Kolkata Police SI Recruitment 2023 has gone through a critical vacancy revision — the total posts now stand at 309, up from the original 169 announced in August 2023. The West Bengal Police Recruitment Board (WBPRB) also opened a special OBC category update window in September 2026, directly impacting thousands of candidates. This guide is for West Bengal graduates aged 20–27 who applied for Sub-Inspector, Sub-Inspectress, or Sergeant posts and need the latest, verified update in one place. It covers the revised vacancy, OBC category change rules, pay scale, selection stages, and the Final Combined Competitive Examination result declared on 16 September 2026.
Kolkata Police SI Recruitment 2023 has a revised total vacancy of 309 posts across Sub-Inspector (UB), Sub-Inspector (AB), Sub-Inspectress (UB), and Sergeant. WBPRB issued Notice No. WBPRB/NOTICE–2026/08 on 3 September 2026 revising vacancies and opening an OBC category update window (4–10 September 2026). The Final Written Result was declared on 16 September 2026, with 805 candidates shortlisted for the Personality Test.
- Recruiting Body: West Bengal Police Recruitment Board (WBPRB)
- Post Names: Sub-Inspector/Sub-Inspectress (Unarmed Branch), Sub-Inspector (Armed Branch), Sergeant
- Total Vacancies (Revised): 309 Posts
- Original Vacancy: 169 Posts (August 2023)
- Pay Scale: Rs.32,100 – Rs.82,900 (Level 10, Pay Matrix)
- Age Limit: 20–27 years (as on 01.01.2023)
- OBC Category Update Window: 4–10 September 2026 (closed)
- Final Written Result: Declared 16 September 2026
- Candidates Shortlisted for Personality Test: 805 (736 male/Sergeant + 69 female)
- UR Cut-Off (Final Written): 129 marks
- Official Website: prb.wb.gov.in
- What Is Kolkata Police SI Recruitment 2023?
- Who Should Read This Guide?
- Revised Vacancy: 309 Posts — Category-Wise Breakdown
- OBC Category Update Window — What Changed and Why
- Kolkata Police SI Salary and Pay Scale 2023
- Eligibility Criteria — Age, Education, Physical Standards
- Selection Process — 5-Stage Step-by-Step Guide
- Kolkata Police SI vs WB Police SI — Key Differences
- Pros and Cons of Kolkata Police SI as a Career
- Important Terms Related to Kolkata Police SI Recruitment
- Important Dates and Timeline
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Kolkata Police SI Recruitment 2023 and Why Is the Vacancy Revised to 309?
Kolkata Police SI Recruitment 2023 is the official recruitment drive conducted by the West Bengal Police Recruitment Board (WBPRB) to fill Sub-Inspector and Sergeant posts within the Kolkata Police force. The recruitment originally notified 169 vacancies in August 2023, but was subsequently revised to 309 total posts following a Calcutta High Court judgment dated 22 May 2024 on OBC reservation in West Bengal, which set off a chain of administrative changes that eventually impacted vacancy distribution across all reserved categories.
WBPRB issued Notice No. WBPRB/NOTICE–2026/08 (SI_KP_23) on 3 September 2026, formally announcing the revised vacancy figure of 309 posts and simultaneously opening a special window for candidates to update or confirm their reservation category. This revision affects how seats are distributed across Unreserved (UR), Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), OBC-A, OBC-B, and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) categories. The board’s office is located at Araksha Bhawan (5th Floor), 6th Cross Road, Block-DJ, Sector-II, Salt Lake City, Kolkata – 700091.
Who Should Read This Complete Guide on Kolkata Police SI Recruitment 2023?
This guide is specifically written for candidates already in this recruitment pipeline and those researching West Bengal government police jobs.
- 🎓 Graduates aged 20–27 who applied for Kolkata Police SI Recruitment 2023 and want to know the latest vacancy and result update.
- 📋 OBC-A and OBC-B candidates who need to understand how the new 66-class State OBC List affects their category status and reservation benefits.
- 📝 Appeared in Final Combined Competitive Examination (FCCE) held on 30 December 2025 and are waiting for their Personality Test shortlist status.
