SSB has 5 different posts open — and each one has different eligibility criteria. Different age limits, different education requirements, different physical standards. Apply for the wrong post and your form gets rejected. Waste of Rs.100 and 30 days of waiting.
This guide gives you the exact eligibility for every SSB post — Constable Tradesman, Head Constable, ASI, and Sub Inspector. Education, age, physical standards, and the relaxations you're entitled to.
SSB 2026 Eligibility — All Posts Summary
| Post | Vacancies | Education | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Constable Tradesman | 827 | 10th Pass + ITI/NAC in relevant trade | 18-25 years |
| HC (Steward/Communication/Electrician/Veterinary) | 233 | 12th Pass + Diploma/Certificate | 18-25 / 18-27 (post-wise) |
| HC Medical (Lab Asst/Physio/Nursing) | 76 | 12th + Medical Certificate/Diploma | 18-25 years |
| ASI (Radiographer/Pharmacist/OT/Dental Tech) | 7 | 12th (Science) + 2yr Medical Diploma + 1yr Experience | 18-27 years |
| SI (Staff Nurse/Pioneer/Communication) | 51 | Graduation / B.Sc Nursing / B.E. Civil | Up to 30 years |
Constable Tradesman — 827 Posts
The simplest eligibility. If you're 10th pass with a relevant trade skill, you qualify.
Education: Matriculation (10th) from a recognized board + ITI/NAC Certificate in the relevant trade (Tailor, Cobbler, Carpenter, Barber, Cook, etc.). For Driver posts — 10th pass + valid Heavy Vehicle Driving License.
Age: 18-25 years as on the closing date of application (20 April 2026).
Trades available: Veterinary, Driver, Gardener, Water Carrier, Cobbler, Tailor, Washerman, Barber, Waiter, Carpenter, Nursing Orderly.
Head Constable — 233 Posts (4 Categories)
| Post | Vacancies | Education Required | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| HC (Steward) | 2 | 12th Pass + Diploma/Certificate in Catering/Hotel Management | 18-27 |
| HC (Communication) | 197 | 12th Pass + ITI/NAC in relevant telecom/electronics trade | 18-25 |
| HC (Electrician) | 29 | 10th + ITI in Electrician trade (2yr) | 18-25 |
| HC (Veterinary) | 5 | 12th Pass + Certificate in Veterinary Stockman / Animal Husbandry | 18-27 |
HC Medical Posts — 76 Posts
| Post | Education |
|---|---|
| HC (Lab Assistant) | 12th (Science) + Diploma in Medical Lab Technology (DMLT) |
| HC (Physiotherapy Assistant) | 12th + Diploma in Physiotherapy |
| Constable (Nursing Assistant cum Medic) | 12th + Certificate in Nursing/First Aid from recognized institute |
ASI (Paramedical) — 7 Posts
| Post | Education | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| ASI (Radiographer) | 12th (Science) + 2yr Diploma in Radiography/Medical Imaging | 1 year in 100-bed hospital |
| ASI (Pharmacist) | 12th (Science) + 2yr Diploma in Pharmacy + Registered under Pharmacy Act | 1 year in 100-bed hospital |
| ASI (OT Technician) | 12th (Science) + 2yr Diploma in Operation Theatre Technology | 1 year experience |
| ASI (Dental Technician) | 12th (Science) + 2yr Diploma in Dental Hygiene/Technology | 1 year experience |
Note: ASI posts need 1 year practical experience. Fresh diploma holders without experience are NOT eligible. Make sure you have an experience certificate from a recognized hospital.
Sub Inspector (SI) — 51 Posts
| Post | Education | Age |
|---|---|---|
| SI (Staff Nurse) | 12th + 3/3.5yr Diploma in General Nursing & Midwifery + Registered with Nursing Council | Up to 30 years |
| SI (Pioneer) | B.E./B.Tech in Civil Engineering from recognized university | Up to 30 years |
| SI (Communication) | B.E./B.Tech in Electronics/Telecom/IT/Computer Science | Up to 30 years |
Age Relaxation — Category-Wise
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | +3 years |
| SC / ST | +5 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | +5 years (+ service years) |
| Children of SSB/CAPF personnel killed in action | +5 years |
Which Post is Right for You?
| Your Profile | Best Post | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 10th pass + ITI (any trade) | Constable Tradesman | 827 posts — highest chances |
| 12th + Electronics/Telecom ITI | HC (Communication) | 197 posts — big vacancy |
| 12th + DMLT/Nursing diploma | HC Medical / Constable Nursing | 76 posts — less competition |
| 12th + Pharmacy/Radiology diploma + 1yr exp | ASI | Higher pay (Level 5) |
| B.Sc Nursing / B.E. Civil / B.Tech ECE | Sub Inspector | Highest pay (Level 6) + officer rank |
Common Questions
Can women apply?
Yes. All posts are open to both male and female candidates. Physical standards are different (lower height & shorter race distance for women).
Is there a domicile restriction?
No. SSB is a central force — candidates from any state can apply.
I have 10th pass but no ITI. Can I apply for Constable?
Only if you have NAC (National Apprenticeship Certificate) or equivalent trade certificate. Without any trade certification, you're not eligible for Tradesman posts.
Can I apply for multiple posts?
Each post has a separate application. If you're eligible for more than one (e.g., both Constable and HC), you can apply for both — but check if exam dates clash.
What is the SSB application fee?
Rs.100 for UR/OBC/EWS. Completely FREE for SC/ST, Ex-Servicemen, and all Female candidates. Payment via Debit/Credit card, Net Banking, or E-Challan.
How to apply for SSB 2026?
Step 1: Visit applyssb.com (different link for each post). Step 2: Register with email/phone. Step 3: Fill personal, education & trade details. Step 4: Upload photo & signature. Step 5: Pay fee. Step 6: Submit and download confirmation.
Where is SSB posting?
SSB guards India's borders with Nepal and Bhutan. Postings mainly in UP, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh. Some battalions deployed in Naxal areas.
Is SSB training tough?
Training is 6-9 months. Includes physical training, weapons, drill, law & order. Tough but manageable if physically fit. Training salary: ~Rs.32,500-33,500/month.
Can a Constable become SI later?
Yes — through LDCE (Limited Departmental Exam) or by appearing for SSC GD / CAPF AC exam separately. Many constables move up the ranks over time.
