Status: Application Open | Last updated: 25 Sep 2025 | Official authority: Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Ministry of Home Affairs
The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has announced the Head Constable recruitment for 2026, targeting candidates interested in paramilitary service with a focus on trade‑based roles such as Driver, Veterinary, Gardener, and others. This page is useful for graduates, ITI holders, and experienced tradespeople who meet the age and educational criteria and are looking for a central government position with stable pay scales and allowances. This year’s recruitment is notable because the SSB has increased the vacancy count for trade posts by roughly 15 % compared to the 2024 cycle, reflecting a heightened need for skilled personnel along the borders. Observation: In past cycles, candidates often missed the deadline for uploading trade‑specific experience certificates, leading to outright rejection despite meeting other criteria.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 12 Mar 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 21 Mar 2026 |
| Online Application Ends | 20 Apr 2026 |
| Fee Payment Deadline | 20 Apr 2026 |
| Admit Card Availability | Tentatively May 2026 (as per schedule) |
| Written Examination | Tentatively June 2026 (as per schedule) |
| Result Declaration | Tentatively August 2026 (as per schedule) |
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Indian citizen.
- Age Limit: Minimum 18 years; maximum varies by post (generally 25–30 years). Age relaxation as per government rules for SC/ST/OBC/Ex‑servicemen.
- Educational Qualification: 10th pass or equivalent from a recognized board; additionally, a relevant ITI certificate or trade‑specific experience certificate is required for posts like Driver, Veterinary, Gardener, etc.
- Physical Standards: Minimum height 165 cm (male) / 155 cm (female); chest 80 cm (unexpanded) with 5 cm expansion; weight proportionate to height.
- Medical Fitness: Candidates must meet the medical standards laid out in the SSB recruitment notice.
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Total Posts | Key Eligibility Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Constable (Driver) – Male Only | 553 | Valid Light Motor Vehicle license; minimum 2 years driving experience. |
| Constable (Veterinary) | 34 | ITI in Veterinary Livestock Development or equivalent. |
| Constable (Gardener) | 41 | ITI in Horticulture or equivalent experience. |
| Constable (Water Carrier) | 5 | Basic literacy; no specific trade certificate required. |
| Constable (Cobbler) | 25 | ITI in Leather Goods or equivalent. |
| Constable (Tailor) | 41 | ITI in Tailoring or equivalent. |
| Constable (Washerman) | 74 | ITI in Laundry Services or equivalent. |
| Constable (Barber) | 43 | ITI in Barbering or equivalent. |
| Constable (Waiter) | 3 | ITI in Food & Beverage Service or equivalent. |
| Constable (Carpenter) | 7 | ITI in Carpentry or equivalent. |
| Constable (Nursing Orderly) | 1 | ITI in Nursing or equivalent. |
Selection Process
- Written Examination: Objective‑type paper covering General Awareness, Arithmetic, General Intelligence, and Trade‑related knowledge.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Race, long jump, high jump, and other physical tasks as per SSB norms.
- Physical Standard Test (PST): Verification of height, chest, and weight.
- Trade Test / Skill Test: Practical demonstration of the trade skill (e.g., driving test for Driver post, grafting for Gardener).
- Document Verification: Validation of educational certificates, experience proofs, caste certificates, etc.
- Medical Examination: Final fitness check.
- Final Merit List: Prepared based on written exam marks, subject to clearing PET/PST, trade test, and medical.
Exam Pattern & Admit Card
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Online (Computer Based Test) |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct answer, –0.25 for wrong answer |
| Language | English & Hindi (candidate can choose) |
| Admit Card Release | Available on the official SSB recruitment portal; download using registration number and date of birth. |
Who Should Apply and Who Should Not
Ideal candidates: Individuals who possess a valid ITI certificate or at least two years of hands‑on experience in the specific trade (e.g., driving, veterinary assistance, gardening) and are physically prepared for the PET/PST. Those looking for a central government job with defined promotion avenues and allowances will find this recruitment aligned with their career goals.
Less suitable: Applicants who only meet the educational qualification but lack any trade‑specific experience or certification, as the trade test is a qualifying stage and failure leads to elimination regardless of written exam performance.
Less suitable: Applicants who only meet the educational qualification but lack any trade‑specific experience or certification, as the trade test is a qualifying stage and failure leads to elimination regardless of written exam performance.
Common Mistakes Candidates Make
Overlooking the trade certificate: Many candidates assume the 10th pass is sufficient and neglect to upload the ITI or experience certificate, leading to instant rejection at the document verification stage.
Misreading age relaxation: Assuming a uniform upper age limit; the relaxation differs by post and category, so candidates must read the detailed notice.
Last‑minute fee payment: Waiting until the final hour to pay the application fee sometimes results in transaction failures; it is advisable to pay early.
Ignoring PET practice: Candidates focus solely on the written test and underestimate the physical standards, causing failure in the PET despite clearing the written exam.
Misreading age relaxation: Assuming a uniform upper age limit; the relaxation differs by post and category, so candidates must read the detailed notice.
Last‑minute fee payment: Waiting until the final hour to pay the application fee sometimes results in transaction failures; it is advisable to pay early.
Ignoring PET practice: Candidates focus solely on the written test and underestimate the physical standards, causing failure in the PET despite clearing the written exam.
How to Apply – Stepwise Process
- Visit the official SSB recruitment portal (recruitment.ssb.gov.in) and locate the “Head Constable 2026” link.
- Read the full notification carefully; note the exact trade‑wise eligibility, age limits, and fee details.
- Register using a valid mobile number and email ID; note down the generated application number.
- Fill in personal, educational, and trade‑specific details; upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, 10th mark sheet, ITI/trade certificate, and caste certificate (if applicable).
- Important: Double‑check that the trade certificate is legible and clearly shows the trade name and issuing authority—blurred uploads are a frequent cause of rejection.
- Pay the application fee online (₹100 for General/OBC/EWS, exempt for SC/ST) and keep the receipt.
- Preview the complete form, ensure all fields are correct, then submit.
- Download and print the submitted application form for future reference.
Official & Authoritative Links
- SSB Recruitment Portal – Home Page
- Download Official Notification (PDF)
- Online Application Form
- Candidate Login – View/Edit Application
What to do after this stage: If the application window closes, keep your registration number and fee receipt safe. Future updates regarding admit card release, exam date, and result will be published exclusively on the official SSB recruitment portal (recruitment.ssb.gov.in). This page will be revised or archived once the recruitment process concludes to ensure information remains current.
The SSB Head Constable 2026 recruitment offers a sizable number of trade‑based openings with a clear selection pathway. Candidates who meet the specific ITI/trade experience, satisfy the age and physical standards, and complete the application accurately stand a strong chance of success. Next step: Review the official notification, gather your documents, and submit the application before 20 Apr 2026. Stay tuned to the SSB website for admit card and exam announcements.