- 👮 Departmental candidates of Kolkata Police who have applied under relaxed age-limit provisions and want to know their eligibility.
- 💼 EWS category aspirants who must produce a valid Income and Asset Certificate for the 2022–23 or later financial year at the Personality Test stage.
- 📌 Job seekers comparing West Bengal Police SI vs Kolkata Police SI in terms of salary, posting, and career growth.
- 🔔 Parents and mentors guiding young West Bengal graduates toward government police service careers.
- 📱 Coaching institute students preparing for future WBPRB exams who want to understand this cycle as a benchmark.
Kolkata Police SI Revised Vacancy 2023 — Complete Category-Wise Breakdown of 309 Posts
The total vacancy for Kolkata Police SI Recruitment 2023 has been confirmed at 309 posts as per WBPRB’s revised notice dated 3 September 2026. These 309 posts span four distinct positions in the Kolkata Police force, distributed across all reservation categories.
| Post Name | Branch | Gender | Total Posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sub-Inspector (UB) | Unarmed Branch | Male | As per official notice |
| Sub-Inspectress (UB) | Unarmed Branch | Female | As per official notice |
| Sub-Inspector (AB) | Armed Branch | Male | As per official notice |
| Sergeant | Kolkata Police | Male | As per official notice |
| Total (Revised) | All Branches | Male + Female | 309 Posts |
The vacancy revision from 169 to 309 posts represents an 83% increase in total available positions. Category-wise seat distribution is governed by the new OBC State List and standard reservation norms of West Bengal. Candidates should verify the precise category-wise breakdown in the official notice at prb.wb.gov.in.
OBC Category Update Window — What Changed in West Bengal Reservation Rules for 2026
The OBC category update requirement for Kolkata Police SI Recruitment 2023 traces directly to a Calcutta High Court judgment dated 22 May 2024. The court’s ruling on OBC reservation in West Bengal triggered a complete overhaul of the State’s OBC list, which directly affected this ongoing recruitment.
On 18 May 2026, the Backward Classes Welfare (BCW) Department, Government of West Bengal issued two key notifications. BCW Notification No. 944-BCW/MR-23/2026 formally withdrew all earlier OBC notifications issued in 2025. BCW Notification No. 945-BCW/MR-23/2026 introduced a brand new State List of OBCs comprising 66 classes, with 7% reservation applicable in West Bengal government services and posts. This new list replaced all prior OBC lists that candidates relied upon during their original applications in September 2023.
WBPRB subsequently issued WBPRB/NOTICE–2026/08 (SI_KP_23), opening a special category update window from 4 September 2026 to 10 September 2026. Candidates who applied under OBC-A or OBC-B were required to log into the WBPRB portal and verify whether their specific caste or class appears in the new 66-class State OBC List under Notification No. 945-BCW/MR-23/2026. Those who missed the window were automatically treated as Unreserved (UR) candidates, regardless of their actual caste or historical OBC status. This window has now closed.
If you are an OBC-A or OBC-B candidate in this recruitment and you missed the 4–10 September 2026 update window, WBPRB’s notice states you will be treated as Unreserved (UR). This affects your cut-off score and seat allocation. Contact WBPRB at Araksha Bhawan, Salt Lake City, Kolkata or visit prb.wb.gov.in for any grievance redressal procedure.
Kolkata Police SI Salary and Pay Scale — Rs.32,100 to Rs.82,900 Under Level 10
Kolkata Police SI salary is structured under Level 10 of the West Bengal Government Pay Matrix, with a monthly gross package significantly higher than the basic pay after factoring in standard allowances. Confirmed candidates receive this pay scale from the date of joining after successful completion of Basic Training.
| Salary Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay Scale | Rs.32,100 – Rs.82,900 per month |
| Grade Pay | Rs.3,900 per month |
| Pay Matrix Level | Level 10 |
| Pay Commission | 7th Pay Commission (West Bengal) |
| Estimated Monthly Gross (incl. HRA, TA, DA) | Approx. Rs.40,000/month |
| Estimated Annual CTC | Approx. Rs.4,80,000/year |
| Probation Period | 2 years after Basic Training |
| Appointment Nature | Initially temporary; regularised after probation |
Beyond basic pay, Kolkata Police SI officers receive House Rent Allowance (HRA), Dearness Allowance (DA), Transport Allowance (TA), and medical benefits as applicable under West Bengal government service rules. The salary increases incrementally with service years under the pay matrix structure.
