SSB Constable Non-GD Vacancy Breakdown 2026 — 827 Posts Across 11 Trades (Category-Wise Analysis)
Quick Highlights at a Glance
Table of Contents
- Introduction — Why This Vacancy Breakdown Matters
- Overall Vacancy Snapshot — 827 Posts Across 11 Trades
- Post-Wise Vacancy Distribution Table
- Category-Wise Reservation Analysis
- Highest Vacancy Posts — Where Your Chances Are Best
- Lowest Vacancy Posts — Niche Roles With Fewer Openings
- EWS Vacancy Analysis — Understanding the 10% Quota
- Ex-Servicemen Reservation — 10% Horizontal Quota
- Gender-Specific Vacancy Restrictions
- SSB Constable Non-GD 2026 vs Previous Recruitments
- Strategic Post Selection Tips for Aspirants
- Important Links
1. Introduction — Why This Vacancy Breakdown Matters
The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has announced 827 Constable (Non-GD) vacancies under Advertisement No. 524/RC/SSB/Combined Advt./CT to SI (Non-GD)/2025, issued by the Office of the Director General, SSB, operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India. These Group-C Non-Gazetted positions span 11 distinct trade categories — from Veterinary and Driver to Cobbler, Washerman, and Nursing Orderly — making it one of the most diverse Constable recruitment drives in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) history.
For a complete overview of this recruitment including eligibility criteria, salary structure, age limits, selection process, and application steps, visit our SSB Constable Non-GD Recruitment 2026 — Complete GuideThis dedicated vacancy breakdown article goes far beyond the summary table. We dissect every post across all five reservation categories — UR, EWS, OBC, SC, and ST — analyse which trades carry the highest and lowest competition, examine the 10% Ex-Servicemen horizontal reservation, and offer strategic insights for candidates deciding which single post to apply for (remember, SSB allows only one application per candidate). Whether you are a trade-skilled worker, a licensed heavy vehicle driver, or a veterinary assistant, the numbers below will help you make an informed choice.
Editorial Note: This article has been prepared by the Vacancy Vedika Editorial Team based on the official SSB notification dated 21 March 2026. All vacancy figures are sourced from the original advertisement. The Director General, SSB reserves the right to increase, decrease, or cancel vacancies without prior notice. Candidates should always verify details on the official SSB recruitment portal.
2. Overall Vacancy Snapshot — 827 Posts Across 11 Trades
The SSB Constable Non-GD 2026 recruitment offers a combined 827 vacancies distributed across 11 specialised trade categories. All posts fall under Level-3 (₹21,700–₹69,100) of the 7th Central Pay Commission (7th CPC) pay matrix. These are Combatised, Non-Ministerial positions — meaning selected candidates receive paramilitary training and serve in border-guarding and internal security operations, despite being classified as trade-specific constables.
The aggregate reservation split across all 827 posts stands at:
Aggregate Reservation Split
The Unreserved category accounts for nearly half of all vacancies, which is consistent with the standard Central Government reservation roster mandated by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). The OBC quota at 191 seats is the second-largest block, followed by SC (128), EWS (64), and ST (61).
Key Rule: SC/ST/OBC/EWS candidates who meet the unreserved eligibility criteria may also apply against UR vacancies for posts where no seats are reserved in their category. This flexibility is particularly important for posts like Constable (Water Carrier) and Constable (Waiter) where certain reserved categories have zero seats.
3. Post-Wise Vacancy Distribution Table
The master vacancy table below presents the complete post-wise and category-wise distribution for all 11 Constable (Non-GD) posts in SSB. Each row represents a distinct trade, and the columns capture the five reservation categories as per Central Government norms.
| Sl. No. | Name of Post | 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 | |
Critical Rule — One Post Only: SSB permits candidates to apply for only one post from the 11 options listed above. Multiple applications will result in rejection. Choose your post carefully based on your qualifications, trade experience, and the vacancy numbers discussed in the sections below.
4. Category-Wise Reservation Analysis
Understanding the reservation structure is essential for candidates making strategic decisions. The SSB Constable Non-GD recruitment follows the standard Central Government reservation policy as directed by the DoPT and upheld by the Supreme Court of India.
