The Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Office of the Director General, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), has officially released the notification for recruitment to the post of Constable (General Duty) through remusteration for the year 2026. This recruitment drive offers a major opportunity for eligible male and female SSB personnel currently serving in various tradesman categories to shift into the Constable (GD) cadre.
The recruitment notification outlines complete details related to vacancies, eligibility conditions, educational qualification, physical standards, PET/PST process, medical examination, selection procedure, documentation, application process, and important dates. Candidates interested in applying for the SSB CT (GD) Recruitment 2026 should carefully understand all the guidelines before submitting their applications.
The recruitment process is especially important for serving personnel who wish to transition from tradesman roles into the General Duty stream within the Sashastra Seema Bal. This opportunity can significantly improve career growth, operational exposure, and promotional prospects within the force.
According to the official notification, a total of 50 vacancies have been announced. The recruitment is strictly for existing SSB personnel serving as Tradesmen including Tailor, Cobbler, Cook, Barber, Washerman, Safaiwala, Gardner, Water Carrier, Waiter, and Helper under CT (Orderlies).
Overview of SSB CT (GD) Recruitment 2026
The recruitment notification was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs under SSB communication number 600/RC/SSB/Remust.CT (GD)-2026/2026-3630-3152 dated 22 May 2026. The recruitment aims to fill vacancies in the General Duty cadre through remusteration from existing tradesman staff.
This recruitment is not open for civilians or direct applicants. Only eligible serving SSB personnel who fulfill the required service conditions can apply.
The selection process includes:
- Physical Standard Test (PST)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Written Examination
- Documentation
- Detailed Medical Examination (DME)
- Review Medical Examination (RME)
The process ensures that only physically fit, medically suitable, and operationally capable personnel are inducted into the General Duty cadre.
Total Vacancies in SSB CT (GD) Recruitment 2026
The official notification has announced 50 vacancies in total. The category-wise breakup is as follows:
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| SC | 8 |
| ST | 4 |
| UR | 38 |
| Total | 50 |
The notification also clearly states that the number of vacancies may increase, decrease, or even be canceled without prior notice depending upon administrative requirements.
Important Highlights of the Recruitment
Some major highlights of the recruitment include:
- Recruitment only for existing SSB Tradesmen/CT (Orderlies)
- Both male and female candidates are eligible
- Minimum 3 years of service required
- Matriculation qualification mandatory
- SHAPE-I medical category compulsory
- Recruitment through PET, PST, written exam, and medical tests
- Written exam of 100 marks
- Questions available in English and Hindi
- No appeal against written examination result
- Merit prepared category-wise
Posts Eligible for Remusteration
The recruitment is specifically for personnel serving under the following categories:
- Tailor
- Cobbler
- Cook
- Barber
- Washerman
- Safaiwala
- Gardner
- Water Carrier
- Waiter
- Helper under CT (Orderlies)
Only personnel serving in these categories can apply for remusteration into CT (GD).
Eligibility Criteria for SSB CT (GD) Recruitment 2026
The official notification specifies several eligibility conditions that candidates must fulfill.
1. Service Requirement
Candidates must have completed a minimum of 3 years of regular service in SSB as on 01 January 2026.
The required 3-year service must be completed in the Tradesmen/CT (Orderlies) category by 1 January 2026.
This means personnel who joined after January 2023 may not be eligible unless they complete the required service duration.
2. Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed Matriculation or an equivalent qualification from a recognized board or institute.
This is the minimum educational requirement for the post.
3. Medical Category
Candidates must be in SHAPE-I medical category.
This requirement ensures that applicants are physically and medically fit for operational duties under the General Duty cadre.
4. Service Record
Applicants must possess a clean service record and must have completed 3 years of service for the vacancy year 2026.
Any disciplinary proceedings or adverse service entries may affect eligibility.
5. APAR Grading Requirement
Candidates should not fall below “Good” benchmark in APAR for the following years:
- 2022-23
- 2023-24
- 2024-25
The APAR benchmark condition is mandatory for eligibility.
