A Defense job is a prestigious and most respectful job. Anyways, this job has its own pros and cons. Defense jobs give you benefits like pension, allowances, job security, etc. On the other hand, the life of the civil servant is at high risk. Getting a defense job is a dream for any young aspirant, simply because of the love towards the country. One such defense job is Sashastra Seema Bal Constable (SSB Constable). The SSB is under the administrative control of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The year 1963 gave birth to Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). This was well known under the name Special Services Bureau (SSB). The SSB takes care of the Indian borders. They protect them from any unauthorized access. The SSB force is responsible for safeguarding the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan Border. These covers borders of Bihar, Uttarakhand, U.P., West Bengal, Assam, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
In India, there are several job openings available in the government sector. We can choose according to our educational qualifications and age criteria. The SSB or Sashastra Seema Bala is one among the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) responsible for recruiting.
Every year the SSB recruits personnel for the various job roles under Constable and Head Constable posts. Under the constable post job roles such as Driver, Tailor, Barber, Painter, Waitress, Safaiwala, Cook, etc. are few jobs for which candidates are recruited. According to the vacancies available every year, the SSB recruitment board will announce the job openings.
| Particulars | Details |
| Name of Examination | SSB Constable Bharti |
| Name of Post | Head Constable (Ministerial), Group C Post in SSB |
| Recruiting body | SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal) |
| Industry | Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India |
| Job type | Central Govt. |
Stages in the SSB Selection process
You can apply for the SSB post if satisfy the eligibility criteria. You can participate in the selection process once your application is accepted and after you receive the admit card. The SSB Exam is conducted in 6 stages. They are:
You have to clear each stage of the selection process to get your dream job.
Exam Notification and News
You can see the latest exam notifications on the official website and in Employment News. According to the availability of the vacancies every year, the SSB recruitment board will announce the job openings. For the year 2020, the SSB has announced job openings for Constable Tradesman roles like Driver, Lab Assistant, Cook, Barber, Painter, Tailor, Water Carrier, Safaiwala, Ayah, etc. The job posting of these roles can be anywhere in India. In 2020, the SSB recruitment board announced a huge number of 1522 job openings for the post of Constable Tradesman.
The latest news on recruitment
In 2021, the SSB recruitment board released job vacancies in July. The official recruitment website has the latest news posted on job openings. A total number of 115 vacancies are announced for the Head Constable post.
Exam Notification for 2021
In 2021, the SSB released notification for the recruitment of Head Constable (Ministerial) Group ‘C’ Non-Gazetted Ministerial (Combatised). Candidates who wish to apply for the post can get up-to-date information from the official website. It provides detailed information on the exam and job role requirements. You have to satisfy the eligibility conditions such as age limit, qualification, nationality, etc. that are prescribed by the recruiting board. Both Male and Female candidates are eligible to apply. You can submit your applications within 30 days from the date of publication of the advertisement. An extra 7 days is given to candidates residing in remote areas like Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Sikkim, etc. People staying in these can make use of this opportunity and apply leisurely.
| Criteria | Information |
| Name of Examination | SSB Constable Bharti |
| Name of Post | Head Constable (Ministerial), Group C Post in SSB |
| Name of Recruitment Board | SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal) |
| Industry | Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India |
| Official website | http://www.ssbrectt.gov.in/ |
| Job Type | Central Government |
| Advertisement no | 338 / RC / SSB / HC (Min) / 2020 |
| Mode of submission | Online |
| Application Start Date | July 24, 2021 |
| Application Ending Date | August 22, 2021 |
| Vacancies | 115 |
| Mode of Examination | Offline |
| Job Posting | Anywhere in India |
In 2020, the notice for the vacancy of Constable Tradesman post was released. The exam for the same was scheduled for March 2021. All exams were certainly postponed because of the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus.
The application process for the SSB Head Constable (Ministerial) post has recently opened. The SSB Constable skill test is planned to be conducted from Aug 17th, 2021 to Aug 28th 2021. You can download the SSB Skill Test Admit Card from the official website. You have to carry all your necessary documents like Aadhar Card, PAN Card etc. for the selection process.
Application Fee
If you are interested to apply for the SSB post, log in to the official website and fill in the online application. Select your suitable job category. Only applicants who belong to the General and OBC caste are required to pay the application fee of Rs.100/-. The SSB exempts the application fee for (SC / ST / Ex-servicemen / Women candidates). You can make the payment only through Net Banking / Credit Card / Debit Card.
| Category | Application fee |
| UR, EWS & OBC | Rs.100/- |
| SC / ST / Ex. Servicemen / Women candidates | Nil |
Please fill in the application form carefully. You must always provide correct information only. You will also be asked to submit your proof documents while filling the application. If it is found out that you have provided incorrect information, your application will be rejected.
