SSB Constable Recruitment 2026 – 827 Vacancies for Veterinary, Driver, Gardener & Other Non-GD Posts (Apply Online)
Quick Highlights at a Glance
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- About Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
- Important Dates
- Vacancy Details & Category-wise Breakdown
- Eligibility & Qualification Criteria
- Age Limit & Relaxation
- Salary, Pay Scale & Allowances
- Application Fee & Payment
- Selection Process — Complete 4-Stage Guide
- Exam Pattern — CBT & Skill Test
- Physical Standards (PET & PST)
- How to Apply — Step-by-Step Guide
- General Instructions & Conditions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Important Links
1. Introduction
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), one of India''s premier Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has released an official advertisement inviting online applications for 827 vacancies across 11 Non-Gazetted, Non-Ministerial Constable posts. The notification, bearing Advertisement No. 524/RC/SSB/Combined Advt./CT to SI (Non-GD)/2025, covers Group-C (Combatised) positions including Veterinary, Driver, Gardener, Water Carrier, Cobbler, Tailor, Washerman, Barber, Waiter, Carpenter, and Nursing Orderly.
This is a significant recruitment drive — Constable (Driver) alone accounts for 553 of the 827 vacancies, making it the single largest post category. The posts are temporary in nature but are likely to continue, with selected candidates liable to serve anywhere in India or outside the territory of India as per SSB Act & Rules. All posts carry pay at Level-3 (₹21,700 – ₹69,100) under the 7th Central Pay Commission.
The online application window is open from 21 March 2026 to 20 April 2026. Selection will be through a four-stage process: Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Physical Standard Test (PST) → Written Examination (CBT) → Documentation & Skill/Trade Test → Detailed Medical Examination (DME). Final merit will be prepared on the basis of written examination marks only.
Editorial Note: This article has been prepared by the Vacancy Vedika editorial team based on the official notification published by the Directorate General, SSB (MHA), East Block-V, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110066, dated 21 March 2026. All data is sourced exclusively from the official advertisement. Candidates should read the complete official notification before applying.
2. About Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
Organization Profile
- Full Name: Sashastra Seema Bal (formerly Special Service Bureau)
- Abbreviation: SSB
- Parent Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India
- Type: Central Armed Police Force (CAPF)
- Headquarters: East Block-V, R.K. Puram, New Delhi – 110066
- Border Responsibility: Indo-Nepal Border & Indo-Bhutan Border
- Official Website: ssb.gov.in
- Recruitment Portal: recruitment.ssb.gov.in
Sashastra Seema Bal is one of the seven Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Established in 1963 as the Special Service Bureau, it was renamed in 2001 and tasked with guarding India''s borders with Nepal and Bhutan. SSB personnel serve in some of the most challenging terrains — from the Himalayan foothills to the Terai grasslands — and play a critical role in border security, counter-insurgency, and civic action programmes in border areas.
3. Important Dates
| Event | Date / Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 21 March 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 21 March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 20 April 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online Only via applyssb.com |
| Admit Card | Will be notified on recruitment.ssb.gov.in |
| PET/PST Date | Will be notified on SSB website |
| Written Exam (CBT) | Will be notified on SSB website |
| Age/Eligibility Cut-off Date | 30 days from Employment News publication |
Deadline Alert: The last date to submit the online application is 20 April 2026. Applications received through any mode except online will be rejected straightaway. Apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
4. Vacancy Details & Category-wise Breakdown
A total of 827 vacancies are advertised across 11 Constable posts. The category-wise distribution includes 383 UR, 64 EWS, 191 OBC, 128 SC, and 61 ST vacancies. Additionally, 10% of vacancies are reserved for Ex-Servicemen across all posts.
