The SSC Havaldar recruitment is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to fill Group C Havaldar posts in the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN). It is one of the most popular openings for 10th-pass candidates seeking a stable central government job. This complete guide covers the SSC Havaldar 2026 notification, eligibility, important dates, physical standards, selection process, exam pattern and detailed syllabus.

SSC Havaldar 2026 Introduction

The SSC Havaldar exam recruits candidates for the post of Havaldar in CBIC and CBN under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. It is a Matriculation-level (Class 10) recruitment, making it accessible to a very large pool of aspirants. Selected candidates handle duties related to customs, indirect taxes and narcotics control, and enjoy the pay, allowances and job security of a central government employee.

Quick Overview

Exam Name SSC Havaldar (CBIC & CBN)
Conducting Body Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
Post Havaldar (Group C)
Department CBIC & CBN, Ministry of Finance
Qualification 10th Pass (Matriculation)
Selection Stages Computer Based Exam, PET/PST, Document Verification
Job Location All India
Category Central Government Job

SSC Havaldar 2026 Important Dates

The dates below are indicative. Candidates must confirm the exact schedule from the official SSC notification when released.
Event Tentative Date
Notification Release To be announced
Online Application Starts As per notification
Last Date to Apply As per notification
Application Fee Last Date As per notification
Computer Based Exam As per notification
PET/PST After CBE result
Final Result As per notification

Application Fee

Category Fee
General / OBC / EWS ₹100
SC / ST / PwD / Ex-Servicemen Exempted (₹0)
All Female Candidates Exempted (₹0)

SSC Havaldar 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Havaldar (CBIC & CBN) Must have passed Matriculation (Class 10) or equivalent from a recognized board.

Age Limit

Post Age Limit
Havaldar (CBIC & CBN) 18 to 27 years
Age relaxation is applicable as per government rules: OBC +3 years, SC/ST +5 years, PwD +10 years (with additional relaxation for reserved categories), and Ex-Servicemen as per norms.

Physical Standards (PST) & Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

Physical Standard Test (PST)

Parameter Male Female
Height 157.5 cm 152 cm
Chest 81 cm (unexpanded) Not applicable
Weight Not applicable 48 kg
Relaxation in height and chest is provided for candidates belonging to Scheduled Tribes and certain hill/border area residents as per the official notification.

Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

Test Male Female
Walking 1600 metres in 15 minutes 1 km in 20 minutes
Cycling 8 km in 30 minutes 3 km in 25 minutes

SSC Havaldar 2026 Selection Process

1
Computer Based Examination (CBE): An objective-type online test covering four subjects.
2
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Physical Standard Test (PST): Qualifying stage to check physical fitness and standards.
3
Document Verification (DV): Verification of original certificates and eligibility documents.
4
Final Merit List: Prepared on the basis of marks obtained in the CBE, subject to qualifying PET/PST and DV.

SSC Havaldar 2026 Exam Pattern

The Computer Based Examination is an objective multiple-choice test. There is negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.

Part Subject Questions Marks
A General Intelligence & Reasoning 25 25
B General Awareness 25 25
C Quantitative Aptitude 25 25
D English Language 25 25
Total — 100 100
Total Duration: 60 minutes (80 minutes for candidates eligible for scribe). Negative Marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer.

SSC Havaldar 2026 Detailed Syllabus

🧠 General Intelligence & Reasoning

  • Analogies & Similarities
  • Coding-Decoding
  • Series (Number & Alphabet)
  • Classification
  • Blood Relations
  • Direction Sense
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning
  • Problem Solving

🌍 General Awareness

  • Current Affairs
  • Indian History
  • Geography
  • Indian Polity & Constitution
  • General Science
  • Economy
  • Static GK
  • Important Days & Events

🔢 Quantitative Aptitude

  • Number System
  • Simplification
  • Percentage
  • Ratio & Proportion
  • Average
  • Profit & Loss
  • Time, Speed & Distance
  • Data Interpretation

📘 English Language

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Fill in the Blanks
  • Synonyms & Antonyms
  • Spelling Correction
  • Sentence Improvement
  • Error Spotting
  • One Word Substitution
  • Idioms & Phrases

Best Preparation Strategy

📅 Build a Study Plan

  • Cover all four sections daily
  • Give extra time to weak areas
  • Set weekly targets
  • Track your progress regularly

📝 Practice & Mock Tests

  • Solve previous year papers
  • Attempt full-length mock tests
  • Analyse mistakes after each test
  • Improve speed and accuracy

💪 Physical Preparation

  • Practise walking & cycling routines
  • Maintain fitness for PET/PST
  • Monitor your timing regularly
  • Stay consistent with training

Important Books

Subject Recommended Focus
Reasoning Verbal & non-verbal reasoning practice books
Quantitative Aptitude Basic arithmetic and shortcut techniques
English Grammar, vocabulary and comprehension guides
General Awareness Monthly current affairs and static GK compendiums

Official Website

For the official notification, application form and authentic updates, always visit the official Staff Selection Commission (SSC) website: https://ssc.gov.in

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