Defence & Police Government Jobs 2026
Indian Armed Forces, paramilitary (CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB) and state police forces recruit officers and jawans every year. Find current Constable, Sub-Inspector, CAPF AC and commission vacancies.
About Defence & Police Government Jobs 2026
Quick Snapshot
- Entry pay: ₹21,700 / month — grows with annual increments and DA revisions
- Top exam: SSC GD / UPSC CAPF / NDA / CDS
- Minimum qualification: 10th Pass / 12th Pass / Graduation
- Estimated annual vacancies: 80,000 – 1,50,000
- Age limit: 17 – 30 years (General category — relaxations apply for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD)
What Are Defence & Police Government Jobs?
Defence and police government jobs as of 2026 span the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, seven central armed police forces (CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, NIA and Assam Rifles) and 28 state police forces. SSC GD Constable is the single highest-volume police recruitment in India, attracting over 1 crore applicants per cycle for constable posts in central paramilitary forces. UPSC NDA and CDS recruit officers for the three armed forces; UPSC CAPF recruits Assistant Commandants for paramilitary officer cadre.
Physical fitness — height, weight, chest measurement, vision standards and endurance tests — is the first elimination gate for all defence and police posts. Medical categories (A1 to C for railways, equivalent vision and fitness standards for armed forces) determine post eligibility; candidates should self-screen before committing to written exam preparation. Agniveer, introduced in 2022, is a 4-year short-service scheme for soldiers and sailors with only 25% retention after service — candidates seeking permanent military employment should target NDA, CDS or TES entry routes.
Latest Defence & Police Government Jobs 2026 — Apply Before Deadline
31 foundTechnician (Vocational) Apprentice Programme, Naval Ship Repair Yard (NSRY), 2026
Naval Ship Repair Yard (NSRY), Sri Vijaya Puram, Ministry of Defence (Navy)
AOC Group C Recruitment 2026 for Tradesman Mate, Fireman, Junior Office Assistant, Multi-Tasking Staff, Material Assistant
Army Ordnance Corps (AOC), Ministry of Defence
Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) Super Specialist Medical Officer, Specialist Medical Officer & Medical Officer Recruitment 2026
Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP)
Solid State Physics Laboratory, Apprentice (ITI Apprentice, Diploma Apprentice, Graduate Apprentice) 2026
Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India
Employment Notice for Para Medical & Non Medical Staff
Government of India, Ministry of Defence, Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme
Indian Army NCC Special Entry Scheme – 125th Course, Short Service Commission (NT), Women (including Wards of Battle Casualties) 2027
Indian Army
Indian Army Short Service Commission (JAG) Course 2026
Indian Army
ECHS Cell Medical Officer, Medical Specialist, Gynecologist, Dental Officer, Nursing Assistant, Pharmacist, Laboratory Assistant, Laboratory Technician, Dental A/T/H, DEO/Clerk, Female Attend
Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS Cell), Station HQ, Mathura Cant, Ministry of Defence
Indian Air Force Agniveervayu (Musician) Intake 01/2027
Indian Air Force (IAF)
Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA), Technician (Semi-Skilled), Group 'C', Non-Ministerial, Industrial 2026
Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA), Ministry of Defence
Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) Vacancies
Government of India Ministry of Defence
Employment Notice for Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme
Government of India, Ministry of Defence Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme Station HQ ECHS Cell, Ferozepur Cantt
Indian Army Short Service Commission Officer (JAG Entry & NCC Special Entry) 2027
Indian Army
Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission Police Constable (Male, Female) Recruitment 2026
Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC)
Indian Army 68th Short Service Commission (Technical) Men
Indian Army
ACEM Graduate and Technician Apprenticeship 2026-27
Advanced Centre for Energetic Materials (ACEM), DRDO
Indian Army / Army Sports Control Board, IHQ of MoD (Army) Direct Entry Havildar (Sports) and Naib Subedar (Sports) Recruitment 2026
Indian Army / Army Sports Control Board, IHQ of MoD (Army)
Indian Army Short Service Commission (Technical) Officer SSC Tech 68th Course 2026
Indian Army
Indian Navy Agniveer (Apprentice) - 01/2027 and 02/2027 Batch
Indian Navy - Directorate of Manpower Planning & Recruitment, Naval Headquarters, New Delhi