The Application fee is non-refundable. You have to be careful before making the payment because once the money is paid it is not refunded. Before making the payment, review the application form and check whether you have made any mistakes. Make sure to have a good internet connection. If in case your internet connection drops while making the payment, your money is unnecessarily gone and is not refunded.
The SSB recruitment board carefully examines all the application forms submitted. If your application is approved, you are eligible to receive the admit card. The admit card contains details such as the candidate`s name along with details like SSB exam location and exam date. The admit card can be downloaded from the official website www.ssbrectt.gov.in.
Minimum Educational Qualification
For the SSB constable post, Educational Qualification is a mandatory requirement. The candidate must complete their Intermediate or Senior Secondary School Certificate (10+2) examination from a recognized Board or University.
Work experience
In addition to the minimum education criteria, the candidate must have 2 years of work experience in the respective trade that he opts for. For instance, a Constable Driver must have a valid driving license. He should have ample work experience as a driver. A carpenter must have a course completion certificate from a recognized Industrial Training Institute (ITI). In addition to that, he should have 2 years of work experience as a carpenter.
Computer knowledge
Along with educational and work experience, you must be familiar with computers. You must know English typing and Hindi typing. A minimum speed of 30 words per minute for English and 35 words per minute for Hindi is required.
Candidates pursuing studies / awaiting results / have no course completion certificates cannot apply. They need to wait and apply for the next year openings.
Nationality
Male and Female candidates who are citizens of India, Nepal, and Bhutan are eligible to apply for the constable post of SSB. They need to submit the necessary document for the citizenship proof.
| Job Role | Nationality |
| Head Constable (Ministerial) | Citizen of India, Nepal, and Bhutan |
| Constables, Tradesman Ayah, Laboratory Assistant, Cook, Washer man, Barber, Safai wala, Water Carrier, Waiter, Tailor, Gardener, Cobbler | A citizen of India only. |
| Constables, Tradesman, Carpenter, Driver, Plumber, Painter, Veterinary | Citizen of India, Nepal, or Bhutan |
Candidates of age 18 – 25 years are eligible to apply for the SSB Constable post. Age relaxations apply to candidates who belong to the below categories.
Such candidates can avail themselves of the age relaxation by submitting the necessary supporting government documents.
The age relaxations criteria for the different categories vary from time to time based on the order issued by the Central Government. Below is the age criteria list by job roles for 2021. These criteria vary each year and will be issued by SSB. Visit the official website for the latest age criteria.
| Constable (Driver) for male Only | 27 years |
| Constable (Laboratory Assistant, Veterinary, Ayah, Carpenter, Plumber) | 25 years |
| Constable (For SSB Posts like Barber, Cook, Cobbler, Gardener, Painter, Safaiwala, Tailor, Water Carrier, Waiter, Washerman) | 18-23 years |
The SSB recruitment drive of the year 2020, has announced a total number of 1522 job vacancies for the post of Constable Tradesman. But, the Constable Tradesman Exam has been postponed. The vacancies are yet to be filled. The current open vacancies are listed below.
| Post Name | Total Vacancies |
| Constable Driver (Male Candidates only) | 574 |
| Constable Gardener | 9 |
| Constable Laboratory Assistant | 21 |
| Constable Cobbler | 20 |
| Constable Female Cook | 26 |
| Constable Tailor | 20 |
| Constable Ayah (Female only) | 5 |
| Constable Male Cook | 232 |
| Constable Male Waiter | 1 |
| Constable Veterinary | 161 |
| Carpenter | 3 |
| Constable Washerman Male | 92 |
| Constable Washerwoman | 28 |
| Constable Barber male | 75 |
| Constable Plumber | 1 |
| Constable Painter | 12 |
| Constable Barber Female | 12 |
| Constable Safaiwala Male | 89 |
| Constable Safaiwala Female | 28 |
| Constable Water carrier Female | 12 |
| Total | 1522 |
In the recent recruitment drive, the SSB has announced a total number of 115 vacancies. These are for the post of Head Constable (Ministerial). The below table shows the list of vacancies for each category.
| Category | Number of vacancies released |
| UR (Unreserved) | 47 |
| EWS | 11 |
| OBC | 26 |
| SC | 21 |
| ST | 10 |
| Total | 115 |
Any job aspirant expects a decent salary package for that job role. The SSB offers a very good salary package for a fresher. The salary details for the different job roles are listed below.
| Post | Basic Pay in Pay Matrix |
| Constables (For Tradesman posts like Ayah, Barber, Carpenter, Cobbler, Cook, Driver, Gardener, Laboratory Assistant, Plumber, Painter, Tailor, Washerman, Safaiwala, Water Carrier, Waiter, and Veterinary) | Level – 3 Rs. 21700 – 69100 |
| Head Constable (Ministerial) | Level – 4 Rs. 25500 – 81100 /- per month |
The salary package includes other eligible allowances like DA, Ration money Allowance, Washing Allowance, and any other allowances as per the orders of Govt. of India.