Age Limit for SSB CT (GD) Recruitment 2026
The maximum age limit is:
- 35 years for UR and OBC candidates as on 01 January 2026
Relaxation:
- SC/ST candidates receive 5 years upper age relaxation
The age relaxation applies only to SC/ST personnel as per official notification guidelines.
Physical Standard Test (PST)
The recruitment process includes a Physical Standard Test where height and chest measurements are verified.
Candidates failing to meet the required standards are disqualified.
Height Standards
General Category Male Candidates
- Height: 170 cm
- Female Height: 157 cm
Relaxed Categories
Different relaxations are available for candidates belonging to:
- Garhwalis
- Kumaonis
- Dogras
- Marathas
- Assam
- Himachal Pradesh
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Ladakh
- North Eastern States
- Scheduled Tribes
The notification provides detailed category-wise standards for each region and category.
Chest Measurement Standards
Chest measurement applies only to male candidates.
General Male Candidates
- Unexpanded: 80 cm
- Expanded: 85 cm
Different relaxations are available for specified categories and tribal regions.
Important PST Rules
The official notification states:
- Candidates not meeting minimum standards will be rejected
- Height relaxation certificates must be verified
- Minimum chest expansion required is 5 cm
- Excessive weight or obesity may lead to disqualification
- BMI below 18 or above 25 may result in rejection
These standards are designed to ensure operational fitness.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Candidates qualifying PST will appear for PET.
PET Requirements for Male Candidates
Male candidates must complete:
- 5 km race in 24 minutes
PET Requirements for Female Candidates
Female candidates must complete:
- 1.6 km race in 8 minutes 30 seconds
The PET is qualifying in nature only.
No marks are awarded for PET performance.
Pregnancy Rules for Female Candidates
The notification includes special provisions for pregnant female candidates.
If a female candidate is found pregnant during PST/PET:
- She will be temporarily unfit
- PET may be postponed
- Re-examination may occur after confinement
This provision ensures fairness while maintaining medical standards.
Written Examination Pattern
Candidates qualifying PST and PET will appear for the written examination.
Written Exam Details
- Total Marks: 100
- Total Questions: 100
- Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Languages: English and Hindi
The exam assesses:
- General Awareness
- General Knowledge
- Reasoning Ability
- Operational Aptitude
Minimum Qualifying Marks
The minimum qualifying marks are:
| Category | Minimum Marks |
|---|---|
| General | 35% |
| SC/ST/OBC | 33% |
Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks to proceed further.
Documentation Process
Candidates qualifying the written exam will undergo documentation verification.
The following documents are required:
- Educational certificates
- Service certificate
- APAR records
- Identity proof
- Medical records
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile certificate for PST relaxation
- NOC from unit head
Any discrepancy may lead to rejection.
Detailed Medical Examination (DME)
Candidates clearing documentation will undergo DME.
The medical examination is conducted according to MHA medical guidelines.
Medical fitness is extremely important because CT (GD) personnel perform operational and field duties.
Candidates declared unfit are informed about reasons for rejection.
Review Medical Examination (RME)
Candidates dissatisfied with DME results may apply for RME within 24 hours.
The decision of the Review Medical Examination Board will be final.
No further appeal is entertained after RME.
Merit List Preparation
The final merit list is prepared based on:
- Written examination marks
- Medical fitness
- Category-wise vacancies
In case of tie marks:
- Older candidate gets preference
- Candidate with longer service gets preference
This method ensures transparent merit preparation.
Disqualification Conditions
Candidates may be disqualified for:
- Misconduct
- Suppression of facts
- False information
- Indiscipline
- Incomplete applications
- Fake certificates
SSB reserves full authority to cancel candidature at any stage.
Application Process for SSB CT (GD) Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates must submit applications through proper channel.
Applications should include:
- Prescribed form
- Necessary certificates
- APAR copies
- NOC
- Medical category proof
The notification clearly states that incomplete applications will not be entertained.
Important Dates
Last Date for Submission to Units
Candidates must submit applications within 30 days from publication of advertisement.
