Archive · 29 Jul 2026
MHA Reserves 50% Constable Posts for Ex-Agniveers
The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced new rules for recruiting constables in the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
Half of the vacancies will be reserved for ex-Agniveers, who are former soldiers from the Agnipath scheme.
These ex-Agniveers will get special benefits like age relaxation and exemptions from certain tests.
The recruitment will happen in two phases: first for ex-Agniveers and then for everyone else.
This change aims to give ex-Agniveers a better chance to join the SSB and use their training and experience.
50% of constable (general duty) vacancies reserved for ex-Agniveers.
Two-phase recruitment process: first phase for ex-Agniveers, second phase open competition.
Ex-Agniveers get age relaxation (5 years for first batch, 3 years for subsequent batches).
Ex-Agniveers exempt from written exam, Physical Standard Test (PST), and Physical Efficiency Test (PET).
New rules replace the 2011 recruitment framework and align with the Agnipath scheme.
- Who
- Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
- What
- Notification of new SSB recruitment rules reserving 50% constable posts for ex-Agniveers
- When
- July 27, 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To align SSB recruitment with the Agnipath scheme and facilitate the induction of trained ex-Agniveers
Supporters of Agnipath Scheme
Critics of Agnipath Scheme
Benefits for Ex-Agniveers
Supporters of Agnipath Scheme
The reservation and age relaxation provide a clear career path for ex-Agniveers, leveraging their training and experience.
Critics of Agnipath Scheme
The scheme is seen as a stopgap measure that does not offer long-term job security or benefits.
Recruitment Process
Supporters of Agnipath Scheme
The two-phase recruitment process ensures fair opportunities for both ex-Agniveers and new candidates.
Critics of Agnipath Scheme
The process may disadvantage new candidates by prioritizing ex-Agniveers in the first phase.
- Reserved Vacancies
- 50% for ex-Agniveers
- Age Relaxation
- 5 years for first batch, 3 years for subsequent batches
- Exemptions
- Ex-Agniveers exempt from written exam, PST, and PET
- Recruitment Phases
- Two phases: first for ex-Agniveers, second for open competition
- Sanctioned Strength
- 5,886 ASI, 13,358 HC, 54,109 Constable posts
- Age Requirement
- 18 to 23 years for Constable (General Duty)
- Qualification
- Matriculation or equivalent
- Notification Date
- July 27, 2026