ITBP Head Constable Recruitment 2026 offers 16 Group C posts (Education & Stress Counsellor) with a pay scale of Rs.25,500–Rs.81,100 (Pay Level 4, 7th CPC). Male and female graduates aged 20–25 with a degree in Psychology or B.Ed/B.T. can apply online at recruitment.itbpolice.nic.in from 28 September to 27 October 2026.
ITBP Head Constable Recruitment 2026 has been officially released by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBPF) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. A total of 16 vacancies are open for the post of Head Constable (Education & Stress Counsellor) under Group ‘C’ Non-Gazetted (Non-Ministerial) cadre — and online applications open on 28 September 2026. This guide is for Indian graduates aged 20–25 with a Psychology or B.Ed degree who want to serve in a Central Armed Police Force with a government salary, job security, and CAPF allowances. This article covers vacancy details, salary breakdown, eligibility, step-by-step application process, selection stages, comparison with similar CAPF posts, pros and cons, FAQs, and official links.
- Organisation: Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBPF), Ministry of Home Affairs
- Post Name: Head Constable (Education & Stress Counsellor)
- Total Vacancies: 16 (14 Male + 2 Female)
- Pay Scale: Rs.25,500–Rs.81,100 (Pay Level 4, 7th CPC)
- In-Hand Salary (Approx.): Rs.39,000–Rs.44,000/month (peace posting); Rs.50,000–Rs.57,000/month (border posting)
- Age Limit: 20–25 years (as on 27 October 2026)
- Application Mode: Online only at recruitment.itbpolice.nic.in
- Application Opens: 28 September 2026 (00:01 AM)
- Last Date to Apply: 27 October 2026 (11:59 PM)
- Application Fee: Rs.100 (UR/OBC/EWS Male); Nil for Female/SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen
- Advt. No.: CBC 19143/11/0011/2627
- Notification Download: Download via Agrijob Telegram
- What Is ITBP Head Constable Recruitment 2026?
- Who Should Apply for This Recruitment?
- Vacancy Details — Category-Wise Breakdown
- ITBP Head Constable Salary 2026 — Full Breakdown
- Eligibility Criteria — Age, Qualification & Nationality
- Application Fee — Category-Wise Table
- How to Apply Online — Step-by-Step Process
- Selection Process — PET, PST, Written Exam & Medical
- ITBP HC 2026 vs Other CAPF Head Constable Posts
- Pros and Cons of ITBP Head Constable Post
- Important Terms Related to ITBP HC Recruitment
- Important Dates — 2026 Timeline
- Important Links — Official & Reference
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is ITBP Head Constable (Education & Stress Counsellor) Recruitment 2026?
ITBP Head Constable (Education & Stress Counsellor) Recruitment 2026 is a direct recruitment drive by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force to fill 16 Group C Non-Gazetted positions in a specialised counsellor role. Appointed candidates will provide psychological support, educational guidance, and mental wellness services to ITBP personnel — who guard the 3,488 km India-China border from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh in some of India’s most demanding terrain.
The ITBPF was raised on 24 October 1962 under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is one of India’s seven Central Armed Police Forces. It specialises in high-altitude operations, with deployments ranging from 9,000 to 18,700 ft. Stress counsellors play a vital role in supporting the mental resilience of personnel posted in these extreme conditions. Selected candidates are appointed on a temporary basis, likely to become permanent, and are liable to serve anywhere in India or abroad.
Who Should Apply for ITBP HC Education & Stress Counsellor 2026?
- 🎓 Psychology graduates aged 20–25 who want a government job that uses their academic training directly
- 📚 B.Ed / B.T. degree holders looking for a uniformed service career outside traditional teaching
- 👩 Female candidates seeking a Group C CAPF posting with 2 reserved seats specifically for women
- 🪖 Ex-Servicemen eligible for age relaxation and fee exemption under central government rules
- 🏔️ Candidates keen on challenging posting environments — border allowances significantly boost take-home pay
- 📝 OBC/EWS candidates who want a government post with reservation benefits at Pay Level 4
- 🌐 Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan who are eligible under Indian government recruitment rules for border force roles
- 💼 Job seekers wanting job stability with a central government pension (NPS), government quarters, and medical benefits
ITBP HC Vacancy 2026 — Category-Wise Breakdown
A total of 16 vacancies have been announced under Advertisement No. CBC 19143/11/0011/2627, published in the Employment News edition dated 26 September–2 October 2026. The vacancy split is 14 for male and 2 for female candidates. Importantly, there are no SC category vacancies in this cycle.
| Gender | UR | SC | ST | OBC | EWS | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 3 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 1 | 14 |
| Female | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Total | 4 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 1 | 16 |
Note: 10% of vacancies are reserved for Ex-Servicemen in the respective post/category. Vacancies are tentative and may increase or decrease without prior notice. Any changes will be published on the official ITBPF recruitment website.
