterinary
  • One year of experience in recognized Veterinary Hospital
  • Experience in treating different species of animals
Constable (For Tradesman posts like Carpenter, Plumber and Painter)Min. 2 years of experience in the respective trade posts
Constable (Ayah) Female OnlyHaving a certificate from Red Cross Society in First Aid Examination
Constable (For Tradesman posts like Barber, Cobbler, Cook, Tailor, Gardener, Washerman, Safaiwala, Water Carrier, Waiter)Min. 2 years of experience in the respective trade posts
The multi-skilled candidates are given top priority. The evaluation will be performed for other skills that they posses. The more number of skill developed, will increase the chance of getting selected. Hence, it is recommended to develop more skills to increase the selection opportunity.

5.   Documentation and Detailed Medical examination (DME)

The skill qualified candidates are invited for this selection process. This process has 2 stages of evaluation. The first step is the document verification. Once the document is verified and found correct, they can proceed to next step. The second step is the detailed medical examination. The original documents were already submitted by the candidates during application filling process. The Board of Officers and secretarial staff will verify these documents submitted. They verify the duly attested photo copies too. Any candidate who failed to submit the original documents is rejected. Hence the candidate have to be careful while submitting them. If the documents are not valid, then also it will be rejected.
  • Detailed Medical Examination (DME) – SSB Head Constable Syllabus

A candidate declared qualified in the documentation step is put through a detailed medical examination. The detailed medical check are done as per the Revised Medical Guidelines.  The guidelines are issued by ADG (Medical). Only if the candidate is medically fit, he will be given a chance of consideration in the final list.

6.   Review Medical Examination (RME) – SSB Head Constable Syllabus

This process is applicable, only if not qualified in DME exam. If a candidate is found to be unfit, the reason for rejection will be communicated to them. The Chairman of the DME board communicates the status to them. If the conclusions of the Medical Officer is not satisfactory, then they can opt for RME. They should give a consent in writing along with their signature within 24 hours after the intimation. After the written consent is accepted, the RME is conducted accordingly. RME process may be conducted by different examiner, but the same guidelines will be followed. After all the process are completed, the list of selected candidates is published. This published list is called merit list. The cut-off score is decided only after the written exam is conducted. The cut-off score is used to prepare the final merit list. Then the final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the written test and cut-off marks.

SSC Head Constable Syllabus Books

Referring to the correct books while preparing for the SSC Head Constable syllabus is so important. There are many books available in the market. A few key books and reference materials are listed to help in exam preparation. Some of the books are available online. The rest of the books need to be purchased. The books are listed for each exam subject.

General Knowledge – SSB Head Constable Syllabus

  • Lucent’s General Knowledge by Binary Karn
  • General Knowledge by Arihant Publications

General English (English Language) – SSB Head Constable Syllabus

  • Perfect Competitive English by V. K. Sinha
  • Objective General English by S. P. Bakshi, Arihant Publication
  • “High School English Grammar and Composition” written by author Wren and Martin

General Math (Elementary Mathematics)

  • Fast Track Objective Arithmetic,  by author Rajesh Verma
  • Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Agarwal
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