The Border Security Force (BSF) is one of India’s largest and most respected paramilitary forces, guarding India’s borders with courage and discipline.
Among the various posts in BSF, the Sub-Inspector (SI) position is a Group ‘B’ non-gazetted post, offering leadership opportunities, technical responsibility, and a proud chance to serve the nation.
Every year, thousands of aspirants apply for BSF SI recruitment, and to succeed, knowing the latest syllabus, exam pattern, and selection process is essential.
This comprehensive article provides the evergreen BSF SI syllabus, applicable for all upcoming recruitments — whether Works, Electrical, Communication, or Water Wing categories.
🏛️ BSF SI Recruitment – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Border Security Force (BSF) |
| Post Name | Sub-Inspector (SI) |
| Trades/Departments | Works, Electrical, Communication, Water Wing |
| Exam Level | National |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (OMR) |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Duration | 2 hours (per paper) |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking |
| Selection Process | Written Test → Physical Standards Test (PST) → Physical Efficiency Test (PET) → Documentation → Trade Test → Medical Examination |
| Official Website | https://rectt.bsf.gov.in |
🧩 BSF SI Selection Process – Step-by-Step
The selection process for BSF Sub-Inspector consists of multiple stages. Each stage must be cleared to qualify for the next:
-
Written Examination (Paper I & Paper II)
– Tests both general aptitude and technical skills. -
Physical Standards Test (PST)
– Checks height, chest, and weight as per BSF norms. -
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
– Measures endurance and strength through race, jump, and height tests. -
Documentation Verification
– Validation of academic, identity, and eligibility certificates. -
Trade/Technical Test (for Works, Electrical, Communication, or Water Wing).
-
Medical Examination
– Ensures medical fitness as per BSF medical standards.
🧮 BSF SI Exam Pattern (Common for All Trades)
The written examination is divided into two parts: Paper-I (General) and Paper-II (Technical).
📘 Paper-I – General Ability & Intelligence
| Section | Marks | No. of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 2 Hours |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | 2 Hours |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 120 Minutes |
⚙️ Paper-II – Technical/Trade Paper
| Trade | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| SI (Works) | Civil Engineering | 100 | 2 Hours |
| SI (Electrical) | Electrical Engineering | 100 | 2 Hours |
| SI (Communication) | Electronics/Telecommunication | 100 | 2 Hours |
| SI (Water Wing) | Marine/Naval Engineering | 100 | 2 Hours |
👉 Note: Each question carries 1 mark. There is no negative marking, and papers are conducted in both English and Hindi.
📚 BSF SI Syllabus – Section-Wise & Trade-Wise Details
Let’s go through each subject in detail for better clarity and preparation.
🔹 1. General Intelligence & Reasoning Syllabus
This section evaluates logical thinking, decision-making ability, and reasoning power.
Topics Covered:
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Analogies & Differences
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Classification and Odd One Out
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Series Completion (Alphabet, Number, and Figure Series)
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Coding-Decoding
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Blood Relations
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Syllogism
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Logical Venn Diagrams
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Ranking & Direction Sense
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Statement & Assumption / Conclusion
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Puzzle Test
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Non-Verbal Reasoning (Mirror Images, Paper Folding, Embedded Figures)
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Data Interpretation & Analytical Reasoning
💡 Tip: Practice daily reasoning puzzles and mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
🌍 2. General Awareness Syllabus
This part checks your general knowledge, especially about India’s history, constitution, and recent events.
Topics Covered:
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Current Affairs (National & International)
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Indian History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)
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Indian Geography (Physical, Political & Economic)
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Indian Polity & Constitution
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Economy & Budget
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Sports, Awards & Important Personalities
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Science & Technology
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Books & Authors
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Important Days & Events
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Environmental Studies & Ecology
💡 Tip: Read The Hindu, PIB, or Lucent’s GK for quick daily updates.
⚙️ 3. Technical/Trade Paper Syllabus
Trade-wise syllabus focuses on technical subjects related to your qualification.
