The Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBPF), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has released a recruitment notification for the post of Head Constable (Education & Stress Counsellor) 2026. Eligible male and female candidates can apply online for this recruitment through the official ITBP recruitment portal.
A total of 16 tentative vacancies have been notified for the Head Constable (Education & Stress Counsellor) post. The position falls under General Central Service, Group ‘C’ Non-Gazetted (Non-Ministerial). The post is initially temporary but is stated to be likely to become permanent. Selected candidates may be required to serve anywhere in India or abroad.
For candidates searching for ITBP Recruitment 2026, ITBP Head Constable Vacancy 2026, ITBP Head Constable Education and Stress Counsellor Recruitment 2026, ITBP Jobs 2026, Defence Jobs 2026 and ITBP Apply Online, this article provides a complete recruitment guide covering vacancy details, educational qualification, age limit, physical standards, PET, PST, medical requirements, written exam pattern, Psychology syllabus, application fee, documents and application procedure.
The online application process will start on 28 September 2026 at 12:01 AM and will close on 27 October 2026 at 11:59 PM. Candidates should verify all eligibility conditions before submitting the application.
ITBP Head Constable Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
| Recruiting Organization | Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBPF) |
| Ministry | Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India |
| Post Name | Head Constable (Education & Stress Counsellor) |
| Recruitment Year | 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 16 Tentative Posts |
| Gender | Male & Female |
| Job Type | Central Government Job |
| Post Classification | General Central Service, Group ‘C’ Non-Gazetted (Non-Ministerial) |
| Pay Level | Level-4 |
| Pay Scale | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 |
| Age Limit | 20–25 Years |
| Educational Qualification | Degree with Psychology as a subject OR Degree with B.Ed./B.T./equivalent |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start | 28 September 2026, 12:01 AM |
| Last Date | 27 October 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Application Fee | ₹100 for applicable Male UR/OBC/EWS candidates |
| Selection Process | PET → PST → Written Examination → Documentation → DME/RME |
| Website | recruitment.itbpolice.nic.in |
The above overview is based on the uploaded ITBPF recruitment notification.
ITBP Head Constable Vacancy 2026
The ITBP has notified 16 tentative vacancies for Head Constable (Education & Stress Counsellor).
The vacancy distribution given in the notification is:
| Category | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| UR | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| SC | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ST | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| OBC | 8 | 1 | 9 |
| EWS | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 14 | 2 | 16 |
The notification clearly states that these vacancies are tentative and may increase or decrease without prior notice.
It also states that 10% of vacancies are reserved for Ex-Servicemen in the respective post/category. If such vacancies remain unfilled due to non-availability of eligible Ex-Servicemen candidates, they may be filled by non-Ex-Servicemen candidates of the respective categories.
ITBP Head Constable Education & Stress Counsellor Eligibility 2026
Eligibility is one of the most important sections of this recruitment because the post has a specific educational requirement along with physical and medical standards.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess either of the following:
Option 1: Degree from a recognized University or equivalent with Psychology as a subject.
OR
Option 2: Degree from a recognized University with Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), Bachelor of Teaching (B.T.) or equivalent.
Important Eligibility Clarification
The notification specifically mentions these two educational routes. Therefore, candidates should compare their actual qualification with the wording of the official notification instead of assuming that any psychology-related qualification will automatically be accepted.
ITBP Head Constable Age Limit 2026
The age limit is 20 to 25 years.
The crucial date for calculating age is 27 October 2026, which is the closing date of the online application.
Candidates should have been born:
- Not earlier than 28 October 2001
- Not later than 27 October 2006
The date of birth recorded in the Matriculation certificate available at the time of application will be accepted as proof of age.
ITBP Age Relaxation
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 Years |
| OBC (NCL) | 3 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen – UR | 3 Years after deduction of military service |
| Ex-Servicemen – OBC (NCL) | 6 Years after deduction of military service |
| Ex-Servicemen – SC/ST | 8 Years after deduction of military service |
| Departmental Candidates | 5 Years |
ITBP Head Constable Salary 2026
The ITBP Head Constable Education & Stress Counsellor salary is based on Pay Level-4, with a pay matrix of ₹25,500 to ₹81,100 under the 7th Central Pay Commission.
The notification also mentions several applicable benefits and allowances, including:
- Dearness Allowance
- Ration Money
- Special Compensatory Allowance in specified border areas
- Free accommodation or HRA
- Transport Allowance
- Leave Travel Concession
- Free Medical Facilities
- Other admissible allowances under applicable rules
Candidates appointed to ITBP may also opt for the applicable NPS or UPS pension scheme according to the provisions stated in the notification.
