BSF Syllabus 2026: Topic-Wise Subjects for Tradesman, Constable GD and SI

The BSF syllabus depends on the post you are targeting. Constable (Tradesman) is recruited by the Border Security Force and has its own 100-mark written paper. Constable (GD) and Sub-Inspector (GD) in BSF are recruited through Staff Selection Commission exams, so their syllabus is set by SSC. This page gives a working syllabus for all three routes, so you can start preparing before the next notice arrives.

Here is an honesty note. BSF names the subjects and the number of questions for the Tradesman written paper in its notification, but it does not publish a long topic-wise list. The topic lists below are built from the subject areas in the notification and from the level of questions asked in similar Class 10 level exams. Use them as a working checklist, not as an official list. The latest cycle on this page is the Constable (Tradesman) recruitment advertised in July 2025, and the written exam for it was yet to be scheduled at the time of writing (29 October 2026).

Table of Contents

BSF Syllabus at a Glance

Official notices come from https://rectt.bsf.gov.in/ for BSF-run recruitment and https://ssc.gov.in/ for SSC exams.

Key Points to Know Before You Start

• Class 10 level for constables: Both the Tradesman and GD papers are set around matriculation level. Speed and accuracy matter more than deep theory.

• Language choice: In the Tradesman paper you answer the fourth section in English or Hindi. Pick the language in which you score faster and stay with it in practice.

• No negative marking reported for Tradesman: Reports of the notification say wrong answers are not penalised in the Tradesman paper. SSC GD does deduct marks, so train differently for each.

• Trade matters twice: For Tradesman posts your trade decides both your qualification and your practical test, so choose a trade you can actually perform well.

• One syllabus, three papers: A candidate aiming at both Tradesman and GD posts can use one preparation base, then adjust for pattern, negative marking and the number of questions.

• Older syllabus pages: Some pages still show topics from older BSF cycles or from other state recruitments. Follow the notification of the cycle you are applying to.

BSF Constable (Tradesman) Written Exam Syllabus

The written paper has 100 objective questions in four equal sections. The topics below are a working checklist for each section.

General Awareness

This section checks how well you follow the world around you and what you learned in school. Expect a mix of static and current questions.

Because BSF is a border guarding force, questions on defence, border states and security news are a sensible extra. Do not expect them to dominate, but they are easy marks if you have read them.

Elementary Mathematics

Arithmetic carries this section. Most questions can be solved in under a minute if your basics are strong.

• Number work: Number system, simplification, decimals and fractions, LCM and HCF, square roots.

• Ratio-based topics: Ratio and proportion, percentage, average, partnership.

• Commercial maths: Profit and loss, discount, simple and compound interest.

• Work and motion: Time and work, time, speed and distance.

• Geometry and data: Basic mensuration of common shapes, tables and simple graphs.

Analytical Aptitude

This is the reasoning section. It rewards practice more than any other.

• Verbal reasoning: Analogy, classification, series, coding-decoding, blood relations, directions, ranking.

• Non-verbal reasoning: Pattern recognition, figure series, mirror and water images, paper folding, counting figures.

• Logical reasoning: Venn diagrams, statements and conclusions, simple arithmetic reasoning.

English or Hindi

Choose one language. The questions test basic correctness, not literature.

BSF Trade Test Syllabus

After the written exam, Tradesman candidates face a trade test. It checks whether you can do the work of your trade, not whether you can answer questions about it. The tasks reported for the 2025 cycle include the following.

Other trades such as cook, carpenter, electrician, plumber and painter are tested on the practical skills of that trade. Check your trade's notification for the exact tasks and whether the test is only qualifying.

BSF Constable (GD) Syllabus through SSC

For Constable (GD), BSF takes candidates from the SSC computer-based exam. The paper has four sections of 20 questions each at Class 10 level. Read the current SSC notification, because SSC can change the paper.

• General Intelligence and Reasoning: Analogies, classification, coding-decoding, series, blood relations, directions, Venn diagrams, non-verbal patterns.

• General Knowledge and General Awareness: Current events, Indian polity, history, geography, economy, science, sports, awards.

• Elementary Mathematics: Number system, percentage, ratio, average, profit and loss, interest, time and work, speed and distance, mensuration.

• English or Hindi: Error spotting, fill in the blanks, synonyms and antonyms, idioms, comprehension basics.

Since SSC GD papers carry negative marking, practise by attempting only the questions where you can eliminate options.

BSF Sub-Inspector (GD) Syllabus through SSC CPO

Sub-Inspector (GD) in BSF is filled through the SSC CPO examination, and the written level is graduation. The subject areas stay the same across cycles even when SSC changes the number of questions, so prepare these four areas thoroughly.

SSC revised the CPO pattern in its 2026 notification, and the paper structure is reported to have changed from earlier years. Follow the SSC notice for the question count and marking.

Physical Test: What You Need to Prepare

The physical stage has no syllabus in the usual sense, but it is part of what you must prepare. For constable posts the PET reported is a 5 km run in 24 minutes for men and a 1.6 km run in 8 minutes 30 seconds for women. The PST measures height and chest against category-wise standards. Build running stamina over months, not weeks, and keep a record of your timing every week.

High-Weight Topics and Overlap Across Routes

Most topics repeat across the three routes, so you can prepare once and reuse the effort.

If your marks fall short in a section, usually it is not a syllabus gap. It is a speed gap, and timed tests fix that. Candidates who already cleared the physical stage of the Tradesman cycle should put nearly all of their time into the four written sections and light trade practice.

Section-wise Strategy and Time Per Question

The Tradesman paper gives 2 hours for 100 questions, which is more than a minute per question on average. That is generous, so the real challenge is accuracy and not running out of focus. For the 60-minute SSC GD paper, the time is much tighter at under 45 seconds a question.

Attempt your strongest section first in mock tests, then move to the next strongest. This builds confidence and secures marks early. If the Tradesman paper has no negative marking, as reported, leave no question blank.

How to Cover the BSF Syllabus

A ten-week plan works well for constable-level aspirants who have the basics. Add time if you start from scratch.

1. Weeks 1 to 3, build the base: Revise Class 10 arithmetic, basic grammar and core reasoning types. Start a daily run.

2. Weeks 3 to 6, widen coverage: Add static general awareness notes and 30 minutes of current affairs each day. Keep reasoning practice daily.

3. Weeks 6 to 8, practise by topic: Take topic tests and short sectional tests. You can use topic-wise BSF online tests on Testkart to see which chapters pull your score down.

4. Weeks 8 to 10, full-length papers: Attempt timed papers every other day, analyse each one the same day, and revise from an error log. Pair this with previous-year style questions and quick revision from BSF study notes.

Keep your fitness schedule fixed through all four phases. Mock tests are the bridge between syllabus coverage and marks, and the section-wise analysis on Testkart helps you decide what to revise next.