The first stage in Selection Procedure for the Constable Tradesman role is the physical test. The physical test is conducted in the stages PET (Physical Efficiency Test) and PST (Physical Standard Test). The physical test is conducted at the various SSB locations. The candidates who clear both the physical tests are eligible for the written test. The subjects covered in the written test are detailed below.
| Subjects | Number of Questions / Marks | Duration of Exam |
| Maths, Analytics / Reasoning, GK and, General English / General Hindi | 100 MCQs – 1 mark each | 2 Hours |
The exam will have questions on all subjects. Each subject will have equal weightage in the exam. There are no negative marks for wrong or unanswered questions. So answer all the questions and do not skip any questions. The exam contains 100 questions. Each question carries 1 mark. The duration of the exam is 2 hours (120 minutes). The topics covered in the Written Examination of SSB Constable are listed below.
General Knowledge
Numerical Ability
General English & Hindi
Reasoning
The first and foremost step that is done when you arrive at the exam location is biometric attendance. Then the candidate has to take a digital photo. Once captured the photo then the signature or thumb impression is verified at the recruitment venue. It is then followed by the next process of selection rounds.
1. Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
The Board of officers appointed by SSB conducts the PET. The PET is held at various SSB locations. The candidate has to race a specific distance in a defined time window. The standard distance of race that the candidate has to cover varies by job role and gender. The details of the distance and time for race for the various posts are listed below.
| Job Role | Male | Female |
| Head Constable (Ministerial) | Cover a distance of 1.6 km race in 6 minutes 30 second | Cover a distance of 800 meters in 4 minutes. |
| Constables post Tailor Driver Lab Assistant Veterinary Ayah Carpenter Painter Cobbler Plumber Gardener Cook Washerman Barber Safaiwala Water Carrier Waiter | Cover a distance of 4.8 km Race in 24 minutes | Cover a distance of 2.4 km race in 18 minutes |
Ex-servicemen can skip PET. Anyhow, they have to qualify in all the other selection rounds to get the job.
2. Physical Standard Test (PST)
The candidates who qualify from the PET are eligible for PST. You have to meet the minimum height and weight measurements that are fixed for the recruitment process. The minimum requirements vary based on job role, gender, and the candidate state.
| Gender | Height | Weight | Chest |
| Male | minimum 170 cm | Proportionate to height and weight as given in medical standards. | Min 80 cm-Unexpanded required expansion-5 cm |
| Female | minimum 157 cm | Proportionate to height and weight as given in medical standards | Not applicable |
Certain relaxations in height and weight measurements are given to candidates from few states. If you want relaxation in height and weight measurements, certainly, you have to submit the proof from the respective District Authorities. If you fail in the PST, you can appeal for the same by giving your written consent. Both the physical test have to be cleared to attend the written exam.
3. Written Examination
Written Examination is held at the SSB Locations / hired Govt. Schools / KVs as per the convenience of the administration. The written test comprises of a Common Entrance Test that is conducted for 2 hours. The topics covered in the exam are provided in the earlier sections. You should visit the official website for any changes in the exam topics. You will be asked 100 MCQs (Multiple choice questions).
| Category | Minimum Marks to qualify |
| General, OBC, Ex-Servicemen, EWS | 50 % |
| SC / ST | 45 % |
The final merit list is prepared based on marks scored by a candidate in the Written Examination (Common Entrance Test).
4. Skill / Trade / Typing Test
After the written examination, the candidates are called in for a skill or typing test based on their marks obtained in the written test for a minimum qualifying mark. The skill test or Trade test depends on the job role chosen by the candidate. For Example. the Constable Driver posting requires experience as a driver and should possess a valid driving license.
| Job role | Criteria |
| Constable Driver | Should have a Heavy vehicle driving license and driving experience of two years. |
| Constable Veterinary | Should know about treating different animal species and one year of work experience in a recognized Veterinary hospital, |
| Constable (Carpenter, Plumber, and Painter) | Min. 2 years of experience in the respective trade opted by the applicant. |
| Constable (Ayah) Female Only | Should have First Aid Examination certificate from Red Cross Society |
| Constable (Tailor, Cobbler, Gardener, Cook, Washerman, Barber, Safaiwala, Water Carrier, Waiter) | Should have Min. of 2 years experience in the respective trade posts |
Top preference is given to a candidate who has more skills and is multi-talented.