🧱 A. BSF SI (Works) – Civil Engineering Syllabus
| Topics | Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Building Materials | Bricks, Cement, Concrete, Timber, Steel, Paints |
| Surveying | Levelling, Contouring, Theodolite, GPS, Total Station |
| Construction Management | Project Planning, CPM/PERT, Safety, Quality Control |
| Soil Mechanics | Properties of Soil, Compaction, Shear Strength, Bearing Capacity |
| Structural Engineering | Bending, Shear, Torsion, RCC Design Concepts |
| Hydraulics & Irrigation | Open Channel Flow, Pipe Flow, Pumps, Hydrology |
| Estimating & Costing | Measurement, Rate Analysis, Valuation |
| Environmental Engineering | Waste Management, Water Supply, Sanitation Systems |
⚡ B. BSF SI (Electrical) – Electrical Engineering Syllabus
| Topics | Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Basic Electrical Circuits | Ohm’s Law, KCL, KVL, Network Theorems |
| Electrical Machines | Transformers, DC Motors, Induction Motors, Alternators |
| Power Systems | Generation, Transmission, Distribution, Switchgear |
| Measurement & Instrumentation | Wattmeter, Energy Meter, Transducers |
| Control Systems | Open & Closed Loop, Stability, Feedback |
| Electrical Estimation | Load Calculation, Wiring Systems, Cost Estimation |
| Safety & Maintenance | Earthing, Circuit Protection, Electrical Hazards |
📡 C. BSF SI (Communication) – Electronics & Telecommunication Syllabus
| Topics | Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Basic Electronics | Semiconductors, Diodes, Transistors, Amplifiers |
| Digital Electronics | Logic Gates, Flip-Flops, Counters, ADC/DAC |
| Communication Systems | AM, FM, PM, Modulation, Transmission Lines |
| Microprocessors | 8085/8086 Architecture, Assembly Language |
| Antenna & Wave Propagation | Types of Antennas, Radiation Patterns |
| Optical & Satellite Communication | Fiber Optics, Radar, Microwave |
| Network Analysis | Filters, Frequency Response, Impedance Matching |
🚤 D. BSF SI (Water Wing) – Marine Engineering Syllabus
| Topics | Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Marine Engines | Diesel Engines, Propulsion Systems |
| Ship Construction | Hull Design, Welding, Stability |
| Naval Architecture | Buoyancy, Trim, Draft, Hydrostatics |
| Marine Electricals | Circuits, Power Distribution on Ships |
| Hydraulics & Pneumatics | Pumps, Valves, Control Systems |
| Safety & Firefighting | Marine Safety Protocols, Fire Suppression Systems |
| Maintenance Procedures | Routine Checks, Preventive Maintenance, Documentation |
💪 Physical Standards (PST) and Physical Efficiency (PET)
📏 Physical Standards Test (PST)
| Category | Height | Chest (Unexpanded/Expanded) | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male (General) | 170 cm | 80–85 cm | Proportionate to height & age |
| Female | 157 cm | — | Proportionate to height & age |
| ST (Male) | 162.5 cm | 76–81 cm | As per rules |
| ST (Female) | 150 cm | — | As per rules |
🏃 Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
| Test | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Race | 1.6 km in 6.5 min | 800 m in 4 min |
| Long Jump | 11 feet (3 chances) | 9 feet (3 chances) |
| High Jump | 3.5 feet (3 chances) | 3 feet (3 chances) |
🩺 Medical Examination Details
Candidates must be medically fit as per BSF norms.
Key Requirements:
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Eyesight: Minimum distant vision 6/6 and 6/9 without glasses.
-
Hearing: Normal in both ears.
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Health: Free from deformities, skin diseases, hernia, piles, flat feet, etc.
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Color Vision: High-grade color perception.
📖 BSF SI Preparation Strategy (Step-by-Step)
📆 Step 1: Understand the Syllabus
Make a list of all subjects and divide them into weekly targets.
📘 Step 2: Choose the Right Study Material
Recommended books:
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Reasoning: RS Aggarwal – Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning
-
General Awareness: Lucent’s GK, Manorama Yearbook
-
Technical Subjects: Arihant/Khanna Publications
-
Previous Papers: Practice BSF, CISF, and SSC JE papers
⏱️ Step 3: Practice Mock Tests
Take 1–2 full-length tests every week to improve time management.
🧠 Step 4: Focus on Weak Areas
Revise difficult topics multiple times before the final exam.
💪 Step 5: Prepare Physically
Include daily running, push-ups, stretching, and yoga for PET readiness.
🧾 BSF SI Exam Day Tips
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Carry an original photo ID and admit card.
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Avoid over-attempting unknown answers.
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Stay hydrated and reach the venue early.
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Maintain discipline throughout the process.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the syllabus of BSF SI?
The syllabus includes General Intelligence, General Awareness, and Technical Papers based on your trade (Civil, Electrical, Communication, or Marine).
Q2. How many papers are there in the BSF SI exam?
There are two papers – Paper I (General) and Paper II (Technical/Trade).
Q3. Is there negative marking in BSF SI exam?
No, there is no negative marking in the BSF SI written test.
Q4. What are the physical requirements for BSF SI?
Height: 170 cm (male), 157 cm (female); Chest: 80–85 cm (male).
Q5. How can I prepare for the BSF SI exam?
Study according to syllabus, practice previous papers, maintain physical fitness, and follow a daily revision schedule.
Q6. What is the educational qualification for BSF SI posts?
A diploma or degree in the respective trade (Civil/Electrical/Electronics/Marine) from a recognized institution.
The BSF Sub-Inspector (SI) syllabus is designed to assess both mental aptitude and technical competence. With clear understanding, consistent preparation, and disciplined physical training, aspirants can confidently achieve success.
Serving as a BSF SI is not just a career — it’s a proud opportunity to protect the nation with skill and integrity.
