If you have been dreaming of serving the nation in a uniformed paramilitary force and have just completed your Class 10, here is some great news for you. The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), India’s premier border guarding force under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has officially released the SSB Constable Tradesman Recruitment 2026 notification. A total of 827 vacancies have been announced for various Group C posts including trades like Carpenter, Tailor, Barber, Waiter, Driver, Gardener, Cobbler, Washerman, Water Carrier, Veterinary, and Nursing Orderly. The online application window is now open from 21 March 2026 and closes on 20 April 2026.
This article covers every single detail you need — from eligibility and vacancies to the selection process, physical standards, exam pattern, salary, and the step-by-step application guide. Read carefully before you apply.
SSB Constable Tradesman 2026 — Quick Overview
| Key Detail | Information |
| Organisation | Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) |
| Post Name | Constable (Tradesman & Driver) |
| Total Vacancies | 827 Posts |
| Advertisement No. | 524/RC/SSB/Combined Advt./CT to SI (Non-GD)/2025 |
| Notification Release Date | 16 March 2026 |
| Apply Online Start Date | 21 March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 20 April 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online — ssb.gov.in |
| Post Category | Group C, Non-Gazetted (Combatised), Non-Ministerial |
| Minimum Qualification | 10th Pass (Matriculation) |
| Pay Scale | Pay Level-3: ₹21,700 – ₹69,100 (7th CPC) |
| Official Website | www.ssb.gov.in |
What is SSB? Understanding the Organisation
The Sashastra Seema Bal, commonly known as SSB, is one of India’s seven Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Established in 1963, SSB is primarily deployed along India’s borders with Nepal and Bhutan. It operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is headquartered in New Delhi. The SSB plays a critical role in maintaining border security, preventing cross-border crimes, and ensuring peace in sensitive areas.
Joining SSB means becoming part of a disciplined, respected organisation that offers job security, regular government pay, and a range of benefits including government accommodation, medical facilities, and pension.
SSB Constable Tradesman Vacancy 2026 — Post-Wise Details
The official notification has announced a total of 827 vacancies spread across multiple trades. The posts are classified under Group C, Non-Gazetted (Combatised), and Non-Ministerial positions. The trades covered in this recruitment are:
| S.No. | Post / Trade Name | Post Type | Group |
| 1 | Constable (Veterinary) | Tradesman | Group C |
| 2 | Constable (Driver) — Male Only | Driver | Group C |
| 3 | Constable (Gardener) | Tradesman | Group C |
| 4 | Constable (Water Carrier) | Tradesman | Group C |
| 5 | Constable (Cobbler) | Tradesman | Group C |
| 6 | Constable (Tailor) | Tradesman | Group C |
| 7 | Constable (Washerman) | Tradesman | Group C |
| 8 | Constable (Barber) | Tradesman | Group C |
| 9 | Constable (Waiter) | Tradesman | Group C |
| 10 | Constable (Carpenter) | Tradesman | Group C |
| 11 | Constable (Nursing Orderly) | Tradesman | Group C |
Note: Category-wise vacancy breakdowns (UR/OBC/SC/ST/EWS) are available in the official notification PDF published on ssb.gov.in. Candidates are advised to check their specific category quota before applying.
SSB Constable Tradesman Eligibility Criteria 2026
1. Nationality
For most Tradesman posts (Washerman, Barber, Water Carrier, Waiter, Tailor, Gardener, Cobbler), only Indian citizens are eligible to apply. For posts like Driver, Veterinary, Carpenter, and Nursing Orderly, subjects of Nepal and Bhutan may also be considered, subject to Central Government permission.
