Join SSB Head Constable Ministerial Syllabus 2026: Exam Pattern & Salary Insights : DECODE
The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, offers one of the most coveted "desk-job" profiles within the Indian paramilitary forces. If you have been following the updates on careerinformationportal.in, you know that the 2026 recruitment cycle is currently at a critical juncture. Becoming a Head Constable (Ministerial) requires a unique blend of physical endurance, academic excellence, and technical typing skills.
In this exhaustive guide, we will break down every single aspect of the recruitment process, providing you with the ultimate blueprint for success.
Understanding the SSB HC (Ministerial) Role
Before diving into the syllabus, it is important to understand why this post is so popular on careerinformationportal.in. Unlike the General Duty (GD) constables who focus primarily on border guarding, a Head Constable (Ministerial) handles the administrative backbone of the force. This includes:
Maintaining service records and payroll.Handling official correspondence and documentation.Managing office inventory and accounts.Assisting senior officers in clerical duties.This "white-collar" nature of the job, combined with the pride of wearing the uniform, makes it a high-competition role.
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Phase 1: The Physical Efficiency & Standard Test (PET/PST)
| Phase | Stage Name | Nature of Test | Important Updates |
| Stage 1 | PET & PST | Qualifying Only | Ongoing in Feb 2026 |
| Stage 2 | Written Exam (CET) | Merit-Based | 100 Marks (No Negative Marking) |
| Stage 3 | Skill/Typing Test | Qualifying Only | 35 WPM (Eng) / 30 WPM (Hindi) |
| Stage 4 | Medical & DV | Final Selection | As per CAPF Standards |
As per the latest schedules shared on careerinformationportal.in, the physical tests are the first hurdle. Many candidates focus only on books and fail here.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) :-
| Candidate Category | Height (Male) | Height (Female) | Chest (Male Only) |
| General / OBC / SC | 165 cm | 155 cm | 77 cm (+5 cm expansion) |
| ST Candidates | 162.5 cm | 150 cm | 76 cm (+5 cm expansion) |
| Hill Areas (Gorkhas, etc.) | 162.5 cm | 150 cm | 77 cm (+5 cm expansion) |
This is a qualifying round. You don't get marks, but you must pass to move forward.
Male Candidates: You must complete a 1.6 km run within 6 minutes and 30 seconds.Female Candidates: You must complete an 800-meter run within 4 minutes.Physical Standard Test (PST) :-
Here, your physical measurements are checked against the official requirements.
Height Requirements: 165 cm for General/OBC males and 155 cm for females.Chest Expansion: Males must have a chest of 77 cm (unexpanded) with a minimum 5 cm expansion.Phase 2: The Comprehensive Written Examination Syllabus
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Important Topics |
| General Knowledge | 25 | 25 | 120 Mins | Indian Constitution, Geography, Current Affairs |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 | (Total) | Percentage, Profit & Loss, Arithmetic |
| Reasoning | 25 | 25 | Coding-Decoding, Series, Blood Relations | |
| Eng/Hindi Lang. | 25 | 25 | Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension | |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 2 Hours | Target Score: 85+ |
This is where the real merit is decided. The written exam is a 100-mark challenge. To help you prepare, we have categorized the syllabus into four pillars, frequently updated on careerinformationportal.in.
I. Numerical Ability (Mathematics)
Mathematics often determines the final cut-off. You must master high-school arithmetic.
Number Systems: Focus on HCF, LCM, and simplifying complex fractions.Percentage & Profit/Loss: These form the core of the commercial math questions.Simple & Compound Interest: Learn the short-cut formulas to save time.Mensuration: You must know the formulas for the area of circles, triangles, and volumes of cylinders/spheres.Time, Speed, and Distance: Questions on trains and boat streams are highly likely.II. Reasoning Ability
Reasoning tests your mental sharpness. It is the most scoring section if you practice well.
Verbal Reasoning: Focus on Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, and Number Series.Non-Verbal Reasoning: Practice identifying patterns in images, mirror reflections, and paper-cutting problems.Logical Deductions: Syllogisms (All A are B, Some B are C) are a staple in SSB exams.III. General Knowledge (GK) & Current Affairs:careerinformationportal.in
To score high here, keep a tab on the daily news section of careerinformationportal.in.
Static GK: Indian Constitution (Articles, Preamble), Indian Geography (Rivers, Dams), and History (Mughal Era, British Raj, Freedom Movement).Science: General Physics, Chemistry, and Biology questions based on Class 10 NCERT.Current Affairs: Focus on the last 12 months, specifically Sports (Olympics 2026), Awards, New Government Schemes, and Appointments.IV. Language Proficiency (English/Hindi)
You have the choice to attempt this section in either language.
English: Error spotting, Antonyms/Synonyms, One-word substitution, and Active/Passive voice.Hindi: Vyakaran, Muhavre, Vilom Shabd, and Sandhi Viched.Phase 3: The Skill (Typing) Test
The most common reason for rejection in the final stage is the typing test. Even if you score 90/100 in the written exam, you will be disqualified if you fail here.
English Typing: 35 words per minute (WPM).Hindi Typing: 30 words per minute (WPM). Practice on software like "Typing Master" or "Sony Typing Tutor" to simulate the exam environment.Salary, Benefits, and Career Growth
| Component | Amount (approx.) |
| Basic Pay (Level 4) | ₹25,500 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | ₹12,000 - ₹14,000 |
| HRA & Other Perks | ₹5,000 - ₹8,000 |
| Gross Salary | ₹42,000 - ₹48,000 |
| In-Hand Salary | ₹38,000 - ₹42,000 |
According to the financial analysis on careerinformationportal.in, the SSB HC (Ministerial) falls under Pay Level 4.
Basic Pay: ₹25,500.Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, and Ration Money.Net Salary: Approximately ₹45,000 per month.careerinformationportal.inCareer Progression: You can appear for Limited Departmental Competitive Exams (LDCE) to become a Sub-Inspector (SI) much faster than through direct recruitment.Expert Preparation Tips for 2026
Consistent Mock Tests: Visit careerinformationportal.in to find links to the latest mock test series.Focus on Weak Areas: Use the first month to master Mathematics and the second month for rapid-fire GK revision.No Negative Marking Advantage: Since there is no negative marking, learn the art of "Elimination Method" to guess the correct answer for questions you are unsure about.Health Maintenance: Don't ignore your diet and sleep. A healthy body is essential to clear the PET/PST.
