The Border Security Force (BSF), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has announced a departmental recruitment opportunity for the post of Sub-Inspector (General Duty) in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) through the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) 2026. A total of 1,167 Sub-Inspector vacancies have been announced across four forces: BSF, CRPF, SSB and ITBP.
The online application process is scheduled to begin on 12 November 2026, and eligible departmental candidates can submit their applications until 31 December 2026. This recruitment is intended for serving personnel who meet the prescribed service, educational, medical and other eligibility conditions. It is not an open recruitment drive for fresh graduates or general civilian applicants.
Candidates interested in this departmental examination should carefully read the recruitment conditions before applying. Here, you will find details about force-wise vacancies, important dates, educational qualifications, age limits, salary, physical standards, examination pattern, selection procedure and the online application process.
BSF CAPF SI LDCE Recruitment 2026 Overview
The CAPF SI LDCE examination provides eligible serving personnel with an opportunity to move to the Sub-Inspector (GD) rank through a departmental selection process. BSF is coordinating the recruitment on behalf of the participating Central Armed Police Forces.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Border Security Force (BSF) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Examination Name | CAPF Sub-Inspector (GD) LDCE 2026 |
| Post Name | Sub-Inspector (General Duty) |
| Total Vacancies | 1,167 |
| Participating Forces | BSF, CRPF, SSB and ITBP |
| Advertisement Number | A.2/SI (LDCE)/CAPFs Exam-2026/Pers(Rectt)/BSF/2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 12 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 December 2026 |
| Examination Date | To Be Notified |
| Pay Level | Level 6 |
| Pay Scale | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 |
| Selection Process | CBT, PST/PET, Document Verification and Medical Examination |
| Official Website | bsf.mha.gov.in |
Important: Only eligible serving departmental personnel can apply. Candidates from outside the participating forces should not consider this recruitment an open SI vacancy.
BSF CAPF SI Vacancy 2026: Force-Wise Details
Under the CAPF SI LDCE Recruitment 2026, a total of 1,167 vacancies will be filled in four Central Armed Police Forces. ITBP has the highest number of vacancies, followed by CRPF, BSF and SSB.
The force-wise vacancy distribution is given below.
| Force Name | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Border Security Force (BSF) | 235 |
| Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) | 377 |
| Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) | 125 |
| Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) | 430 |
| Total | 1,167 |
The number of vacancies is distributed among different categories according to the recruitment notification. Candidates should check the official advertisement for the detailed category-wise and force-wise distribution before submitting their applications.
BSF CAPF SI LDCE Important Dates 2026
Candidates planning to participate in the examination should keep track of the application schedule and other important announcements. The online application window will remain open for a limited period.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 10 November 2026 |
| Online Application Begins | 12 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 31 December 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 31 December 2026 |
| CBT Examination Date | To Be Announced |
| Admit Card Release | Before Examination |
The examination date and admit card information will be announced separately. Applicants should regularly visit the official BSF recruitment portal to avoid missing any important notice.
Application Fee
According to the recruitment information currently available, no application fee is payable for any category.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / UR | ₹0 |
| OBC | ₹0 |
| EWS | ₹0 |
| SC / ST | ₹0 |
| Female Candidates | ₹0 |
| PwBD | ₹0 |
Candidates should confirm the fee instructions in the official notification and application portal before final submission.
BSF CAPF SI LDCE Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before starting the application process, candidates must ensure that they meet all the eligibility conditions prescribed for the departmental examination. These requirements cover current service status, educational qualifications, length of service, medical fitness and service records.
1. Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification.
A graduation degree is not the only requirement for this recruitment. Applicants must also belong to an eligible serving cadre and satisfy the minimum regular-service requirement. Therefore, candidates who have completed graduation but are not serving in the eligible CAPF ranks cannot apply.
2. Required Service Experience
The recruitment is open to eligible serving personnel of the participating forces.
Eligible cadres include:
- Constable (GD)
- Constable (Tradesmen)
- Head Constable (GD)
- Assistant Sub-Inspector (GD)
For SSB, the eligible departmental cadre specified for this examination is Assistant Sub-Inspector (GD).
Applicants must have completed at least four years of regular service, including basic training, by the prescribed cut-off date. Eligible personnel on deputation or attachment should also check the detailed notification and their departmental eligibility documents.
3. Age Limit
The maximum age limit mentioned for the CAPF SI LDCE Recruitment 2026 is 32 years.
| Age Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 Years (as listed in recruitment details) |
| Maximum Age | 32 Years |
| Age Calculation Date | 31 December 2026 |
| Age Relaxation | As per applicable rules |
Candidates should refer to the official advertisement for the precise age conditions applicable to their service category.
