SSB Constable Recruitment 2026 – Are you a dedicated defense aspirant looking for a golden opportunity to serve the nation? If you have passed your matriculation and wish to build a robust career within the paramilitary forces of India, we have an exceptional update for you. The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has officially released a detailed employment notification (Advertisement No. 524/RC/SSB/Combined Advt/CT to SI (Non-GD)/2025) for the recruitment of Constables across various specialized trades.
This massive recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 827 vacancies for the posts of Constable (Driver, Veterinary, Gardener, Water Carrier, Cobbler, Tailor, Washerman, Barber, Waiter, Carpenter, and Nursing Orderly). These are Group-‘C’ Non-Gazetted (Combatised) and Non-Ministerial posts. While the positions are inherently temporary, they are highly likely to continue and become permanent, offering immense job security, a handsome salary, and the profound respect associated with the central armed police forces.
The online application process for the SSB Constable Tradesman Vacancy 2026 will commence on 21st March 2026. Eligible and enthusiastic candidates must submit their applications through the official SSB recruitment portal before the strict deadline of 20th April 2026.
SSB Constable Tradesman Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
Before diving into the complex physical and educational eligibility criteria, it is highly recommended to understand the fundamental highlights of this recruitment drive. Here is a quick snapshot for your immediate reference:
| Key Features | Important Details |
| Recruitment Authority | Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Advertisement Number | 524/RC/SSB/Combined Advt/CT to SI (Non-GD)/2025 |
| Name of the Post | Constable (Tradesman, Driver, Veterinary, etc.) |
| Total Number of Vacancies | 827 Posts |
| Job Category | Defense Jobs / Central Government Jobs |
| Job Location | Anywhere in India or outside the territory of India |
| Application Mode | Strictly Online |
| Official Website Portal | https://recruitment.ssb.gov.in / ssb.gov.in |
Important Dates and Application Timeline
Candidates must rigorously track the application timeline provided by the Sashastra Seema Bal. Applications or fee payments submitted after the closing deadlines will be summarily rejected by the examination authority.
| Important Events | Official Dates & Deadlines |
| Official Notification Release Date | 16th March 2026 |
| Opening Date of Online Application | 21st March 2026 |
| Closing Date to Submit Online Application | 20th April 2026 |
| Last Date for Application Fee Payment | 20th April 2026 |
| Date of Physical/Written Examination | To be notified later on the official website |
(Important Note: Defense recruitment portals often experience severe server congestion during the final days of the application window. Candidates are strongly advised to fill out their application forms well in advance).
Vacancy Details (Trade-Wise Breakdown)
The SSB has announced a combined total of 827 vacancies spread across 11 different trades. The highest number of vacancies is reserved for the Driver profile. Check the detailed trade-wise distribution below:
| Sr. No. | Name of the Post (Trade) | Total Vacancies |
| 1. | Constable (Driver) (Only for Male Candidates) | 553 Posts |
| 2. | Constable (Washerman) | 74 Posts |
| 3. | Constable (Barber) | 43 Posts |
| 4. | Constable (Tailor) | 41 Posts |
| 5. | Constable (Gardener) | 41 Posts |
| 6. | Constable (Veterinary) | 34 Posts |
| 7. | Constable (Cobbler) | 25 Posts |
| 8. | Constable (Carpenter) | 07 Posts |
| 9. | Constable (Water Carrier) | 05 Posts |
| 10. | Constable (Waiter) | 03 Posts |
| 11. | Constable (Nursing Orderly) | 01 Post |
| – | Grand Total | 827 Posts |
(Disclaimer: The detailed category-wise reservation breakdown for UR, EWS, OBC, SC, and ST candidates is available in the detailed advertisement PDF on the official website).
Eligibility Criteria (Educational Qualifications & Experience)
Since this recruitment is for specialized tradesmen and drivers, the educational and technical eligibility criteria are very specific.
| Name of the Post | Essential Educational Qualification & Experience |
| Constable (Driver) | The candidate must have passed Matriculation (10th Class) from a recognized board. Furthermore, the candidate must possess a valid Heavy Vehicle Driving License (HMV). |
| Constable (Veterinary) | The candidate must have passed 10th Class with Science as the main subject. In addition, they must possess 1 year of experience in the treatment of different species of animals in a recognized Veterinary Hospital. |
| Constable (Tradesman – Washerman, Barber, Tailor, Gardener, etc.) | 1. Must be a Matriculation (10th) pass. 2. Must have Two years of work experience in the respective trade; OR One-year certificate course from a recognized ITI/Vocational Institute with at least one year of experience in the trade; OR Two-year Diploma from a recognized ITI in the respective trade. 3. Must qualify the requisite Trade Test. |
Age Limit Criteria & Relaxations
The age criteria for this defense recruitment are strictly monitored. Candidates must ensure they fall within the prescribed age brackets.
| Name of the Post | Age Limit Details |
| Constable (Driver) | Minimum 21 Years to Maximum 27 Years. |
| Constable (Veterinary, Carpenter, Nursing Orderly) | Minimum 18 Years to Maximum 25 Years. |
| Constable (Washerman, Barber, Tailor, Gardener, Water Carrier, Cobbler, Waiter) | Minimum 18 Years to Maximum 23 Years. |
Age Relaxations: Upper age limit relaxations will be provided as per Government of India rules:
- SC / ST Candidates: Relaxation of 5 Years.
- OBC Candidates: Relaxation of 3 Years.
- Ex-Servicemen: Relaxation as per standard defense recruitment guidelines.
