The Directorate General, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has officially released the Constable (Technical & Tradesmen and Pioneer) Recruitment 2026 notification on 8 April 2026. This is one of the largest government job opportunities of the year for 10th pass and ITI-qualified candidates across the country. A total of 9,195 posts have been announced — covering 9,175 Constable (Technical & Tradesmen) vacancies across 17 distinct trades, and 20 Constable (Pioneer) posts. Both male and female candidates are eligible, with 79 vacancies exclusively earmarked for women. The online application window is open from 20 April 2026 to 19 May 2026 at the official portal rect.crpf.gov.in. Selected candidates will be placed at Pay Level-3 (₹21,700 – ₹69,100) with full Central Government benefits.
Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 8 April 2026 |
| Application Opens | 20 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 May 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 9,195 |
| Trades Available | 17 |
| Pay Matrix | Level-3 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Home Affairs | CRPF |
Alert: Applications open 20 April! Apply before 19 May 2026. Visit rect.crpf.gov.in → Register with Email & Mobile → Fill Application → Upload Documents → Pay Fee → Submit. 9,195 posts in 17 trades. Domicile-based vacancies. Male & Female eligible. Apply Now
1. Complete Schedule — All Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Recruitment Notification released | 8 April 2026 |
| Online Application window opens at rect.crpf.gov.in | 20 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application and Pay Fee | 19 May 2026 |
| Admit Card for PET/PST Stage released | To be announced |
| Physical Efficiency Test (PET) — Running Race | To be scheduled |
| Physical Standard Test (PST) — Height, Weight, Chest | After PET |
| Computer Based Test (CBT) — 100 MCQs | After PST |
| Trade / Skill Test — Practical assessment | After CBT |
| Document Verification | After Trade Test |
| Detailed Medical Examination | Final Stage |
| Final Merit List Published + Appointment Orders | Post medical clearance |
Apply Early: The application window opens on 20 April 2026 and closes on 19 May 2026 — a window of exactly 30 days. Candidates should apply in the first two weeks to avoid last-minute technical difficulties caused by server overload. Since this is a domicile-based recruitment, ensure your Domicile / Permanent Residence Certificate is valid and matches the state for which you are applying. Applications submitted after 19 May 2026 will not be accepted under any circumstances, and the fee is non-refundable.
2. Total Vacancy Breakdown — 9,195 Posts
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Male (Technical & Tradesmen) | 9,096 |
| Female (Technical & Tradesmen) | 79 |
| Pioneer (Male Only) | 20 |
| Grand Total | 9,195 |
| Category | Details | Basis | PwD Eligible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Constable (Technical & Tradesmen) — Male | 9,096 vacancies across 17 trades, includes backlog vacancies from previous cycle | Domicile-Based | Not Eligible |
| Constable (Technical & Tradesmen) — Female | 79 vacancies across specific trades (Brass Band, Bugler, Hair Dresser, Tailor, Water Carrier) | Domicile-Based | Not Eligible |
| Constable (Pioneer) — Male Only | 20 vacancies — Mason (15) and Electrician (5). 1-year trade experience mandatory | All India Basis | Not Eligible |
Note on domicile vs. all-India basis: For Constable (Technical & Tradesmen) posts, candidates are recruited against vacancies of the state/UT of their domicile — you can only apply for vacancies in the state where your Domicile or Permanent Residence Certificate has been issued, and you must present this certificate at Document Verification. In contrast, Constable (Pioneer) posts — Mason and Electrician — are on an All India Basis, meaning any eligible Indian citizen can apply regardless of home state.
3. All 17 Trades Available
| Trade | Notes |
|---|---|
| Driver (MT) | Heavy Transport Vehicle License required |
| Motor Mechanic Vehicle (MMV) | 2-yr ITI + 1 yr experience |
| Cook | Trade proficiency required |
| Carpenter | Trade proficiency required |
| Bugler | Male & Female both eligible |
| Brass Band | Female eligible; musical instrument skills |
| Cobbler / Shoe Maker | Trade proficiency required |
| Water Carrier (Bhishti) | Male & Female both eligible |
| Hair Dresser (Barber) | Female eligible; hair dressing skills |
| Tailor | Female eligible; stitching proficiency |
| Painter | Trade proficiency required |
| Washerman / Dhobi | Trade proficiency required |
| Blacksmith | Trade proficiency required |
| Gardner / Mali | Trade proficiency required |
| Safai Karamchari / Sweeper | Trade proficiency required |
| Mason (Pioneer) | All India basis; 1 yr experience; 15 posts |
| Electrician (Pioneer) | All India basis; 1 yr experience; 5 posts |
Trades with strict technical requirements: Two trades have mandatory technical qualifications beyond simple 10th pass. Driver (MT) requires a valid Heavy Transport Vehicle (HTV) Driving License at the time of application — a Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) license is not sufficient. Motor Mechanic Vehicle (MMV) requires a 2-year ITI certificate in Mechanic Motor Vehicle from a National/State Council for Vocational Training recognised institute, plus 1 year practical experience. Pioneer trades (Mason and Electrician) require 1 year of trade experience each. All other trades require demonstrated proficiency in the respective trade.
