APSSB Constable Recruitment 2026 – 984 Uniformed Services Vacancies, Apply Online Before 10 April

The APSSB Constable Recruitment 2026 has been officially announced by the Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board (APSSB), Itanagar, through Advertisement No. 04/26 dated 13 March 2026. This is a Special Recruitment Drive for Uniformed Services covering seven distinct posts — Constable Band (IRBn), Constable Bugler (IRBn), Constable (IRBn), Constable Civil Police (Female), Constable Civil Police (Male), Fireman, and Special Tiger Guard (STPF) — with a combined total of 984 vacancies across APST (Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe) and Unreserved categories. This is one of the largest uniformed services recruitments the state has seen in recent years, and it represents a defining opportunity for Class X pass candidates from Arunachal Pradesh and eligible unreserved candidates across India.

Online applications open on 23 March 2026 at 11:00 AM and the closing date is 10 April 2026 at 3:00 PM. The tentative date for the written examination is 10 May 2026 (Sunday), with the Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Physical Standard Test (PST), and Trade Test scheduled from 25 May 2026 onwards. All applications must be submitted exclusively through the official APSSB website — www.apssb.nic.in — and no offline mode is accepted under any circumstances.

What makes this recruitment particularly significant is the inclusion of a one-time age relaxation for candidates who had appeared in the previous APSSB written examination of July 2025, giving them a fresh opportunity to compete for constable posts. Additionally, with the minimum educational qualification being Class X (Matriculation) for all posts, this recruitment opens doors for a very large pool of candidates across age groups — particularly youth from tribal communities who form the majority of APST vacancies (787 out of 984 total posts). Competition is expected to be intense given the volume of vacancies and the straightforward eligibility criteria.

Recruitment Overview

The APSSB (Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board) is the official recruitment body for Group C and Group D posts under the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. Established to conduct fair and transparent recruitment for state government departments, the Board operates under a robust examination framework that includes a written test, physical standards evaluation, and medical fitness assessment. Posts under this recruitment are regular government positions — not contractual — offering full government job benefits including pay progression, pension under NPS, medical facilities, and leave entitlements. For tribal youth from Arunachal Pradesh in particular, these uniformed service positions represent a prestigious career pathway in state security and forest protection services.

Important Dates

With the application window open from 23 March to 10 April 2026 — just 18 days — candidates must act decisively. This is a heavily physical selection process: the written exam is on 10 May and PET/PST begins just 15 days later on 25 May. Candidates should begin physical fitness training — particularly for the 1500-metre run and high/long jump events — from the moment they submit their application. Waiting until after the written test to start physical preparation is a strategy that has cost many otherwise qualified candidates in previous APSSB recruitment cycles. Apply early, study simultaneously, and train physically throughout.

Application Fee

The examination fee is non-refundable for all candidates and must be paid exclusively through online mode on the APSSB portal. No offline payment — Bank Draft, cash, or postal order — is accepted. The fee structure is concession-friendly for APST candidates at Rs. 150/-, reflecting the state’s commitment to encouraging tribal participation in government services. Candidates must ensure the fee payment is successfully completed before the application closing time of 3:00 PM on 10 April 2026 — an incomplete application without successful fee payment will be rejected. After payment, candidates should save the payment confirmation/transaction receipt for future reference.

Age Limit

Age Relaxation for Ex-Servicemen

All age eligibility is calculated as on the closing date of application — 10 April 2026. A simple example: for the Constable (Civil Police Male) post, a General category candidate born on 11 April 2004 would be exactly 22 years old on 11 April 2026 — one day after the reference date — meaning on 10 April 2026 they are still 21 years old and eligible. Always calculate your exact age as on 10 April 2026, not today’s date.

Eligibility Criteria – Post-wise Qualification

The Special Tiger Guard (STPF) post under the Environment & Forest Department is open to both male and female candidates — making it one of the few posts in this recruitment that female candidates beyond Civil Police can apply for. The physical demands for Special Tiger Guard are distinct from other posts: instead of a timed sprint and jump circuit, candidates must complete a long-distance walk — 25 km in 4 hours for males and 14 km in 4 hours for females — reflecting the nature of forest patrol duties in Arunachal Pradesh’s terrain. Candidates aspiring for this post should train specifically for endurance walking rather than speed running.

