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SSB Exam: Exam Pattern, Preparation Tips, Eligibility

Ranjan Kumar

Updated on 25th June, 2024 , 3 min read

SSB Exam Overview

The SSB full form is Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). It is responsible to guard the borders of India and maintain law and order in their area of jurisdiction. It is one of the largest paramilitary forces in India and hence every year it conducts a highly competitive recruitment examination for various posts in the force.

SSB Recruitment Examination has multiple stages. It starts with online registration, then physical endurance test, written examination and finally medical examination. It is designed to test a candidate’s general knowledge, reasoning ability and basic math skills. Physical endurance test includes events like racing, long jump and shot put.

SSB Exam

Candidates who clear the SSB are selected on overall performance. All the candidates who clear the recruitment test will be sent for medical. Medical examination will assess physical fitness of the candidate and check for any communicable diseases/illness/impairment.

Motivation and determination are the key to success in SSB. Written can be cracked with regular practice and hard work, physical fitness and swiftness is a must for physical endurance test. Candidates are also tested for teamwork and leadership qualities at various stages and only those with best physical, mental and emotional qualities make the cut.

SSB Exam Eligibility Criteria

The Eligibility for SSB are given below.

Age limit: Age must be between 20-25 years.

Education: Must hold a Bachelor’s degree from any recognized govt. Institution (university).

Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen or a subject of Nepal/ Bhutan.

SSB Exam Selection Process

The SSB exam consists of the following 6 stages:

  1. Physical Efficiency Test Stage (PET)
  2. Physical Standard Test Stage (PST)
  3. Written Exam – Common Entrance test (CET)
  4. Skill / Typing test
  5. Documentation and Detailed Medical Examination (DME)
  6. Review Medical Examination (RME)

SSB Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

SSB Physical Events

For Females

For Males

100 meters race

In 18 seconds

In 16 seconds

800 meters race

In 4 minutes 45 seconds

In 3 minutes 45 seconds

Long Jump

4.5 meters

Shot Put

3 meter (3 chances)

3 meter (3 chances)

SSB Physical Standard Test (PST)

SSB Physical Standards

For Women

For Men

Height

157 cm

165 cm

Weight

46 kg (as per height)

50 kg (as per height)

Chest

81 cm

SSB Written Examination

SSB Subjects

Total No. of Questions

Total Marks

General Knowledge

25

25

Numerical Ability

25

25

Logical Reasoning

25

25

Language (Hindi and English)

25

25

Final Total

100

100

SSB Skill / Typing Test

Candidates must also have the basic knowledge of computers along with the physical and medical requirements. A minimum typing speed of 30 words per minute for the English language and 35 words per minute for the Hindi language is essential. A test for the same is carried out.

SSB Exam Registration

To apply for SSB examination follow the below steps:

Step 1: Visit SSB official website i.e. ssbrectt.gov.in.

Step 2: Click on the link “Online Application for Head Constable (Ministerial)”. You will be redirected to a new page.

Step 3: Click on ‘Apply’ and fill in all the details.

Step 4: You will be asked to upload the documents. A new page will open with your registration ID and applied post.

Step 5: Pay the fees and submit.

Step 6: Registration done. Save / Print.

SSB Exam Cut-Off

Category

Minimum Marks needed to

qualify

General, OBC, Ex-Servicemen, EWS

50 % of the total marks

SC / ST

45 % of the total marks

SSB Exam Syllabus

Subjects

Syllabus

General Knowledge

  • Current affairs and events happening locally, statewide, and internationally.
  • Sports news
  • Science and Technology
  • Personalities in News
  • History – India
  • Indian Polity
  • The Indian Economy
  • Indian Constitution
  • Indian Geography, etc.

Numerical Ability

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

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.

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 Previous Years’ Papers

In order to boost up your preparation for the SSB, the SSB previous years’ papers are a great way. They will not only give you a clear idea about the exam format but also will help you in getting a grasp of all the weak areas that you need to focus on. So, download the SSB Previous Years’ Papers today and fasten up your preparation.

SSB Exam Vacancy

Years

No. of Vacancies

2023

397

2022

399

2021

116

2020

209

2019

323

2018

398

SSB Exam Salary

Recruiting Body

Government of India

Name of the Post

Assistant Commandant

Pay Scale

Rs. 56,100 - Rs. 1,77,500 per month

Allowances

  • Dearness Allowance
  • Money for Ration
  • House Rent Allowance
  • Unique Duty Allowance
  • Medical Allowance
  • Transport Allowance
  • Difficulty Allowance

SSB Exam Result

Candidates can follow the below-mentioned steps to check their results.

Step 1: Go to the official website of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

Step 2: On the page, find the link to the ‘results’ section.

Step 3: Enter your login credentials on the ‘Results’ page.

Step 4: Your result will be displayed.

Step 5: Download / Print the results for future reference.

SSB Exam Preparation Tips

To prepare for SSB exam you need to have a overall approach.

  • First get familiar with SSB syllabus and question pattern. This will help you plan your study schedule and allocate time to each subject. Moreover it will clear your doubts about the exam.
  • Regularly reading newspapers and magazines will help you to stay updated with current affairs. Moreover it will help you in tackling logical reasoning questions which is an important part of the exam. Reading novels, biographies and other books will help you in improving your vocabulary and understanding abstract ideas.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How to prepare for SSB?

SSB examination requires mental as well as physical fitness. Candidates should be well-versed in the syllabus and examination format of the SSB. They should also be well prepared for the physical requirements of the examination.

How to clear SSB in the first attempt?

Cracking any exam in the first attempt requires utmost dedication and hard work. The same formula is applied to the SSB examination as well. Candidates need to follow a dedicated study schedule along with a proper exercise routine to maintain the physical fitness which is required for the examination. Being constant is the key to cracking any exam in the first attempt.

Where is Sashastra Seema Bal posted?

The Sashastra Seema Bal are now posted on various international borders, including those across Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

What is the role of SSB?

SSB is responsible for guarding India's borders and maintaining law and order in its area of jurisdiction. It is one of India's largest paramilitary forces.

What is the syllabus for the General Knowledge section?

Current affairs, sports news, science and technology, notable personalities, history, Indian polity, economy, constitution, and geography.

What are some effective preparation tips for the SSB exam?

Familiarize yourself with the syllabus and exam pattern, stay updated with current affairs, practice regularly, and read extensively to improve vocabulary and comprehension skills.

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