The SSB has officially notified 233 Head Constable vacancies across four specialist trades, and the clock is already ticking. If you're a Class 12 pass with the right technical qualification and the drive to serve, this is your window.
The short notification was published on March 16, 2026, in the Employment Newspaper. The full official notification will be hosted shortly at ssb.gov.in, where candidates can also complete their online applications between March 21 and April 20, 2026.
At a Glance: Key Numbers
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) |
| Post Name | Head Constable (Multiple Trades) |
| Total Vacancies | 233 |
| Notification Date | March 16, 2026 |
| Application Start | March 21, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | April 20, 2026 |
| Age Limit | 18–27 years (18–25 for Electrician) |
| Official Website | ssb.gov.in |
Post-Wise & Category-Wise Vacancy Breakdown
The 233 openings are spread across four distinct Head Constable trades. Here's how the numbers break down by post and reservation category:Post Name Total UR EWS OBC SC ST Head Constable (Communication) 197 87 18 55 20 17 Head Constable (Electrician) 29 13 2 7 5 2 Head Constable (Veterinary) 5 3 0 0 2 0 Head Constable (Steward) 2 2 0 0 0 0 Grand Total 233 105 20 62 27 19
Quick insight: Head Constable (Communication) accounts for nearly 85% of all vacancies — making it the single biggest opportunity in this recruitment drive, particularly for candidates with a Science or Electronics background.
Eligibility Criteria
Before filling out that application form, make sure you tick every box. SSB evaluates candidates on two primary parameters: educational qualification and age.
Educational Qualification
| Post | Minimum Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| HC (Communication) | 12th with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics from a recognised board; OR a 3-year Diploma in Electronics / Communications / Computer Science / IT |
| HC (Electrician) | Matriculation + 2 years of trade experience; OR ITI/Vocational certificate in the trade with 1 year of experience; OR a 2-year ITI Diploma in the trade. A trade test is compulsory. |
| HC (Veterinary) | 12th with Science (Biology) + a 2-year Diploma in Veterinary & Livestock Development / Veterinary Stock Assistant / Animal Husbandry from a Govt-recognised institute |
| HC (Steward) | 12th from a recognised board + a minimum 2-year Diploma in Catering & Kitchen Management + at least 1 year of work experience as a Steward in a 100+ bed hospital or institution |
Age Limit
| Post | Age Range |
|---|---|
| Head Constable (Communication) | 18 – 27 years |
| Head Constable (Electrician) | 18 – 25 years |
| Head Constable (Veterinary) | 18 – 27 years |
| Head Constable (Steward) | 18 – 27 years |
Age Relaxation for Reserved Categories
The Government of India provides upper age relaxation as follows:Category Relaxation Effective Upper Age SC / ST 5 years 30 years OBC 3 years 28 years Ex-Servicemen 3 years (after deducting military service from actual age) Depends on service length Departmental Candidates (UR) Up to 40 years 40 years Departmental Candidates (OBC) Up to 43 years 43 years Departmental Candidates (SC/ST) Up to 45 years 45 years J&K / Ladakh Domicile (Jan 1980 – Dec 1989) — UR 5 years 30 years J&K / Ladakh Domicile — OBC 8 years 33 years J&K / Ladakh Domicile — SC/ST 10 years 35 years Dependants of 1984 Riot Victims — UR 5 years 30 years Dependants of 1984 Riot Victims — OBC 8 years 33 years Dependants of 1984 Riot Victims — SC/ST 10 years 35 years
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| UR / OBC / EWS (Male candidates) | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen / All Women candidates | NIL (Exempted) |
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
The application portal goes live on March 21, 2026. Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1 — Visit the Official Website Go to ssb.gov.in and navigate to the Recruitment section on the homepage. This will redirect you to the dedicated recruitment portal.
Step 2 — Part 1: Fill Personal & Academic Details Enter your post preference, full name, father's/husband's name, mother's name, date of birth, gender, nationality, religion, marital status, category, Aadhaar number, mobile number, email ID, educational qualifications, postal/permanent address, criminal case declaration, and set a password.
Step 3 — Part 2: Upload DocumentsDocument Format File Size Dimensions Important Note Photograph JPG 4–12 KB 100×120 pixels White background; face must cover 75%; bearded candidates must maintain their beard throughout the process Signature JPG — 140×60 pixels Must be clearly legible
Step 4 — Part 3: Pay the Application Fee Complete payment through Net Banking, Credit Card, or Debit Card of any bank.
Step 5 — Review, Submit & Save Carefully review all entries before submitting. Any incorrect information can lead to disqualification. Take a printout of the confirmation page and keep it safe.
Selection Process: Four Stages to the Uniform
Clearing this recruitment isn't just about clearing a written test — SSB evaluates you across four stages:
Stage 1 — Physical Tests (PET & PST) Both the Physical Efficiency Test and Physical Standard Test are conducted at designated SSB locations. These check your stamina, speed, and whether you meet the physical dimensions required for the post.
Stage 2 — Written Examination A test assessing subject knowledge relevant to your chosen trade.
Stage 3 — Skill / Trade Test A hands-on practical assessment of the technical competencies mentioned in your application. This stage is particularly critical for HC (Electrician) candidates.
Stage 4 — Medical Examination A final fitness check to confirm that successful candidates are medically fit for deployment in SSB's border-security environment.
Important Dates — Save These
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Short Notification Published | March 16, 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | March 21, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | April 20, 2026 |
| Full Official Notification | To be uploaded on ssb.gov.in |
Final Word
The SSB Head Constable Recruitment 2026 is one of the more accessible central paramilitary opportunities of the year. It asks for Class 12 or ITI-level education — not a degree — putting it within reach for a large pool of aspirants. With 233 vacancies, a structured four-stage selection process, and a nominal application fee, the odds favour those who prepare seriously and apply on time.
You have exactly 30 days — from March 21 to April 20 — to get your application in. Start gathering your documents now, verify your eligibility against the criteria above, and bookmark ssb.gov.in for the full official notification PDF the moment it goes live.
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