BSF Constable Tradesman Exam Pattern: Stages and Marks
The BSF Constable Tradesman exam pattern has several stages: physical tests, a written test, document verification, a trade test where applicable and a medical examination. For this cycle the physical tests are done and the written test is the stage candidates are preparing for.
Details of the written paper below come from secondary sources, since the notification pages we could access did not list marks and timing. Treat them as indicative and confirm on the admit card and at rectt.bsf.gov.in.
Pattern at a glance
Stage | Format | Nature |
|---|---|---|
PST and PET | Measurement and timed run | Qualifying (done for this cycle) |
Written test | Objective, 100 questions, 100 marks, 2 hours (reported) | Shortlisting and merit |
Document verification | Certificate check | Qualifying |
Trade test | Practical, as per notification | Qualifying for relevant trades |
Medical examination | Fitness check | Qualifying |
How each stage counts towards the final list is set in the notification. Check it for your trade.
Physical stage
Reported standards for the physical tests are below. Relaxations for SC, ST and hilly regions are listed in the notification.
Test | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
Height (general, reported) | 167.5 cm | 157 cm |
Chest (reported) | 78 cm with at least 5 cm expansion | Not applicable |
Race (reported) | 5 km in 24 minutes | 1.6 km in 8 minutes 30 seconds |
Sources differ on the height and chest figures, so rely on the notification for the exact numbers.
Written test pattern
Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
General Awareness | 25 | 25 |
English or Hindi | 25 | 25 |
Numerical Aptitude | 25 | 25 |
Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
Total | 100 | 100 |
The duration is reported as 2 hours. The paper is described as objective and offline, but the mode, language options and centre details will be on your admit card. See the syllabus page for topics.
Marking scheme
Each correct answer is reported to carry 1 mark, and 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. Whether unattempted questions are penalised is not stated, and they are normally not. If the admit card instructions differ, follow them.
What the pattern means for you
Every section counts equally: At 25 marks each, a weak section cannot be offset easily by one strong section.
Guessing has a price: A wrong answer cancels a quarter of a correct one, so guess only when you can remove at least two options.
Time is about 72 seconds per question: Finish easy sections quickly to leave time for Reasoning and Maths.
Qualifying rules matter: The notification may set a minimum mark for the written test, so aim above it in every section.
Later stages
After the written test, shortlisted candidates go through document verification, then the trade test where it applies, and finally the medical examination. Carry original certificates, including your Class 10 certificate and trade qualification, and keep your trade proof ready.
Time management
Attempt your strongest section first and aim to finish it in 25 minutes.
Skip any question that takes more than a minute and return to it later.
Keep the last 10 minutes for review and for marking safe guesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
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