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Last Updated: June 2026

Police Jobs 2026: Constable, SI, Inspector — State Police & Central Force Complete Guide

Complete guide to police recruitment in India 2026. Covers State Police Constable and Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment, Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB) via SSC GD and SSC CPO, Railway Protection Force (RPF), physical standards, age limits, and step-by-step application guide.

Verified by NagrikIQ Research Team
Sources: Official .gov.in portals only · Updated June 2026
SSC — Staff Selection Commission (for CAPF/Delhi Police) — Official Portal →

Police jobs attract lakhs of applicants every cycle, but what most people don't realize is that the physical test eliminates more candidates than the written exam — I've seen aspirants who scored 90+ marks get knocked out at PET because they never trained seriously for the 1.6 km run. The written syllabus is predictable and coachable, but your body needs months of actual preparation, not last-minute jogging. If you're serious about this, start your physical training the day you decide to apply — not after the written result.

— Sibin O, Founder, NagrikIQ · Last verified June 2026

Overview

Police jobs in India are available at two broad levels: State Police (recruited by each state's Police Recruitment Board or State PSC) and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF, recruited by SSC and UPSC). Understanding which recruitment body handles which posts is essential before applying. **State Police Recruitment** is handled independently by each state. Each state has its own Police Recruitment Board (e.g., UP Police Recruitment and Promotion Board, Maharashtra Police Recruitment, Karnataka State Police, etc.) or routes recruitment through the State PSC. Key posts: - **Constable (Civil Police / Armed Police)**: Minimum qualification is 10th pass (some states require 12th). Age: 18–25 (general, with relaxation for reserved categories). Pay: ₹21,700–₹69,100 (Level 3, 7th Pay Commission). Selection: Written exam + Physical Efficiency Test (PET) + Physical Measurement Test (PMT) + Medical examination. - **Sub-Inspector (SI)**: Graduate qualification required. Age: 20–25 (general). Pay: ₹35,400–₹1,12,400 (Level 6). Selection: Written exam + Physical test + Medical. - **Inspector**: Typically promoted from SI cadre; direct recruitment rare. Some states have direct Inspector recruitment for Law graduates. **Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles)**: - Constable (GD): Recruited via SSC GD (Staff Selection Commission General Duty) exam. 10th pass, age 18–23. Pay: ₹21,700. SSC GD is one of India's largest competitive exams. - Sub-Inspector (SI): Recruited via SSC CPO (Central Police Organisations) exam. Graduate, age 20–25. Pay: ₹35,400. Covers Delhi Police SI and CAPF SI posts. - Assistant Commandant: Recruited by UPSC (CAPF AC exam). Graduate, age 20–25. Pay: ₹56,100. **RPF (Railway Protection Force)**: Recruited by RRB (Railway Recruitment Board). Constable (10th pass, ₹21,700) and SI (graduate, ₹35,400). RPF protects passengers and railway property. **Physical Standards Overview** (vary significantly by state and force): - Height (Male/General): 168–170 cm for most states; 160–163 cm for hilly/tribal areas. - Height (Female/General): 155–160 cm for most states. - Chest (Male): 80–85 cm (unexpanded) with 5 cm expansion for most forces. - PET (Physical Efficiency Test): Running 1.6 km (male) in 5–6 minutes; 800 m (female) in 4–5 minutes; long jump, high jump, and other events vary by state. **IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER**: Vacancy counts, exam dates, physical standards, age limits, and pay scales vary significantly by state and are updated each recruitment cycle. Always check the specific notification from the official state police recruitment board or SSC/RRB for current details. Do not rely on third-party sources for vacancy numbers or exam dates.

