The Directorate General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has officially released a recruitment notification for Constable (Technical & Tradesmen and Pioneer) posts for the year 2026. This is a golden opportunity for candidates across India who are looking for a government job in the defense sector. According to the official notification dated April 8, 2026, a total of 9,175 vacancies for Technical & Tradesmen and 20 vacancies for Pioneer posts have been announced, making it one of the largest recruitment in recent times.
Vacancy
Constable (Technical & Tradesmen): 9,175 Posts
Male: 9,096
Female: 79
Constable (Pioneer Wing): 20 Posts (Male)
Grand Total: 9,195 Vacancies
Trade-wise Major Vacancies (Male)
Driver
Motor Mechanic Vehicle
Cook
Carpenter
Tailor
Barber
Washerman
Safai Karamchari
Water Carrier
Bugler
Brass Band / Pipe Band
Cobbler
Painter
Mali (Gardener)
Highest vacancies are in trades like:
Driver
Cook
Motor Mechanic
Safai Karamchari
Application Fee
Application Fee Overview: The application fee for CRPF Constable Recruitment 2026 has been clearly defined in the official notification. Candidates are required to pay a nominal fee while submitting the online application form. This fee ensures the processing of applications and participation in the recruitment process. It is important for applicants to understand the fee structure before applying to avoid rejection of their forms due to incomplete payment.
Fee for General Category: Male candidates belonging to the General (UR) category are required to pay an application fee of ₹100 for each post they apply for. This fee is mandatory and must be paid through the available online payment modes. Without successful payment, the application will not be accepted, and candidates will not be allowed to proceed further in the recruitment process.
Fee for OBC Candidates: Candidates belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category also need to pay ₹100 as the application fee. The fee amount is the same as that for General category candidates. Applicants must ensure that they belong to the non-creamy layer category and have valid certificates, as their application fee exemption depends on category eligibility.
Fee for EWS Category: Economically Weaker Section (EWS) candidates who are male are also required to pay ₹100 as the application fee. This fee applies only if they fall under the EWS category and have valid supporting documents. Candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria for EWS status; otherwise, their application may be rejected during document verification.
Fee Exemption for SC/ST: Candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories are completely exempted from paying the application fee. This exemption is provided by the government to support candidates from reserved categories. However, candidates must provide valid caste certificates during verification to claim this benefit.
Fee Exemption for Female Candidates: All female candidates, irrespective of their category, are exempted from paying the application fee. This initiative encourages more participation of women in the CRPF recruitment process. Female applicants can complete their application without any payment, but they must ensure all other details are correctly filled.
Fee Exemption for Ex-Servicemen: Ex-servicemen (ESM) candidates are also exempted from paying the application fee. This benefit is given in recognition of their service to the nation. Candidates claiming this exemption must provide valid proof of their ex-servicemen status during document verification; otherwise, their candidature may be canceled.
Mode of Fee Payment: The application fee can be paid only through online modes. Candidates can use BHIM UPI, Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, RuPay), or CSC Wallet for payment. Offline payment methods are not accepted. Applicants must ensure a successful transaction and keep proof of payment for future reference.
Important Payment Instructions: Candidates must verify that their payment has been successfully processed. If the fee is not received by CRPF, the application status will show as “Incomplete” or “Pending.” Such applications will be rejected without any further notice. It is advised to check the payment status through the login portal after completing the transaction.
Non-Refundable Fee Policy: The application fee once paid is non-refundable under any circumstances. Candidates should carefully review all details before making the payment, as the fee will not be returned even if the application is rejected or withdrawn. Additionally, the fee cannot be adjusted for any other recruitment or future application.
Age Limit details
Age Limit Overview: The age limit for CRPF Constable Recruitment 2026 is defined clearly in the official notification. Candidates must meet the prescribed age criteria as on 01 January 2026 to be eligible for the posts. The age requirement varies depending on the trade or post applied for, especially for driver and other technical trades. Candidates are advised to carefully check the age criteria before applying to avoid disqualification at later stages.
Age Limit for Driver Post: For the Constable (Driver) post, the age limit is set between 21 to 27 years as on 01 January 2026. This means candidates should not have been born earlier than 02 January 1999 and not later than 01 January 2005. The higher age limit for drivers is due to the requirement of experience and maturity needed for handling heavy vehicles and operational duties.
Age Limit for Other Trades: For all other trades such as Cook, Carpenter, Tailor, Barber, Washerman, Safai Karamchari, and similar posts, the age limit is 18 to 23 years as on 01 January 2026. Candidates applying for these posts should not have been born earlier than 02 January 2003 and not later than 01 January 2008. This standard age range is common for constable-level recruitments.