Indian Air Force Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) Recruitment 2026
Indian Air Force (IAF)
Recruitment Rally 2026 - 130 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) Ecological, KUMAON - Soldier (10 trades)
130 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) Ecological, KUMAON
Karnataka State Police Armed Police Constable - Civil/DIAR (Shastra Police Constable) 2026
Karnataka State Police (KSP)
Border Roads Organisation (BRO) - General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) Recruitment 2026 — Draughtsman, Hindi Typist, Store Keeper Technical (SKT), Operator Communication, Operator Excavating
Border Roads Organisation (BRO), General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF), Ministry of Defence, Government of India
Indian Air Force (CASB) - Agniveervayu Intake 02/2027 & Airmen Group 'Y' (Non-Technical) Medical Assistant Intake 02/2027
Indian Air Force (Central Airmen Selection Board - CASB)
Central Reserve Police Force - Head Constable (Ministerial) Recruitment 2026
Central Reserve Police Force
National Investigation Agency - Sub-Inspector (Investigation) Recruitment 2026
National Investigation Agency
Andaman and Nicobar Islands Police Department - Constable (Male/Female) Recruitment 2026
Andaman and Nicobar Islands Police Department
Uttar Pradesh Police Department - Head Constable Recruitment 2026
Uttar Pradesh Police Department
Karnataka Public Service Commission - Sub-Inspector (Police) Recruitment 2026
Karnataka Public Service Commission
Union Public Service Commission - NDA and NA 2 Exam 2026 (NDA & NA II Recruitment 2026)
Union Public Service Commission
Indian Navy Agniveer (Apprentice) Recruitment 2026 — Directorate of Manpower Planning & Recruitment, Naval Headquarters
Directorate of Manpower Planning & Recruitment, Naval Headquarters, New Delhi – Indian Navy
₹21,700 / month
17 – 30 years
SSC GD / UPSC CAPF / NDA / CDS
80,000 – 1,50,000
What Is the Career Growth Path in Defence & Police Government Jobs?
- • Constable GD (CRPF/BSF/CISF)
- • Soldier GD (Army)
- • Airman (IAF)
- • Sailor (Navy)
- • Head Constable / ASI
- • Sub-Inspector (CAPF/State Police)
- • Naib Subedar (Army)
- • RPF Sub-Inspector
- • Assistant Commandant (UPSC CAPF)
- • Lieutenant / Captain (Army)
- • IPS Officer (UPSC CSE)
- • Deputy SP / DSP (State Police)
- • Constable GD (CRPF/BSF/CISF)
- • Soldier GD (Army)
- • Airman (IAF)
- • Sailor (Navy)
- • Head Constable / ASI
- • Sub-Inspector (CAPF/State Police)
- • Naib Subedar (Army)
- • RPF Sub-Inspector
- • Assistant Commandant (UPSC CAPF)
- • Lieutenant / Captain (Army)
- • IPS Officer (UPSC CSE)
- • Deputy SP / DSP (State Police)
Which Defence and Police Bodies Recruit Government Candidates in 2026?
SSC (Staff Selection Commission)
GD Constable for CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, NIA and Assam Rifles; CPO for Sub-Inspector in CRPF, BSF, CISF and Delhi Police
Exam: SSC GD Constable, SSC CPO SI/ASI
UPSC (Union Public Service Commission)
NDA for Army/Navy/Air Force officers (10+2 level); CDS for Lieutenant/equivalent commission; CAPF AC for Assistant Commandant in five CAPFs
Exam: UPSC NDA, UPSC CDS, UPSC CAPF
Indian Army / Navy / Air Force
Direct entry schemes — Agniveer (4-year scheme), TES (Technical Entry for B.Tech), SSC Tech, NCC Special Entry and Territorial Army
Exam: Agniveer Rally, TES Entry, AFCAT (Air Force)
State Police Recruitment Boards
Constable, Head Constable, Sub-Inspector and Inspector posts in 28 state police forces — domicile-based recruitment with state-specific physical and written standards
Exam: State Police Constable Exam, State SI Exam
What Are the Physical Standards and Qualifications for Defence and Police Jobs?
Qualification
Class 10 for Constable GD and Soldier GD. Class 12 for NDA and Agniveer (some categories). Graduation for CDS, CAPF AC, SSC CPO and IPS. B.Tech for Army TES and SSC Tech entry.
Age Range
17½–23 years for NDA; 17½–21 for Agniveer; 18–23 for SSC GD Constable (General); 20–25 for SSC CPO SI; 20–24 for UPSC CDS (IMA); 20–25 for CAPF AC.
Domicile
No domicile for central forces (CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB) and armed forces. State police requires state domicile. Some states additionally require district-specific domicile for constable posts.
Category Relaxation
SC/ST: +5 years | OBC: +3 years | Ex-Servicemen: variable | Height relaxation for hill states and tribal communities in SSC GD and CAPF. No attempt limit for SSC GD; 4 attempts for IAS (General).
What Is the Selection Process for Defence and Police Government Jobs?
- 1
Written / Computer-Based Examination — SSC GD CBT (GK, Maths, Reasoning, English); UPSC NDA/CDS written exam (Mathematics + General Ability Test); CAPF AC Paper I (GS) + Paper II (Essay/Comprehension).
