The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has notified the Sashastra Seema Bal (Combatised General Duty) Group 'C' Posts Recruitment Rules, 2026, introducing a 50% reservation for ex-Agniveers in the recruitment of Constable (General Duty) posts. The new rules replace the 2011 recruitment framework and align the recruitment process with the Centre's Agnipath scheme.

The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), one of India's Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is responsible for guarding the 1,751-km India–Nepal border and the 699-km India–Bhutan border.

50% Reservation for Ex-Agniveers

Under the new recruitment rules, 50% of Constable (General Duty) vacancies in every recruitment year will be reserved for ex-Agniveers.

The recruitment process will take place in two phases:

• Phase I: Recruitment for the reserved 50% vacancies will be conducted by the designated Nodal Force exclusively for eligible ex-Agniveers.
• Phase II: The remaining vacancies, along with any unfilled posts from Phase I, will be filled through an Open Competitive Examination as per the existing recruitment process or future government guidelines.

The provision is aimed at facilitating the induction of trained former Agniveers into the SSB while maintaining a structured recruitment system.

Age Relaxation and Examination Exemptions

The revised rules provide several benefits to ex-Agniveers:

• First batch of ex-Agniveers: Up to 5 years' relaxation in the upper age limit.
• Subsequent batches: Up to 3 years' age relaxation.

Eligible ex-Agniveers will also receive exemptions from:

• Written examination
• Physical Standard Test (PST)
• Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

These exemptions will apply subject to the conditions specified in the recruitment rules.

Recruitment Framework for Group 'C' Posts

The SSB Recruitment Rules, 2026 govern appointments to the following Group 'C' General Duty posts:

• Assistant Sub-Inspector (General Duty)
• Head Constable (General Duty)
• Constable (General Duty)

The sanctioned strength under the new rules includes:

• 5,886 Assistant Sub-Inspectors (GD)
• 13,358 Head Constables (GD)
• 54,109 Constables (GD)

The number of vacancies may vary depending on operational requirements and workload.

Eligibility for Constable Recruitment

For direct recruitment to the post of Constable (General Duty), candidates must:

• Be 18–23 years of age (subject to applicable relaxations).
• Have passed Matriculation (Class 10) or an equivalent examination from a recognised board.
• Meet the prescribed physical and medical standards notified by the Central Government.
• Be placed in the SHAPE-I medical category.

Comprehensive Service Rules

Besides introducing provisions for ex-Agniveers, the notification lays down detailed guidelines relating to:

• Promotion and departmental advancement
• Deputation
• Re-employment of ex-servicemen
• Reservation policies
• Probation and confirmation
• Retirement
• Service liability
• Departmental Promotion Committees

The rules came into effect upon their publication in the Official Gazette on July 27, 2026.

Aligning Recruitment with the Agnipath Scheme

The revised recruitment framework follows the Union Government's policy to provide career opportunities for former Agniveers after completion of their military service under the Agnipath scheme.

Earlier, Nityanand Rai informed the Lok Sabha that the government had created a separate Ex-Agniveer category for recruitment to Constable (General Duty) and Rifleman posts in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Assam Rifles. He also announced the establishment of a dedicated Ex-Agniveer Wing under the Ministry of Home Affairs to coordinate the future induction and career progression of former Agniveers across the CAPFs.

With the implementation of the SSB Recruitment Rules, 2026, the government aims to leverage the skills and training of ex-Agniveers while strengthening the recruitment and human resource framework of one of India's key border guarding force