Unreserved (UR) — 383 Vacancies (46.3%)
The UR category holds the lion's share with 383 out of 827 seats. The Constable (Driver) post alone contributes 244 UR vacancies, meaning nearly 64% of all unreserved seats belong to a single trade. For UR candidates not eligible for the Driver post, the remaining 139 UR seats are spread thinly across 10 other trades — with Washerman (32), Barber and Veterinary (21 each), and Tailor (19) offering the next best opportunities.
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) — 191 Vacancies (23.1%)
The OBC quota at 191 seats follows the mandatory 27% reservation prescribed under the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Act framework extended to employment. OBC candidates should note that the Non-Creamy Layer certificate must be in the format prescribed at Annexure-I of the notification, issued by the concerned District Magistrate or equivalent authority, and must have been obtained within three years of the closing date. The Constable (Driver) post accounts for 145 of the 191 OBC seats — a commanding 75.9%.
Scheduled Caste (SC) — 128 Vacancies (15.5%)
SC candidates have 128 reserved seats across all 11 posts. The Driver post again leads with 81 seats, followed by Washerman (11), Gardener and Tailor (9 each), Veterinary and Cobbler (6 each), and Barber (5). Posts like Water Carrier, Waiter, and Nursing Orderly have zero SC seats — but SC candidates meeting UR criteria can still apply for these under the unreserved category.
Scheduled Tribe (ST) — 61 Vacancies (7.4%)
The ST category receives 61 seats, consistent with the 7.5% reservation norm. The Driver post offers 38 ST vacancies, accounting for over 62% of the ST quota. Other posts with ST seats include Washerman (5), Veterinary, Gardener, and Tailor (4 each), Barber (3), Cobbler (2), and Carpenter (1). Five posts — Water Carrier, Waiter, and Nursing Orderly — carry zero ST reservation.
EWS — 64 Vacancies (7.7%)
The Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) quota, introduced following the 103rd Constitutional Amendment and upheld by the Supreme Court in Janhit Abhiyan v. Union of India (2022), provides 64 seats across 8 posts. The Driver post leads with 45 EWS vacancies. Three posts — Water Carrier, Waiter, and Nursing Orderly — have zero EWS allocation, likely due to the extremely small total vacancy count in those trades.
Pro Tip: If your reserved category has zero seats for a particular post, you can still apply for it under the UR category — provided you meet all unreserved eligibility criteria including the stricter age limit (no relaxation). This is especially relevant for Water Carrier, Waiter, and Nursing Orderly posts where only UR seats exist.
5. Highest Vacancy Posts — Where Your Chances Are Best
Not all 11 posts offer equal opportunity. The vacancy distribution is heavily skewed — the top three posts account for over 80% of the total 827 vacancies. Here is the ranking by total vacancy count:
| Rank | Post Name | Total Vacancies | Share of Total (%) | Competition Level (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Constable (Driver) | 553 | 66.9% | Very High |
| 2 | Constable (Washerman) | 74 | 8.9% | High |
| 3 | Constable (Barber) | 43 | 5.2% | Moderate |
| 4 | Constable (Gardener) | 41 | 5.0% | Moderate |
| 4 | Constable (Tailor) | 41 | 5.0% | Moderate |
Constable (Driver) dominates this recruitment with 553 vacancies — nearly two-thirds of the entire drive. This post is open to male candidates only and requires a valid Heavy Vehicle Driving License along with a 10th class pass certificate. Given that driver posts in CAPF organisations like BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB consistently attract lakhs of applicants, the per-seat competition remains intense despite the high vacancy count.
Constable (Washerman) comes second with 74 vacancies — a relatively strong number for a trade-specific post. This role requires Matriculation plus two years of trade experience or a certificate from a recognised Industrial Training Institute (ITI). The Washerman post historically receives fewer applications than Driver, making the competition-to-vacancy ratio more favourable.