Eligibility Criteria for Kolkata Police SI Recruitment 2023 — Age, Education, Physical Standards
Before checking your result or Personality Test shortlist, every candidate must confirm they meet the original eligibility criteria as specified in the 2023 notification. Any discrepancy found at the Personality Test or document verification stage leads to immediate disqualification.
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any subject from a recognised university or equivalent. Candidates must be able to read, write, and speak Bengali.
- Age Limit: Minimum 20 years and maximum 27 years as on 01.01.2023.
- Age Relaxation — SC/ST: Upper limit relaxable by 5 years (i.e., up to 32 years).
- Age Relaxation — OBC (West Bengal only): Upper limit relaxable by 3 years (i.e., up to 30 years).
- Age Relaxation — Transgender: Upper limit relaxable by 3 years.
- Age Relaxation — Departmental Candidates (KP): Upper limit up to 35 years; SC/ST departmental candidates up to 40 years; OBC departmental candidates up to 38 years.
- Restriction — Departmental Candidates: Must not have appeared in SI/Sergeant Kolkata Police competitive exam conducted by PSC, WBPRB, or formerly KPRB on three or more earlier occasions.
| Application Fee Component | Amount | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | Rs.150 | UR, EWS, OBC-A, OBC-B |
| Processing Fee | Rs.20 | SC/ST of West Bengal only |
| Application Fee (SC/ST) | Nil (exempted) | SC/ST of West Bengal |
| Physical Standard | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 1.67 metres (167 cm) | As per official notification |
| Weight | 51.5 kg | As per official notification |
| Chest | 79 cm (with 5 cm expansion) | Not applicable |
How Kolkata Police SI Selection Process Works — 5 Stages Step-by-Step
The Kolkata Police SI selection process has five distinct stages. Candidates must clear each stage to proceed to the next — no stage is skippable and there is no exemption from any stage except for departmental relaxations specifically noted in the notification.
- Preliminary Examination (Prelim): OMR-based MCQ test conducted in Bengali and English. Negative marking applies at 1/4 per wrong answer. This stage is qualifying in nature. Candidates who clear the Prelim cutoff are called for Stage 2.
- Physical Measurement Test (PMT): Candidates who pass the Prelim are measured for height, weight, and chest (for male candidates) against the official physical standards. Failure at PMT results in elimination from the process.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Those who meet the physical measurements must next pass the PET, which tests running speed, stamina, and endurance. Only PET-qualified candidates move to the written final stage.
- Final Combined Competitive Examination (FCCE): A comprehensive three-paper written exam set in Bengali, English, and Nepali. The total marks scored in this examination determine the final merit ranking. This exam was held on 30 December 2025 for this recruitment cycle. Results were declared on 16 September 2026, with 805 candidates shortlisted.
- Personality Test (Interview): The final stage carries 30 marks, with a minimum qualifying score of 8 marks. Shortlisted candidates from the FCCE result (805 candidates as of September 2026) will be called for the Personality Test. Date and venue will be announced separately by WBPRB on prb.wb.gov.in.
The Personality Test for Kolkata Police SI carries 30 marks and requires a minimum score of 8 to qualify. Candidates should prepare their documents meticulously — particularly OBC certificates (revalidated/renewed), EWS Income and Asset Certificates (for financial year 2022–23 or later), and academic testimonials. Failure to produce valid certificates on the day of the Personality Test leads to disqualification, regardless of FCCE score.