Importance of Cut-Off Date: The crucial date for calculating age is 01 January 2026. All candidates must ensure that their age falls within the prescribed limits on this date. Any discrepancy between the date of birth mentioned in the application form and the matriculation certificate will lead to rejection of candidature. Therefore, candidates should fill their details accurately while applying.
Age Relaxation for SC/ST: Candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories are eligible for an age relaxation of 5 years beyond the upper age limit. This means SC/ST candidates can apply even if they exceed the general upper age limit within the relaxed range. Proper caste certificates must be produced to claim this benefit during document verification.
Age Relaxation for OBC: Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates are eligible for an age relaxation of 3 years beyond the upper age limit. This relaxation applies only to candidates belonging to the non-creamy layer category. Candidates must provide valid OBC certificates in the prescribed format to avail this relaxation benefit during the recruitment process.
Age Relaxation for Ex-Servicemen: Ex-servicemen candidates are eligible for age relaxation of 3 years after deducting the actual military service rendered from their age. This benefit allows experienced defense personnel to apply for CRPF posts. However, candidates must provide proof of service and eligibility to claim this relaxation during document verification.
Special Relaxation Categories: Additional age relaxation is provided for candidates who are children or dependents of victims of the 1984 riots. The relaxation varies depending on the category: 5 years for General, 8 years for OBC, and 10 years for SC/ST candidates. This provision ensures support for affected families and encourages their participation in government jobs.
Important Eligibility Conditions: Candidates must note that the date of birth entered in the application form must match the details in the matriculation certificate. No request for correction will be entertained after submission. Also, candidates who do not meet the age criteria or fail to provide valid documents for relaxation will be disqualified at any stage of recruitment.
Final Age Limit Summary: In summary, the age limit for CRPF Constable Recruitment 2026 is 18–23 years for most trades and 21–27 years for driver posts, with applicable relaxations for reserved categories. Candidates should carefully verify their eligibility before applying. Meeting the age criteria is essential for progressing through all stages of the recruitment process successfully.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 08 April 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 19 May 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 19 May 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before Exam (Online) |
| PET / PST Exam Date | To be Announced |
| CBT Exam Date | To be Announced |
| Trade Test / DV / Medical Exam | To be Announced |
| Final Result | To be Announced |
Educational Qualification Details
Educational Qualification Overview: The educational qualification for CRPF Constable Recruitment 2026 varies depending on the trade or post applied for. However, the minimum requirement for most posts is Matriculation (10th pass) from a recognized board or institution. Candidates must ensure they possess the required qualification as on 01 January 2026. Without meeting the educational criteria, applications will not be accepted at any stage of the recruitment process.
Qualification for Driver Post: Candidates applying for the Constable (Driver) post must have passed Matriculation or equivalent from a recognized board. In addition, they must possess a valid Heavy Transport Vehicle (HTV) driving license. Applicants will also be required to pass a driving test during the selection process, which evaluates their practical driving skills and road safety awareness.
Qualification for Motor Mechanic: For the Motor Mechanic Vehicle (MMV) post, candidates must have passed 10th class and should possess a 2-year ITI certificate in Motor Mechanic trade from a recognized institute. Alternatively, candidates with a 3-year apprenticeship certificate and one year of practical experience in the same trade are also eligible. This ensures candidates have hands-on technical expertise.
Qualification for Tradesmen Posts: For trades such as Cook, Carpenter, Tailor, Barber, Washerman, Safai Karamchari, and others, candidates must have passed Matriculation from a recognized board. Along with basic education, candidates should be proficient in their respective trades and have practical knowledge or experience, as they will be tested during the trade test stage.
Qualification for Pioneer Wing: Candidates applying for Pioneer Wing posts like Mason and Electrician must have passed Matriculation or equivalent. Additionally, they should have at least one year of experience in the relevant trade. Preference will be given to candidates who possess ITI certificates in Masonry or Electrical trades from recognized institutes.
Recognition of Qualification: All educational qualifications must be obtained from recognized boards or institutions approved by the Central or State Government. Degrees or certificates obtained through open and distance learning modes are also accepted, provided they are recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and relevant authorities at the time of completion.
Cut-Off Date for Qualification: Candidates must have acquired the required educational qualification on or before 01 January 2026. If the result of the qualifying examination is declared after this date, the candidate will not be considered eligible. It is important to ensure that all certificates and mark sheets are available before the cutoff date.
Document Proof Requirement: During Document Verification (DV), candidates must produce original certificates such as mark sheets, passing certificates, and technical qualification proofs. Failure to provide valid documents will result in cancellation of candidature. Therefore, candidates should keep all required documents ready and updated before attending the verification process.