4. Eligibility Criteria
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Citizen of India as defined under Articles 5 to 8 of the Constitution |
| Educational Qualification (General Trades) | Minimum Matriculation (10th Class pass) from a recognised Board or University. Open/Distance Learning qualifications accepted if UGC/DEB recognised |
| Educational Qualification — Driver (MT) | 10th pass + valid Heavy Transport Vehicle (HTV) Driving Licence + must pass driving test at recruitment |
| Educational Qualification — Motor Mechanic Vehicle | 10th pass + 2-year ITI Certificate in Mechanic Motor Vehicle + 1 year practical experience |
| Educational Qualification — Pioneer (Mason & Electrician) | 10th pass + 1 year experience in the respective trade |
| Age Limit — Constable (Driver) | 21 to 27 years as on 01.01.2026 (born 02.01.1999 to 01.01.2005) |
| Age Limit — All Other Constable Posts | 18 to 23 years as on 01.01.2026 (born 02.01.2003 to 01.01.2008) |
| Age Relaxation | SC/ST: 5 years | OBC (NCL): 3 years | Ex-Servicemen: as per Govt. rules | J&K candidates: 5 years (militancy period) | PwBD: Not applicable |
| Domicile Requirement | T&T posts: valid Domicile/Permanent Residence Certificate for state applied | Pioneer posts: no domicile restriction |
Note: PwBD (HH, OH, VH, Autism) candidates are not eligible for Constable (Technical & Tradesmen and Pioneer) posts, as these posts are not identified as suitable for persons with disabilities.
5. Physical Standards
Male Physical Standards
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Height (General/OBC/SC) | 170 cm |
| Height (Scheduled Tribe) | 162.5 cm |
| Chest (Unexpanded) | 80 cm |
| Chest (Expanded) | 85 cm (min 5 cm expansion) |
| Chest — ST relaxation | 76 cm unexpanded |
| Weight | Proportionate to height/age |
Female Physical Standards
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Height (General/OBC/SC) | 157 cm |
| Height (Scheduled Tribe) | 150 cm |
| Chest | Not applicable |
| Weight | Proportionate to height/age |
| Eligible Trades | Brass Band, Bugler, Hair Dresser, Tailor, Water Carrier |
PET Requirements
| Stage | Male | Female | Ex-Servicemen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running (Race) | 5 km in 24 minutes | 1.6 km in 8.30 minutes | Fully exempt from PET |
| PET Nature | Qualifying only — no marks awarded. Failure = elimination. No appeal against PET result. | Same | Must still appear for PST |
PET Training Advice: Completing 5 km in 24 minutes requires a consistent pace of approximately 4 minutes 48 seconds per kilometre. This is a demanding physical standard requiring disciplined preparation. Candidates should start running training immediately after applying — at least 6 to 8 weeks of dedicated daily training is recommended, including both distance running and interval training, while avoiding peak heat hours and maintaining hydration. Female candidates need to cover 1.6 km in 8.30 minutes, roughly a 5-minute-per-kilometre pace.
6. Selection Process (All Stages)
| Stage | Test Type | Details | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 — PET | Physical Efficiency Test | Running race: Male 5 km/24 min, Female 1.6 km/8.30 min. Ex-Servicemen exempt | Qualifying Only |
| 2 — PST | Physical Standard Test | Height, weight, chest measurement; biometric verification | Qualifying Only |
| 3 — CBT | Computer Based Test | 100 MCQs — GK, Mathematics, Reasoning, Trade Knowledge. Duration 90 minutes. Negative marking 0.25 per wrong answer | Merit Forming |
| 4 — Trade Test | Practical/Skill Test | Practical assessment of competency in applied trade | Qualifying Only |
| 5 — DV | Document Verification | Original certificates, age proof, category, domicile, ITI/trade certificates, driving licence, experience certificates | Qualifying Only |
| 6 — DME | Detailed Medical Examination | Comprehensive physical and medical fitness check at CRPF Medical Centre | Qualifying Only |
Note: Final merit is based entirely on normalised CBT scores. All other stages are qualifying — passing all stages is mandatory to be considered in the merit list.
