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Defence | BSF

BSF Head Constable (RO/RM) 2025 cycle

Intermediate-level recruitment by the BSF for Head Constable (Radio Operator) and Head Constable (Radio Mechanic) in the communication setup, decided by physical tests, a computer-based test and medical examination.

Applications closed4 stages1 free mock test

Overview

Conducting body
BSFrectt.bsf.gov.in
Age limit
18 to 25 years
Application fee
₹0 to ₹100
Vacancies
1,121
First stage duration
2 hr
Negative marking
1/4 mark per wrong answer

Border Security Force Head Constable (Radio Operator) and Head Constable (Radio Mechanic) Recruitment 2025 is conducted by Border Security Force. Selection runs through 4 stages: Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Computer Based Test (CBT), Dictation and Paragraph Reading Test (Head Constable RO only), Document Verification and Medical Examination.

  1. Qualify the Physical Standard Test and Physical Efficiency Test.
  2. Sit the Computer Based Test (100 questions, 200 marks).
  3. Head Constable (RO) candidates appear for the dictation and paragraph reading test.
  4. Complete document verification.
  5. Clear the detailed medical examination.
  6. Final merit is drawn from the CBT (and dictation for RO), subject to medical fitness.

Important dates

Important dates
EventDateStatus
Notification19 Aug 2025Closed
Online application window24 Aug 2025 - 23 Sept 2025Closed
Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

The first stage of selection; admit cards for PET/PST were issued on the recruitment portal.

26 Dec 2025 - 20 Mar 2026Closed
Computer Based Test (CBT)

For candidates who qualify PET/PST. The CBT date had not been announced as of 14 September 2026; watch rectt.bsf.gov.in.

To be announcedNot announced
Dictation and paragraph reading test (Head Constable RO only)

Conducted after the CBT for Radio Operator candidates. The paragraph reading test is qualifying; dictation carries marks as stated in the notification.

To be announcedNot announced

Eligibility

Educational qualification

Open toClass 12 passITI / Diploma

Either passed Class 12 (Intermediate) with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics with at least 60% aggregate marks, or passed Class 10 and holds a valid ITI certificate in Electronics, Radio and Television, or a related trade as specified for Radio Mechanic posts.

Radio Operator (RO) posts require the Class 12 with PCM route. Radio Mechanic (RM) posts accept either Class 12 with PCM (60%) or Class 10 plus ITI in the specified electronics trades. Only unmarried male candidates are eligible.

Age

18 to 25 years as on As stated in the 2025 notification (typically 18 to 25 years).

Upper age relaxation

  • SC and ST+5 years
  • OBC (non-creamy layer)+3 years
  • Ex-servicemen+3 years

Nationality

A candidate must be one of the following:

  • A citizen of India

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Application fee

CategoryFee
General, OBC and EWS

Paid online on rectt.bsf.gov.in. Confirm the exact amount from the notification.

₹100
SC, ST, women and Ex-servicemen

Exempt from the application fee, as per the official notice.

₹0

Exam pattern

Stage by stage structure with question counts, marks, timing and the marking scheme.

Stage 1: Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

Pen and paperQualifying only

Duration: Varies|Negative marking: None

  • Mandatory first stage; scheduled from 26 December 2025 to 20 March 2026.
  • Physical measurements and a qualifying run are checked against BSF standards.
  • Only candidates who qualify proceed to the Computer Based Test.

Stage 2: Computer Based Test (CBT)

Computer based test
SectionQuestionsMarks
Physics4080
Mathematics2040
Chemistry2040
English and General Knowledge2040
Total100200

Duration: 2 hr|Negative marking: 0.125 mark per wrong answer

  • 100 questions for 200 marks in two hours at the Class 12 (Intermediate) level.
  • Minimum qualifying marks: 38% for General, OBC and EWS; 33% for SC and ST; 20% for candidates with benchmark disabilities.
  • Merit for RM rests on the CBT score; RO candidates proceed to the dictation test.

Stage 3: Dictation and Paragraph Reading Test (Head Constable RO only)

Pen and paper

Duration: Varies|Negative marking: None

  • Dictation test carries 50 marks for Radio Operator candidates.
  • Paragraph reading is qualifying in nature.
  • Radio Mechanic candidates are not required to appear for this stage.

