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The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has officially released the SSB Head Constable Recruitment 2026 notification for 233 vacancies. This is a great opportunity for candidates who have passed Class 12 and are looking to serve in one of India’s premier Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
The advertisement was published in Employment News (21–27 March 2026) with Advertisement No. 524/RC/SSB/Combined Advt./CT to SI (Non-GD)/2025. The online application window is open from March 21 to April 20, 2026. Here is everything you need to know before you apply.
🔗 Apply Online Now — applyssb.com
SSB Head Constable 2026 — Quick Overview
| Organization | Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Post Names | HC Steward, HC Communication, HC Electrician, HC Veterinary |
| Total Vacancies | 233 |
| Job Category | Group-C, Non-Gazetted, Combatised |
| Application Mode | Online only — applyssb.com |
| Application Start | March 21, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | April 20, 2026 |
| Application Fee | ₹100/- (SC/ST, Female, Ex-Servicemen: Nil) |
| Pay Scale | Level-4: ₹25,500 – ₹81,100/month (7th CPC) |
| Official Website | recruitment.ssb.gov.in |
SSB Head Constable Vacancy 2026 — Post-wise & Category-wise
A total of 233 vacancies are open across 4 trades. HC (Communication) has the maximum posts at 197. Note that 10% vacancies are reserved for Ex-Servicemen and a candidate can apply for only one post.
| Post Name | UR | EWS | OBC | SC | ST | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head Constable (Steward) | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Head Constable (Communication) | 87 | 18 | 55 | 20 | 17 | 197 |
| Head Constable (Electrician) | 13 | 2 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 29 |
| Head Constable (Veterinary) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 |
| Grand Total | 105 | 20 | 62 | 27 | 19 | 233 |
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
Minimum age: 18 years for all posts. Upper age limit: 27 years for Steward, Communication, and Veterinary posts; 25 years for Electrician. Age calculated as on April 20, 2026.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years after deduction of military service from actual age |
| Central Govt. Departmental Candidates | Up to 40 yrs (UR) / 43 yrs (OBC) / 45 yrs (SC/ST) |
| J&K Domicile Candidates (UR) | 5 years |
Educational Qualification (Post-wise)
| Post | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| HC (Steward) | 12th pass + 2-year Diploma in Catering/Kitchen Management + 1-year experience as Steward in a 100+ bed hospital |
| HC (Communication) | 12th pass with Physics, Chemistry & Maths OR 3-year Diploma in Electronics / Computer Science / IT |
| HC (Electrician) | Matriculation + 2-year trade experience OR ITI Certificate + 1-year experience OR 2-year ITI Diploma. Must pass Trade Test. |
| HC (Veterinary) | 12th pass with Science & Biology + 2-year Diploma in Veterinary / Livestock / Animal Husbandry from a recognized institute |
Selection Process — 4 Stages
The SSB Head Constable 2026 selection is multi-stage and merit-based. All stages are mandatory.
Males: 1.6 km run in 6 min 30 sec. Females: 800m in 4 minutes. Ex-Servicemen exempt from PET. PST checks height & chest as per post and category norms.
150 MCQs, 3 hours. Part-I (50 marks): GK, Maths, Reasoning, English/Hindi. Part-II (100 marks): Technical Subject. Qualifying marks: 50% for Gen/EWS/OBC/Ex-SM and 45% for SC/ST. Final merit based only on CBT marks.
50 marks, qualifying in nature. Minimum 60% required for all categories. Marks not counted in final merit.
Top 3× vacancy candidates called for DV and DME. Being declared medically fit gives no guarantee of final appointment — selection is strictly on CBT merit.
SSB Head Constable Salary 2026
Selected candidates are placed at Pay Matrix Level-4 as per 7th CPC. With allowances, the in-hand salary is estimated between ₹35,000 – ₹45,000 per month.
| Salary Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (Level-4) | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100/month |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As per Central Government rates |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | Based on city/posting location |
| Ration Money & Other Allowances | Applicable for combatised posts |
| Pension Scheme | NPS or UPS applicable for new entrants |
| Approx. In-hand Salary | ₹35,000 – ₹45,000/month |
How to Apply Online — Step by Step
- Visit applyssb.com — official application portal
- Select the post (only one post per candidate allowed)
- Fill personal, educational and contact details exactly as per Matriculation certificate
- Upload passport-size photo (JPG, 4–12 KB, white background, 100×120 px)
- Upload signature (JPG, 4–12 KB, 140×60 px, black/dark blue ink only)
- Pay ₹100 fee via Net Banking / Credit / Debit Card / UPI — SC/ST, Female and Ex-Servicemen are exempt
- Submit and save your Registration Number for future reference
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | March 21, 2026 |
| Application Start Date | March 21, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | April 20, 2026 |
| Admit Card | To be announced — recruitment.ssb.gov.in |
| PET / PST Date | To be announced |
| Written Exam (CBT) Date | To be announced |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Final Words — Should You Apply?
SSB Head Constable Recruitment 2026 offers job security, a respectable government salary, pension benefits, and the honour of serving in a Central Armed Police Force. With 233 vacancies across four trades, eligible candidates must not miss this opportunity.
Start your physical preparation right away — the PET eliminates many candidates early. For the written exam, focus heavily on the technical subject since Part-II carries 100 of the 150 total marks and determines your final merit. Apply before April 20, 2026, and regularly check recruitment.ssb.gov.in for admit card and exam schedule updates.
🌐 Apply Now at applyssb.com — Last Date April 20, 2026