CBT Exam Pattern: The Computer Based Test is the only merit-forming stage in the entire selection process. It consists of 100 Multiple Choice Questions covering General Knowledge & Current Affairs, Elementary Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and Trade Knowledge specific to the applied post. Duration is 90 minutes, with negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer — so avoid guessing on uncertain questions. The normalized CBT score ultimately determines rank in the final merit list.
7. How to Apply Online — Step by Step
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Visit the Official Portal | Go to rect.crpf.gov.in — the only authorised website for CRPF recruitment. Do not apply through third-party websites or agents. Active from 20 April to 19 May 2026. Have a stable internet connection, email, and mobile number ready |
| 2. Register | Enter valid email and mobile number to create an account. OTP verification via mobile. Set a strong password; keep credentials secure |
| 3. Fill Application Form | Download and read the official notification PDF first to confirm eligibility. Fill personal information, category, qualifications, trade applied for, state of domicile, and contact details. Select only one trade and one state of domicile |
| 4. Upload Documents | Upload recent passport-size photograph, signature (black ink on white paper), and other mandatory documents such as caste/category certificate, ITI certificate (MMV trade), driving licence (Driver trade), or experience certificate (Pioneer posts). Follow prescribed file format and size limits |
| 5. Pay Application Fee | ₹100 for General/OBC; Nil for SC/ST and Female candidates. Payment via BHIM, UPI, Net Banking, Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, RuPay Cards, or CSC Wallet. Fee is strictly non-refundable |
| 6. Submit, Print & Save | Review all details before final submission. Download the PDF of the submitted form and print 2–3 copies. Note the Application/Registration Number for future reference |
Documents to prepare in advance: Class 10 Marksheet & Certificate, Domicile/Permanent Residence Certificate, Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC, if applicable), ITI Certificate (for MMV trade), Heavy Transport Driving Licence (for Driver trade), Experience Certificate (for MMV and Pioneer trades), Discharge Certificate (for Ex-Servicemen), and recent passport-size photographs and signature scan.
8. Application Fee Structure
| Category | Application Fee | Refund Policy |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) Candidates | ₹100 | Non-refundable |
| OBC (NCL) Candidates | ₹100 | Non-refundable |
| SC Candidates | Nil (Exempt) | No fee applicable |
| ST Candidates | Nil (Exempt) | No fee applicable |
| Female Candidates (All Categories) | Nil (Exempt) | No fee applicable |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | As per notification | Check official notification |
Payment accepted through BHIM, UPI, Net Banking, Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, RuPay Credit/Debit, and CSC Wallet. Fee once paid is strictly non-refundable in all cases.
9. Salary, Perks & Benefits
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Matrix | Level-3 (7th Pay Commission) — Group C Central Government post |
| Basic Pay Range | ₹21,700 to ₹69,100 per month |
| Approximate In-Hand Salary | ₹32,000 – ₹38,000 per month (including DA, HRA, TA, and other allowances) |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As per Central Government rate — revised every 6 months (January and July) |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | 27%/18%/9% of basic pay by city category (X/Y/Z). Government accommodation may be available |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | As per Central Government rules based on posting city category |
| Free Ration | Provided — a significant additional benefit unique to armed/police forces |
| Uniform and Kit Allowance | Uniform, boots, equipment, and duty kit provided at no cost |
| Medical Facilities | Free treatment for constable and family at CRPF Medical Centres and empanelled hospitals |
| NPS Pension | National Pension System with Government of India’s contribution |
| Group Insurance | CRPF Group Insurance Scheme for financial protection in case of on-duty injury or death |
| Risk/Hardship Allowance | Additional allowance for postings in counter-insurgency, border, or LWE-affected areas |
| Annual Increment | 3% of basic pay annually per 7th Pay Commission rules |
| Career Growth | Promotion to Head Constable → ASI → SI through seniority and departmental exams; LDCE/PDCE opportunities |
Career growth path: A CRPF Constable role offers multiple avenues for advancement — seniority-based promotion to Head Constable after 5–7 years, Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) for accelerated promotion to ASI and beyond, promotion to Sub-Inspector through departmental merit examination, and recognition through gallantry awards that carry financial benefits and priority in promotion.
10. Official Links
- Apply Online — CRPF Constable Technical & Tradesmen and Pioneer 2026 (Active 20 April – 19 May 2026)
- Download Official Notification PDF
- CRPF Official Recruitment Portal
- CRPF Official Website
11. Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many vacancies are there in CRPF Constable Tradesman Recruitment 2026?