ITBP Head Constable Salary 2026 — Complete Pay Breakdown
The ITBP Head Constable salary 2026 is structured under Pay Level 4 of the 7th Central Pay Commission, with a basic pay range of Rs.25,500 to Rs.81,100 per month. Beyond the basic pay, selected candidates receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Ration Money Allowance (RMA), Transport Allowance, and — critically — High Altitude Allowance of up to Rs.17,300/month when posted in border sectors along the India-China Line of Actual Control.
| Salary Component | Peace Posting (Monthly) | Border/High-Altitude Posting (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Pay (Starting) | Rs.25,500 | Rs.25,500 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | ~Rs.6,000–Rs.7,000 | ~Rs.6,000–Rs.7,000 |
| HRA (City-Based) | Rs.3,060–Rs.6,120 | Nil (free accommodation) |
| Ration Money Allowance (RMA) | Rs.3,890 | Free ration provided |
| Transport Allowance | Rs.1,350–Rs.3,600 | As applicable |
| High Altitude Allowance | Nil | Rs.5,300–Rs.17,300 |
| Gross Monthly Salary (Approx.) | Rs.44,000–Rs.52,000 | Rs.55,000–Rs.65,000 |
| In-Hand Take-Home (Approx.) | Rs.39,000–Rs.44,000 | Rs.50,000–Rs.57,000 |
In addition to the monthly salary, ITBP Head Constables receive central government pension (NPS), free government medical treatment, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), group insurance, and subsidised canteen facilities. The post also provides career growth: a constable with 8+ years of service becomes eligible for promotion to Head Constable, and Head Constables can be promoted to Sub-Inspector through departmental tests.
ITBP HC Eligibility Criteria 2026 — Age, Qualification & Nationality
Candidates must meet all eligibility conditions as specified in the official ITBP notification (Advt. No. CBC 19143/11/0011/2627) before applying. Submitting an incorrect application can lead to rejection at any stage of the selection process.
Nationality
- Indian citizens (male and female)
- Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan (as per applicable rules)
- No candidates from any other country are eligible
Age Limit
- Minimum: 20 years
- Maximum: 25 years
- Age cut-off date: 27 October 2026 (closing date of online application)
- OBC candidates: 3 years relaxation (upper age limit: 28 years)
- ST candidates: 5 years relaxation (upper age limit: 30 years)
- Ex-Servicemen: As per central government rules
Educational Qualification
- Option A: Degree from a recognised university or equivalent with Psychology as a subject
- Option B: Degree from a recognised university along with Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) or Bachelor of Teaching (B.T.) or an equivalent qualification
Important: Candidates must check their exact qualification against the detailed official notification at recruitment.itbpolice.nic.in before applying. Degrees from non-recognised universities are not acceptable.
ITBP HC Application Fee 2026 — Category-Wise
| Category | Application Fee | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|
| UR / OBC / EWS (Male) | Rs.100 | Online (Debit/Credit/UPI/Net Banking) |
| SC candidates (Male) | Nil (Exempted) | — |
| ST candidates (Male) | Nil (Exempted) | — |
| All Female candidates | Nil (Exempted) | — |
| Ex-Servicemen (all categories) | Nil (Exempted) | — |
Application fee payment is strictly through the online portal. No offline fee (demand draft, postal order, etc.) is accepted. The fee once paid is non-refundable.
How to Apply Online for ITBP HC Recruitment 2026 — Step-by-Step
Applications are accepted only through online mode at recruitment.itbpolice.nic.in. No offline applications will be accepted under any circumstances. The portal opens on 28 September 2026 at 00:01 AM and closes on 27 October 2026 at 11:59 PM.
- Visit the official portal: Go to recruitment.itbpolice.nic.in and click on the recruitment notification for Head Constable (Education & Stress Counsellor) 2026.
- Register with valid credentials: Create your login using a genuine email address and active mobile number — ITBP will send your admit card and all updates to this email and number only.
- Fill the online application form: Enter your personal details, date of birth, educational qualifications, category, and home state. Double-check all entries before proceeding.