Stage 4: Document Verification and Medical Examination

Document and medicalQualifying only

Duration: Varies|Negative marking: None

  • Original certificates verified against the application.
  • Detailed medical examination by the BSF medical board.
  • Final merit combines CBT performance (and dictation marks for RO) subject to medical fitness.

Syllabus

Every subject in the paper, topic by topic. Open a subject for its weightage in this exam, the full topic list and the mock tests, practice sets and notes that cover it.

General Science

  • Physics: mechanics, heat, light, electricity and magnetism at Class 12 level
  • Chemistry: physical, inorganic and organic chemistry fundamentals at Class 12 level
  • Everyday applications of science
General Science guide & weightage →

Mathematics

  • Algebra, trigonometry and coordinate geometry
  • Calculus basics and differentiation
  • Statistics and probability at Intermediate level
  • Mensuration and arithmetic applications
Mathematics guide & weightage →

English Language

  • Grammar, vocabulary and comprehension
  • Error spotting and sentence structure
  • Synonyms, antonyms and idioms
English Language guide & weightage →

General Awareness

  • Current affairs of national importance
  • Indian history, geography and polity
  • Defence and paramilitary awareness
  • Sports, awards and general knowledge
General Awareness guide & weightage →

How to apply

  1. Register on rectt.bsf.gov.in

    Complete One-Time Registration and log in to the BSF recruitment portal.

  2. Apply for Head Constable (RO) or (RM)

    Choose the post you are eligible for, complete the form and upload documents to the stated specifications.

  3. Pay the fee and download the admit card

    Pay online where applicable, submit the form and download the PET/PST admit card when released.

Documents to keep ready

  • Class 12 marksheet and certificate (PCM route) or Class 10 plus ITI certificate (RM trade route)
  • Domicile certificate where required
  • Category certificate (SC, ST, OBC, EWS) where applicable
  • Unmarried status certificate as required
  • Recent passport-size photograph and signature matching the uploads

Salary and job profile

Pay and allowances

Pay scale:
Pay Level 4 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (Rs 25,500 to Rs 81,100)
Initial basic pay:
Rs 25,500 at entry (Level 4)
Approximate in-hand:
To be announced

Allowances

  • Dearness Allowance revised periodically
  • Risk and Hardship Allowance based on posting
  • Other force-specific allowances

Perks

  • Medical care under force arrangements
  • Accommodation or House Rent Allowance
  • Pension under the National Pension System

Confirm the exact pay and allowances from the official notification.

What the job involves

  • Operate and maintain radio communication equipment as a Head Constable (Radio Operator) or Head Constable (Radio Mechanic) in the BSF communication setup.
  • Support border and internal security operations through reliable field communications.
  • Promotion to higher non-gazetted ranks through departmental examinations and seniority.

Free mock tests

Written to this exam's pattern, with the same interface, sectional locking and marking scheme you will face on exam day.

  • BSF Head Constable (RO/RM): 16-question practice mock

    16 questions | 24 min

    Start

How to prepare for BSF Head Constable (RO/RM)

  • Physics carries the highest weight (40 questions); prioritise Class 12 NCERT concepts and numerical practice.
  • Revise Chemistry and Mathematics alongside — together they account for 40 questions and 80 marks.
  • The 0.25 penalty on two-mark questions makes accuracy important; avoid blind guessing.
  • RO candidates should practise dictation and reading aloud for the post-CBT stage.
  • Keep PET/PST fitness current — it is the gateway to the written test.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply with an ITI certificate instead of Class 12?

For Head Constable (Radio Mechanic), yes — Class 10 plus ITI in the specified electronics trades is accepted. Head Constable (Radio Operator) requires Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (60% aggregate).

How much is deducted for a wrong answer in the CBT?

0.25 marks for each wrong answer, out of the two marks a question carries. Unanswered questions carry no penalty.

How many vacancies were advertised?

1,121 posts — 910 Radio Operator and 211 Radio Mechanic — in the 2025 notification.

What is the current stage of selection?

Applications closed on 23 September 2025. PET/PST was scheduled from 26 December 2025 to 20 March 2026. The CBT date was still awaited as of September 2026.

Last verified 14 September 2026(11 days ago, by editorial)

Not yet confirmed for this cycle: 3, 4 and status. Where we have a figure from previous cycles we show it and label it as expected; where we do not, the page says "to be announced". Check the official source below before you rely on any of it.

Official sources

Found something out of date? Tell us and we will correct it, citing the source.