2. Age Limit (as on 20 April 2026)
| Post Name | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
| Constable (Driver) — Male only | 18 Years | 27 Years |
| Constable (Veterinary) | 18 Years | 25 Years |
| Constable (Carpenter) | 18 Years | 25 Years |
| Constable (Nursing Orderly) | 18 Years | 27 Years |
| Constable (Gardener, Water Carrier, Cobbler, Tailor, Washerman, Barber, Waiter) | 18 Years | 23 Years |
Age Relaxation: The Government of India provides standard age relaxation for reserved category candidates as follows:
- SC/ST candidates: 5 years relaxation
- OBC candidates: 3 years relaxation
- Ex-Servicemen: As per government rules
- PwBD candidates: As per government rules
3. Educational Qualification (Post-Wise)
| Post Name | Required Qualification |
| Constable (Veterinary) | Class 10 with Science as main subject from a recognised board + 1 year experience in treatment of animals in a recognised veterinary hospital |
| Constable (Driver) | Class 10 from a recognised board + valid Heavy Vehicle Driving Licence (HMV) |
| Constable (Gardener, Water Carrier, Cobbler, Tailor, Washerman, Barber, Waiter) | Matriculation or equivalent + 2 years work experience OR 1 year ITI/Vocational certificate + 1 year experience OR 2 years ITI diploma in the trade. Multi-skilled candidates will be given preference. |
| Constable (Carpenter) | Class 10 from a recognised board + ITI certificate in Carpenter trade or similar |
| Constable (Nursing Orderly) | Class 10 from a recognised board + First Aid Certificate + 1 year experience in a hospital with at least 50 beds |
SSB Constable Tradesman Application Fee 2026
| Category | Application Fee |
| UR (General) / EWS / OBC Candidates | ₹100/- (Non-Refundable) |
| SC / ST Candidates | Exempted (No Fee) |
| Ex-Servicemen | Exempted (No Fee) |
| Female Candidates (All Categories) | Exempted (No Fee) |
Payment can be made online via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. No offline payment mode is accepted.
SSB Constable Tradesman Selection Process 2026
The selection process for SSB Constable Tradesman Recruitment 2026 is a multi-stage evaluation designed to test physical fitness, academic knowledge, trade-specific skills, and overall medical health. Each stage is eliminatory, and only those who qualify every round move forward.
Stage 1: Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
This is the first and most physically demanding stage of the recruitment. The PET tests the physical endurance and stamina of candidates through running events. Qualifying the PET is mandatory to proceed further.
| Event | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
| Running Race | 4.8 km in 24 minutes | 2.4 km in 18 minutes |
Note: Ex-Servicemen are exempted from PET but must attend all other stages.
Stage 2: Physical Standard Test (PST)
Candidates who clear the PET will be measured for their physical dimensions. The height and chest (for male candidates) measurements are taken. Specific measurements vary by region and category. Indicative standards:
- Height for male candidates (General): 170 cm (for Driver posts)
- Chest for male candidates: 80 cm with expansion of 5 cm
- Weight: Proportionate to height and age as per medical standards
- Women candidates are measured only for height and weight
Stage 3: Written Examination (Computer-Based Test)
The written exam is conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) with the following pattern:
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
| General Knowledge & Current Affairs | 25 | 25 |
| Elementary Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| Logical Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
| General Hindi / General English | 25 | 25 |
| Total | 100 Questions | 100 Marks |
- Duration of Exam: 120 minutes (2 hours)
- Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) — Objective Type
- Negative Marking: Yes — 1/4th mark (-0.25) deducted per wrong answer
- Medium: Hindi and English (Bilingual)
Stage 4: Trade / Skill Test
After the written exam, shortlisted candidates are called for a trade-specific test. This evaluates practical expertise in the candidate’s chosen trade such as Tailoring, Carpentry, Barbering, Veterinary skills, or Driving/Maintenance for Driver posts. The trade test is qualifying in nature.
Stage 5: Document Verification
Candidates who qualify all previous stages are called for document verification. All original documents including educational certificates, age proof, category certificate, ITI certificate, and experience certificates must be submitted for scrutiny.
Stage 6: Medical Examination
The final stage is a detailed medical examination conducted by SSB medical officers. Candidates must meet the prescribed medical standards. The medical exam checks vision, hearing, general health, and absence of any disease or disability that may hinder performance of duty.
SSB Constable Tradesman Salary 2026
Selected candidates will be paid as per Pay Level 3 of the 7th Central Pay Commission. The salary package is attractive and comes with multiple government allowances.
| Component | Amount / Details |
| Basic Pay (Pay Level-3) | ₹21,700 – ₹69,100 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As per government revision (revised twice a year) |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | As per city classification (X, Y, Z category) |
| Ration Money Allowance | Applicable as per force norms |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | Applicable as per duty station |
| Estimated In-Hand Salary | ₹30,000 – ₹40,000 per month (approx.) |
| Pension Scheme | Defined Contributory Pension (NPS) / Unified Pension Scheme |
Apart from the salary, selected constables also enjoy free medical treatment, government accommodation (or HRA), official uniform, and other service benefits typical of central government paramilitary employees.