Last Date for Units to Forward Applications
Applications must be forwarded to higher authorities before the specified deadline.
The final forwarding schedule mentioned in the notification is:
- 01 July 2026 to 10 July 2026
Late applications will not be accepted.
Documents Required
Important documents include:
- Application Form
- NOC Certificate
- Service Certificate
- APAR Copies
- Medical SHAPE-I Certificate
- Educational Qualification Certificate
- Domicile Certificate
- Identity Card
All documents must be properly verified.
No Objection Certificate (NOC)
The notification contains a separate format for NOC.
The unit head certifies whether the candidate is eligible or not eligible for remusteration.
This certificate is mandatory.
Service Certificate Requirements
The service certificate includes:
- Length of service
- Conduct report
- Vigilance status
- APAR grading
This certificate must be signed by competent authority.
Check List for Candidates
The official notification also includes a checklist to ensure all documents are attached.
Candidates should carefully verify:
- Application form
- Service proof
- Educational qualification
- APAR copies
- Medical certificate
- NOC
- Domicile certificate
Failure to attach documents may lead to rejection.
Admit Card Details
The notification also contains an admit card format.
The admit card includes:
- Candidate name
- Rank
- DOB
- Category
- Address
- Identification marks
Candidates should preserve admit cards carefully.
Importance of CT (GD) Role in SSB
Constable (GD) personnel form the operational backbone of the Sashastra Seema Bal.
Their duties include:
- Border security
- Counter infiltration
- Internal security
- Anti-smuggling operations
- Patrol duties
- Law and order support
- Election duties
- Disaster response
Therefore, the recruitment process is highly competitive and physically demanding.
Career Growth After Remusteration
Personnel selected as CT (GD) may benefit from:
- Better promotion opportunities
- Operational postings
- Specialized training
- Higher field exposure
- Increased departmental growth
This makes remusteration an attractive option for tradesman personnel.
Preparation Tips for Candidates
Focus on Physical Fitness
Candidates should:
- Practice running daily
- Improve stamina
- Maintain proper BMI
- Follow healthy diet
PET qualification requires good endurance.
Prepare for Written Examination
Candidates should study:
- General Knowledge
- Current Affairs
- Reasoning
- Basic Mathematics
- Operational awareness
Practice MCQs regularly.
Verify Documents Early
Candidates should verify:
- APAR grading
- Medical category
- Service records
- Certificates
This avoids last-minute issues.
Common Reasons for Rejection
Applications may be rejected due to:
- Incomplete forms
- Missing certificates
- Low APAR grading
- Medical unfitness
- Incorrect information
- Failure in PET/PST
Candidates should carefully follow instructions.
Why This Recruitment Matters
This recruitment is significant because it:
- Provides career advancement
- Utilizes experienced personnel
- Strengthens operational force
- Improves manpower management
For serving tradesmen, it opens new professional opportunities within SSB.
Official Instructions for Candidates
Candidates are advised to:
- Read the notification carefully
- Submit applications on time
- Ensure document accuracy
- Maintain fitness standards
- Prepare seriously for exams
Any violation may affect candidature.
Selection Process Summary
The recruitment process can be summarized as:
- Application Submission
- Physical Standard Test (PST)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Written Examination
- Documentation Verification
- Detailed Medical Examination
- Review Medical Examination (if required)
- Final Merit List
Detailed Understanding of PST Standards
The PST stage is among the most critical parts of the recruitment process because candidates can be eliminated immediately if they fail to meet the prescribed measurements.
The SSB notification gives category-wise height relaxations for various regions and communities. These relaxations are granted because people from different geographical regions naturally possess different average body structures.
Candidates from the following regions/categories are eligible for relaxation:
- Garhwalis
- Kumaonis
- Dogras
- Marathas
- Candidates from Assam
- Himachal Pradesh
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Ladakh
- North Eastern states
- Scheduled Tribes
The notification also emphasizes that candidates claiming relaxation must provide proper certificates issued by competent authorities. If verification fails, the candidate can be disqualified from recruitment.
