If you are a defence aspirant or keeping track of BSF updates, January 16, 2026, brings critical news. The Staff Selection Commission has officially confirmed the exam dates for BSF Constable (GD), while the force itself has received a new Director General (DG). Additionally, the Physical Standard Tests (PST) for the Tradesman posts are currently underway across India.
Here is your complete 360-degree report on all things BSF for January 2026—from exam schedules to the new leadership.
1. BSF Constable (GD) Exam Date 2026 Out
The biggest update is for the lakhs of candidates who applied for the SSC GD Constable 2026 exam (which recruits for BSF, CRPF, etc.).
- Exam Start Date: February 23, 2026
- Admit Card: Expected by February 10, 2026 (Region-wise).
- BSF Vacancies: A significant portion of the 25,487 total vacancies is dedicated to BSF.
- Action Item: Check your application status on the regional SSC websites (like SSCNR, SSCER) starting next week.
2. Praveen Kumar Appointed as New BSF DG
In a major administrative reshuffle on January 15, 2026, the Central Government appointed Shri Praveen Kumar (IPS) as the new Director General (DG) of the Border Security Force.
- Who is he? A 1993-batch IPS officer of the West Bengal cadre.
- Why it matters: As the head of India’s “First Line of Defence,” he will oversee border operations and the ongoing recruitment drives. He succeeds the previous DG and will hold the post until September 2030.
3. BSF Tradesman 2025-26: PET/PST Ongoing
For candidates who applied for the 3,588 Tradesman vacancies (Cook, Water Carrier, Sweeper, etc.), the selection process is in full swing.
- Current Stage: Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST).
- Exam Dates: The physical tests started on December 26, 2025, and will continue until March 20, 2026.
- Admit Card: If you haven’t downloaded yours yet, the link is still active on
rectt.bsf.gov.in. - Next Step: Candidates who qualify for the run (5km for males) will be called for the Trade Test and Written Exam later in mid-2026.
4. Upcoming: BSF Paramedical & Water Wing Notifications
Sources indicate that BSF is preparing to release two major notifications in February 2026:
- Paramedical Staff: For posts like Staff Nurse, Lab Technician, and Pharmacist.
- Water Wing (Group B & C): For SI (Master/Engine Driver) and Constable (Crew).
- Tip: Keep your 10th/12th marksheets and technical certificates (Nursing/ITI) ready.
How to Download BSF Tradesman Admit Card (If Pending)
- Visit Official Portal: Go to
rectt.bsf.gov.in. - Candidate Login: Click on “Candidate Login” at the top right.
- Enter Credentials: Use your Email ID and Password.
- Dashboard: Under “Action,” click on “Print Admit Card” for the Tradesman 2025 post.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When is the BSF Constable GD exam?
The Computer-Based Exam (CBE) for BSF Constable (via SSC GD) starts on February 23, 2026.
Q: Who is the new DG of BSF in 2026?
Shri Praveen Kumar, a 1993-batch IPS officer, has been appointed as the new Director General of BSF as of January 15, 2026.
Q: I lost my BSF Tradesman password. How can I download the admit card?
Go to rectt.bsf.gov.in, click “Candidate Login,” and select “Forgot Password.” You will receive a reset link on your registered email or mobile number.
Q: Is there any new vacancy for BSF in January 2026?
The Sports Quota recruitment (549 posts) just closed on January 15. The next expected notifications are for Paramedical Staff and Water Wing in Feb/March 2026.
Q: What is the running distance for BSF Tradesman PET?
Male candidates have to run 5 km in 24 minutes. Female candidates must complete 1.6 km in 8 minutes 30 seconds.