The most common eligibility mistake candidates make in this recruitment is applying for male-reserved posts (Band, Bugler, IRBn, Fireman, Civil Police Male) without checking the gender restriction. Additionally, candidates for Band and Bugler posts must possess an actual skill in playing the respective instrument — a Trade Test is mandatory and there is no way around this requirement.

Vacancy Details – Post & Category-wise Breakdown

The vacancy breakdown reveals several important strategic insights. APST candidates dominate the vacancy pool with 787 out of 984 posts — over 80% — reflecting the state’s commitment to tribal reservation in government employment. For Unreserved candidates, the most seats are available in Constable Civil Police Female (55 UR posts) and Constable IRBn (51 UR posts). The Special Tiger Guard (STPF) post has the highest single-post vacancy count at 243 — making it statistically the easiest post to qualify for in terms of raw competition. The Constable Bugler (IRBn) has the fewest vacancies at just 2 — meaning competition within this post will be among the most intense of all seven posts. Candidates should factor in their physical abilities and post preferences carefully when indicating their preference order in the application.

Selection Process

Stage I – Written Examination (10 May 2026)

The written examination is an Objective Type Multiple Choice Questions paper of 200 marks to be completed in 2 hours. It comprises four subjects of 50 marks each (25 questions × 2 marks). There is no negative marking. Candidates must secure a minimum of 33% marks in aggregate to be eligible for Stage II. The top candidates from the written test are shortlisted for Stage II in a 1:3 ratio — meaning for every vacancy, 3 candidates are called for the physical test. The final merit list is based entirely on written examination marks — Stage II and III are qualifying in nature only. This makes the written exam the single most important determinant of selection.

Preparation tip: Since there is no negative marking, attempt all 100 questions. With 2 hours for 100 questions, you have 72 seconds per question — allocate more time to General Awareness and Arithmetic where reading is required, and solve Reasoning questions first if you find them faster.

Stage II – Physical Standard Test (PST), Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Trade Test

All candidates must qualify PST and PET as per post-specific standards. Constable Band (5/26) and Constable Bugler (6/26) candidates must additionally clear a Trade Test (instrument playing). Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempted from PET and Trade Test but must appear and qualify PST. Stage II is qualifying only — it does not add marks to the merit list. Failure to qualify any component of Stage II results in elimination from the process.

Preparation tip: Start physical training immediately upon applying. Focus on the 1500-metre run (target: under 7 minutes for comfortable qualification at 8-minute cut-off) and long jump (target: 12+ feet to comfortably clear the 11-foot requirement). Do not underestimate the Fireman PET — the 100-metre run with a 10 kg load and rope climbing are significantly more demanding than standard PET events.

Stage III – Medical Fitness Test

Applicable for Post Codes 5/26 to 10/26 (not 11/26). Vision requirements apply to all posts: Distant vision — better eye 6/6 (corrected), worse eye 6/12 (corrected); Near vision — J1 (corrected), J2 (corrected); No colour blindness. A full medical fitness test is conducted as per post requirements. Candidates with correctable vision should get their spectacles or contact lenses ready in advance — the notification permits corrected vision, which means spectacle/lens wearers are not automatically disqualified.

Exam Syllabus & Pattern

Stage I – Written Exam Pattern

Minimum Qualifying Marks: 33% (66 out of 200)   Duration: 2 Hours   |   Mode: Offline (OMR-based)

Subject-wise Syllabus

General Awareness (50 Marks)

• Current Events (national and international)
• History, Indian Polity and Constitution
• Sports, Art & Culture
• Geography (India and World)
• Economics and Everyday Science
• Scientific Research
• National and International Organisations / Institutions
• State-specific questions (Arunachal Pradesh) may also be asked

General Intelligence & Reasoning Ability (50 Marks)