- Upload required documents: Scan and upload your recent passport-size photograph, signature, educational certificates, category certificate (if applicable), and any other documents as specified in the notification.
- Pay the application fee: UR/OBC/EWS male candidates pay Rs.100 via debit card, credit card, UPI, or net banking. Exempted categories proceed without payment.
- Submit and take a printout: After final submission, download and print the completed application form. Keep it safely — it is required at all subsequent stages of the selection process.
Apply at least 3–5 days before the 27 October 2026 deadline. Government recruitment portals routinely slow down or crash in the last 2–3 days due to high traffic. ITBP explicitly states it will not be responsible for non-receipt of applications due to technical reasons. Submit early and save the confirmation receipt immediately.
ITBP HC Selection Process 2026 — All 6 Stages Explained
The ITBP Head Constable selection process 2026 consists of 6 stages, conducted in strict order. Failure at any stage is final — candidates are not called for subsequent stages if they do not qualify the current one.
| Stage | Test | Nature | What It Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Physical Efficiency Test (PET) | Qualifying | Running, long jump, high jump as per ITBP standards |
| Stage 2 | Physical Standard Test (PST) | Qualifying | Height, weight, chest measurement (gender-specific norms) |
| Stage 3 | Written Examination | Merit-Based | General Awareness, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, Education/Psychology |
| Stage 4 | Document Verification (DV) | Mandatory | Verification of original educational and category certificates |
| Stage 5 | Detailed Medical Examination (DME) | Mandatory | Full medical fitness as per CAPF norms (MHA guidelines) |
| Stage 6 | Review Medical Examination (RME) | If Required | Second opinion medical examination if candidate contests DME result |
The written examination syllabus for this post includes General Knowledge (History, Geography, Indian Polity, Current Affairs), Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and education/psychology-related topics relevant to the counsellor role. Medical standards for DME are as per MHA U.O. No. A.VI-1/2014-Rectt (SSB), dated 20.05.2015 and 24.08.2015, as amended by the Government.
ITBP HC 2026 vs Other CAPF Head Constable Posts — Comparison
| Feature | ITBP HC (Edu & Stress Counsellor) 2026 | SSB HC (Ministerial) 2026 | CRPF HC (General Duty) 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vacancies | 16 | 115 | Higher (varies annually) |
| Pay Scale | Rs.25,500–Rs.81,100 (Level 4) | Rs.25,500–Rs.81,100 (Level 4) | Rs.21,700–Rs.69,100 (Level 3) |
| Education Required | Degree + Psychology or B.Ed/B.T. | 12th pass + typing speed | 10th pass |
| Gender Eligibility | Male & Female | Male & Female | Male only (most drives) |
| Age Limit | 20–25 years | 18–25 years | 18–23 years |
| Competition Level | Lower (niche qualification) | High | Very High |
| Role Type | Specialist Counsellor | Office/Admin Work | Combat/Field Duty |
| Application Fee (Male UR) | Rs.100 | Rs.100 | Rs.100 |
| Border Allowance | Up to Rs.17,300/month | Moderate | Up to Rs.17,300/month |
| Best For | Psychology/Education graduates wanting a counsellor role in CAPF | Commerce graduates with typing skills | Candidates prioritising volume and lower qualification bar |
For graduates with a Psychology or B.Ed degree, the ITBP HC Education & Stress Counsellor 2026 post is a rare, highly specific opportunity. With only 16 vacancies and a specialised qualification bar, competition is significantly lower than general CAPF constable or head constable drives. If you are in the 20–25 age bracket and hold the required degree, this is one of the best Group C government jobs available in September–October 2026 — apply early and prioritise physical preparation alongside written exam study.
Advantages and Disadvantages of ITBP HC Post 2026
Advantages (Pros)
- ✅ Government job security — Group C central government post with permanent tenure potential
- ✅ Higher pay than SSC CGL Tier 3 posts — Pay Level 4 plus substantial CAPF allowances
- ✅ Lower competition — specialised Psychology/B.Ed qualification narrows the applicant pool
- ✅ Border allowances boost income — up to Rs.17,300/month in high-altitude sectors
- ✅ Open to women — 2 dedicated female vacancies with full fee exemption
- ✅ Meaningful role — counselling personnel deployed in India’s most challenging terrains
Disadvantages (Cons)
- ❌ Very limited vacancies — only 16 seats nationally, making selection extremely competitive within eligible candidates
- ❌ Posting in remote/high-altitude areas — candidates must be mentally prepared for deployment in Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh
- ❌ Strict physical standards — PET/PST failure at Stage 1 or 2 eliminates the candidate regardless of written exam preparation
- ❌ No female ST or SC vacancies in 2026 — current cycle limits female reservation to UR and OBC categories only
Important Terms Related to ITBP HC Recruitment 2026
- ITBPF (Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force): One of India’s 7 Central Armed Police Forces under MHA, responsible for 3,488 km of India-China border security.