Constable (Barber) with 43 seats and Constable (Gardener) and Constable (Tailor) tied at 41 seats each round out the top five. All three require trade-specific skills and either work experience or an ITI certificate — a natural filter that reduces casual applications.
6. Lowest Vacancy Posts — Niche Roles With Fewer Openings
At the other end of the spectrum, four posts carry fewer than 10 vacancies each, making them extremely competitive despite their niche nature:
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Reserved Category Seats | UR-Only Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Constable (Carpenter) | 7 | 3 (OBC: 1, SC: 1, ST: 1) | 4 |
| Constable (Water Carrier) | 5 | 0 | 5 (UR only) |
| Constable (Waiter) | 3 | 0 | 3 (UR only) |
| Constable (Nursing Orderly) | 1 | 0 | 1 (UR only) |
The Constable (Nursing Orderly) post stands out as the rarest — with just a single vacancy in the entire country, classified under UR category only. This post requires a 10th class pass, a First Aid certificate from St. John's Ambulance Organisation or the Red Cross Society of India, and at least one year of working experience as a Nursing Orderly in a minimum 50-bedded hospital recognised by the Central or State Government.
Constable (Waiter) with just 3 seats and Constable (Water Carrier) with 5 seats are similarly restrictive. Both posts carry reservations exclusively under UR — candidates from SC, ST, OBC, or EWS categories have zero reserved seats here and must compete in the general pool.
Warning: For posts with very few vacancies (especially Nursing Orderly, Waiter, and Water Carrier), the cut-off marks during the written examination and skill test are likely to be significantly higher than for high-vacancy posts like Driver or Washerman. Factor this into your post selection decision.
7. EWS Vacancy Analysis — Understanding the 10% Quota
The EWS reservation provides 10% of vacancies to economically weaker individuals from the General/Unreserved category — those not covered under SC, ST, or OBC quotas. Following the Supreme Court's verdict in Janhit Abhiyan v. Union of India (November 2022), the 10% EWS quota has become a permanent feature of Central Government recruitment.
In this SSB recruitment, 64 out of 827 vacancies (7.7%) are earmarked for EWS — slightly below the full 10% due to rounding and the small vacancy counts in several posts. The post-wise EWS distribution is:
| Post Name | EWS Vacancies | Total for Post | EWS % of Post |
|---|---|---|---|
| Constable (Driver) | 45 | 553 | 8.1% |
| Constable (Washerman) | 7 | 74 | 9.5% |
| Constable (Barber) | 4 | 43 | 9.3% |
| Constable (Gardener) | 3 | 41 | 7.3% |
| Constable (Tailor) | 3 | 41 | 7.3% |
| Constable (Veterinary) | 1 | 34 | 2.9% |
| Constable (Cobbler) | 1 | 25 | 4.0% |
| Water Carrier / Waiter / Carpenter / Nursing Orderly | 0 | 16 (combined) | 0% |
| Total EWS | 64 | 827 | 7.7% |
To claim EWS status, candidates must hold a valid Income and Asset Certificate (Annexure-III) from a competent authority confirming that the family's gross annual income is below ₹8,00,000 and the family does not own assets exceeding the prescribed limits (5 acres of agricultural land, 1000 sq. ft. residential flat, etc.). The EWS certificate must be valid for 2026-2027.
8. Ex-Servicemen Reservation — 10% Horizontal Quota
A 10% horizontal reservation across all posts is reserved for Ex-Servicemen (ESM) — personnel who have served in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force and have been released, retired, or discharged from service. Unlike the vertical UR/OBC/SC/ST/EWS reservation, the ESM quota operates as a horizontal overlay, meaning Ex-Servicemen are first adjusted against their respective vertical category (UR, SC, etc.) and the 10% is carved out from within that category.
Key implications of the ESM reservation in this SSB drive:
First, Ex-Servicemen are exempted from the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) — the 4.8 km race for males and 2.4 km race for females. However, they must still clear the Physical Standard Test (PST) for height and chest measurements, the written examination, the skill/trade test, and the medical examination.
Second, female candidates and Ex-Servicemen are exempted from the ₹100 examination fee. SC/ST/EWS candidates also enjoy this exemption regardless of ESM status.