ITBP Physical Standard Test (PST) 2026
Candidates who qualify the PET are screened for physical measurements.
The notification specifies height, male chest and weight requirements.
| Category / Region | Male Height | Female Height | Male Chest Unexpanded | Male Chest Expanded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All States/UTs except specified categories | 170 cm | 157 cm | 80 cm | 85 cm |
| Garhwalis, Kumaonis, Gorkhas, Dogras, Marathas and specified states/regions | 165 cm | 155 cm | 80 cm | 85 cm |
| Scheduled Tribe candidates including specified ST categories | 162.5 cm | 154 cm | 77 cm | 82 cm |
The notification specifies that weight should correspond to height and age according to the applicable medical standards. Candidates claiming height/chest relaxation have to produce the prescribed certificate when sought by the Recruitment Board.
ITBP Physical Efficiency Test (PET) 2026
The ITBP PET 2026 is qualifying in nature. No marks are awarded for PET, and candidates have to qualify each event.
PET for Male Candidates
- 1.6 km race – within 7 minutes 30 seconds
- Long Jump – 11 feet, 3 chances
- High Jump – 3½ feet, 3 chances
PET for Female Candidates
- 800 metre race – within 4 minutes 45 seconds
- Long Jump – 9 feet, 3 chances
- High Jump – 3 feet, 3 chances
Important PET Rule
A candidate who fails any PET event is eliminated from the recruitment process. There is also no provision of appeal against PET events.
Ex-Servicemen are exempted from PET but have to qualify the applicable PST, written examination and medical examination.
ITBP Medical Standards 2026
Medical fitness is another important part of the ITBP Head Constable recruitment process.
The notification specifies, among other conditions:
- Minimum required unaided eyesight
- No correction through glasses/lenses
- Required colour vision
- Binocular vision
- No knock knees
- No flat feet
- No varicose veins
- No squint
- Required physical fitness for duties
The notification also states that a colour-blind candidate is not eligible for recruitment.
Candidates should therefore not consider educational eligibility alone. Physical and medical eligibility must also be checked before applying.
ITBP Written Exam Pattern 2026
The ITBP Head Constable Education & Stress Counsellor written examination carries 100 marks and consists of 100 objective-type questions.
The duration is 2 hours. ITBPF may conduct the examination through OMR or CBT mode.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General English | 10 | 10 |
| General Hindi | 10 | 10 |
| General Awareness | 10 | 10 |
| Quantitative Aptitude & Simple Reasoning | 10 | 10 |
| Psychology | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
ITBP Psychology Syllabus 2026
Psychology is the largest section of the written examination, carrying 60 out of 100 marks.
| Psychology Topic | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Psychology, Intelligence and Creativity, Problem Solving | 10 | 10 |
| Personality, Attitude, Stereotypes, Prejudice and Discrimination, Group Dynamics | 10 | 10 |
| Psychopathology | 15 | 15 |
| Counseling Psychology | 15 | 15 |
| Managing Human Resources | 10 | 10 |
| Total Psychology | 60 | 60 |
Written Exam Qualifying Marks
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| UR / EWS / Ex-Servicemen | 35% |
| SC / ST / OBC (NCL) | 33% |
The notification states that there is no negative marking in the written examination.
ITBP Selection Process 2026
The recruitment is not based only on the written examination. Candidates must clear multiple stages.
Selection stages
Phase I: Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
↓
Physical Standard Test (PST)
↓
Phase II: Written Examination
↓
Documentation
↓
Detailed Medical Examination (DME)
↓
Review Medical Examination (RME), wherever applicable
↓
Final Selection
The notification also requires biometric identity verification, and biometric identification may be conducted at different stages of recruitment.
ITBP Document Verification 2026
Candidates called for documentation must bring the required original documents and prescribed certificates.
Important documents include:
- Educational qualification certificates
- Matriculation/10th certificate for date of birth
- SC/ST certificate, where applicable
- OBC certificate and NCL documents, where applicable
- EWS certificate, where applicable
- NOC for serving government employees
- Height/chest relaxation certificate, if applicable
- Citizenship proof
- Ex-Servicemen discharge certificate, where applicable
- Latest passport-size photographs
OBC NCL Certificate
Candidates claiming OBC (NCL) status must pay special attention to the certificate requirement.
The notification says the NCL status should be based on income earned during the previous three financial years:
- 2025–26
- 2024–25
- 2023–24
The certificate must be available before the closing date of online applications, i.e. 27 October 2026.