Salary Structure and Pay Scale (7th CPC)
Candidates appointed to these combatised tradesman posts in the Sashastra Seema Bal will be placed under an excellent pay scale as per the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC).
| Name of the Post | Pay Scale / Pay Matrix Level |
| All Constable (Tradesman/Driver) Posts | Level 3 (₹ 21,700 – ₹ 69,100/-) |
(In addition to the robust basic pay of ₹ 21,700/-, selected candidates will be eligible for various allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, Ration Money Allowance, uniform allowance, and free medical facilities).
Application Fee Details
Candidates are required to pay a nominal, non-refundable examination fee while submitting their online application form via Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI.
| Candidate Category | Application Fee Amount |
| General (UR) / EWS / OBC Candidates | ₹ 100/- (Rupees One Hundred Only) |
| SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen Candidates | Nil (Fully Exempted) |
| All Female Candidates | Nil (Fully Exempted) |
Selection Procedure for SSB Constable Tradesman 2026
The selection process for the Sashastra Seema Bal is highly rigorous, testing both the physical endurance and mental aptitude of the candidates. The process generally involves the following sequential stages:
- Physical Standard Test (PST) & Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Candidates will first undergo a physical efficiency test which typically includes a 4.8 km run for males (to be completed in 24 minutes) and a 2.4 km run for females (in 18 minutes). This is followed by height and chest measurements (PST).
- Written Examination (CBT/OMR Based): Candidates who qualify the physical tests will be called for a 100-mark objective-type written examination covering General Knowledge, Mathematics, Reasoning, and General English/Hindi.
- Trade Test / Skill Test: Candidates qualifying the written exam will undergo a practical Trade Test (50 Marks) specific to the profile they applied for (e.g., driving test for Drivers, cooking for Water Carriers). This test is usually qualifying in nature.
- Document Verification & Detailed Medical Examination (DME): The final stage involves verifying all original educational, caste, and experience certificates, followed by a strict medical fitness evaluation by the medical board.
How to Apply Online for SSB Constable Tradesman Recruitment 2026?
The application process is exclusively online. No physical hard copies or documents need to be mailed to the SSB headquarters. Follow these exact steps to submit your application successfully:
Step 1: Open your web browser and visit the official recruitment website of the Sashastra Seema Bal at https://recruitment.ssb.gov.in.
Step 2: On the homepage, locate the active link titled “Apply Online for the post of Constable (Non-GD) 2026”.
Step 3: Click on “New Registration”. Enter your basic personal details, including your Name, Date of Birth, valid Email ID, and active Mobile Number to generate your unique Registration ID and Password.
Step 4: Log in using your newly generated credentials. Carefully fill out the detailed application form with your educational qualifications, specialized trade experience, and permanent address.
Step 5: Upload a clear, recently taken passport-size color photograph and a scanned image of your full signature in the prescribed dimensions and JPEG format.
Step 6: Proceed to the payment gateway to pay the requisite application fee of ₹ 100/- (if applicable to your category).
Step 7: Review the entire form carefully using the preview option. Once you are absolutely certain that all information is correct, click on the “Final Submit” button.
Step 8: Download and print a copy of the final submitted application form and the fee payment receipt. Keep this printout safe for future reference during the physical tests and document verification stage.
Important Link
| Important | Links |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
| View Results | Click Here |
| Join Telegram Channel | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the starting date to apply for the SSB Constable Tradesman Recruitment 2026?
Ans: The online application portal for this recruitment drive will officially open on 21st March 2026.
Q2: What is the last date to submit the online form and pay the application fee?
Ans: Eligible candidates must submit their complete online applications and pay the examination fee on or before the strict deadline of 20th April 2026.
Q3: How many total vacancies have been announced by the SSB?
Ans: A total of 827 vacancies have been announced for various trades, with the highest number of posts (553) allocated for Constable (Driver).
Q4: What is the educational qualification required for the Constable (Driver) post?
Ans: To apply for the Constable (Driver) post, a candidate must have passed the 10th standard (Matriculation) and must possess a valid Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) Driving License.
Q5: Can female candidates apply for these SSB Constable vacancies?
Ans: Yes, female candidates are eligible to apply for specific trades as mentioned in the detailed notification (like Tailor, Gardener, Washerman). However, the Constable (Driver) post is strictly reserved for Male candidates only. Furthermore, female candidates are completely exempted from paying the application fee.
Q6: What is the age limit for the Constable (Veterinary) post?
Ans: The age limit for the Constable (Veterinary) post is between 18 Years and 25 Years. Age relaxations are applicable for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC).
Q7: Will there be a written exam for this recruitment?
Ans: Yes. After clearing the initial Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET), candidates will have to appear for a 100-mark objective-type written examination.
Q8: Are these positions permanent or temporary?
Ans: The official notification states that the posts are initially temporary but are highly likely to continue and become permanent government jobs under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Q9: Do I need prior experience to apply for the Tradesman posts?
Ans: Yes, for most tradesman posts (like Washerman, Barber, Tailor), candidates need either two years of relevant work experience, or a one-year ITI certificate with one year of experience, or a two-year Diploma from a recognized ITI in the respective trade.
Q10: Where can I find the detailed category-wise vacancy distribution?
Ans: The complete category-wise breakdown of vacancies (UR, EWS, OBC, SC, ST) can be found in the detailed advertisement PDF available on the official SSB recruitment website (recruitment.ssb.gov.in).
SSB Constable Recruitment 2026
