🗓️Last Updated: June 2026

Police Jobs India 2026: Constable & SI

Complete guide to police recruitment in India 2026 — state constable and Sub-Inspector (SI) recruitment. Covers eligibility, physical standards, written exam, medical test, state-wise portals, and step-by-step application process.

🔗SSC CPO — Central Police Orgs (ssc.nic.in) — Official Portal →

📋 Overview

Police recruitment in India is conducted at the state level by State Police Recruitment Boards (PRBs), Police Recruitment Committees (PRCs), and State Public Service Commissions (SPSCs). Each state recruits independently for its State Police Force — there is no single national exam for state police constables or Sub-Inspectors (unlike SSC CPO for Delhi Police and CAPFs, which is central). Posts recruited include: Constable (GD), Constable (Driver), Constable (Tradesman), Sub-Inspector (Civil), Sub-Inspector (Executive), Inspector, Head Constable, and Armed Constable. The selection process for police jobs is multi-stage: Written Exam → Physical Efficiency Test (PET) → Physical Measurement Test (PMT) → Medical Examination → Document Verification → Training. Physical standards are strict and non-negotiable — height, weight, chest measurement, vision, and running/physical endurance are all tested. SSC CPO (Central Police Organisations) is a separate central exam for SI in Delhi Police, CISF, CRPF, BSF, SSB, and ITBP — conducted by SSC through ssc.nic.in. Major state recruitments: UP Police (uppbpb.gov.in), Maharashtra (mahapolice.gov.in), Rajasthan (police.rajasthan.gov.in), MP Police (peb.mp.gov.in), Bihar Police (bpssc.bih.nic.in), Tamil Nadu (tnusrb.tn.gov.in), Karnataka (ksp.karnataka.gov.in), and others.

✅ Eligibility

  • ✓Constable (GD): 10th pass (matriculate) from a recognised board. Age: 18–25 years (varies by state — UP is 18–22, Rajasthan is 18–25). SC/ST +5 yrs, OBC +3 yrs relaxation typically applies.
  • ✓Sub-Inspector (SI): 12th pass (some states require graduation). Age: 21–28 years. Some states like UP, Rajasthan require graduation for SI posts.
  • ✓Height (male): 168–170 cm for General; 160–165 cm for SC/ST/OBC depending on state. Height relaxed by 3–5 cm for Hilly/Tribal/Scheduled area residents.
  • ✓Height (female): 152–160 cm for General; 147–155 cm for SC/ST/OBC. Female constable and SI posts exist in all states.
  • ✓Chest (male only): Unexpanded 80–81 cm with minimum 5 cm expansion. Relaxed for SC/ST/Hill residents in most states.
  • ✓Vision: Minimum 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other eye (without glasses) for most constable posts. Near vision and colour vision tested. Some posts allow corrected vision.
  • ✓Must be unmarried for certain constable recruitment in some states (check specific notification).
  • ✓No criminal record. FIR, conviction, or pending cases may result in disqualification at document verification.

📁 Documents Required

▸Aadhaar card — mandatory for registration and identity
▸10th certificate and marksheet (for constable); 12th/graduation certificate (for SI)
▸Caste/tribe certificate — SC/ST/OBC issued by Tehsildar or SDM in the format specified by the state
▸Domicile/residence certificate of the recruiting state — police recruitment is state-specific; outsiders are generally ineligible
▸Character certificate from the head of your last educational institution or local Tehsildar
▸NOC / discharge certificate for Ex-Servicemen category candidates
▸Medical fitness certificate — some states require a preliminary medical before applying
▸Passport-size photograph — recent, white background
▸Signature on white paper
▸Active mobile number and email — for OTP-based registration and notifications

💰Fees & Processing Time

Fee
Application fee: ₹100–₹500 for General; SC/ST candidates are usually exempt or pay ₹50–₹100. Varies significantly by state — check the specific state recruitment notification. Payment via state treasury challan or online payment on the state recruitment portal.
Processing Time
Process duration: 6–18 months from notification to final joining, depending on the state and number of vacancies. Typical sequence: Written Exam → PET (Physical Efficiency Test) → PMT (Physical Measurement Test) → Medical Exam → DV (Document Verification) → Training (6 months to 2 years) → Joining as Constable/SI.

🖥️ How to Apply Online

  1. 1Visit the official state police recruitment board website for your state — examples: uppbpb.gov.in (UP), tnusrb.tn.gov.in (TN), ksp.karnataka.gov.in (Karnataka), bpssc.bih.nic.in (Bihar)
  2. 2Find the active recruitment notification (advt number) and click 'Apply Online'
  3. 3Register with your name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID — note down your application/registration number
  4. 4Fill the online application form — personal details, educational qualifications, category, address, physical details
  5. 5Upload required documents — photograph, signature, and any other documents specified
  6. 6Pay application fee online via debit card, credit card, UPI, or challan at designated banks
  7. 7Submit the form and download/print the completed application for your records
  8. 8Download admit card from the same portal approximately 10–15 days before the written exam
  9. 9Appear for written exam with admit card and photo ID
  10. 10If shortlisted after written exam, receive call letter for PET/PMT — carry original documents

🏢 How to Apply Offline

  1. 1Most state police recruitments now use online-only applications. Offline/postal applications are rare but may be available in some states for remote/rural candidates.
  2. 2PET (Physical Efficiency Test) is conducted in person at designated grounds — carry your call letter and photo ID. Tests typically include 1600 m run (male), 800 m run (female), long jump, high jump, and shot put.
  3. 3PMT (Physical Measurement Test) is done on-site at the PET venue — height, weight, and chest are measured by a panel.
  4. 4Medical Examination is conducted at a government hospital/medical board before final joining — eyes, ears, chest X-ray, blood tests, and orthopaedic examination.

