Revised Recruitment Scheme for Constables in Central Para-Military Forces

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has introduced a modified scheme for the common recruitment of constables in Central Para-Military Forces (CPMFs), to be conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). This revision aims to streamline the recruitment process, ensure fairness, and select candidates with the right aptitude, capability, and physical fitness. This article outlines the key changes and procedures of the revised scheme.

Background and Need for Revision

Constables form the backbone of the CPMFs, and their effectiveness is crucial for maintaining law and order. Recognizing the importance of a robust recruitment process, the MHA has revised the scheme to ensure that personnel with the right skills are selected. The revision also addresses practical issues in the existing process and incorporates specific needs of the forces.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the posts of constables in CPMFs include:

1. Age: Candidates must be between 18 and 23 years of age, with the cut-off date being the 1st of August of each recruitment year.

2. Educational Qualification: Matriculation or 10th class pass.

3. Physical Standards:

   • Height: 170 cm for males, 157 cm for females.

   • Chest: 80 cm unexpanded for males, with a minimum expansion of 5 cm.

   • Weight: Proportionate to height and age as per medical standards.

4. Medical Standards:

   • Eyesight: Minimum distant vision of 6/6 & 6/9 in both eyes without correction.

   • Other medical requirements include no knock knee, flat foot, varicose veins, or squint in eyes, and good mental and bodily health.

Relaxations

Age, height, and chest relaxations are available for candidates from specific categories (SC/ST/OBC and Ex-servicemen) and from certain regions (Garhwalis, Kumaonis, Gorkhas, Dogras, Marathas, and candidates from North Eastern States, Himachal Pradesh, and J&K).

Calculation and Allotment of Vacancies

Vacancies are calculated annually, and the recruitment process is to be completed within the calendar year. The allocation of vacancies is as follows:

• 60% of vacancies are allotted among states/UTs based on population ratio.

• 20% of vacancies in Border Guarding Forces (BGFs) are allotted to border states.

• 20% of vacancies in BGFs are allotted to militancy-affected areas.

• 40% of vacancies in other forces are allotted to militancy-affected areas.

The government will notify the specific districts and areas affected by militancy from time to time.

Recruitment Procedure

The recruitment process includes the following stages:

1. Vacancy Notification: CPMFs notify the SSC of their vacancies.

2. Application Processing: SSC processes applications and provides lists of eligible candidates to the nodal force.

3. Physical Standard Test (PST): Candidates are screened for height, chest, and weight.

4. Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Candidates who pass the PST are required to undergo a PET, which includes a race (5 km for males and 1.6 km for females), long jump, and high jump.

5. Biometric Verification: Modern biometric methods are used to prevent impersonation.

6. Written Test: Candidates who qualify in the PST and PET are required to appear for a written test with objective-type multiple-choice questions.

7. Medical Examination: Medically fit candidates are listed by the nodal force and sent to SSC.

8. Final Selection: SSC prepares merit lists based on written test scores and allocates forces to selected candidates.

Key Changes in the Modified Scheme

The modified scheme includes several key changes:

• Vacancies are now calculated by each CPMF on a financial year basis.

• Biometric identification is now mandatory before the PST.

• Medical officers are required only at the time of the final medical examination.

• Pregnancy at the time of the PET is a disqualification, and pregnant candidates are rejected at that stage.

• PET is now only qualifying in nature and does not carry any marks.

• Specific PET standards have been introduced for candidates from Ladakh.

Safeguards

The scheme also includes safeguards to ensure transparency:

• The PET/medical examination process should be video-graphed.

• RTI applications related to these processes should be handled by the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO).

Conclusion

The revised scheme for the common recruitment of constables in CPMFs is a significant step towards modernizing and streamlining the recruitment process. By emphasizing physical fitness, skill, and knowledge, the scheme will help select capable and well-trained personnel for the Central Police Forces. The integration of modern technology and transparent processes will further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the recruitment process.