- Pay Level 4 (7th CPC): Government salary band with basic pay Rs.25,500–Rs.81,100 per month; equivalent to Grade Pay Rs.2,400 under the old 6th CPC structure.
- Group C Non-Gazetted (Non-Ministerial): Entry-level central government service post; non-gazetted means the appointment is not published in the Official Gazette of India.
- PET (Physical Efficiency Test): Qualifying physical fitness test covering running distance, long jump, and high jump — mandatory first gate for all CAPF recruitment drives.
- PST (Physical Standard Test): Measurement of height, weight, and chest (for male candidates) against ITBP-prescribed standards; no relaxation is given on physical standards.
- DME/RME (Detailed/Review Medical Examination): Full medical fitness assessment conducted per MHA Uniform Guidelines for CAPFs and ARs; RME is a second opinion exam available to candidates who contest DME results.
- NPS (National Pension System): The central government pension scheme applicable to all Group C recruits joining after 2004, replacing the old defined-benefit pension plan.
- High Altitude Allowance: Special government allowance of Rs.5,300–Rs.17,300/month paid to ITBP personnel posted in high-altitude border sectors along the LAC.
- EWS (Economically Weaker Section): Reservation category for general category candidates with annual family income below Rs.8 lakh, backed by a valid EWS certificate.
- Ex-Servicemen (ESM): Former defence personnel eligible for age relaxation and application fee exemption in this ITBP recruitment; 10% of vacancies in each category are reserved for ESM.
ITBP HC Recruitment 2026 — Important Dates & Timeline
| Event | Date / Deadline |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Released | 22 September 2026 |
| Published in Employment News | 26 September–2 October 2026 edition |
| Online Application Opens | 28 September 2026 (00:01 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 27 October 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Application Fee Payment Last Date | 27 October 2026 |
| Admit Card for PET/PST | To be announced on recruitment.itbpolice.nic.in |
| PET / PST Date | To be notified (check official portal) |
| Written Exam Date | To be notified after PET/PST |
| DME / RME | To be notified post written exam |
Important Links — ITBP HC Recruitment 2026
| Link / Resource | URL |
|---|---|
| Apply Online (Official Portal) | recruitment.itbpolice.nic.in |
| Official ITBP Website | itbpolice.nic.in |
| Download Notification PDF | ITBP HC Notification — Agrijob Telegram |
| Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) | mha.gov.in |
| National Career Service Portal (Jobs) | ncs.gov.in |
| Agrijob.in — CAPF Jobs Category | www.agrijob.in |
Conclusion — Should You Apply for ITBP HC Education & Stress Counsellor 2026?
The ITBP Head Constable Recruitment 2026 is a rare central government opportunity tailored specifically for Psychology and B.Ed graduates aged 20–25 — a demographic rarely served by most CAPF recruitment drives. With Pay Level 4 pay of Rs.25,500–Rs.81,100, an in-hand salary of Rs.39,000–Rs.57,000/month depending on posting, and the prestige of serving in a Central Armed Police Force, this is a high-value government position worth pursuing if you meet the eligibility criteria. Start physical preparation immediately — PET and PST are the first and most common elimination gates. Apply online at recruitment.itbpolice.nic.in before the 27 October 2026 deadline. Bookmark this page — we update it as soon as ITBP releases admit cards, exam dates, and results.
- ITBP Head Constable Recruitment 2026 has 16 vacancies for Education & Stress Counsellor posts (14 Male + 2 Female)
- Pay scale is Rs.25,500–Rs.81,100/month (Pay Level 4, 7th CPC) with in-hand salary up to Rs.57,000/month at border postings
- Eligible candidates must be aged 20–25 years (as on 27 Oct 2026) with a Degree in Psychology or B.Ed/B.T.
- Application fee is Rs.100 for UR/OBC/EWS males; Female/SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen are fully exempt
- Selection involves PET → PST → Written Exam → DV → DME/RME — physical fitness is the first qualifying gate
- Apply online only at recruitment.itbpolice.nic.in — last date is 27 October 2026 at 11:59 PM
Frequently Asked Questions About ITBP Head Constable Recruitment 2026
What is the ITBP Head Constable Education & Stress Counsellor Recruitment 2026?