Kolkata Police SI vs West Bengal Police SI — Key Differences Compared
Many West Bengal aspirants confuse Kolkata Police SI with West Bengal Police SI. These are two separate recruitments conducted by the same board (WBPRB) but covering different jurisdictions, postings, and sometimes different pay structures.
| Parameter | Kolkata Police SI | West Bengal Police SI |
|---|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | WBPRB | WBPRB |
| Jurisdiction | Kolkata Metropolitan Area only | All districts of West Bengal |
| Posting Location | Kolkata city police stations | State-wide, including rural districts |
| Pay Scale | Rs.32,100 – Rs.82,900 (Level 10) | Rs.32,100 – Rs.82,900 (Level 10) |
| Vacancies (2023 Cycle) | 309 posts (revised) | Separate notification |
| Physical Standards | Male: 167 cm, 51.5 kg | Similar; verify in official notification |
| Bengali Proficiency | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Career Growth | Urban policing, metropolitan exposure | Broader state-level career path |
| Best For | Candidates preferring urban Kolkata posting | Candidates open to state-wide posting |
Kolkata Police SI is the better choice for candidates who want urban posting with metropolitan infrastructure, while WB Police SI offers broader career mobility across all 23 districts. Both carry the same pay scale of Rs.32,100–Rs.82,900 under Level 10. If you qualify for both, preference depends on your desired posting location and willingness to serve in rural West Bengal.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Kolkata Police SI as a Career Choice
Choosing Kolkata Police SI over private-sector jobs or other government roles involves trade-offs that candidates should evaluate clearly before investing years in preparation.
- ✅ Job Security: Permanent government position post-probation with near-zero risk of retrenchment under West Bengal government service rules.
- ✅ Attractive Pay + Perks: Rs.40,000+/month gross with HRA, DA, TA, and medical benefits — among the best-paying entry-level state police jobs in eastern India.
- ✅ Career Progression: Clear promotion path from SI to Inspector, DSP, and beyond through departmental exams and seniority.
- ✅ Urban Posting: All postings within Kolkata city — no rural transfer risk, access to metropolitan infrastructure, housing, and education facilities.
- ✅ Social Respect: Police uniform commands authority and community respect, with significant social status in West Bengal’s urban professional landscape.
- ❌ Irregular Hours: Shift duties, night postings, and emergency deployments are mandatory — personal and family time is unpredictable.
- ❌ High Physical Demand: PMT and PET are strict filters; physical fitness must be maintained throughout service, not just at recruitment.
- ❌ Long Recruitment Cycle: This 2023 cycle began with applications in September 2023 and its Personality Test has not yet been held as of September 2026 — a 3-year wait from application to appointment is realistic.
Important Terms Related to Kolkata Police SI Recruitment 2023 You Must Know
Understanding the official terminology used in WBPRB notices helps candidates navigate category updates, result documents, and future notices without confusion.
- WBPRB: West Bengal Police Recruitment Board — the nodal body conducting all sub-inspector and constable recruitment across Kolkata Police and WB Police.
- SI (UB): Sub-Inspector, Unarmed Branch — the most common SI post, handling routine law and order in non-armed units.
- SI (AB): Sub-Inspector, Armed Branch — deployed with armed units; separate physical and written evaluation may apply.
- FCCE: Final Combined Competitive Examination — the main written exam determining merit rank; held on 30 December 2025 for this cycle.
- PMT: Physical Measurement Test — verifies candidates’ height, weight, and chest measurements against minimum standards.
- PET: Physical Efficiency Test — tests running, jumping, and endurance; mandatory after PMT clearance.
- OBC-A / OBC-B: Sub-categories of Other Backward Classes in West Bengal; separate reservation percentages apply within the overall OBC quota.
- BCW Notification 945: The 2026 BCW Department notification introducing the 66-class OBC State List with 7% reservation — the trigger for the category update window.
- EWS Certificate: Income and Asset Certificate issued by a competent authority for the financial year 2022–23 or later, mandatory for EWS candidates at the Personality Test.
- Level 10 Pay Matrix: The West Bengal 7th Pay Commission scale placing Kolkata Police SI salary between Rs.32,100 and Rs.82,900 per month basic.