| Sl. | Post Name | UR | EWS | OBC | SC | ST | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Constable (Veterinary) | 21 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 34 |
| 2 | Constable (Driver) — Male Only | 244 | 45 | 145 | 81 | 38 | 553 |
| 3 | Constable (Gardener) | 18 | 3 | 7 | 9 | 4 | 41 |
| 4 | Constable (Water Carrier) | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| 5 | Constable (Cobbler) | 15 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 25 |
| 6 | Constable (Tailor) | 19 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 4 | 41 |
| 7 | Constable (Washerman) | 32 | 7 | 19 | 11 | 5 | 74 |
| 8 | Constable (Barber) | 21 | 4 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 43 |
| 9 | Constable (Waiter) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 10 | Constable (Carpenter) | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 |
| 11 | Constable (Nursing Orderly) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Grand Total | 383 | 64 | 191 | 128 | 61 | 827 |
Key Notes: UR = Un-Reserved, EWS = Economically Weaker Section, OBC = Other Backward Class, SC = Scheduled Caste, ST = Scheduled Tribe. Constable (Driver) is open to male candidates only. All other posts are open to both male and female candidates. SC/ST/OBC/EWS candidates may apply for unreserved posts where no vacancies exist for their category. A candidate can apply for only one post.
5. Eligibility & Qualification Criteria
The SSB Constable Non-GD recruitment has five distinct eligibility groups — each post or group of posts requires different qualifications and experience. All candidates must have passed Matriculation (10th class) as the minimum educational qualification, but additional requirements vary significantly.
Constable (Veterinary) — Age: 18–27 years
- 10th class pass with Science as main subject from a recognised Board
- One year experience in treatment of different species of animals in a recognised Veterinary Hospital
- Nationality: Indian citizen only (Nepal/Bhutan subjects also eligible)
Constable (Driver) — Age: 18–27 years — Male Only
- 10th class pass from a recognised Board
- Must possess a valid Heavy Vehicle Driving License
- Male candidates only — female candidates are NOT eligible for this post
Trade Posts (Gardener, Water Carrier, Cobbler, Tailor, Washerman, Barber, Waiter) — Age: 18–23 years
- Matriculation or equivalent from a recognised Board, PLUS any one of:
- (a) Two years work experience in the respective trade; OR
- (b) One year certificate course from a recognised Industrial Training Institute (ITI) or Vocational Institute; OR
- (c) Two years Diploma from a recognised Industrial Training Institute in the respective trade
- Must qualify Trade Test. Multi-skilled candidates given preference.
Constable (Carpenter) — Age: 18–25 years
- Same as Trade Posts above (Matriculation + trade experience/ITI)
- Note: Upper age limit is 25 years (higher than 23 for other trade posts)
- Must qualify Trade Test
Constable (Nursing Orderly) — Age: 18–27 years
- 10th class pass from a recognised Board
- First Aid certificate from St. John''s Ambulance Organisation or Red Cross Society of India
- One year working experience as Nursing Orderly in a minimum 50-bedded hospital recognised by Central/State Government
Nationality Rule: For Washerman, Barber, Water Carrier, Tailor, Cobbler, Gardener, and Waiter — only citizens of India are eligible. For Driver, Veterinary, Carpenter, and Nursing Orderly — no person who is not a citizen of India shall be appointed, except with prior permission of the Central Government. Subjects of Nepal and Bhutan are not barred from appointment.
6. Age Limit & Relaxation
The age limits vary by post — 18–27 years for Veterinary, Driver, and Nursing Orderly; 18–23 years for trade posts; and 18–25 years for Carpenter. The crucial date for determining age and eligibility is the closing date for receipt of applications (30 days from Employment News publication). SSB provides age relaxation to 10 different categories of candidates:
| Sl. | Category | Relaxation (beyond upper age limit) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SC / ST | +5 years |
| 2 | OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | +3 years |
| 3 | Ex-Servicemen | +3 years after deduction of military service from actual age |
| 4 | Departmental Candidates (Central Govt. employees with 3+ yrs service) | Up to 40 yrs (UR), 43 yrs (OBC), 45 yrs (SC/ST) |
| 5 | J&K / Ladakh domicile (1 Jan 1980 – 31 Dec 1989) — UR | +5 years |
| 6 | J&K / Ladakh domicile — OBC | (3+5) = 8 years |
| 7 | J&K / Ladakh domicile — SC/ST | (5+5) = 10 years |
| 8 | Children/dependents of 1984 riot victims — UR | +5 years |
| 9 | Children/dependents of 1984 riot victims — OBC | (3+5) = 8 years |
| 10 | Children/dependents of 1984 riot victims — SC/ST | (5+5) = 10 years |
Note on 1984 Riot Victims: "Children" means son (including adopted son) or daughter (including adopted daughter). "Dependent family members" means spouse, children, brother, or sister of an unmarried Government servant who were wholly dependent on the Government servant at the time of their killing in the riot. Certificate must be produced from the concerned District Collector.
