GUWAHATI: A major recruitment drive has been launched in Assam with the State Level Police Recruitment Board inviting online applications for more than 1,700 constable vacancies in both the Unarmed Branch (UB) and Armed Branch (AB). The announcement has generated considerable interest among youth across the state, many of whom see the constable posts as a gateway to stable employment and a career in public service.
Our correspondent reports that the recruitment covers 1,052 UB constable posts and 663 AB constable posts. The positions fall under a pay scale of Rs. 14,000 to Rs. 70,000 with a grade pay of Rs. 5,600, along with other admissible allowances. The recruitment board has clarified that the vacancy numbers are tentative and subject to final government approval.
According to officials, the online application window will remain open from December 16, 2025, to January 16, 2026. Applicants will also get a five-day window after the closing date to correct inadvertent mistakes in their submissions. Importantly, there will be no application fee, allowing candidates from all backgrounds to participate without financial barriers.
Our correspondent adds that the recruitment process includes detailed reservation provisions across categories such as OBC/MOBC, SC, ST(P), ST(H), Tea Tribe and Ex-Tea Tribe communities, as well as specified quotas for women, individuals from militancy-affected areas, former militant organization members, Home Guards, civil defence volunteers, SPOs, sports achievers and NCC certificate holders. Officials emphasised that certificates supporting these reservations must be uploaded during the application process.
Eligibility criteria mandate that applicants must be Indian citizens, permanent residents of Assam and registered with a local employment exchange. They must also be fluent in Assamese or any recognised state language. The age limit is set at 18 to 25 years as of January 1, 2026, with relaxations available for reserved categories and several special groups. “Only the HSLC or equivalent admit card will be accepted as the proof of age,” the recruitment notice states.
For educational qualifications, candidates for UB constable posts must have passed Class XII, while those applying for AB positions must have at least cleared Class X. Candidates with higher qualifications may apply for both branches, provided they specify their preference clearly.
Physical standards form an important part of the selection criteria. Required height and chest measurements vary across categories, and applicants must meet medical fitness benchmarks, including sound mental and physical health, normal eyesight and absence of deformities or ailments that may impede performance. The guidelines specify that colour blindness and certain conditions such as varicose veins will be disqualifying factors.
Our correspondent reports that the recruitment process will involve multiple phases — a Physical Efficiency Test, medical examination, Physical Standard Test, written examination and an oral interview. The PET includes race, long jump and chin-ups (for male AB applicants), all conducted under CCTV surveillance. Applicants must pass each stage to proceed further.
The written test will carry 50 marks and include 100 multiple-choice questions covering arithmetic, English, logical reasoning, Assam’s history and geography, economy, polity, general knowledge and current affairs. The exam will be offered in Assamese, Bodo, Bengali and English. Shortlisted candidates will later sit for a viva-voce carrying 5 marks, with an additional 5 marks allotted based on academic performance in Higher Secondary for UB applicants.
Our correspondent adds that officials have issued detailed instructions to ensure transparency throughout the process. Biometric verification will occur at multiple stages, and applicants presenting forged documents or multiple registrations will face immediate disqualification. The recruitment board has also warned candidates against paying money to any individual for favours, stressing that the process is entirely free and merit-based.
Once selected, candidates must undergo basic police training and are liable to serve a minimum of three years. Posting locations will be determined by the department, not by the applicant’s home district.
For detailed information, visit: https://slprbassam.in