Importance of SHAPE-I Medical Category
The SHAPE-I medical category requirement is mandatory because CT (GD) personnel are expected to perform physically demanding duties.
SHAPE-I generally signifies:
- Excellent physical health
- Good hearing ability
- Proper eyesight
- No major disease
- No orthopedic disability
- High operational fitness
Candidates not falling under SHAPE-I may be declared medically unfit.
BMI and Weight Standards
The notification specifically mentions BMI-based screening during PST and DME.
Candidates may be rejected if:
- BMI is below 18
- BMI exceeds 25
This requirement aims to maintain operational efficiency among selected personnel.
Maintaining ideal body weight through regular exercise and healthy diet becomes very important for applicants.
Written Examination Strategy
The written examination is objective in nature and includes 100 MCQs.
Since the paper contains questions related to operational aptitude and general awareness, candidates should focus on:
- Indian Constitution basics
- Security forces knowledge
- Current affairs
- Logical reasoning
- Basic arithmetic
- National and international events
The examination is bilingual, meaning questions are available in both English and Hindi.
Understanding APAR Importance
The Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR) plays a major role in determining eligibility.
Candidates must possess at least “Good” grading for:
- 2022-23
- 2023-24
- 2024-25
Personnel with adverse entries or poor performance reports may become ineligible.
Therefore, maintaining a strong service record is extremely important.
What Happens After Selection
Candidates selected under remusteration become part of the General Duty cadre.
They may receive:
- Field deployment
- Tactical training
- Operational assignments
- Border management responsibilities
The transition from tradesman duties to operational responsibilities can significantly transform career trajectory.
SSB and National Security
The Sashastra Seema Bal is one of India’s important Central Armed Police Forces.
Its primary responsibilities include:
- Guarding Indo-Nepal border
- Guarding Indo-Bhutan border
- Intelligence gathering
- Border population assistance
- Preventing trans-border crimes
CT (GD) personnel are directly involved in operational activities that contribute to national security.
Female Candidates in SSB CT (GD) Recruitment
The notification clearly allows female candidates to participate in the remusteration process.
Female personnel must:
- Meet prescribed height standards
- Qualify PET
- Fulfill medical conditions
- Clear written examination
The recruitment reflects increasing participation of women in operational roles within CAPFs.
Detailed Look at Documentation Stage
Documentation is not merely a formality.
Authorities carefully verify:
- Service details
- APAR grading
- Educational qualification
- Category certificates
- Identity proof
- Medical category
- Vigilance clearance
Any discrepancy can immediately lead to rejection.
Candidates are therefore advised to maintain proper documentation files before appearing for the recruitment process.
Why Operational Aptitude Matters
Operational aptitude tests a candidate’s readiness for field responsibilities.
Questions may evaluate:
- Decision-making
- Awareness
- Presence of mind
- Security understanding
- Tactical thinking
Candidates with strong operational awareness often perform better.
Merit List and Final Selection
Final selection depends upon:
- Written examination marks
- Medical fitness
- Vacancy availability
- Category merit
The recruitment is competitive because only 50 vacancies are available.
Candidates must therefore perform strongly in all stages.
Important Advice for Applicants
Candidates should:
- Start physical preparation immediately
- Verify APAR entries
- Keep documents ready
- Follow official instructions
- Avoid false claims
A disciplined approach can improve chances of success.
The SSB CT (GD) Recruitment 2026 through remusteration offers a valuable career advancement opportunity for eligible tradesman personnel serving within the Sashastra Seema Bal. With 50 vacancies announced, the competition is expected to be significant.
Candidates must fulfill all eligibility conditions including service requirements, educational qualification, APAR benchmark, medical fitness, and physical standards. The recruitment process includes PST, PET, written examination, documentation, DME, and merit preparation.
Applicants are strongly advised to carefully study the official notification, maintain physical fitness, prepare for the written examination, and ensure that all documents are complete and accurate.
This recruitment is not only a departmental opportunity but also a pathway toward greater operational responsibility and career growth within one of India’s major border guarding forces.