7. Salary, Pay Scale & Allowances
All 11 Constable posts carry the same pay scale under the 7th Central Pay Commission. SSB Constables are entitled to a comprehensive package of allowances and benefits that significantly increase the gross salary beyond the basic pay.
Pay Structure — All Posts
Pension Note: Candidates joining Central Government services on or after 1 January 2004 are covered under the Defined Contributory Pension Scheme (NPS), while those joining on or after 1 April 2025 may be covered under the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), as per prevailing government rules and organizational policies at the time of appointment.
8. Application Fee & Payment
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General (UR) / OBC / EWS | ₹100/- (Non-Refundable) |
| SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen / Female (all categories) | Nil (Exempted) |
- Payment mode: Net-banking / Credit Card / Debit Card / UPI
- Fee is Non-Refundable under all circumstances
- No refund will be made even if application is rejected or exam is cancelled
9. Selection Process — Complete 4-Stage Guide
The SSB Constable Non-GD selection process consists of four eliminatory stages. Candidates must qualify each stage to proceed to the next. The final merit list will be prepared solely on the basis of written examination marks. Here is the complete breakdown:
PET involves a timed race — 4.8 km in 24 minutes for males and 2.4 km in 18 minutes for females. Candidates who clear PET undergo PST where their height and chest measurements are checked against prescribed standards (which vary by post, gender, and region). Ex-Servicemen are exempted from PET but must appear in all other stages. Biometric attendance is taken at all stages.
CBT will be 100 MCQs of 100 marks for 2 hours, covering General Knowledge, Mathematics, Reasoning, and General English/Hindi. Minimum qualifying marks: 50% for UR/EWS/OBC/ExS and 45% for SC/ST. No negative marking. Final merit is prepared based on written exam marks only.
A call list of candidates up to 20 times the vacancies (category-wise) will be prepared for document verification and skill test. The skill/trade test carries 50 marks with 60% minimum qualifying. The trade test is qualifying in nature only — its marks are NOT included in the final merit. Documentation will be verified by a Board of Officers/Officials as detailed by SSB.
Candidates numbering up to 3 times the vacancies (category-wise) will be shortlisted for DME, conducted as per Revised Medical Guidelines dated 20 May 2015 by ADG Medical, CAPF. Candidates declared unfit in DME can opt for RME by filling Form 1, 2 & 3. The RME decision is final — no second appeal.
Tie-Breaking Rules: Where candidates obtain equal marks in the written examination, the candidate senior in age will be ranked higher. If date of birth is also the same, priority will be given based on alphabetical order of names (dictionary pattern — A first, B second, C third). There will be no reserve merit list/panel. Unfilled vacancies will be carried forward to the next recruitment.
10. Exam Pattern — CBT & Skill Test
The SSB Constable written examination is a Computer Based Test (CBT) conducted in bilingual mode (English & Hindi). The test is identical for all 11 posts. Here is the detailed structure:
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 25 | 25 | 2 Hours (120 minutes) |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 | |
| Reasoning | 25 | 25 | |
| General English / General Hindi | 25 | 25 | |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 120 min |
| Category | CBT Qualifying Marks (out of 100) | Skill Test Qualifying (out of 50) |
|---|---|---|
| UR / EWS / OBC / Ex-Servicemen | 50% (50 marks) | 60% (30 marks) |
| SC / ST | 45% (45 marks) |
Important: There is no negative marking in the CBT. The skill/trade test of 50 marks is qualifying in nature — its marks will NOT be included in the final merit. Final merit will be prepared on the basis of CBT marks only. The trade test will be conducted by a Board of Officers as per FHQ SSB Recruitment Rules.