Third, if eligible Ex-Servicemen candidates are unavailable for any post, the reserved ESM vacancies revert to non-ESM candidates in the same category. This means the total vacancy count is not reduced — it shifts to the general pool.
Note: Ex-Servicemen who have already secured civilian Government employment after availing the ESM reservation benefit are not eligible for ESM reservation again in this recruitment. They can, however, apply as general candidates in their respective vertical category.
9. Gender-Specific Vacancy Restrictions
Out of the 11 posts, one post carries a gender restriction that candidates must be aware of:
| Post Name | Gender Eligibility | Vacancies | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Constable (Driver) | Male Only | 553 | Largest post — restricted to male candidates |
| Remaining 10 Posts | Male & Female | 274 | Open to all genders |
The Constable (Driver) post is open exclusively to male candidates. This restriction eliminates the single largest vacancy block (553 posts) from consideration by female aspirants. For women candidates, the effective total vacancy pool is 274 posts across 10 trades — with Washerman (74), Barber (43), Gardener (41), and Tailor (41) offering the best numbers.
Female candidates benefit from certain relaxations in the selection process: the PET running distance is halved to 2.4 km in 18 minutes (compared to 4.8 km in 24 minutes for males), and chest measurement requirements are not applicable for female candidates across all posts. Additionally, female candidates are exempted from the examination fee.
For detailed physical measurement standards across all posts, categories, and regions, see our SSB Constable Non-GD Physical Standards 2026 guide.10. SSB Constable Non-GD 2025 vs Previous Recruitments
The SSB Constable Non-GD recruitment cycle occurs periodically based on sanctioned strength and retirements across SSB's border-guarding battalions deployed along the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders. Understanding how the current cycle compares to previous ones can help candidates gauge trends in vacancy allocation.
The current 2026 recruitment drive with 827 vacancies follows the notification pattern set by earlier SSB Constable (Non-GD) recruitments. While the exact vacancy figures from previous cycles vary, the key structural observations are:
The Constable (Driver) post consistently dominates every SSB Non-GD recruitment — typically accounting for 60-70% of total vacancies. This reflects SSB's operational requirement for heavy vehicle operators across its border outposts and mobile units. The current 553 Driver vacancies (66.9%) are consistent with this historical pattern.
Trade-specific posts like Cobbler, Tailor, Washerman, and Barber see demand linked to SSB's self-sustaining battalion structure where these tradesmen provide essential services within the force. The introduction of the EWS quota since 2019 has added a new reservation dimension that was absent in pre-2019 SSB recruitment drives.
Posts like Nursing Orderly (1 vacancy) and Waiter (3 vacancies) are advertised infrequently and in very small numbers, suggesting these roles are near full sanctioned strength within SSB's current force structure.
11. Strategic Post Selection Tips for Aspirants
Since SSB mandates that each candidate can apply for only one post, making the right choice is as important as exam preparation. Here are data-driven considerations based on the vacancy distribution:
1. Match Your Trade Qualification First
Eligibility varies significantly across posts. The Driver post requires a Heavy Vehicle License, the Veterinary post demands Science in 10th class plus one year of animal treatment experience, and the Nursing Orderly post needs a First Aid certificate from St. John's Ambulance or Red Cross. Do not apply for a post where you cannot prove your trade qualification — your application will be rejected at the documentation stage.
2. Consider Vacancy-to-Applicant Ratio, Not Just Vacancy Count
The Driver post has 553 vacancies but also attracts the highest number of applicants because a driving license is more commonly held than trade-specific ITI certificates. Posts like Tailor (41), Cobbler (25), or Gardener (41) have fewer vacancies but also dramatically fewer eligible applicants — making the effective competition potentially lower.
3. Check Your Category's Seat Availability
If you are an EWS candidate, four posts offer zero EWS seats (Water Carrier, Waiter, Carpenter, Nursing Orderly). Similarly, SC, ST, and OBC candidates have zero reserved seats in Water Carrier, Waiter, and Nursing Orderly. Applying for these under UR means competing without age relaxation or fee exemption benefits.
