Joining the Border Security Force (BSF) is a dream for many who want to serve their nation in uniform. It is a paramilitary force that protects India’s land borders and prevents illegal activities. However, joining the BSF after 12th is not an easy task. The recruitment process is tough, and candidates need to meet specific eligibility criteria. In this article, we will discuss the eligibility criteria, selection process and salary and provide you with a guide on How to join BSF.
How to Join BSF
One can join BSF in the following ways –
- General Duty Cadre ( Junior Ranks ) :
- Constable
- Head Constable
- Junior Officer Position :
- Assistant Sub- Inspector
- Sub- Inspector
- Officer Entry :
- Assistant Commandant
BSF Constable Eligibility Criteria/ How to Join BSF as a Constable
| Post | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Constable General Duty | Educational Qualification – Candidate should have passed class 10th or equivalent and ITI (Relevant Trades) or have pass class 12th with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics as core subjects. Minimum Age – 18 years Maximum Age – 23 years Relaxation for – SC/ST Candidates – 5 years OBC Candidates – 3 years J&K Candidates – 5 years |
| Constable( Carpenter, Plumber, Painter, Electrician, Draughtsman, Upholster,Pump Operator, Tinsmith) | Educational Qualification – Matriculation (10th grade) pass, A two-year ITI certificate in the pertinent trade, OR an ITI certificate with one year or more of relevant experience. Minimum Age – 18 years Maximum Age – 25 years |
| Constable(Cobbler, Tailor, Washer Man, Barber, Sweeper,Mali, Khoji/Syce) | Educational Qualification – Matriculation (10th grade) pass. The individual must be an expert in their trade. Minimum Age – 18 years Maximum Age – 25 years |
| Constable (Cook, Water Carrier, Constable, Waiter, Butcher) | Educational Qualification – Successful completion of the Matriculation (10th grade); A National Skills Qualification Framework level course from the National Skill Development Corporation in Food Production or in the Kitchen. Minimum Age – 18 years Maximum Age – 25 years |
| Head Constable | Educational Qualification – The candidate must be a 10th-grade pass or must have an equivalent two-year degree, or have ITI in General Electronics/ Radio and Television/ Computer Operator & Programming Assistant. OR Applicants must have passed 12th grade or equivalent in subjects of Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics. Minimum Age – 18 years Maximum Age – 25 years |
How to join BSF as Junior Commission Officer
Junior Commission Officer –
- Assistant Sub Inspector
- Sub Inspector
Eligibility for Assistant Sub Inspector and Sub Inspector –
| Post | Eligibility Criteria |
| Assistant Sub Inspector | Educational Qualification – Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized institution in the country. Minimum Age – No minimum age Maximum Age – Upto 30 years. |
| Sub Inspector | Educational Qualification – Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized institution in the country. Minimum Age – No minimum age Maximum Age – 30 years. |
How to Join BSF as an Officer
One can join the BSF as an officer in the Assistant Commandant Position.
Eligibility for BSF Officer –
| Post | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Assistant Commandant | Educational Qualification – A graduate degree from a recognized constitution. Having an NCC “C” or “B” certificate is advantageous. Minimum Age – 20 years Maximum Age – 25 years |
| Assistant Commandant (Technical) | Educational Qualification – A graduate degree from a recognized constitution. Having an NCC “C” or “B” certificate is advantageous. A candidate having diploma in Electronics, Mechanical, Computer Science, or any other stream. Minimum Age – 20 years Maximum Age- 25 years |
BSF Selection Process
-
Written Test
The BSF Constable written test will be administered using pen and paper in an offline OMR-based format. For General and Ex-Servicemen, the cutoff mark will be 35%; for SC, ST, and OBC candidates, it will be 33%.