Eligibility

  • Constable: 10th pass (Matriculation) from a recognised board; some states require 12th pass — check state-specific notification
  • Sub-Inspector (SI): Graduation (any stream) from a recognised university; Law degree preferred for some SI posts
  • Age: 18–25 years for Constable (General); 20–25 years for SI (General); relaxation up to 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC, 5 years for ex-servicemen, and additional relaxation for state government employees — check notification
  • Physical standards: Height, weight, and chest measurements as specified in the recruitment notification; standards vary by state, force, and category (General/OBC/SC/ST/Ex-SM)
  • Vision: Must meet minimum vision standards — typically 6/6 or 6/9 (with/without correction); colour blindness is a disqualifying condition for most police posts
  • Character: No criminal conviction; no involvement in riots or anti-national activities; character verification done through police records of home district

Documents Required

10th Marksheet and Certificate (for Constable; also serves as Date of Birth proof)
12th or Graduation Marksheet and Certificate (for SI and above)
Domicile/residence certificate from the state in which you are applying (state police requires state domicile)
Category/caste certificate: SC/ST/OBC certificate from competent authority (SDM/Tehsildar level)
Income certificate (for OBC Non-Creamy Layer and EWS candidates)
Recent passport-size photographs (typically 10–15 copies for the full recruitment process including PET, medical, and document verification)
Aadhaar card and one additional government photo ID (voter ID, PAN, driving licence)

Fees & Processing Time

Fee
Application fees vary by state and post. Typical range: General/OBC: ₹100–₹500; SC/ST/Ex-SM/PwD: Free or ₹50–₹100. SSC GD and SSC CPO have their own fee structure (₹100 for General, free for SC/ST/Female/Ex-SM). RPF: ₹500 (General/OBC), free for SC/ST/Female/Ex-SM. Always check the specific notification for exact fees.
Processing Time
State Police recruitment: Typically 6–12 months from notification to final posting. SSC GD / SSC CPO: 12–18 months from notification to joining. RPF: 8–14 months. The process includes: Written Exam → PET/PMT (Physical) → Document Verification → Medical Examination → Police Verification (character) → Training (6–12 months at police training academy).

How to Apply Online

  1. 1Identify the correct recruitment board: For state police posts (Constable/SI in your state), find the official Police Recruitment Board website for your state — e.g., uppbpb.gov.in (UP), mahapariksha.gov.in (Maharashtra), ksp.gov.in (Karnataka)
  2. 2For Central Forces (CRPF/BSF/CISF/ITBP/SSB Constable GD): Apply through SSC at ssc.gov.in → look for 'SSC GD Constable' notification
  3. 3For Central Forces SI (Delhi Police SI, CAPF SI): Apply through SSC at ssc.gov.in → look for 'SSC CPO' notification
  4. 4For RPF Constable and SI: Apply through RRB at indianrailways.gov.in or your regional RRB portal
  5. 5Register on the respective portal: create a one-time registration with mobile, email, and Aadhaar/DOB
  6. 6Fill the application form: personal details, educational qualification, category, choice of exam centre(s)
  7. 7Upload photograph (JPEG, 20–50 KB) and signature (JPEG, 10–20 KB) as per notification specifications
  8. 8Pay application fee online via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI
  9. 9Submit the form and download the confirmation page with your application/registration number
  10. 10Download Admit Card from the official portal 10–15 days before the Written Exam
  11. 11After written exam result: report for PET/PMT (Physical) with original documents on the date notified
  12. 12After physical: attend Document Verification → Medical Examination → Police Verification → await merit list

How to Apply Offline

  1. 1Most state police and central force applications are now online only. For technical assistance, visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) — locator at locator.csc.gov.in
  2. 2Some older state police recruitments (rare, mostly in smaller states) accept offline application forms available at District Police Headquarters or SP Offices — check state police board notification
  3. 3Physical tests (PET/PMT) are conducted offline at designated centres — check your admit card for centre and reporting time
  4. 4Medical examination is conducted at designated government hospitals or police hospitals — you will be informed of the date after clearing PET