How to Apply Online for SSB Constable Tradesman Recruitment 2026
The application process is entirely online. Candidates should follow these steps carefully to avoid mistakes in their application:
- Visit the official SSB website: www.ssb.gov.in or the recruitment portal recruitment.ssb.gov.in
- Click on the recruitment link for ‘SSB Constable Tradesman & Driver Recruitment 2026’ on the homepage
- Click the ‘Register’ button and fill in your basic details using a valid email ID and active mobile number
- You will receive a Registration ID and password. Use these to log in to the application portal
- Fill in all required personal, educational, and trade-specific information accurately
- Upload a recent passport-size photograph and your signature in the prescribed format and size
- Upload all required supporting documents such as educational certificates, ITI certificate, experience certificate (if applicable), and category certificate
- Pay the application fee online through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI (where applicable by category)
- Carefully review the entire filled application form before submitting
- Submit the form and take a printout of the final submitted application for future reference
Documents Required for SSB Constable Tradesman Application
- Class 10 (Matriculation) certificate and marksheet
- ITI / Vocational training certificate (if applicable)
- Trade experience certificate (as per post requirement)
- Valid Heavy Vehicle Driving Licence (for Driver post)
- Caste / Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS as applicable)
- Ex-Servicemen discharge certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile certificate (as required)
- Passport-size photograph (recent, colour)
- Signature scan
- Valid government-issued ID proof (Aadhaar / PAN / Voter ID)
Preparation Tips for SSB Constable Tradesman 2026
To crack this recruitment, candidates need to focus on both physical fitness and academic preparation. Here are some practical tips:
For Physical Test Preparation
- Start running daily at least 4–6 weeks before the PET. Begin with short distances and gradually increase to 5 km.
- Practice 4.8 km (for male) or 2.4 km (for female) timed runs regularly to ensure you finish well within the time limit.
- Work on body endurance through yoga, stretching, and strength training.
- Maintain a nutritious diet and adequate sleep routine in the weeks leading up to the exam.
For Written Exam Preparation
- General Knowledge: Focus on current affairs, Indian history, geography, polity, and sports. Read newspapers daily.
- Maths: Study percentages, ratio and proportion, number systems, and simple algebra (Class 8–10 level).
- Reasoning: Practice series completion, analogies, coding-decoding, and non-verbal reasoning.
- Hindi/English: Focus on grammar, vocabulary, sentence formation, and comprehension passages.
- Solve previous year question papers and take mock tests to manage time effectively. There is negative marking, so avoid random guessing.
SSB Constable Tradesman 2026 — Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Official Notification Release | 16 March 2026 |
| Publication in Employment News | 21 – 27 March 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 21 March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 20 April 2026 |
| Age Calculation Date | 20 April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced on ssb.gov.in |
| PET / PST Date | To be announced |
| Written Examination Date | To be announced |
| Result Declaration | To be announced |
| Important Links | ||
| Apply Online | Click Here | Link Activate On 21 March 2026 | |
| Download Official Notification | Click Here | Link Activate soon | |
| Download Short Notice | Click Here | |
| Official Website | Click Here | |
Conclusion
The SSB Constable Tradesman Recruitment 2026 is a golden opportunity for Class 10 pass candidates who wish to serve in India’s Central Armed Police Forces. With 827 vacancies across diverse trades, the recruitment is open to candidates from general, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS categories. The pay scale is competitive, the job is permanent, and the benefits are excellent.
If you are eligible, do not delay. The online application window is open only from 21 March to 20 April 2026. Begin your physical fitness training immediately, revise your Class 10 subjects, and apply without waiting for the last date.
Official Website: www.ssb.gov.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are a total of 827 vacancies for Constable (Tradesman and Driver) posts in this recruitment cycle.
The last date to submit the online application is 20 April 2026.
Candidates must have passed Class 10 (Matriculation) from a recognised board. Additional qualifications such as ITI certification or relevant experience are required for specific trades.
No. Female candidates from all categories are fully exempted from paying the application fee.
Selected candidates will receive a basic pay of ₹21,700 per month as per Pay Level-3 of the 7th Central Pay Commission, along with DA, HRA, and other allowances. The approximate in-hand salary ranges from ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 per month.
No. The Constable (Driver) post is exclusively for male candidates as per the official notification.
The written exam is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) with 100 MCQ questions, carrying 100 marks. It covers General Knowledge, Maths, Reasoning, and Hindi/English. The duration is 120 minutes, and there is a 0.25 negative marking for wrong answers.
Yes. This is a permanent, regular central government job under the Ministry of Home Affairs, with full job security, pension benefits, and other service entitlements.