BSF SI (GD) LDCE 2026 Eligibility: Age, Height, CBT and PET
Government Job Desk Team
5 min read
The Border Security Force has opened applications for Sub-Inspector (GD) posts in the Central Armed Police Forces through a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) for 2026. It is not an open exam: only serving personnel of certain forces can apply. This guide explains who is eligible, the age and service rules, the height and chest standards, and the written test and physical test, as printed in the official detailed advertisement.
BSF SI (GD) LDCE 2026 at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Post | Sub-Inspector (GD) through LDCE, vacancy year 2026 |
| Total vacancies | 1,167 (BSF 235, CRPF 377, SSB 125, ITBP 430) |
| Who can apply | Serving personnel of BSF, CRPF and ITBP and ASIs (GD) of SSB |
| Application dates | 12 November 2026 to 31 December 2026 (till 23:59 hrs) |
| Pay | Pay Level-6 (Rs 35,400 to Rs 1,12,400) plus allowances |
| Selection | CBT of 200 marks, then PET, document verification and medical examination |
Who can apply
The notice invites online applications from serving male and female Constables (GD), Head Constables (GD), ASIs (GD) and Constables (Tradesmen) of BSF, CRPF and ITBP, and ASIs (GD) of SSB. Personnel on deputation or attachment outside their parent unit can also apply. The notice says that eligibility follows the recruitment rules of each force, and then lists the conditions below for all four forces.
Eligibility conditions
Service
You should have completed four years of regular service, including basic training.
Age
The upper age limit is 32 years. The date used to count your age is the closing date of applications, that is 31 December 2026. SC and ST candidates get a relaxation of 5 years, as per Government of India instructions.
Qualification
A degree from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification.
Clean record
You must have at least a Good APAR grading for the last five years, and an unblemished clean record for your entire service until the offer of appointment is issued. If you have completed only four years of service, the APAR grading of those four years applies.
Medical category
The required category is SHAPE-I. Applications from candidates in a low medical category will not be entertained.
Chances
A departmental candidate gets a total of three chances to appear in the LDC exam.
Height and chest standards
These are the minimum physical standards printed in the notice.
| Category (male) | Height | Chest (unexpanded / expanded) |
|---|---|---|
| General | 170 cm | 80 cm / 85 cm |
| Garhwalis, Kumaonis, Gorkhas, Dogras, Marathas and candidates from Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir and Leh and Ladakh regions of J&K | 165 cm | 80 cm / 85 cm |
| All Scheduled Tribes | 162.5 cm | 77 cm / 82 cm |
| Scheduled Tribes of the North-East region | 157 cm | 77 cm / 82 cm |
| Category (female) | Height | Chest |
|---|---|---|
| General | 157 cm | Not applicable |
| Garhwalis, Kumaonis, Gorkhas, Dogras, Marathas and candidates from Sikkim, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir and Leh and Ladakh regions of J&K | 155 cm | Not applicable |
| All Scheduled Tribes | 154 cm | Not applicable |
Weight should correspond to height. The notice says weight is not a ground for disqualification at the PET stage; it is assessed during the medical examination against the height and age chart.
Selection process
Stage I: Computer Based Test
One objective multiple-choice paper of 200 marks, with a time of 3 hours 30 minutes.
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 50 |
| Comprehension and Communication Skill | 50 |
| Numerical Ability | 50 |
| General Awareness and Professional Knowledge | 50 |
To qualify, you need at least 45% marks in each part and 50% in aggregate, with a 5% relaxation for SC and ST candidates. Calculators and electronic gadgets are not allowed. An objection link opens on the BSF website 2 to 3 days after the test, and there is no re-evaluation or rechecking of scores.
Stage II: PST/PET, documents and medical
The Physical Efficiency Test is qualifying only. Failing any one event disqualifies you from the remaining events.
| Event | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 100 m race | 16 seconds | 18 seconds |
| Long race | 1.6 km in 6 min 30 sec | 800 m in 4 minutes |
| Long jump | 12 feet, 3 chances | 9 feet, 3 chances |
| High jump | 3.9 feet, 3 chances | 3 feet, 3 chances |
| Shot put (16 lbs) | 14.8 feet, 3 chances | Not listed |
If you disagree with your height or chest measurement, you can appeal to the Appellate Authority on the same day and at the same venue; its measurement is final. No appeal is allowed at the PET level. Those who clear the PET go for the Detailed Medical Examination, and original documents are checked before a Documents Verification board.
Merit and ties
The final merit list for the vacancy year 2026 is prepared by the nodal force on the basis of CBT marks. If marks are equal, the older candidate gets the higher rank, and then alphabetical order of the first name is used.
How to apply
- Apply online only. The notice names the BSF website, and the application portal is open from 12.11.2026 (00:01 hrs) to 31.12.2026 (23:59 hrs).
- Upload the service-cum-eligibility certificate (Annexure-III), the undertaking (Annexure-IV) and the NOC from the competent authority (Annexure-V).
- The photograph must be not more than three months old, taken without cap and spectacles.
- No change or correction is allowed after submitting the form, and a change of exam centre is not allowed.
- No TA/DA is allowed for the LDCE; the exam period is treated as leave.
Practical tips
- Ask your unit early for the service-cum-eligibility certificate and NOC, as these take time.
- Do not wait for the last week; the notice itself warns of heavy load on the website near the closing date.
- Check your height and chest against your category row before you start preparing for the PET.
- Remember that each of the four CBT parts has its own 45% cut-off, so do not neglect any one subject.
Frequently asked questions
Can outside candidates apply for BSF SI LDCE 2026?
No. The notice invites applications only from serving personnel of BSF, CRPF, ITBP and SSB in the ranks listed above.
How is the age of 32 years counted?
The crucial date is the closing date of applications, 31 December 2026.
Is the PET marked or only qualifying?
It is qualifying only. Failing in one event ends your participation in the further events.
How many chances do I get?
A departmental candidate gets a total of three chances for the LDC exam.
See the job page for dates and the apply link: BSF Sub-Inspector (GD) LDCE Recruitment 2026. Always confirm every detail in the official detailed advertisement on the BSF website before applying.