• Analogies, Similarities and Differences
• Space Visualization, Problem Solving, Analysis
• Judgment, Decision Making, Visual Memory
• Discrimination, Observation, Relationship Concepts
• Arithmetical Reasoning, Verbal and Figure Classification
• Arithmetical Number Series
• Abstract Ideas and Symbols, Arithmetical Computation

Arithmetical & Numerical Ability (50 Marks)

• Number Systems, Simplification, Decimals, Fractions
• Data Interpretation, L.C.M and H.C.F
• Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Average
• Profit & Loss, Discount
• Simple & Compound Interest, Mensuration
• Time & Work, Time & Distance
• Tables & Graphs

Test of English Language & Comprehension (50 Marks)

• Spot the Error, Fill in the Blanks
• Synonyms, Antonyms, Spelling / Detecting Misspelled Words
• Idioms & Phrases, One Word Substitution
• Improvement of Sentences
• Active / Passive Voice of Verbs
• Direct / Indirect Narration (Conversion)
• Shuffling of Sentence Parts, Shuffling of Sentences in a Passage
• Cloze Passage and Comprehension Passage

Physical Standards Test (PST) – Post-wise

Physical Efficiency Test (PET) – Post-wise

Preparation Tips Based on Syllabus

• General Awareness (50 marks): Focus heavily on Arunachal Pradesh-specific GK — local history, state symbols, geography, current Chief Minister, major forests and wildlife sanctuaries (especially relevant for STPF applicants). For APSSB, state-specific questions carry a disproportionate share of this section.
• Reasoning (50 marks): Number series, analogies, and blood relations are consistently the highest-scoring topics in SSB-pattern exams. Solve at least 20 practice sets before the exam.
• Arithmetic (50 marks): Percentage, Ratio, Time & Work, and Profit & Loss are the most frequently tested topics. Master these four first before moving to Mensuration and Data Interpretation.
• English (50 marks): Cloze passage and comprehension questions typically account for 8–10 marks. These are the easiest to improve quickly — practise one passage per day from a standard SSC/SSB guide.
• No Negative Marking Strategy: Attempt all 100 questions. Use the last 10 minutes to fill in any skipped questions using elimination — even a 50% success rate on guesses adds marks.

Salary & Pay Scale

*Estimated figures including approximate DA (current rate), HRA (as applicable to posting location), and other allowances. Actual in-hand after NPS deduction (~10%), professional tax, and other statutory deductions. Verify exact figures from the appointment order.

The Level-3 pay scale (Rs. 21,700–69,100) under the 7th Pay Commission is the standard entry-level uniformed services pay scale in Arunachal Pradesh. While the starting basic pay of Rs. 21,700 appears modest, the gross monthly emolument grows significantly with the addition of Dearness Allowance (revised twice yearly), House Rent Allowance, and various service-specific allowances applicable to uniformed personnel. In addition to salary, selected candidates benefit from standard government employee perks: annual leave entitlement, medical benefits, NPS contribution by employer, and career progression through the pay matrix. For Class X qualified candidates from Arunachal Pradesh, this represents a financially secure and socially respected career pathway that significantly outperforms available private sector alternatives in the region.

How to Apply Online – Step by Step

1. Visit the APSSB Official Website: Go to www.apssb.nic.in from 23 March 2026 (11:00 AM onwards) and navigate to the recruitment section for Advertisement No. 04/26.
2. Register and Create Account: Complete the online registration using your valid email ID and mobile number. Keep your login credentials safe for future access.
3. Fill the Application Form: Enter all personal details, educational qualifications, category (APST/UR/Ex-SM), and date of birth accurately. All details are determined as on 10 April 2026.
4. Indicate Post Preference: Carefully select and rank your preferred posts and departments/offices. This preference order is final and irrevocable once submitted — you cannot change it later. The merit list is prepared based on your preference order, so think carefully before submitting.
5. Select Three Examination Centres: Choose three exam centres in order of priority from the 15 available centres across Arunachal Pradesh (Bomdila, Seppa, Pasighat, Aalo, Itanagar Capital Region, Papum Pare, Ziro, Tezu, Namsai, Changlang, Tawang, Khonsa, Roing, Longding, Yingkiong). Once submitted, no centre change request is entertained under any circumstances.
6. Upload Documents: Upload scanned photograph (50–100 KB, jpg/jpeg/png) and scanned signature (10–50 KB, jpg/jpeg/png). Ensure both are clear and within the specified file size limits.
7. Pay the Examination Fee: Pay Rs. 150/- (APST) or Rs. 200/- (UR) through online mode. The application is incomplete without successful fee payment. Save the payment confirmation.