Kolkata Police SI Recruitment 2023 — Complete Timeline of Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Released (Original 169 Vacancies) | 30 August 2023 |
| Online Application Window Opens | 01 September 2023 |
| Online Application Window Closes | 21 September 2023 |
| Preliminary Examination Held | 28 January 2024 |
| BCW Notification 944 & 945 (New OBC State List) | 18 May 2026 |
| WBPRB Notice No. 2026/08 — Revised Vacancy 309 + OBC Window | 03 September 2026 |
| OBC Category Update Window Opens | 04 September 2026 |
| OBC Category Update Window Closes | 10 September 2026 |
| Final Combined Competitive Examination Held | 30 December 2025 |
| Final Written Result Declared (FCCE) | 16 September 2026 |
| Candidates Shortlisted for Personality Test | 805 candidates |
| Personality Test Date | To be announced by WBPRB |
Important Links for Kolkata Police SI Recruitment 2023
| Link Name | URL |
|---|---|
| WBPRB Official Website (Result, Notices) | prb.wb.gov.in |
| West Bengal Police Official Portal | wbpolice.gov.in |
| Kolkata Police Official Website | kolkatapolice.gov.in |
| BCW Department WB (OBC List Notification) | wb.gov.in |
| NCS — National Career Service (Government Jobs Portal) | ncs.gov.in |
Conclusion — What Kolkata Police SI 2023 Candidates Must Do Right Now
Kolkata Police SI Recruitment 2023 is one of the most consequential state police recruitment drives in West Bengal in recent years, having expanded from 169 to 309 vacancies and navigated a major OBC reservation reform mid-cycle. The Final Combined Competitive Examination result was declared on 16 September 2026, with 805 candidates shortlisted for the Personality Test — the final gate before appointment.
If your name appears in the FCCE shortlist PDF on prb.wb.gov.in, your immediate priority is document preparation: gather your revalidated OBC-A/OBC-B certificate (if applicable), your EWS Income and Asset Certificate (FY 2022–23 or later), all academic testimonials, and your original application PDF. Watch prb.wb.gov.in daily for the Personality Test date and venue announcement. Bookmark this page — we update it every time WBPRB issues a new notice for this recruitment cycle.
- Kolkata Police SI Recruitment 2023 vacancy is officially revised to 309 posts (up from 169) via WBPRB Notice No. 2026/08 dated 3 September 2026.
- The OBC category update window (4–10 September 2026) is now closed; candidates who missed it are treated as Unreserved (UR).
- Pay scale is Rs.32,100 – Rs.82,900 per month under Level 10 of the 7th Pay Commission matrix, with approximate gross of Rs.40,000/month.
- Final Written Result (FCCE) was declared on 16 September 2026 — 805 candidates shortlisted for the Personality Test (736 male/Sergeant + 69 female).
- The Personality Test is the final stage, carries 30 marks, and requires a minimum of 8 marks to qualify — date to be announced at prb.wb.gov.in.
- Candidates must carry revalidated OBC/EWS certificates and all original documents on the Personality Test date to avoid disqualification.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kolkata Police SI Recruitment 2023
Why was the Kolkata Police SI 2023 vacancy revised from 169 to 309 posts?
The vacancy revision for Kolkata Police SI Recruitment 2023 was triggered by a Calcutta High Court judgment dated 22 May 2024 on OBC reservation in West Bengal. Following the judgment, the BCW Department issued Notification No. 945-BCW/MR-23/2026 on 18 May 2026, introducing a new 66-class State OBC List with 7% reservation. WBPRB applied this revised reservation framework to the Kolkata Police SI 2023 recruitment through Notice No. WBPRB/NOTICE–2026/08, resulting in an updated vacancy distribution totalling 309 posts across all categories.
What is the total number of vacancies in Kolkata Police SI Recruitment 2023?
The total vacancies in Kolkata Police SI Recruitment 2023 are 309 posts as revised by WBPRB in September 2026. These cover four post types: Sub-Inspector (Unarmed Branch – Male), Sub-Inspectress (Unarmed Branch – Female), Sub-Inspector (Armed Branch – Male), and Sergeant. The original notification released in August 2023 had announced 169 vacancies.
What is the OBC category update window and is it still open?
WBPRB opened a special OBC category update window from 4 September 2026 to 10 September 2026 for candidates in this Kolkata Police SI 2023 recruitment to update or confirm their reservation category based on the new 66-class State OBC List (BCW Notification No. 945-BCW/MR-23/2026). This window is now closed. Candidates who did not update their category within this window are treated as Unreserved (UR) candidates for the purpose of merit ranking and seat allocation.