Common Problems & Solutions

Medical rejection due to eyesight not meeting standards
Most police forces require minimum 6/6 vision (without correction) for distance. Candidates with glasses/contact lenses are generally ineligible for Constable and SI posts in most forces. Laser eye surgery (LASIK) may or may not be accepted — check the specific notification. Some forces allow 6/9 with correction for certain posts. If rejected, check the specific vision requirement in the notification and whether an appeal process exists — some states allow a review medical board.
Height shortfall by 1–2 cm
Height is measured multiple times during the PET/PMT process. Ensure you are measured standing fully upright (heels together, not on toes). Candidates from certain hill areas, tribal communities, and North-Eastern states have lower height standards — check if you qualify under any exempted category. If you believe the measurement is inaccurate, request re-measurement immediately before leaving the measurement centre. Height measurement is final once the PMT round is over in most states.
Criminal record (even minor FIR) showing up in police verification
Police verification is the final stage and checks your home district records. Even a minor FIR or case pending in court can delay or disqualify your appointment. If an FIR was filed against you (even if later resolved), disclose it in the application form where asked — concealment is a more serious disqualification. For cases that were compounded or settled, obtain a court order confirming the same and carry it to document verification. Consult a legal professional if uncertain.
Ex-serviceman (ESM) relaxation not being correctly applied
Ex-servicemen are entitled to age relaxation (typically 5 years General, 8 years OBC, 10 years SC/ST for police posts) and reservation in some states. Carry your Discharge Certificate (PPO or service book), ESM ID card, and Aadhaar. The age relaxation is calculated differently for ESM — your service period is deducted from your actual age to get 'notional age'. If the recruitment board has not applied ESM relaxation correctly, raise a written objection at the document verification centre immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between State Police and Central Police Forces?

State Police (UP Police, Maharashtra Police, Karnataka Police, etc.) are under state government jurisdiction and handle law and order within the state. They are recruited by state police recruitment boards or State PSCs. Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles) are under the Ministry of Home Affairs and are deployed across India and border areas. They are recruited by SSC (for Constable GD and SI CPO) or UPSC (for Assistant Commandant). Delhi Police, though called 'police', functions under the central government and its SI recruitment is through SSC CPO.

Can women apply for police constable and SI posts?

Yes. All state police forces and central forces recruit women in dedicated women constable/SI posts. Physical standards for women differ (lower height, no chest requirement, shorter running distances). Some states also have women police stations staffed entirely by women officers. Check the notification for the number of women-specific vacancies and women's physical standards.

What is SSC GD and who should apply?

SSC GD (General Duty) is an exam conducted by SSC to recruit Constable (GD) for CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, and SSF (Secretariat Security Force). Minimum qualification: 10th pass. Age: 18–23 years (general). It is one of India's most competitive exams with millions of applicants. The selection process is: Computer-Based Test → Physical Efficiency Test → Physical Standard Test → Medical Examination → Document Verification.

What is SSC CPO and which posts does it fill?

SSC CPO (Central Police Organisations) exam recruits Sub-Inspectors (SI) for Delhi Police and CAPF (CRPF/BSF/CISF/ITBP/SSB). Minimum qualification: Graduation. Age: 20–25 years. The process: Paper I (CBT) → Physical Standard Test/Endurance Test → Medical Examination → Paper II (descriptive) → Document Verification. This is a separate exam from SSC GD and targets graduate-level candidates for SI-rank posts.

Is there a written exam for state police constable recruitment?

Yes. Most state police constable recruitments include a written exam (objective type, covering GK, current affairs, reasoning, and basic maths), followed by PET/PMT (physical), and medical. Some states conduct PET first as a screening stage before the written exam. The exact sequence varies by state — always check the specific state police recruitment notification. Written exam cut-offs vary by category and state.

Helpline & Support

  • SSC Helpline: 011-24361359 / ssc.gov.in → 'Contact Us' for SSC GD and SSC CPO queries
  • RRB Helplines: Visit indianrailways.gov.in → RPF section for RPF Constable and SI queries
  • State Police Board: Search '[Your State] Police Recruitment Board' for official website and helpline
  • For grievances on state police recruitment: File at CPGRAMS (cpgrams.gov.in) or state public grievance portal
  • SSC GD / CPO result and cut-off: ssc.gov.in → 'Result' section

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