EWS Certificate
Candidates claiming EWS status must possess the required Income & Assets certificate based on the financial year prior to the year of application, before the application closing date.
ITBP Application Fee 2026
The application fee is ₹100 for applicable male candidates belonging to UR, OBC and EWS categories.
The following candidates are exempted:
- Female candidates
- SC candidates
- ST candidates
- Ex-Servicemen
The fee must be paid through the prescribed online payment gateway. Fee paid through another mode will not be accepted.
How to Apply for ITBP Head Constable Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must apply online only through the ITBP recruitment website.
The notification specifically states that offline applications will not be considered.
Step-by-Step ITBP Online Application Process
- Visit the official ITBP recruitment portal.
- Create/login to the candidate profile.
- Enter personal and educational information.
- Fill in category and other required details.
- Carefully enter gender, category and employment information.
- Upload/provide documents and information as required.
- Pay the applicable application fee.
- Review the complete application.
- Submit the online application.
- Save and print the submitted application form.
- Keep the same passport-size photographs available for future recruitment stages.
Candidates are advised to use a genuine and functional email ID and mobile number because recruitment-related communication and admit-card information may be provided through the recruitment portal.
ITBP Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Recruitment Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starts | 28 September 2026 – 12:01 AM |
| Online Application Last Date | 27 October 2026 – 11:59 PM |
| PET Date | Not specified in the provided notification. |
| PST Date | Not specified in the provided notification. |
| Written Examination Date | Not specified in the provided notification. |
| Admit Card Date | Not specified in the provided notification. |
The online application dates are directly stated in the recruitment notification.
Important Instructions Before Applying
Candidates should carefully check the following points before submitting the ITBP online application:
1. Do not wait until the last date
ITBP advises candidates to submit applications well before the closing date rather than waiting until the final hours.
2. Keep the application printout
Candidates called for PET/PST have to bring a clear and legible printout of the online application form.
3. Keep identical photographs
Candidates are advised to retain sufficient copies of the same passport-size photographs used in the online application.
4. Biometric verification is important
Biometric verification is part of the recruitment process. Failure of biometric verification can lead to cancellation of candidature.
5. Government employees need NOC
Serving government employees applying for the post have to submit the prescribed original No Objection Certificate during documentation. Failure to produce the required NOC can result in rejection.
6. No mobile phone in written examination
The notification states that mobile phones, calculators and other electronic/electrical devices are prohibited during the written examination. Possession can be treated as use of unfair means.
Who Meets the Key Conditions to Apply?
A candidate should first self-check the following:
- Is the age within 20–25 years, after applicable relaxation?
- Does the candidate have the required degree?
- Does the degree satisfy either the Psychology-subject route or B.Ed./B.T./equivalent route?
- Does the candidate satisfy the applicable height requirement?
- Does a male candidate satisfy the applicable chest standard?
- Can the candidate qualify all PET events?
- Are the required category certificates available?
- If claiming OBC NCL, is the required NCL certificate available?
- If employed in government service, can the prescribed NOC be produced?
- Can the candidate satisfy the medical standards?
This checklist is useful because eligibility for this recruitment extends beyond academic qualification.
Who Should Avoid Applying for a Particular Post?
A candidate should not submit an application where a mandatory condition is clearly not satisfied.
Examples include:
- Age outside the permissible limit without applicable relaxation.
- Required educational qualification not possessed.
- Failure to satisfy applicable physical standards.
- Inability to qualify PET.
- Required reservation certificate not available in the prescribed format.
- Medical conditions that do not satisfy the prescribed recruitment medical standards.
- Physically handicapped candidates, whom the notification specifically states are not eligible for this examination.
ITBP Head Constable Exam Preparation Guide
This section is candidate guidance based on the notified examination pattern, not an additional requirement imposed by ITBP.
Since Psychology accounts for 60 of the 100 marks, candidates preparing for the written examination can organize their preparation around the notified Psychology topics.
Suggested preparation structure
Psychology – 60 marks
Focus on:
- General Psychology
- Intelligence
- Creativity
- Problem Solving
- Personality
- Attitude
- Stereotypes
- Prejudice and Discrimination
- Group Dynamics
- Psychopathology
- Counseling Psychology
- Managing Human Resources
Other 40 marks
Prepare:
- General English
- General Hindi
- General Awareness
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Simple Reasoning
The actual syllabus and question distribution should remain aligned with the official notification.