Total vacancies: 9,195 posts, comprising 9,096 male vacancies under Constable (Technical & Tradesmen), 79 female vacancies under Constable (Technical & Tradesmen) for trades including Brass Band, Bugler, Hair Dresser, Tailor, and Water Carrier, and 20 male vacancies under Constable (Pioneer) — Mason (15) and Electrician (5) — on an All India basis. The total also includes backlog vacancies from the previous CRPF tradesman recruitment cycle.
2. When does the CRPF Constable Tradesman 2026 application window open and close?
The online application portal at rect.crpf.gov.in opens on 20 April 2026, and the last date to submit the application and pay the fee is 19 May 2026 — a 30-day window. Candidates should apply early, preferably in the first two weeks, to avoid server congestion near the deadline. No offline application mode is available, and the fee once paid is non-refundable under any circumstances.
3. What is the educational qualification required for CRPF Constable Tradesman 2026?
The minimum qualification for most trades is Matriculation (10th Class pass) from a recognised Board. Special requirements apply to specific trades: Driver (MT) needs 10th pass plus a valid Heavy Transport Vehicle Driving Licence; Motor Mechanic Vehicle (MMV) needs 10th pass plus a 2-year ITI Certificate in Mechanic Motor Vehicle plus 1 year practical experience; Pioneer (Mason/Electrician) needs 10th pass plus 1 year experience in the respective trade. Degrees from Open/Distance Learning institutions are accepted if UGC/DEB recognised.
4. What is the age limit for CRPF Constable Tradesman 2026?
As on 01.01.2026: Constable (Driver) is 21 to 27 years (born between 02.01.1999 and 01.01.2005); all other Constable posts are 18 to 23 years (born between 02.01.2003 and 01.01.2008). Age relaxation: SC/ST 5 years, OBC (NCL) 3 years, Ex-Servicemen as per Government of India rules, J&K residents (during militancy period) 5 years additional relaxation. PwBD candidates are not eligible.
5. Can female candidates apply for CRPF Constable Tradesman 2026?
Yes, but only for specific trades with reserved female vacancies. 79 vacancies are exclusively earmarked for women in Brass Band, Bugler, Hair Dresser, Tailor, and Water Carrier (Bhishti). Female candidates are exempt from the application fee. Physical standards differ — minimum height of 157 cm (150 cm for ST) and 1.6 km in 8.30 minutes for PET. Female candidates are not eligible for Pioneer (Mason/Electrician) posts.
6. What is the selection process for CRPF Constable Tradesman 2026?
Six stages: PET (Physical Efficiency Test, qualifying, Ex-Servicemen exempt), PST (Physical Standard Test), CBT (Computer Based Test — 100 MCQs on GK, Maths, Reasoning, Trade Knowledge, 0.25 negative marking, merit forming), Trade/Skill Test (qualifying), Document Verification, and Detailed Medical Examination. Final merit is based purely on CBT normalized marks.
7. What is the difference between Constable (Technical & Tradesmen) and Constable (Pioneer)?
Constable (Technical & Tradesmen) has 9,175 vacancies across 17 trades, is recruited on a domicile/state-wise basis, and is open to both male and female candidates with a minimum of 10th pass plus trade proficiency. Constable (Pioneer) has only 20 posts — Mason (15) and Electrician (5) — recruited on an All India basis, open only to male candidates, and requires 1 year of experience in the respective trade. Pioneer posts are construction and infrastructure support roles within the CRPF force structure.
8. What is the salary of CRPF Constable Tradesman after joining the force?
It is a Group C Central Government post at Pay Level-3 under the 7th Pay Commission, with basic pay of ₹21,700 to ₹69,100 per month and an approximate in-hand salary of ₹32,000 to ₹38,000 per month (including DA, HRA, and Transport Allowance). Additional perks include free ration, free uniform, medical facilities for self and family, CRPF Group Insurance, NPS pension, and Hardship/Risk Allowance for operational postings.
9. Is domicile certificate mandatory for CRPF Constable Tradesman 2026?
Yes, for Constable (Technical & Tradesmen) posts, a valid Domicile/Permanent Residence Certificate is mandatory, since vacancies are filled on a state/UT-wise domicile basis. This certificate must be produced in original at Document Verification; candidates applying for a state where they do not hold domicile will be rejected at DV even after clearing other stages. For Pioneer posts (Mason and Electrician), domicile restriction does not apply.
10. Is there negative marking in CRPF Constable Tradesman CBT 2026?
Yes. The CBT has a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer, meaning 4 wrong answers cancel 1 correct answer. No marks are deducted for unattempted questions. The CBT is the only merit-forming stage, so preparation should focus especially on General Knowledge, Mathematics, Reasoning, and Trade Knowledge specific to the applied post.
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