It is a recruitment drive by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBPF) to fill 16 Group C Non-Gazetted posts of Head Constable (Education & Stress Counsellor). The selected candidates will provide psychological counselling and educational guidance to ITBP personnel. Applications are open from 28 September to 27 October 2026 at recruitment.itbpolice.nic.in.
What is the total number of vacancies in ITBP HC 2026 for Education & Stress Counsellor?
A total of 16 vacancies have been announced — 14 for male candidates and 2 for female candidates. The category-wise split includes 4 UR, 0 SC, 2 ST, 9 OBC, and 1 EWS across both genders. Note that there are no SC-category vacancies in this particular recruitment cycle.
What is the ITBP Head Constable salary 2026?
The ITBP Head Constable (Education & Stress Counsellor) salary is structured under Pay Level 4 of the 7th CPC, with a basic pay of Rs.25,500–Rs.81,100 per month. The approximate in-hand take-home salary is Rs.39,000–Rs.44,000/month in peace postings and Rs.50,000–Rs.57,000/month in high-altitude border sectors, due to High Altitude Allowance of up to Rs.17,300/month.
What is the age limit for ITBP HC Education & Stress Counsellor 2026?
Candidates must be between 20 and 25 years of age as on 27 October 2026 (the closing date of the online application). Age relaxation is available: OBC candidates get 3 years (upper limit 28 years), ST candidates get 5 years (upper limit 30 years), and Ex-Servicemen are relaxed as per central government rules.
What educational qualification is required for this ITBP recruitment?
Candidates must hold either (a) a Degree from a recognised university or equivalent with Psychology as a subject, or (b) a Degree from a recognised university along with a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed), Bachelor of Teaching (B.T.), or an equivalent qualification. 10+2 or diploma holders are not eligible — a full graduate degree is mandatory.
What is the application fee for ITBP HC Recruitment 2026?
The application fee is Rs.100 for UR, OBC, and EWS male candidates, payable online via debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI. All female candidates (regardless of category), SC, ST, and Ex-Servicemen are fully exempted from the application fee. The fee is non-refundable once paid.
What is the selection process for ITBP Head Constable 2026?
The ITBP HC selection process has 6 stages: (1) Physical Efficiency Test (PET) — qualifying; (2) Physical Standard Test (PST) — qualifying; (3) Written Examination — merit-based; (4) Document Verification (DV); (5) Detailed Medical Examination (DME); (6) Review Medical Examination (RME) — only if required. Failure at any stage eliminates the candidate from further consideration.
Can female candidates apply for ITBP HC Education & Stress Counsellor 2026?
Yes, female candidates can apply. There are 2 vacancies specifically reserved for female candidates — 1 UR and 1 OBC. Female candidates of all categories are also exempt from the Rs.100 application fee. There are no ST or SC vacancies for female candidates in this 2026 recruitment cycle.
How can I apply online for ITBP Head Constable Recruitment 2026?
Visit the official ITBP recruitment portal at recruitment.itbpolice.nic.in on or after 28 September 2026. Register with a valid email and mobile number, fill in the online application form with personal and educational details, upload required documents, pay the application fee (if applicable), and submit before 27 October 2026 at 11:59 PM. Take a printout of the completed application form immediately after submission.
Is there an offline application mode for ITBP HC Recruitment 2026?
No. Applications from candidates will be accepted ONLY through online mode at recruitment.itbpolice.nic.in. No offline application will be accepted under any circumstances. ITBP has also clarified that it will not be responsible for any technical failures resulting in non-receipt of the application form.
What is the last date to apply for ITBP HC Education & Stress Counsellor 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 27 October 2026 at 11:59 PM. The online application portal opens on 28 September 2026 at 00:01 AM. Candidates are strongly advised to apply well before the deadline, as ITBP portals experience heavy traffic in the final days and ITBP does not accept late submissions under any technical excuse.
Last Updated: September 2026 | Source: Official ITBP Notification Advt. No. CBC 19143/11/0011/2627 | This article is reviewed and updated regularly. Bookmark this page for admit card, exam date, and result updates.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All vacancy counts, dates, salary figures, and eligibility criteria are sourced from the official ITBP notification. Candidates must verify all details at recruitment.itbpolice.nic.in before applying. Agrijob.in is not responsible for any errors in the official notification or changes made by the recruiting authority after publication of this article.