⚠️Common Problems & Solutions

✗Height found short by 1–2 cm during PMT — disqualified
→Height measurement must be done with proper posture (barefoot, standing straight). If you believe there was a measurement error, immediately raise an objection to the invigilating officer at the PMT venue. Most boards allow a re-measurement on the spot if raised within the session. After leaving the venue, appeals are rarely entertained.
✗Failed PET running time — disqualified from selection
→PET is pass/fail. If you fail, you are out of this recruitment cycle. There is no re-attempt in the same cycle. Prepare for the next recruitment by building aerobic stamina — start with daily 5 km runs and build up to the target distance and time over 3–4 months.
✗Domicile certificate from another state — rejected
→Police recruitment is strictly state-specific. A UP Police recruitment requires UP domicile. Your domicile certificate must show your permanent residence in that state, typically issued by the Tehsildar. NRIs and candidates with domicile of other states are not eligible.
✗Caste certificate not in state format
→Some states require caste certificates in a specific state-prescribed format for police recruitment (not the Central Govt format used for SSC/Railways). Check the specific notification for the certificate format. Get a fresh certificate from your Tehsildar in the required format if your existing one is in a different format.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q.What is the difference between state police constable and SSC CPO?

State police constable recruitment is conducted by individual state police recruitment boards for state police forces (UP Police, Maharashtra Police, etc.). SSC CPO is a central exam conducted by the Staff Selection Commission for Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police, CISF, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, and SSB — these are Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Eligibility, exam pattern, and posting scope differ significantly.

Q.What is the salary of a Police Constable in India in 2026?

State constable salaries vary: UP Police Constable starts at ₹21,700 (Level 3) basic pay; Maharashtra Police Constable ₹21,700; Delhi Police Constable (central) ₹21,700 with 24% HRA giving a gross of approximately ₹35,000–₹40,000. Sub-Inspectors start at ₹35,400 (Level 6) with gross in-hand of ₹55,000–₹65,000 depending on state.

Q.Is there a written exam for police constable recruitment?

Yes. Almost all state police recruitments have a written exam — typically objective type (MCQ) covering General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Maths/Reasoning, and Hindi/English. For constable posts, the exam is of 10th/12th level. For SI posts, it is graduation level. Some states also have a separate written test on the state's GK and history.

Q.Can women apply for police constable?

Yes. All states recruit female constables and lady sub-inspectors. Physical standards for women are lower (height ~152 cm, no chest measurement). Female constables are an integral part of every state police force and are specifically required for law enforcement involving women and children.

Q.Is driving licence required for police constable?

For Constable (Driver) posts, a valid heavy motor vehicle (HMV) driving licence is required. For regular Constable (GD) posts, a driving licence is not required at the time of application but learning to drive may be required during training.

Q.What is the training period after being selected as a police constable?

Training duration varies by state: typically 9 months to 2 years at Police Training Centres/Academies. During training, candidates are paid a stipend (not full salary). Training covers law (IPC, CrPC), physical fitness, weapons training, parade, and first aid. Training is residential and mandatory — absence leads to disqualification.

Q.How many times can I attempt police recruitment?

There is no fixed attempt limit. You can apply every year until you exceed the upper age limit (typically 25 years for constable with relaxation up to 30 for SC/ST). After age limit, you are permanently ineligible for new recruitments.

Q.What happens at the medical examination for police?

The medical exam at a government hospital checks: distant and near vision (both eyes), colour blindness test, hearing, chest X-ray (no tuberculosis or cardiac issues), knee and flat foot check, blood pressure and pulse, and general physical fitness. Any disqualifying condition results in rejection. You may seek a second opinion from a senior Railway/Government Medical Authority.

📞Helpline & Support

  • ▸Each state has its own police recruitment board helpline — check your state's police recruitment website
  • ▸UP Police Recruitment Board (UPPBPB): 0522-2237966
  • ▸SSC CPO (Delhi Police SI): SSC HQ 011-24361359
  • ▸Tamil Nadu USRB: 044-28592492
  • ▸Karnataka State Police (KSP): 080-22943500
  • ▸Raise grievances through state CPGRAMS portals or the police department's official grievance cell
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Disclaimer: NagrikIQ is an informational platform and is not affiliated with any government department. Information provided is for guidance only. Always verify details on the official government portal before taking action.