11. Physical Standards (PET & PST)
Physical standards vary significantly by post, gender, and region. SSB applies different height and chest requirements for candidates from hill areas, tribal regions, and northeastern states. Below are the detailed standards for each post group.
11.1 Physical Efficiency Test (PET) — Running
| Gender | Distance | Maximum Time |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 4.8 Km | 24 minutes |
| Female | 2.4 Km | 18 minutes |
11.2 Constable (Veterinary) — Height & Chest Standards
| Region / Category | Male Height | Female Height | Chest (Male) | Expansion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General (all others) | 170 cm | 157 cm | Min 80 cm | +5 cm |
| Garhwalis, Kumaonis, Gorkhas, Dogras, Marathas & Hilly/NE states | 165 cm | 155 cm | Min 78 cm | +5 cm |
| Scheduled Tribes | 162.5 cm | 150 cm | Min 76 cm | +5 cm |
11.3 Trade Posts (Gardener, Cobbler, Tailor, Washerman, Barber, Waiter, Water Carrier, Carpenter)
| Region / Category | Male Height | Female Height | Chest (Male) | Expansion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General (all others) | 167.5 cm | 157 cm | Min 78 cm | +5 cm |
| Garhwalis, Kumaonis, Gorkhas, Dogras, Marathas & Hilly/NE states | 165 cm | 155 cm | Min 78 cm | +5 cm |
| Scheduled Tribes | 162.5 cm | 150 cm | Min 76 cm | +5 cm |
11.4 Constable (Nursing Orderly)
| Region / Category | Male Height | Female Height | Chest (Male) | Expansion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General (UR/EWS/OBC/SC) | 165 cm | 155 cm | Min 75 cm | +5 cm |
| Scheduled Tribes | 160 cm | 148 cm | Min 75 cm | +5 cm |
Critical Rules: Chest measurement is applicable for male candidates only. Female candidates are exempt. Height and chest will be measured correct to one decimal place — for example, 170.2 cm. If the minimum requirement is 170 cm, a candidate measuring 169.9 cm will be disqualified. Weight must be proportionate to height and age as per Annexure-VI charts. Overweight/underweight candidates will be disqualified at the DME stage.
12. How to Apply — Step-by-Step Guide
Candidates must apply online only through the SSB recruitment portal. The application form has three parts: Part-I (personal & eligibility details), Part-II (photo & signature upload), and Part-III (fee payment & final submission).
Go to applyssb.com/SSB_CT_25/applicationIndex or navigate via recruitment.ssb.gov.in.
Select your post, fill name (as in Matriculation certificate), father''s/husband''s name, mother''s name, date of birth, gender, nationality, religion, marital status, category, Aadhaar number, mobile number, email ID, education qualification, and permanent address. A candidate can apply for only one post.
Photo: Passport-size colored photograph in JPG format, between 4 KB and 12 KB, resolution 100×120 pixels, white background, 75% face coverage. Signature: JPG format, between 12 KB and 4 KB, resolution 140×60 pixels, in black or dark blue ink only. Beards must appear in photo if applicable.
Pay ₹100 via net-banking/credit card/debit card/UPI (SC/ST/Female/ExS exempted). After payment, submit the application. Note your Registration Number — you will need it for all future correspondence. Take a printout of the acknowledgement page.
Photo/Signature Rejection Rules: Applications with blurred photographs, photographs with hats/caps/goggles/spectacles, signatures in typing or capital letters, or signatures smaller than the specified size will be summarily rejected. Proper tracking features are in place — fake photos, celebrity photos, or blank photos will result in action under the IT Act 2000.
