Serving jawans of the central armed police forces have a big promotion window opening today. The Border Security Force has started online applications for 1,167 Sub-Inspector (GD) posts across BSF, CRPF, SSB and ITBP through the CAPF LDCE 2026, and the application window stays open till 31 December 2026. The detailed notification, issued on 10 November 2026, makes one thing clear from the start: this is a departmental examination, not an open recruitment, so only eligible serving personnel can apply.
The BSF is the nodal force for this examination, which is why applications for all four forces are being collected on a single portal, bsf.mha.gov.in. For constables, head constables and assistant sub-inspectors who have put in four years of service and hold a graduation degree, this is the fastest route to the Sub-Inspector rank, a Group B post in Pay Matrix Level-6.
1,167 vacancies across four forces
The total of 1,167 Sub-Inspector (GD) posts is split force-wise as follows:
- Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP): 430 posts, the largest share
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF): 377 posts
- Border Security Force (BSF): 235 posts
- Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB): 125 posts
Within each force the posts are further divided by category and gender. In BSF, for instance, 223 of the 235 posts are for male personnel and 12 for female personnel. The ITBP and SSB figures are combined for men and women. Since this is an offer of promotion through a departmental exam, the final merit list will be prepared force-wise, on the basis of marks scored in the computer-based test.
Important dates to remember
- Notification issued: 10 November 2026
- Online applications open: 12 November 2026, from 00:01 hrs
- Last date to apply: 31 December 2026, till 23:59 hrs
- Cut-off date for age and service: 31 December 2026
- Computer-based test date: to be notified on the BSF website
Candidates should not wait for the last days. The portal is likely to face heavy load as the deadline approaches, and the notification requires several certificates to be signed by superior officers before uploading, which takes time.
Who can apply: departmental personnel only
This is the point most applicants get wrong. Fresh candidates and civilians cannot apply for this examination, no matter their qualifications. Only serving personnel of the four named forces are eligible: Constables (GD), Constables (Tradesmen), Head Constables (GD) and Assistant Sub-Inspectors (GD) of BSF, CRPF and ITBP, and ASIs (GD) of SSB, including those on deputation or attachment. CISF personnel are not covered by this advertisement.
Apart from the rank, applicants must meet these conditions as on 31 December 2026:
- At least four years of continuous regular service, including basic training
- A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university
- Medical category SHAPE-I; personnel in a lower medical category cannot apply
- A clean service record with a minimum “Good” APAR grading for the last five years, with no adverse entries
- Maximum age 32 years, with five years of relaxation for SC and ST candidates, taking the upper limit to 37
- A maximum of three attempts in an entire career for this examination
Selection process and exam pattern
Selection runs in four stages. First comes a single computer-based test of 200 marks, lasting three hours and 30 minutes. The paper has four parts of 50 marks each: General Intelligence and Reasoning, Comprehension and Communication Skill, Numerical Ability, and General Awareness and Professional Knowledge. General candidates must score at least 45 percent in each part and 50 percent in aggregate, while SC and ST candidates get a five percent relaxation.
Those who clear the written test move to the Physical Standards Test and Physical Efficiency Test. The height requirement is 170 cm for men and 157 cm for women in the general category, with relaxations for hill-region and tribal candidates. The efficiency test includes a 100-metre sprint in 16 seconds for men and 18 seconds for women, a 1.6 km run in 6 minutes 30 seconds for men and an 800-metre run in 4 minutes for women, along with long jump, high jump and shot put. The test is qualifying in nature and carries no marks. Document verification and a detailed medical examination follow, and the final merit list is drawn up on CBT marks alone.
Pay and allowances
Selected personnel will be appointed as Sub-Inspector (GD) in Pay Matrix Level-6, which carries a monthly pay scale of Rs 35,400 to Rs 1,12,400, along with dearness allowance, ration money, house rent allowance or government accommodation, risk and hardship allowance, dress allowance and medical facilities as applicable to central government officers.
How to apply online
Applications are accepted online only, through bsf.mha.gov.in. Candidates must first complete a One Time Registration with their name, active mobile number and email ID, then log in and select the advertisement for selection to the post of Sub-Inspector in CAPFs Examination-2026 through LDCE.
Before filling the form, arrange these documents: a recent passport-size colour photograph, scanned signature and thumb impression, the Service-cum-Eligibility Certificate signed by the Head of Office, an undertaking countersigned by a gazetted officer, a No Objection Certificate from the appointing authority, and the graduation degree and matriculation certificates. After submitting, keep a printout of the completed form. No hard copy needs to be sent to BSF headquarters.
The notification is Advertisement No. A.2/SI (LDCE)/CAPFs Exam-2026/Pers(Rectt)/BSF/2026, and candidates should read the full text on the official portal before applying, since the conditions on service record, attempts and medical category are strict.
FAQs
Can fresh graduates apply for the BSF SI LDCE 2026?
No. This is a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination open only to serving personnel of BSF, CRPF, ITBP and SSB with at least four years of regular service. Civilians and freshers are not eligible.
How many posts are there in the CAPF SI LDCE 2026?
There are 1,167 Sub-Inspector (GD) posts in total: 430 in ITBP, 377 in CRPF, 235 in BSF and 125 in SSB.
What is the last date to apply?
Online applications close on 31 December 2026 at 23:59 hrs. The window opened on 12 November 2026.
What is the age limit for the SI LDCE exam?
The maximum age is 32 years as on 31 December 2026. SC and ST candidates get five years of relaxation, up to 37 years.
What is the exam pattern of the CAPF SI LDCE 2026?
A single computer-based test of 200 marks over three hours and 30 minutes, with four parts of 50 marks each, followed by physical tests, document verification and a detailed medical examination.
For serving jawans eyeing the Sub-Inspector rank, the window is now open. Get the service certificates signed early, check the eligibility conditions against the official notification, and apply on bsf.mha.gov.in well before 31 December.
