The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Constable Tradesman Exam is conducted to recruit skilled and eligible candidates for various tradesman posts in the force. The SSB is one of India’s Central Armed Police Forces working under the Ministry of Home Affairs, responsible for guarding the country’s borders and maintaining internal security. The Constable Tradesman recruitment provides opportunities for candidates in trades such as driver, barber, gardener, cobbler, washerman, tailor, carpenter, and other support roles essential for the smooth functioning of the force.
The selection process generally includes a written examination, Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Physical Standard Test (PST), trade test, document verification, and a medical examination. The written test usually consists of objective-type questions covering subjects like general knowledge, mathematics, reasoning, and basic language skills. This exam offers candidates a chance to serve the nation while building a stable and respectable career in the security forces.
SSB Constable Tradesman: Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
| Organization | Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India |
| Post | Constables (Veterinary, Driver, Gardener, Water Carrier, Cobbler, Tailor, Washerman, Barber, Waiter, Carpenter and Nursing Orderly) |
| Category | Syllabus |
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Objective Type |
| Total Questions | 100 Questions |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks |
| Time Duration | 2 Hours |
| Selection Process | • Stage I: Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Physical Standard Test (PST) • Stage II: Written Examination • Stage III: Documentation & Skill Test • Stage IV: Detailed Medical Examination (DME) & Review Medical Examination (RME) |
| Official Website | Click Here |
SSB Constable Tradesman: Exam Pattern
The written examination is a critical hurdle, as the final merit list for all posts will be prepared solely based on the marks obtained in this test. It is a Computer Based Test (CBT) designed to assess your foundational knowledge.
| Subject / Syllabus Area | Question Type | Total Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
| General Knowledge | Multiple Choice Objective | Combined total of 100 questions across all subjects | Combined total of 100 marks | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) |
| Mathematics | Multiple Choice Objective | ^ | ^ | ^ |
| Reasoning | Multiple Choice Objective | ^ | ^ | ^ |
| General English / General Hindi | Multiple Choice Objective | ^ | ^ | ^ |
Qualifying Marks: To pass the written exam, candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks. These are set at 50% for UR, EWS, OBC, and Ex-Servicemen candidates, and 45% for SC and ST candidates.
SSB Constable Tradesman: Selection Process
Stage I: Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Physical Standard Test (PST) The process kicks off with a physical test. Male candidates must successfully complete a 4.8 km race within 24 minutes, while female candidates must complete a 2.4 km race in 18 minutes. Ex-servicemen are entirely exempted from the PET. Following the race, candidates undergo the PST; anyone failing to meet the minimum height and chest requirements for their category will be immediately rejected.
Stage II: Written Examination Candidates who clear the physical tests will move on to the 2-hour CBT mentioned in the syllabus section above.
Stage III: Documentation and Skill Test Candidates who pass the written exam (shortlisted up to 20 times the number of vacancies) will be called in for document verification. Following documentation, a Skill/Trade Test worth 50 marks will be conducted. This skill test is qualifying in nature, meaning its marks will not be added to your final merit score. However, you must score a minimum of 60% to pass, regardless of your category.
Stage IV: Detailed Medical Examination (DME) Finally, candidates shortlisted up to 3 times the number of vacancies will undergo a stringent medical check-up to ensure they are fit for duty.
SSB Constable Tradesman: Syllabus
1. General Knowledge & General Awareness
This section tests your knowledge of current events, general science, and static GK.
| Topic Category | Detailed Syllabus Topics |
| Current Affairs | National and International important events, latest government schemes, and people in the news. |
| History & Culture | Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Indian History (focusing on the freedom struggle), Indian art, dance, festivals, and culture. |
| Geography | Physical Geography, Indian Geography (Rivers, Mountains, Climate), and basics of World Geography. |
| Polity & Economy | Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights, Panchayati Raj, basic economic concepts, Five-Year Plans, and budget. |
| General Science | Everyday science facts covering Physics, Chemistry, Biology (up to 10th standard), Inventions, and Discoveries. |
| Static GK | Important Days, Awards and Honours, Books and Authors, Sports, Abbreviations, and Indian States/Union Territories. |
2.Elementary Mathematics
This section evaluates your basic numerical and quantitative problem-solving skills.
| Topic Category | Detailed Syllabus Topics |
| Number System | Whole numbers, decimals, fractions, relationships between numbers, HCF & LCM, and Simplification. |
| Arithmetic Basics | Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Averages, Problems on Ages, Mixtures & Allegations. |
| Commercial Math | Profit and Loss, Discount, Simple Interest, and Compound Interest. |
| Speed & Work | Time and Work, Time and Distance. |
| Advanced Math Basics | Mensuration (Area and Perimeter of 2D figures, Volume of 3D figures), basic Algebra, and basic Geometry. |
| Data Interpretation | Reading and solving problems based on Bar graphs, Pie charts, and Pictorial graphs. |
3.General Reasoning
This section assesses your logical thinking, analytical abilities, and spatial visualization.
| Topic Category | Detailed Syllabus Topics |
| Verbal Reasoning | Analogies (Word, Number, Letter), Coding-Decoding, Number & Alphabet Series, Arithmetical Reasoning, Blood Relations, and Direction Sense. |
| Non-Verbal Reasoning | Non-verbal series, Embedded Figures, Mirror Images, Cubes and Dice, Spatial Visualization, and Figural Classification. |
| Analytical/Logical | Similarities and Differences, Visual Memory, Discrimination, Observation, Clocks & Calendars, and Decision Making. |
4. General English / General Hindi
You will have the option to attempt either the English section or the Hindi section depending on your language proficiency.
If you choose English:
| Topic Category | Detailed Syllabus Topics |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases, One-word Substitution, Spelling Error Detection |
| Grammar | Tenses, Subject-Verb Agreement, Articles, Prepositions, Conjunctions, Adverbs, Verbs |
| Sentence Structure | Sentence Rearrangement, Error Correction/Detection, Fill in the Blanks |
| Reading Comprehension | Unseen Passages with Subsequent Questions to Test Understanding |
If you choose Hindi:
| Topic Category | Detailed Syllabus Topics |
| Grammar | Sandhi (Sandhi Rules), Samas (Compound Words), Gender, Number, Figures of Speech |
| Vocabulary | Synonyms, Antonyms, Tatsam–Tadbhav Words, Multiple Meaning Words |
| Sentence Structure | Idioms and Proverbs, One-Word Substitution, Error Correction in Sentences |
| Reading Skills | Unseen Passage-Based Questions |
Preparation Tips
- Focus on Daily Physical Conditioning: The PET requires covering 4.8 kilometers in 24 minutes for men and 2.4 kilometers in 18 minutes for women. You should begin building your cardiovascular stamina immediately through daily running, interval training, and maintaining a healthy diet.
- Strategize for the CBT: The written exam is the sole decider for your final merit ranking. Dedicate equal study time to General Knowledge, Mathematics, Reasoning, and your chosen language. Take timed mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy within the strict 2-hour limit.
- Hone Your Trade Skills: The skill test is mandatory, and you must score at least 60% to pass. Practice the specific, hands-on duties of the trade you are applying for to ensure you are comfortable performing them under pressure.
- Organize Your Paperwork Early: Many candidates fail at the documentation stage. Ensure your educational certificates and original documents are ready to present. This includes adhering strictly to the required certificate formats for EWS or OBC categories.