SSB Reserves 50% Constable (GD) Posts for Ex-Agniveers Under New Recruitment Rules 2026

In a major step to provide employment opportunities to former Agniveers, the Government of India has notified the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Recruitment Rules, 2026, reserving 50% of Constable (General Duty) vacancies for ex-Agniveers.

The new recruitment rules also provide significant relaxations, including exemption from certain recruitment tests and age relaxation, making it easier for former Agniveers to join the SSB after completing their service under the Agnipath Scheme.

50% Reservation for Former Agniveers

Under the SSB Recruitment Rules, 2026, 50% of all Constable (GD) vacancies will now be reserved for former Agniveers.

Eligible candidates who have successfully completed their tenure under the Agnipath Scheme will compete for these reserved vacancies, subject to fulfilling the prescribed eligibility criteria.

The move is part of the Government’s broader initiative to facilitate the rehabilitation and employment of trained Agniveers after their military service.

Recruitment Exemptions for Ex-Agniveers

Recognising the military training received by Agniveers during their service, the new recruitment rules grant several exemptions.

Former Agniveers will be exempted from:

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

However, candidates will still have to complete:

• Document verification
• Medical examination (where applicable)
• Other eligibility requirements prescribed under the recruitment rules

These exemptions are intended to simplify the recruitment process while recognising the skills and physical training acquired during service in the Armed Forces.

Age Relaxation for Former Agniveers

The new rules also provide relaxation in the upper age limit.

Age Relaxation Details

• First Batch of Agniveers: 5 years upper age relaxation
• Subsequent Batches: 3 years upper age relaxation

The age relaxation aims to provide adequate time for former Agniveers to transition into civilian employment after completing their military service.

Recruitment Rules Effective Immediately

The SSB Recruitment Rules, 2026 came into force immediately after their publication in the Official Gazette.

All future recruitment for the post of Constable (General Duty) in the Sashastra Seema Bal will now be conducted according to these revised provisions.

About the Agnipath Scheme

The Agnipath Scheme, launched by the Government of India in 2022, recruits young men and women into the Armed Forces as Agniveers for a four-year period.

After completing their tenure, a portion of Agniveers is retained for longer service, while the remaining personnel are encouraged to pursue opportunities in government departments, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), state police forces, public sector organisations, and the private sector.

The latest SSB recruitment policy is another step towards ensuring meaningful post-service career opportunities for ex-Agniveers.

About Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) is one of India’s Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Key Responsibilities

• Guarding India’s borders with Nepal and Bhutan
• Preventing cross-border crimes and smuggling
• Promoting a sense of security among border populations
• Supporting national internal security operations