- 2
Physical Standards Test (PST) — Height and weight verification against prescribed standards. Chest measurement (for male candidates in some forces). Candidates below minimum height are rejected at this stage.
- 3
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) — Running (5 km in 24 min for SSC GD men; 1.6 km in 8.5 min for women), long jump and high jump events. Failure in PET eliminates candidates regardless of written score.
- 4
Medical Examination — Comprehensive medical at designated military/CAPF hospitals. Vision, hearing, orthopaedic fitness, ENT and systemic health assessed. Services Selection Board (SSB) for officer entry includes 5-day psychological and group assessment.
- 5
Document Verification and Final Merit — Domicile, caste, educational and age documents verified. Final merit determined by written score (for constable posts) or written + SSB + medical (for officer posts).
What Is the Salary for Constable, Sub-Inspector and Officer Cadre in Defence and Police?
| Post | Pay Level | Basic Pay | Approx In-hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Constable GD (CRPF/BSF/CISF) | Level 3 | ₹21,700/month | ₹30,000 – ₹40,000 |
| Sub-Inspector (CAPF / State Police) | Level 6 | ₹35,400/month | ₹50,000 – ₹64,000 |
| Assistant Commandant (UPSC CAPF) | Level 10 | ₹56,100/month | ₹85,000 – ₹1,05,000 |
| Lieutenant (Indian Army — entry) | Level 10 | ₹56,100 + MSP ₹15,500 | ₹95,000 – ₹1,15,000 |
| Soldier GD (Army) | Level 3 | ₹21,700/month | ₹32,000 – ₹42,000 |
| IPS Officer (entry, Joint Magistrate) | Level 10 | ₹56,100/month | ₹85,000 – ₹1,10,000 |
In-hand includes DA (58%), HRA (metro rate) and standard allowances. Figures are approximate.
Is a Defence or Police Government Job Right for You?
Best Suited For
- ✓Candidates who are physically fit and motivated by uniformed, disciplined service with a clear chain of command
- ✓Those who want early entry into government service — NDA at 17½, Agniveer at 17½, SSC GD at 18 are among the earliest government career entry points
- ✓Graduates targeting officer-level authority, command experience and respect — CAPF AC and NDA/CDS provide the fastest route to leadership roles in uniformed service
- ✓Candidates interested in post-retirement benefits — Ex-Servicemen status, ECHS medical scheme, resettlement training and pension provide lifelong financial security
Think Twice If
- ✗If medical fitness standards are not met — vision defects, flat feet, colour blindness and orthopedic conditions disqualify candidates even with high written scores
- ✗If remote field postings are not acceptable — BSF, ITBP and Assam Rifles post personnel at borders and in conflict-prone areas with limited connectivity and family separation
- ✗If age window has already narrowed — NDA requires 10+2 completion by age 23; most constable upper limits are 23–25 for General. Missing the age window closes these doors permanently
- ✗If the Agniveer scheme's 4-year tenure is a concern — Agniveer is a short-service scheme, not permanent employment. Only 25% are retained after 4 years; the rest receive a corpus and ex-serviceman status
Common Mistakes in Defence and Police Government Job Applications
- 1
Not self-screening for medical eligibility before starting preparation — medical standards for armed forces and CAPFs eliminate a large percentage of otherwise qualified candidates. Vision standards (A1 for combat roles), colour perception, flat feet and ENT conditions should be self-checked before committing to written exam preparation.
- 2
Confusing Agniveer with permanent military service — Agniveer is a 4-year short-service scheme introduced in 2022. Only 25% of Agniveers are absorbed into permanent service after 4 years; the rest receive a Seva Nidhi corpus (approximately ₹11.71 lakh) and Ex-Serviceman status. Candidates who want lifelong military employment should target NDA/CDS or TES entry instead.
- 3
Applying for SSC GD without checking height standards — SSC GD has different height requirements for different states and categories. General (non-NE states) men: 170 cm; Garhwali, Kumaoni, Dogra, Maratha men: 165 cm; NE states and tribal communities: 162.5 cm. Women: 157 cm (145 cm for specific groups). Applying without meeting the height standard leads to PST rejection.
- 4
Missing UPSC CAPF Paper II preparation — CAPF AC selection includes a Paper II which is essay-based (comprehension, precis, counter-argument). Most candidates overprepare for Paper I (GS) and underprepare for Paper II, losing critical marks that affect final merit.
- 5
Underestimating the SSB for officer entry — The Services Selection Board (SSB) is a 5-day residential assessment testing psychological fitness, group dynamics, leadership and communication. Candidates who clear the written exam but treat SSB as a formality consistently fail at this stage. SSB coaching and mock exercises improve success rates significantly.