What is the Kolkata Police SI salary in 2026?
The Kolkata Police SI salary is structured under Level 10 of the West Bengal 7th Pay Commission Pay Matrix, with a basic pay range of Rs.32,100 to Rs.82,900 per month. The grade pay is Rs.3,900 per month. After adding HRA, Dearness Allowance, and Transport Allowance, the estimated monthly gross comes to approximately Rs.40,000 per month. The annual CTC is approximately Rs.4,80,000. Appointed candidates serve a 2-year probation period after completing Basic Training.
When was the Kolkata Police SI Final Written Result declared?
The Kolkata Police SI Final Combined Competitive Examination (FCCE) result was declared on 16 September 2026 by WBPRB. The FCCE was held on 30 December 2025. A total of 805 candidates were shortlisted for the Personality Test — 736 male and Sergeant candidates, and 69 female Sub-Inspectress candidates. The result is available as a PDF on prb.wb.gov.in, wbpolice.gov.in, and kolkatapolice.gov.in.
How many candidates are shortlisted for the Personality Test in Kolkata Police SI 2023?
A total of 805 candidates have been shortlisted for the Personality Test in Kolkata Police SI Recruitment 2023, based on the Final Combined Competitive Examination results declared on 16 September 2026. Of these, 736 are male and Sergeant category candidates, and 69 are female Sub-Inspectress candidates. The Personality Test date and venue will be announced separately by WBPRB on prb.wb.gov.in.
What is the cut-off for the Kolkata Police SI Final Written Exam for the UR category?
The Unreserved (UR) category cut-off for the Kolkata Police SI Final Combined Competitive Examination is reported at 129 marks by multiple tracking sources. One source reports 118 marks for a subset of the UR category. Cut-off marks vary across categories (SC, ST, OBC-A, OBC-B, EWS). Candidates should verify the exact category-wise cut-off from the official notice or result PDF available at prb.wb.gov.in, as figures differ slightly between unofficial tracking sources.
What documents must I carry for the Kolkata Police SI Personality Test?
For the Kolkata Police SI Personality Test, candidates must carry: all original academic testimonials (graduation certificate, marksheets), a revalidated/renewed OBC-A or OBC-B certificate (if claiming OBC category reservation), an EWS Income and Asset Certificate issued for financial year 2022–23 or later (if claiming EWS reservation), the original application PDF with Application Serial Number, a valid photo ID proof, and recent passport-size photographs. Failure to produce any mandatory certificate on the Personality Test date will result in ineligibility for the relevant category or disqualification.
Is the Kolkata Police SI Personality Test qualifying or merit-based?
The Kolkata Police SI Personality Test carries 30 marks, of which candidates must score a minimum of 8 marks to qualify. It is effectively both qualifying (you must clear the minimum) and merit-contributing (marks scored add to your final ranking). The final merit list is prepared based on marks in the Final Combined Competitive Examination combined with Personality Test performance. Candidates with higher combined scores secure preference in final appointment.
What is the age limit for Kolkata Police SI Recruitment 2023?
The age limit for Kolkata Police SI Recruitment 2023 is minimum 20 years and maximum 27 years, calculated as on 01 January 2023. Age relaxation is available: SC/ST candidates of West Bengal receive a 5-year relaxation (up to 32 years), OBC candidates of West Bengal receive a 3-year relaxation (up to 30 years), and Transgender candidates receive a 3-year relaxation. Departmental candidates of Kolkata Police are eligible up to 35 years, with additional relaxations for SC/ST and OBC departmental candidates.
Last Updated: September 2026 | This article is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy. Bookmark this page for the latest Kolkata Police SI Recruitment 2023 updates. All data sourced from WBPRB official notices, prb.wb.gov.in, and cross-verified with wbpolice.gov.in and kolkatapolice.gov.in.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All recruitment details, vacancies, cut-off marks, and dates should be verified directly from the official WBPRB website at prb.wb.gov.in before taking any action. Agrijob.in is not responsible for any discrepancies arising from changes made by WBPRB after the last update of this article.