Special Note for Ex-Servicemen: Ex-servicemen candidates may also apply with equivalent Army qualifications recognized as Matriculation or above. However, they must ensure that their qualifications are valid and accepted under CRPF recruitment rules. Supporting documents must be produced during verification to claim eligibility under this category.
Final Qualification Summary: In summary, the minimum educational qualification for CRPF Constable Recruitment 2026 is 10th pass for most posts, with additional technical qualifications required for certain trades like Driver and Motor Mechanic. Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria before applying to avoid rejection. Proper preparation and documentation will help candidates smoothly clear the recruitment process.
Syllabus & Exam Pattern Details
Exam Pattern Overview: The CRPF Constable Recruitment 2026 selection process includes multiple stages, but the Computer-Based Test (CBT) plays a crucial role in final merit preparation. The CBT is conducted after qualifying PET and PST stages. It is designed to evaluate candidates’ basic knowledge, reasoning ability, and aptitude. Understanding the exam pattern is essential for effective preparation and scoring good marks in the written examination.
Structure of CBT Exam: The Computer-Based Test consists of a single objective-type question paper containing 100 questions for a total of 100 marks. Each question carries one mark, and candidates are given a total duration of 2 hours to complete the exam. The paper is divided into four major sections, covering reasoning, general awareness, mathematics, and language skills.
Subjects Included in Exam: The CBT exam includes four subjects: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Knowledge & General Awareness, Elementary Mathematics, and English/Hindi. Each section carries equal weightage with 25 questions and 25 marks. This balanced distribution ensures that candidates must prepare all subjects equally to perform well in the exam.
Negative Marking System: The CRPF CBT exam follows a negative marking system. For every wrong answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted. Candidates must be careful while attempting questions and avoid random guessing. Smart answering strategies, such as eliminating wrong options, can help minimize negative marking and improve overall scores in the examination.
General Intelligence & Reasoning Syllabus: This section tests analytical and logical thinking abilities. Topics include analogies, similarities and differences, coding-decoding, number series, spatial visualization, visual memory, and problem-solving skills. Questions are mainly non-verbal and require quick thinking and accuracy. Regular practice is essential to score well in this section.
General Knowledge & Awareness Syllabus: The General Knowledge section evaluates awareness of current events and general information about India and the world. Topics include history, geography, polity, economics, science, sports, and current affairs. Candidates should stay updated with daily news and revise static GK topics to perform well in this section.
Elementary Mathematics Syllabus: This section includes basic arithmetic topics such as number systems, percentages, ratio and proportion, averages, profit and loss, simple interest, time and distance, and mensuration. The questions are of matriculation level and test fundamental numerical ability. Consistent practice and concept clarity are key to scoring high marks in mathematics.
English/Hindi Language Syllabus: The language section tests basic comprehension and understanding skills. Topics include grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms, and comprehension passages. Candidates can choose either English or Hindi based on their preference. Regular reading and practice of basic grammar rules will help improve performance in this section.
Trade Test & Skill Evaluation: After qualifying the CBT, candidates must appear for a Trade Test, which is practical in nature and qualifying only. It evaluates the candidate’s skills related to their specific trade, such as driving, cooking, tailoring, or electrical work. Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks to proceed to the next stage of recruitment.
Final Selection Criteria: The final selection is based on performance in the CBT, subject to qualifying all other stages like PET, PST, Trade Test, Document Verification, and Medical Examination. The CBT marks are normalized and used to prepare the merit list. Candidates should focus on both physical fitness and written exam preparation to secure selection in CRPF.
Selection Process Details
Selection Process Overview: The selection process for CRPF Constable Recruitment 2026 is conducted in multiple stages to ensure that only physically fit and skilled candidates are selected. The process includes Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Physical Standard Test (PST), Computer-Based Test (CBT), Trade Test, Document Verification, and Medical Examination. Candidates must qualify in each stage to move forward in the recruitment process.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET): The first stage of the selection process is the Physical Efficiency Test (PET), which evaluates the physical fitness of candidates through running tasks. Male candidates are required to complete a 5 km run within 24 minutes for certain trades, while female candidates need to complete 1.6 km within 8.5 minutes. Candidates who fail to meet the required standards will be eliminated from the recruitment process.
Physical Standard Test (PST): Candidates who qualify in PET will undergo the Physical Standard Test (PST). This stage includes measurement of height, chest (for males), and weight. The minimum height requirement is generally 170 cm for males and 157 cm for females, with relaxations for certain categories. Candidates must meet the physical standards to proceed to the next stage.