3 Most Common Application Mistakes to Avoid:

• Submitting the wrong preference order — this cannot be changed after submission and directly affects which post you are considered for on the merit list.
• Uploading photograph or signature files outside the specified size limits — applications with non-compliant uploads may be rejected.
• Applying for a gender-restricted post (e.g., female candidate applying for Constable Band or male-reserved IRBn posts) — candidature will be cancelled when detected.

Important Instructions for Candidates

Expert Tips to Crack APSSB Uniformed Services Recruitment 2026

Apply in the First Week

Applications open 23 March and close 10 April 2026 — only 18 days. Government recruitment portals in smaller states frequently experience server overload in the final days as lakhs of candidates rush to apply. Submitting between 23–28 March 2026 ensures a smooth application experience, gives you time to verify your submission, and allows you to correct any errors before the deadline. Do not wait — there are no benefits to late application and significant risks from server congestion and last-minute errors.

Choose Your Post Preference Order Strategically

The preference order you submit in the application is used to prepare the final merit list — this is one of the most critical decisions in this entire recruitment process. If you score well enough to be selected, you will be offered the highest-preference post for which a vacancy exists in your category. Think about your physical capabilities, your willingness to work in forest environments (STPF), fire services (Fireman), or policing, and which department offers the working conditions you prefer long-term. The Special Tiger Guard (STPF) post has 243 vacancies — the largest pool — making it statistically more accessible. However, it requires endurance walking in forested, remote terrain which may not suit all candidates.

The Written Exam Determines Your Final Rank — Treat It Accordingly

This point cannot be emphasised enough: Stage II (PST/PET/Trade Test) and Stage III (Medical) are qualifying in nature only. Your final merit rank is determined entirely by your written examination marks. A candidate who scores 140/200 in the written test but just barely clears PET will be ranked higher than one who scores 120/200 but performs exceptionally in physical events. Invest the bulk of your preparation time in the written test — particularly General Awareness (with Arunachal Pradesh focus) and Arithmetic, which are the highest-variance scoring subjects.

Begin Physical Training from Day One

The PET schedule begins just 15 days after the written exam (25 May versus 10 May). There is essentially no recovery window between the two stages. Candidates who begin physical training only after the written exam result is announced will have virtually no time to build the stamina needed for the 1500-metre run, long jump, or — for Fireman aspirants — the uniquely demanding load-bearing sprint and rope climb. Build a training routine that runs parallel to your written exam preparation: 45 minutes of physical training every morning and 2–3 hours of study every evening from the day you apply.

Understand the One-Time Age Relaxation Before Applying

If you had appeared in the APSSB written examination held on 13 July 2025 (Advertisement No. 09/2020) and are now slightly over the standard age limit for constable posts, you may be eligible for the one-time age relaxation — but only for Post Codes 5/26, 6/26, 8/26, and 9/26. This relaxation does NOT apply to Post Codes 7/26, 10/26, and 11/26. APSSB will upload the list of eligible candidates for this one-time relaxation on the website — check www.apssb.nic.in and confirm your eligibility before submitting your application. Applying for an ineligible post code on the basis of this relaxation will result in rejection.

Stay Updated on Admit Card and Exam Venue

Admit cards are downloadable exclusively from www.apssb.nic.in — no individual admit card will be sent by post or email. You must carry your admit card along with an original government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card) to the exam centre. The photo ID particulars (name, father’s name) must match the admit card — any mismatch results in being barred from the examination. Download your admit card as soon as it becomes available and verify all details immediately. Set a bookmark for the APSSB website and check it every 2–3 days from 20 April 2026 onwards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many total vacancies are there in APSSB Uniformed Services Recruitment 2026?