Physical preparation
Because PET is qualifying, candidates should separately prepare for:
- 1.6 km/800 m running
- Long jump
- High jump
Candidates should not treat the written examination as the only preparation requirement.
ITBP Head Constable Recruitment 2026 – Major Candidate Checks
| Check Before Applying | What the Candidate Should Verify |
|---|---|
| Age | 20–25 years as on 27 October 2026, subject to applicable relaxation |
| Education | Degree with Psychology OR Degree with B.Ed./B.T./equivalent |
| Physical Standard | Applicable height, chest and weight standards |
| PET | Every prescribed event must be qualified |
| Written Exam | 100 questions, 100 marks, 2 hours |
| Psychology | 60 questions / 60 marks |
| Documents | Original certificates and prescribed formats must be available when required |
| Application | Online application only through the official ITBP recruitment portal |
Frequently Asked Questions – ITBP Head Constable Recruitment 2026
Q1. How many vacancies are available in ITBP Head Constable Recruitment 2026?
Ans: There are 16 tentative vacancies for Head Constable (Education & Stress Counsellor), including 14 male and 2 female vacancies.
Q2. What is the educational qualification for ITBP Head Constable Education & Stress Counsellor?
Ans: Candidates need a degree from a recognized university with Psychology as a subject, or a degree with B.Ed., B.T. or equivalent qualification, as specified in the notification.
Q3. What is the age limit for ITBP Head Constable Recruitment 2026?
Ans: The prescribed age limit is 20 to 25 years, with applicable category-wise age relaxation.
Q4. What is the ITBP Head Constable salary?
Ans: The post carries Pay Level-4 with a pay matrix of ₹25,500–₹81,100, along with applicable allowances.
Q5. What is the last date for ITBP Head Constable online application?
Ans: The last date is 27 October 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Q6. What is the ITBP Head Constable application fee?
Ans: The applicable fee is ₹100 for male UR, OBC and EWS candidates. Female, SC, ST and Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempted.
Q7. Is PET compulsory?
Ans: Yes, except for Ex-Servicemen as specified in the notification. PET is qualifying in nature and every prescribed event must be cleared.
Q8. What is the ITBP written exam pattern?
Ans: The written examination consists of 100 objective questions for 100 marks and has a duration of 2 hours.
Q9. How many questions are asked from Psychology?
Ans: Psychology carries 60 questions for 60 marks, making it the largest section of the notified written examination.
Q10. Is there negative marking in the ITBP written exam?
Ans: No. The notification states that there is no negative marking.
Q11. What is the minimum qualifying percentage in the written exam?
Ans: The minimum qualifying percentage is 35% for UR, EWS and Ex-Servicemen and 33% for SC, ST and OBC (NCL) candidates.
Q12. When will the ITBP written examination be held?
Ans: Not specified in the provided notification. Candidates should check the official ITBP recruitment portal for the examination schedule and admit card.
Q13. Can female candidates apply for ITBP Head Constable Education & Stress Counsellor?
Ans: Yes. The recruitment is open to eligible male and female candidates, with 2 female vacancies notified.
Q14. Where can selected candidates be posted?
Ans: Selected candidates are liable to serve anywhere in India or abroad.
Q15. Is the ITBP Head Constable recruitment a permanent government job?
Ans: The notification states that the appointment is initially on a temporary basis likely to be permanent. The service is governed by the applicable ITBPF Act, Rules and other government rules.
Final Words
The ITBP Head Constable Education & Stress Counsellor Recruitment 2026 is a specialized central government recruitment with 16 tentative vacancies. Unlike recruitments based only on an academic examination, this selection process requires candidates to clear PET, PST, written examination, documentation and medical requirements.
Candidates should pay particular attention to the educational qualification because the notification provides two specific qualification routes. Physical preparation is also important because PET is qualifying in nature, while the written examination gives 60 out of 100 marks to Psychology.
Before applying, candidates should verify their age, educational qualification, height, chest where applicable, PET ability, medical standards and category-document requirements. The OBC NCL and EWS certificate conditions should also be checked carefully before submission.
The official recruitment portal should be treated as the final source for subsequent admit-card, examination-date, corrigendum and recruitment updates.
ITBP Head Constable Recruitment 2026 – Important Links
ITBP Head Constable Education & Stress Counsellor Recruitment 2026 – Important Links
Candidates should apply only through the official ITBP recruitment portal. Check the latest official notice for any corrigendum, amendment, vacancy change or recruitment update before final submission.
Official ITBP recruitment material directs applicants to the ITBP recruitment portal for online applications and recruitment updates.