Shortlisting for CBT: Only candidates who successfully clear both PET and PST are shortlisted for the Computer-Based Test (CBT). This stage is crucial because it determines the merit ranking of candidates. Proper preparation for both physical and written stages is essential to ensure selection in the next phase of recruitment.
Computer-Based Test (CBT): The CBT consists of 100 objective-type questions carrying 100 marks. It includes subjects like Reasoning, General Knowledge, Mathematics, and English/Hindi. The exam duration is 2 hours, and there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. The CBT score plays a major role in final selection.
Trade Test / Skill Test: Candidates who qualify in CBT are called for the Trade Test. This test is practical in nature and evaluates the candidate’s skills in their respective trade, such as driving, cooking, tailoring, or mechanical work. The Trade Test is qualifying only, and candidates must secure minimum marks to proceed further in the recruitment process.
Document Verification (DV): After the Trade Test, candidates must undergo Document Verification. At this stage, candidates are required to submit original documents such as educational certificates, caste certificates, domicile proof, and identity documents. Any mismatch or incorrect information may lead to immediate disqualification from the recruitment process.
Medical Examination (DME/RME): Candidates who clear document verification will undergo a Detailed Medical Examination (DME) to assess their physical and medical fitness. Candidates must meet strict medical standards, including eyesight, physical health, and absence of deformities. If declared unfit, candidates may get a chance for Review Medical Examination (RME).
Preparation of Final Merit List: The final merit list is prepared based on the normalized marks obtained in the Computer-Based Test (CBT). Candidates must qualify all other stages such as PET, PST, Trade Test, and Medical Examination. Selection is done category-wise and state-wise for Technical posts, while Pioneer posts are selected on an all-India basis.
Final Selection & Appointment: Candidates who successfully clear all stages and secure a place in the merit list will be selected for appointment as CRPF Constables. Selected candidates may be posted anywhere in India and must be ready to serve in different climatic and operational conditions. This recruitment offers a prestigious opportunity to serve the nation in a respected force.
Physical Test Details
Physical Test Overview: The Physical Test is the first and most important stage in CRPF Constable Recruitment 2026. It includes two main parts: Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST). These tests are conducted to check the physical fitness, endurance, and body standards of candidates. Only those candidates who successfully clear both PET and PST will be allowed to proceed to the next stage, which is the Computer-Based Test (CBT).
Physical Efficiency Test (PET): In the Physical Efficiency Test, candidates must complete running tasks within a specified time limit. For most trades, male candidates are required to run 5 kilometers in 24 minutes, while female candidates must complete 1.6 kilometers in 8 minutes 30 seconds. For some trades like Cook and Safai Karamchari, male candidates need to complete 1.6 km in 10 minutes and females in 12 minutes. Candidates who fail in PET are immediately disqualified.
Physical Standard Test (PST): Candidates who qualify in PET will undergo the Physical Standard Test. This includes measurement of height, chest (for male candidates), and weight. The minimum height required is generally 170 cm for males and 157 cm for females, with relaxation for certain categories like SC/ST and candidates from specific regions. Chest measurement for males must be at least 80 cm with a minimum expansion of 5 cm.
Relaxations & Special Conditions: CRPF provides relaxation in physical standards for candidates belonging to reserved categories and certain regions such as North-East states, hill areas, and tribal communities. Ex-servicemen are exempted from the PET (running test) but must appear for PST measurements. Female candidates who are found pregnant during PET may be declared temporarily unfit and can appear later after medical clearance.
Important Instructions for Candidates: Candidates must carry valid photo ID proof and admit card to the test center. It is important to maintain good physical fitness before appearing for PET. There is no appeal for failing the PET stage, so candidates should prepare well in advance. For PST, candidates can appeal measurements on the same day if they feel there is an error. Proper preparation and awareness of standards are key to clearing this stage.
Important Documents
Matriculation (10th Class) Certificate
10th Marks Memo / Passing Certificate
Recent Passport Size Photographs
Printed Application Form
Admit Card (for each stage)
Aadhaar Card / E-Aadhaar
Voter ID Card
PAN Card
Driving License
Passport (any one ID proof is enough)
State/UT Domicile Certificate / PRC
SC / ST / OBC / EWS Certificate (if applicable)
Ex-Servicemen Discharge / Service Certificate (if applicable)
Valid Heavy Vehicle Driving License (for Driver post)
ITI Certificate (for technical posts like Motor Mechanic, Electrician, etc.)
Trade Experience Certificate (if required)
Height / Chest Relaxation Certificate (if applicable)
Riot Victim Dependent Certificate (if applicable)
Any other required Government-issued certificate