5. Documentation and Detailed Medical examination (DME)
The Board of Officers and secretarial staff of SSB carefully examine the original documents submitted by the candidates. The Board has the right to reject the candidate then and there if they fail to submit the original documents. They can also be rejected if the submitted document is not valid. The board also verifies the duly attested photocopies. This stage has to be cleared to proceed with DME.
After you are given a green signal in the Documentation step, you have to undergo a detailed medical examination as per the Revised Medical Guidelines. The guidelines are defined by ADG (Medical). If the candidate is medically fit he will be given a chance of consideration into the final merit list. They can appeal again if the conclusion of the medical officer is not satisfactory.
6. Review Medical Examination (RME)
The Chairman of the DME board sends a rejection letter to you. The rejection letter states the reason for rejection to be “medically unfit”. If you are not satisfied with the reasons stated by the medical officer, give a written consent along with your signature. Send the letter within 24 hours of receiving the intimation. Once the written consent is accepted, the RME is conducted accordingly.
The final merit list is prepared based on the marks scored by the candidates in the written test. The cut-off score is decided only after the written exam is conducted. The cut-off score is based on factors like job openings, number of applied candidates, etc.
The merit list is prepared based on marks scored in the written examination. The final merit list is published based on the order of merit, the category you belong to and, the Medical Exam Review.
You can be terminated at any point of the selection process if you are found guilty of involving in any criminal case / found ineligible / or submit faulty information to the officers.
Candidates should check the official site regularly for up-to-date information on the exam dates. The candidate has to complete the training period or course successfully during the probation period. The training or course will be appropriate to the job role. If he is unsuccessful, he will lose his job.
The SSB posting will be anywhere in the international border areas covering Bihar, Uttarakhand, U.P., West Bengal, Assam, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh.
You will receive the admit card when you fill in all your details without any errors, satisfy all the eligibility conditions and submit all proofs properly. You can download the admit cards from the official website.
The admit card has details like date, venue of the PET, PST, Documentation, and Medical Examinations. Be present at the venue on the scheduled exam date mentioned on the admit card. Carry all your necessary documents of proof such as your Caste certificate, Aadhar Card, Educational Certificates that you mentioned while filling the application along with your admit card. If you fail to produce your admit card or any other proof documents, you are not allowed to participate in the selection process.
The initial selection process is the Physical test. So, the first admit card is issued to participate in the physical test ( PET and PST ). As the candidates progress to the next level of selection rounds, the next round being the written test, the admit card is issued for the same. And so on, candidates who clear the written exam will receive the admit card for the skill test.
The result is published on the official website. Candidates can check their results by entering their roll number to view their results.
The SSB Head Constable post vacancy for the year 2018 conducted the written exam on Jan 3, 2021. The candidates who have cleared the written examination are eligible for the skill test.
Admit cards for the skill test are updated on the website. Download the admit cards for the skill test by clicking on the “Download Admit Card” link. This is the admit card issued for the recruitment drive announced in 2018.
Candidates must read the advertisement and the instructions given thoroughly so that his / her application is in no way rejected.
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Q.1 How many vacancies are released for the SSB Head Constable post for the year 2021?
Ans. A total number of 115 vacancies have been released for the year 2021.
Q.2 What is the application fee for SSB Constable Bharti Exam?
Ans. The application fee for the SSB Constable Bharti Exam is Rs. 100 / -.
Q.3 Can I submit the application form directly in person?
Ans. No, you can submit the applications only through the online process.
Q.4 Is there a negative marking?
Ans. There is no information provided on this officially.
Q.5 Is the exam procedure the same for all the posts?
Ans. The exam procedure is almost the same except for the trade test that depends on the post opted for.
Q.6 Can a final-year graduation student apply for an SSB post?
Ans. No, candidates pursuing their studies cannot apply for this position. The candidate must have a course completed certificate.
Q.7 What is an Admit card?
Ans. An admit card is the authorized document given to all eligible candidates to participate in selection procedures.
Q.8 What is the vacancy number announced for a Constable driver?
Ans. The vacancy number released for the post of Constable driver is 574.
Q.9 Is SSB Constable a Govt. job?
Ans. Yes, SSB Constable is a Central Govt. job.
Q.10 Do we need to attend special coaching for the SSB exam?
Ans. The written test section covers the basic syllabus. Therefore, it is up to your choice whether to take up special coaching or not.