-
BSF Constable Written Test
| Subject | Questions | Marks Allotted |
|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge/ Awareness | 25 | 25 |
| Knowledge of Elementary Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| Analytical Aptitude and ability to observe distinguished patterns | 25 | 25 |
| Basic knowledge of English/ Hindi | 25 | 25 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
-
BSF Head Constable Written Test
| Subject | Questions | Marks Allotted |
|---|---|---|
| Numerical Ability | 30 | 30 |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 |
| General Awareness/ Knowledge | 35 | 35 |
| English | 100 | 100 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
-
BSF Assistant Sub Inspector and Sub Inspector Written Test
| Subject | Questions | Marks Allotted |
|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge & Awareness | 25 | 25 |
| Reasoning Ability | 25 | 25 |
| Numerical Ability | 25 | 25 |
| Trade Awareness | 25 | 25 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
-
BSF Assistant Commandant Written Test
Written Test
| Subject | Marks Allotted |
|---|---|
| Paper-I: General Ability or Intelligence | 250 |
| Paper-II: General Studies, Essay and Comprehension | 200 |
- Personality Test – A personality test of 150 marks is conducted for the Assistant Commandant Post.
- Physical Standards Test (PST)
The Physical Standards to be met for the BSF Constable, BSF Head Constable, BSF Assistant Sub Inspector, Sub Inspector and Assistant Commandant are given below separately for Males and Females.
| Category | Gender | Height | Chest |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC/ ST/ Adivasis | Male | 162.5 cm | 76-81cm |
| Candidates of Hilly Area | Male | 165 cm | 78-83 cm |
| All Other Candidates | Male | 167.5 | 78-83 cm |
| SC/ ST/ Adivasis | Female | 150 cm | NA |
| Candidates of Hilly Area | Female | 155 cm | NA |
| All Other Candidates | Female | 157 cm | NA |
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Candidates will be required to pass through the height bar at the very beginning of the hiring process, eliminating those with less height.
Candidates who pass the height bar test will then undergo the Physical Efficiency Test (PET), which will consist of the following:
- PET applicable for Constable and Head Constable.
| Event | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Race | 5 Kilometer Race in 24 Minutes | 1.6 Kilometer Race in 8 Minutes 30 Seconds |
| High Jump | 11 feet jump with 3 chances | 9 feet jump with 3 chances |
| Long Jump | 3 ½ feet jump with 3 chances | 3 feet jump with 3 chances |
- PET Applicable for Assistant Sub Inspector, Sub Inspector and Assistant Commandant
| Event | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 100 meters race | In 16 seconds | In 18 seconds |
| 800 meters race | In 3 minutes 45 seconds | In 4 minutes 45 seconds |
| Long Jump | 3.5 metres in 3 chances | 3 meters in 3 chances |
| Shotput | 4.5 meters (7.26 kgs) | – |
- Document Verification –
The board will measure the chest (for males only) and weight of the candidates who meet the requirements for the PET after they have undergone biometric identification and had their documents and testimonies reviewed. Those who do not meet the required physical standards will be disqualified from consideration. But, weight-based exclusions will only be made during a medical examination.
Females who are pregnant at the time of the PET will be disqualified and denied. The Ex-Servicemen will not be subjected to a PET test. The board of officers will examine the original documentation, and only those candidates who qualify will advance to the next phase.
- Medical Examination – Applicants must pass a medical examination and demonstrate distance vision in both eyes of 6/6 and 6/9. (without glasses).
Border Security Force ( BSF ) Salary
If you are looking for how to join BSF after 12th then you should be aware of the salary range –
| Post | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| BSF Constable | Rs. 21,700 – Rs. 69,100 per month |
| BSF Head Constable | Rs. 25,500 to Rs. 81,100 per month. |
| Assistant Sub Inspector | Rs. 29200 to Rs. 92300 per month |
| Sub Inspector | Rs.35,400 to Rs. 1,12,400 |
| Assistant Commandant | Rs.56,100 to Rs.1,77,500 |
Conclusion
Joining BSF is a rewarding career for those who are enthusiastic to join the force. However, it requires dedication, physical strength, leadership, and administrative skills. Candidates need to meet specific eligibility criteria and go through a rigorous selection process consisting of a physical test, a written exam, and a medical examination. If you meet the eligibility criteria and have the required skills, then you can fulfill your dream of serving the nation by joining the Border Security Force.