4. Service Record and Medical Fitness
Applicants must meet the prescribed departmental service-record requirements. A satisfactory service record, the required APAR grading and the prescribed SHAPE-I medical category are important conditions for eligibility.
Candidates who fall under a Low Medical Category (LMC) should carefully check the official rules before applying. The department may also verify service details and supporting certificates during the recruitment process.
BSF CAPF SI Salary 2026
Candidates selected for the Sub-Inspector (GD) position through the CAPF SI LDCE examination will be placed in Pay Matrix Level 6 under the 7th Central Pay Commission.
| Salary Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Post | Sub-Inspector (GD) |
| Pay Level | Level 6 |
| Basic Pay Range | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 |
| Pay Commission | 7th CPC |
| Additional Benefits | Applicable allowances and service benefits |
In addition to the basic pay, eligible personnel will receive applicable allowances and benefits according to government rules and their posting conditions. The actual monthly salary may vary depending on allowances, deductions and other service-related factors.
BSF CAPF SI Physical Standard Test (PST) 2026
Physical standards are an important part of the selection process. Candidates who qualify in the Computer-Based Test will be required to meet the prescribed height and chest measurements.
The physical standards may differ according to gender, category and geographical region.
Height and Chest Requirements
| Category / Region | Male Height | Male Chest | Female Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / SC | 170 cm | 80–85 cm | 157 cm |
| Garhwalis, Kumaonis, Gorkhas, Dogras, Marathas and specified regions | 165 cm | 80–85 cm | 155 cm |
| Scheduled Tribe Candidates | 162.5 cm | 77–82 cm | 154 cm |
| Scheduled Tribe Candidates of North Eastern Region | 157 cm | 77–82 cm | 152 cm |
Candidates should check the official notification for the complete list of regional and category-based relaxations.
BSF CAPF SI Physical Efficiency Test (PET) 2026
Candidates who qualify for the physical standards assessment will also have to participate in the Physical Efficiency Test. The PET is qualifying in nature, and applicants must complete the prescribed events within the given time or measurement limits.
Male Candidates
| Physical Event | Required Performance |
|---|---|
| 100 Metres Race | 16 Seconds |
| 1.6 KM Race | 6 Minutes 30 Seconds |
| Long Jump | 12 Feet |
| High Jump | 3.9 Feet |
| Shot Put (16 lbs) | 14.8 Feet |
Female Candidates
| Physical Event | Required Performance |
|---|---|
| 100 Metres Race | 18 Seconds |
| 800 Metres Race | 4 Minutes |
| Long Jump | 9 Feet |
| High Jump | 3 Feet |
Candidates are allowed three chances for the specified jumping and shot-put events, as per the available recruitment details. Applicants should prepare according to the official physical test instructions.
BSF CAPF SI LDCE Exam Pattern 2026
The Computer-Based Test (CBT) will carry a total of 200 marks and will consist of four sections. Each section will contain 50 questions carrying 50 marks.
The examination is designed to assess candidates’ reasoning ability, numerical skills, general awareness, professional knowledge and communication skills.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 50 | 50 |
| General Awareness and Professional Knowledge | 50 | 50 |
| Numerical Ability | 50 | 50 |
| Comprehension and Communication Skills | 50 | 50 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Examination Duration: 3 Hours 30 Minutes.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
As mentioned in the available recruitment information, candidates must secure the prescribed minimum qualifying marks in each section as well as in the overall examination.
- General qualifying requirement: 45% in each section and 50% overall.
- SC/ST candidates: 5% relaxation in the prescribed qualifying marks.
The final qualifying conditions should be confirmed from the official examination notification.
BSF CAPF SI LDCE Selection Process 2026
The selection process consists of multiple stages. Candidates must qualify at the required stages and satisfy the departmental eligibility conditions before they can be considered for appointment to the Sub-Inspector (GD) rank.
The recruitment process includes:
Stage 1 – Computer-Based Test (CBT): Candidates will appear in a computer-based examination carrying 200 marks. The test will evaluate their reasoning, numerical ability, general awareness, professional knowledge and communication skills.
Stage 2 – Physical Standard Test (PST): Candidates who qualify in the written examination will undergo physical measurements. Height and chest requirements will be assessed according to the applicable category and regional standards.
Stage 3 – Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Eligible candidates will participate in the prescribed running, jumping and shot-put events. Candidates must meet the required performance standards.
Stage 4 – Document Verification: The department will verify the candidate’s graduation certificate, service record, APAR details, category certificate (where applicable) and other required documents.
