SSC GD exam date 2026 new update: Check CAPFs, SSF, Assam Rifles constable exam full schedule here

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has unveiled the full schedule for the 2026 GD Constable recruitment exam, setting April 27 as the starting date and spreading the process till the end of May. In a notable shift, candidates will now be allowed to choose their preferred exam week, a move aimed at easing pressure in one of the country’s largest recruitment drives.

SSC GD exam date 2026 schedule at ssc.gov.in

As per the official update issued on April 11, the exam will be conducted across multiple centres nationwide in phases. The process begins on April 27, 2026, and continues in batches until May 30, 2026.

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This staggered format is designed to handle the massive number of applicants appearing for posts in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Secretariat Security Force (SSF), and as Rifleman (GD) in Assam Rifles.

SSC GD Exam 2026 New Update: Candidates get to choose their exam window

In a first-of-its-kind approach for this exam, SSC has introduced a preference-based system. Candidates can now log in to the official portal and select when they would like to appear for the test.

They must submit their choices by ranking all available time slots in order of preference. This step is mandatory for candidates who have already registered.

SSC GD Exam 2026 Start and End Date: Key dates candidates should not miss

The window to submit exam preferences opens and closes within a tight timeframe:

SSC GD Exam Preference submission begins: April 11, 2026, at 15:00 hours
Last date to submit preferences: April 15, 2026, at 17:00 hours

Event	Date and Time
Release of official notification	April 11, 2026
Start of preference submission window	April 11, 2026, 15:00 hours
End of preference submission window	April 15, 2026, 17:00 hours
Exam window 1	April 27, 2026 to May 2, 2026
Exam window 2	May 4, 2026 to May 9, 2026
Exam window 3	May 18, 2026 to May 23, 2026
Exam window 4	May 25, 2026 to May 30, 2026

Candidates are expected to complete this step within the given window, as no extension has been indicated.

Four phases, one exam
The Commission has divided the examination into four distinct windows:

Window 1: April 27 to May 2, 2026
Window 2: May 4 to May 9, 2026
Window 3: May 18 to May 23, 2026
Window 4: May 25 to May 30, 2026

The gaps between some phases are intentional, allowing time for logistics and smooth conduct of exams across centres.

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This new system signals a shift in how large-scale government exams are being managed. Instead of assigning fixed dates, SSC is giving candidates a limited say in scheduling, which could reduce last-minute stress and travel challenges.

SSC GD Exam 2026: What candidates should do next

Applicants should log in to the official SSC portal and submit their preferences well before the deadline. The Commission has also advised candidates to keep checking the website for further updates and instructions.

With the clock ticking and slots filling up soon, the exam season has begun, with a bit more choice than before.