There are 984 total vacancies (provisional) across 7 posts — Constable Band IRBn (44), Constable Bugler IRBn (2), Constable IRBn (236), Constable Civil Police Female (170), Constable Civil Police Male (216), Fireman (73), and Special Tiger Guard STPF (243). Out of 984, 67 posts are reserved for Ex-Servicemen within the overall vacancy structure.

2. What is the minimum educational qualification for APSSB Constable 2026?

Class X pass (Matriculation) from a recognised Board is the minimum educational qualification for all seven posts in this recruitment. No higher educational qualification is required.

3. What is the age limit for APSSB Constable Recruitment 2026?

For Post Codes 5/26 to 9/26 (Constable posts), the age limit is 18 to 22 years. For Post Codes 10/26 (Fireman) and 11/26 (Special Tiger Guard), the age limit is 18 to 32 years. APST candidates receive 5 years of relaxation over the upper age limit. All ages are calculated as on 10 April 2026.

4. What is the application fee for APSSB Recruitment 2026?

APST candidates pay Rs. 150/- and Unreserved category candidates pay Rs. 200/-. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid online only. No offline payment mode is accepted.

5. Is there negative marking in the APSSB written exam?

No. There is no negative marking in the written examination. Each correct answer earns 2 marks and incorrect or unanswered questions earn zero marks. Candidates should attempt all 100 questions.

6. What is the minimum qualifying mark in the APSSB written exam?

Candidates must secure a minimum of 33% marks in aggregate — that is, at least 66 out of 200 marks — to be eligible for Stage II (PST/PET/Trade Test). Candidates scoring below 33% are not considered for further selection.

7. Do Stage II (PET/PST) marks count in the final merit list?

No. Stage II (PST, PET, Trade Test) and Stage III (Medical Fitness Test) are qualifying in nature only. They do not add any marks to the merit list. The final merit list is prepared exclusively on the basis of written examination marks, combined with the candidate’s indicated preference order for posts.

8. Can female candidates apply for all posts in this recruitment?

No. Constable Band IRBn (5/26), Constable Bugler IRBn (6/26), Constable IRBn (7/26), Constable Civil Police Male (9/26), and Fireman (10/26) are reserved for male candidates only. Female candidates can apply for Constable Civil Police Female (8/26) and Special Tiger Guard STPF (11/26).

9. What is the salary for APSSB Constable posts?

All seven posts carry Pay Matrix Level-3 (Rs. 21,700–69,100) as per the 7th Pay Commission. In addition to basic pay, selected candidates receive Dearness Allowance (revised bi-annually), HRA, and other applicable allowances as per state government rules.

10. What is the one-time age relaxation in APSSB 2026?

As per Government Notification dated 05 September 2025, candidates who appeared in the APSSB written exam on 13 July 2025 (Advertisement 09/2020, Post Codes 65/20, 66/20, 67/20) are eligible for a one-time upper age relaxation. This applies only to Post Codes 5/26, 6/26, 8/26, and 9/26 — not to 7/26, 10/26, or 11/26. APSSB will publish the eligible candidates’ list on the website.

11. How many exam centres are available and can I change my centre?

There are 15 exam centres across Arunachal Pradesh: Bomdila, Seppa, Pasighat, Aalo, Itanagar Capital Region, Papum Pare, Ziro, Tezu, Namsai, Changlang, Tawang, Khonsa, Roing, Longding, and Yingkiong. Candidates must indicate 3 centres in order of priority during the application. No change of centre is allowed after submission under any circumstances.

12. Can Ex-Servicemen skip the PET in this recruitment?

Yes. Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempt from the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Trade Test. However, they must appear and qualify the Physical Standard Test (PST) — which assesses height and chest measurements. Ex-Servicemen must carry their Discharge Book and Pay and Pension Order (PPO) during document verification.