4. Factor in the Skill/Trade Test
All posts include a qualifying skill/trade test worth 50 marks (minimum 60% for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/ESM). Multi-skilled candidates — those holding certifications in multiple trades — receive preference. If you have an ITI diploma in a relevant trade, you carry a significant advantage over candidates relying solely on work experience.
5. Evaluate the Physical Standards for Your Category
Physical height and chest requirements vary by post, region, and community. The Driver post demands 170 cm height for general male candidates, while the Gardener/Tailor/Washerman group requires 167.5 cm. Candidates from Garhwali, Kumaoni, Gorkha, Dogra, and Maratha communities, or from north-eastern states, benefit from relaxed standards. Check the exact requirements for your specific post and region before applying.
For a complete post-wise breakdown of eligibility conditions, educational qualifications, and trade experience requirements, see our SSB Constable Non-GD Eligibility Criteria 2026 guide.12. Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Apply Here |
| Official SSB Recruitment Website | recruitment.ssb.gov.in |
| SSB Official Website | ssb.gov.in |
| Complete Recruitment Guide (Pillar Article) | SSB Constable Non-GD 2026 — Full Guide |
| Eligibility Criteria Guide | Eligibility & Qualifications |
| Physical Standards Guide | Height, Chest & PET Details |
| Salary Structure Guide | Pay Level, Allowances & In-Hand |
| Selection Process Guide | PET → PST → CBT → Skill Test → DME |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The SSB Constable Non-GD 2026 recruitment offers a total of 827 vacancies across 11 trade categories — Veterinary, Driver, Gardener, Water Carrier, Cobbler, Tailor, Washerman, Barber, Waiter, Carpenter, and Nursing Orderly. All posts are Group-C Non-Gazetted under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Constable (Driver) post has the highest vacancies with 553 posts, accounting for 66.9% of the total 827 vacancies. This post is open to male candidates only and requires a valid Heavy Vehicle Driving License.
The reservation split is: UR — 383 posts (46.3%), OBC — 191 posts (23.1%), SC — 128 posts (15.5%), EWS — 64 posts (7.7%), and ST — 61 posts (7.4%). An additional 10% horizontal reservation is provided for Ex-Servicemen across all categories.
Three posts carry only UR vacancies with zero reserved category seats: Constable (Water Carrier) — 5 UR seats, Constable (Waiter) — 3 UR seats, and Constable (Nursing Orderly) — 1 UR seat. SC/ST/OBC/EWS candidates can still apply for these under the general category if they meet UR eligibility criteria.
A total of 64 EWS vacancies are available across 8 posts. The Driver post has the most EWS seats at 45, followed by Washerman (7), Barber (4), Gardener (3), and Tailor (3). Four posts — Water Carrier, Waiter, Carpenter, and Nursing Orderly — have zero EWS seats.
No. The Constable (Driver) post is restricted to male candidates only. Female candidates can apply for the remaining 10 posts with 274 combined vacancies. The best options for women are Washerman (74), Barber (43), Gardener (41), and Tailor (41).
10% of vacancies are horizontally reserved for Ex-Servicemen (ESM) across all posts. ESM candidates are exempted from the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and the examination fee. If eligible ESM candidates are unavailable, the reserved seats revert to non-ESM candidates in the same vertical category.
No. SSB strictly allows candidates to apply for only one post from the 11 available trades. Submitting multiple applications will lead to rejection. Choose your post carefully based on your trade qualification, category-wise vacancy availability, and competition level.
The Constable (Nursing Orderly) post has the fewest vacancies — just 1 seat (UR category only). It requires a 10th class pass, First Aid certificate from St. John's Ambulance or Red Cross, and one year of nursing experience in a 50-bedded hospital.
For OBC candidates, the best options by vacancy count are: Constable (Driver) — 145 OBC seats, Washerman — 19 OBC seats, Barber — 10 OBC seats, Gardener — 7 OBC seats, and Tailor — 6 OBC seats. The Driver post alone holds 75.9% of all OBC vacancies in this recruitment.