Stage 5 – Medical Examination: Candidates will undergo the prescribed Detailed Medical Examination (DME) and, where applicable, Review Medical Examination (RME). The required medical fitness category must be maintained according to the recruitment rules.
Final selection will be subject to the examination merit, departmental eligibility and successful completion of all required stages.
How to Apply Online for BSF CAPF SI LDCE Recruitment 2026
The online application process will begin on 12 November 2026 through the official BSF recruitment portal. Eligible serving personnel should keep their personal, educational and service-related documents ready before starting the registration process.
Follow these steps to submit the application:
- Visit the official Border Security Force website at bsf.mha.gov.in.
- Open the recruitment section and locate the CAPF SI LDCE Examination 2026 notification.
- Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) using your required personal details, mobile number and email address.
- Log in using your registration credentials.
- Select the application link for Sub-Inspector (GD) in CAPFs Examination 2026 through LDCE.
- Enter the required personal, educational and departmental service information.
- Provide your force details, personal number and other information requested in the form.
- Select the examination centre according to the available options.
- Upload your recent photograph, signature, thumb impression and supporting certificates in the prescribed format.
- Review the complete application carefully before submitting it.
- Submit the application and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Applicants should ensure that all information matches their official departmental records. Any incorrect service information or missing documents may create problems during verification.
Documents Required for CAPF SI LDCE Application
Candidates should arrange the necessary documents before filling out the online application. Keeping these records ready can make the registration process easier and reduce the possibility of mistakes.
Important documents may include:
- Recent passport-size photograph.
- Scanned signature.
- Thumb impression.
- Graduation degree or equivalent qualification certificate.
- Service certificate and departmental eligibility documents.
- APAR records, as required.
- Caste/category certificate, if applicable.
- Force identification and personal service details.
- Other certificates specified in the official notification.
Candidates should follow the file-size, image-format and document-upload instructions displayed on the official portal.
Important Instructions for Applicants
Before submitting the application, candidates should carefully check their service eligibility and all details entered in the form. Since this is a limited departmental competitive examination, the recruitment authority may verify the information through the respective CAPF departments.
Applicants should also remember that the examination is not open to ordinary civilian candidates. Only personnel belonging to the eligible serving ranks and forces can participate.
Candidates are advised to keep a copy of the submitted application and regularly check the official BSF portal for updates about the CBT schedule, admit card, physical tests and further selection formalities.
BSF CAPF SI LDCE Recruitment 2026 – Important Links
| Important Information | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Available from 12 November 2026 |
| Download Official Notification | Check BSF Recruitment Portal |
| Official Website | https://bsf.mha.gov.in/ |
| Examination Updates | Check Official Recruitment Notices |
The online application link is expected to become active on 12 November 2026. Candidates should use the official recruitment portal rather than relying on unofficial application links.
BSF CAPF SI LDCE Recruitment 2026 (FAQs)
Q1. How many vacancies are available in BSF CAPF SI LDCE Recruitment 2026?
A total of 1,167 Sub-Inspector (GD) vacancies have been announced across BSF, CRPF, SSB and ITBP.
Q2. When will the online application process begin?
The online application process is scheduled to begin on 12 November 2026.
Q3. What is the last date to apply for CAPF SI LDCE 2026?
Eligible departmental candidates can submit their online applications up to 31 December 2026.
Q4. Can fresh graduates apply for BSF CAPF SI LDCE Recruitment 2026?
No. This is a limited departmental competitive examination. Fresh graduates and ordinary civilian candidates are not eligible. Applicants must belong to the prescribed serving cadres of the participating CAPFs and meet the required service conditions.
Q5. What is the educational qualification for CAPF SI LDCE 2026?
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university and satisfy the prescribed departmental service requirements.
Q6. What is the maximum age limit for this recruitment?
The maximum age limit mentioned in the recruitment details is 32 years. Candidates should check the official notification for the applicable age calculation and relaxation rules.
Q7. What is the salary of a Sub-Inspector (GD) under CAPF SI LDCE?
The Sub-Inspector (GD) post carries Pay Matrix Level 6, with a basic pay range of ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400, along with applicable allowances.
Q8. What is the selection process for BSF CAPF SI LDCE 2026?
The selection process includes a Computer-Based Test, Physical Standard Test, Physical Efficiency Test, document verification and medical examination.
Q9. How many attempts are permitted for the CAPF SI LDCE examination?
The available recruitment information specifies a maximum of three attempts during a candidate’s career. Candidates should verify their attempt eligibility with the official notification and departmental records.
Q10. Where can candidates apply online?
Eligible serving personnel can access the recruitment information and application facility through the official BSF website at bsf.mha.gov.in.