13. General Instructions & Conditions
- Applications received through any mode except online will be rejected
- Candidates must carry all original documents — Matriculation, technical certificates, caste certificates, and identity proof — at the time of documentation
- Name, father''s name, and date of birth must match exactly with Matriculation certificate — no subsequent changes allowed
- Government/Semi-Govt/PSU employees should apply through proper channel. No objection certificate is required at documentation stage
- Category change will NOT be entertained once registered — choose carefully
- Admit cards/call letters will be uploaded on recruitment.ssb.gov.in and ssb.gov.in only
- Candidates convicted by any court, dismissed from government service, or involved in any criminal case under IPC may be disqualified
- SSB reserves full right to make changes, cancel, or suspend the recruitment without notice
- Calculators, digital diaries, cellular phones, pagers, whiteners, and blades are prohibited at the exam venue
- Reach the examination venue at least 30 minutes before the session — no late entry will be allowed
14. Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common questions about SSB Constable Non-GD Recruitment 2026:
15. Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online — SSB Constable (Non-GD) 2026 | Apply Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Download PDF |
| SSB Recruitment Portal | recruitment.ssb.gov.in |
| SSB Official Website | ssb.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A total of 827 vacancies are available across 11 Constable posts. Constable (Driver) has the highest vacancies at 553 posts, followed by Washerman (74), Barber (43), Tailor (41), Gardener (41), Veterinary (34), Cobbler (25), Carpenter (7), Water Carrier (5), Waiter (3), and Nursing Orderly (1).
The last date to submit the online application is 20 April 2026. Applications must be submitted online only via applyssb.com. No other mode of application is accepted.
The minimum educational qualification is Matriculation (10th class pass) from a recognised Board. However, additional requirements vary by post — Veterinary needs Science as main subject + 1 year experience, Driver needs a Heavy Vehicle Driving License, trade posts need ITI/experience, and Nursing Orderly needs a First Aid certificate + hospital experience.
Age limits vary by post: 18–27 years for Veterinary, Driver, and Nursing Orderly; 18–23 years for trade posts (Gardener, Cobbler, Tailor, Washerman, Barber, Waiter, Water Carrier); and 18–25 years for Carpenter. SC/ST get +5 years relaxation, OBC gets +3 years.
The selection has 4 stages: Stage I — PET & PST (physical tests), Stage II — Written Exam CBT (100 MCQs, 100 marks, 2 hours), Stage III — Document Verification & Skill/Trade Test (50 marks, qualifying only), Stage IV — Detailed Medical Examination. Final merit is based on written exam marks only.
No, there is no negative marking in the SSB Constable Non-GD Computer Based Test (CBT). The exam has 100 MCQs worth 100 marks with a duration of 2 hours. Qualifying marks are 50% for UR/EWS/OBC/ExS and 45% for SC/ST.
For Constable (Driver) — which is male only — the PET requires completing a 4.8 km run in 24 minutes. Height requirements: General — 170 cm, Hill areas/NE states — 165 cm, Scheduled Tribes — 162.5 cm. Chest: minimum 80 cm (General), 78 cm (Hill), 76 cm (ST) with 5 cm expansion.
No. Constable (Driver) is open to male candidates only. All other 10 posts — Veterinary, Gardener, Water Carrier, Cobbler, Tailor, Washerman, Barber, Waiter, Carpenter, and Nursing Orderly — are open to both male and female candidates.
The application fee is Rs. 100 for General (UR), OBC, and EWS candidates. SC, ST, Ex-Servicemen, and all female candidates are exempted from paying the fee. Payment can be made via net-banking, credit card, debit card, or UPI.
All 11 Constable posts carry Pay Level-3 under the 7th CPC with a basic pay range of Rs. 21,700 to Rs. 69,100 per month. In addition, candidates receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Ration Money, and other SSB-specific allowances. Pension is under NPS or UPS as applicable.