Assam Rifles has opened its Technical and Tradesman recruitment for 2026 with 354 Group C posts, and the window runs until 28 October 2026 at 11:59 PM. This is a male-only recruitment with mostly Class 10 plus ITI-level eligibility for the Rifleman trades, which makes it a rare chance for ITI holders to join a paramilitary force. The catch is the physical side: height, chest and a 5 km run in 24 minutes are all part of the process. This guide explains the posts, the physical standards, how the selection stages work and how to prepare, so that you know whether to apply.
Last updated: 9 October 2026. Facts below are compiled from published reports and may change, so confirm on assamrifles.gov.in before you act.
The posts at a glance
Of the 354 vacancies, 129 are Warrant Officer posts, 6 are Havildar and 219 are Rifleman. Notice how heavily the numbers lean on one trade: Warrant Officer (Cipher) alone has 124 posts. If you are a Class 12 pass or a diploma holder with the cipher or communication background the notice asks for, that is where the numbers are. Rifleman posts are spread over trades like armourer, mason, vehicle mechanic, electrician motor vehicle, metalsmith, lineman field and others.
| Post | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Warrant Officer (Cipher) | 124 |
| Warrant Officer (Draughtsman) | 2 |
| Warrant Officer (Operation Theatre Technician) | 1 |
| Warrant Officer (Physiotherapist) | 2 |
| Havildar (Instrument Mechanic) | 6 |
| Rifleman (Electrical Fitter Signal) | 32 |
| Rifleman (Armourer) | 29 |
| Rifleman (Mason) | 29 |
| Rifleman (Vehicle Mechanic) | 23 |
| Rifleman (Electrician Motor Vehicle) | 22 |
| Rifleman (Lineman Field) | 21 |
| Rifleman (Metalsmith) | 19 |
| Rifleman Storekeeper Technical | 16 |
| Rifleman (Recovery Vehicle Mechanic) | 13 |
| Rifleman (Engineer Equipment Mechanic) | 10 |
| Rifleman (Upholsterer) | 3 |
| Rifleman (Welder) | 2 |
The category split is UR 145, OBC 97, SC 53, EWS 34 and ST 25.
Eligibility, simply put
Only male candidates can apply. Education depends on the post: Rifleman trades generally need Class 10 along with an ITI or a relevant trade qualification, Warrant Officer posts need Class 12, a diploma or a degree depending on the post, and Rifleman Storekeeper Technical needs matriculation with English, maths and science or physics. Age is generally 18 to 23 for Rifleman and 18 to 25 for some Warrant Officer posts, with 5 years relaxation for SC/ST and 3 for OBC. The age cut-off date is 1 July 2026. Because the educational requirements differ per trade, read the entry for your trade in the notification instead of assuming.
Physical standards: this is where many applicants fall short
| Group | Height | Chest |
|---|---|---|
| General / All India | 170 cm | 80 to 85 cm |
| Garhwalis, Kumaonis, Dogras, Marathas, North-East states, Himachal, J&K, Ladakh | 165 cm | 78 to 83 cm |
| Scheduled Tribes | 162.5 cm | 76 to 81 cm |
The physical efficiency test is a 5 km run in 24 minutes, or 1.6 km in 7 minutes for Ladakh. If you have not been running regularly, start now. The recruitment rally is tentatively set from 23 November 2026, centres are expected in Jorhat or Diphu in Assam, and the final venue should be confirmed on the official website. A candidate who is two minutes short on the run is out, regardless of how well he scores in the written test.
The selection stages
- Physical Standard Test (PST)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Computer-based test (100 questions, 100 marks, four sections of 25: English, reasoning, quantitative aptitude and general awareness, with no negative marking)
- Trade or skill test, where applicable (qualifying)
- Document verification
- Medical examination
The qualifying marks in the written test are 35 percent for General and EWS and 33 percent for SC, ST and OBC. The trade test carries no marks but you must pass it to move ahead, so practise the practical side of your trade, not just the theory.
Salary
Rifleman posts are on Level 3, ₹21,700 to ₹69,100, and Havildar on Level 4, ₹25,500 to ₹81,100. Allowances are added as per central government rules, including those for hard areas where the force is deployed.
An eight-week fitness plan
If the rally is in late November and today is early October, you have close to six to seven weeks. Run three days a week, building from 2 km to 5 km over the first three weeks, then work on speed over the next four so that you comfortably finish in under 24 minutes. Add bodyweight strength twice a week, such as push-ups and squats, and keep one rest day. Eat enough protein and sleep seven hours. Do not experiment with supplements. If you have any past injury, consult a doctor before you begin.
Fee and application
General, OBC and EWS candidates pay ₹100. SC, ST, ex-servicemen and women candidates (as per the fee table) are exempt. Apply online at assamrifles.gov.in, open the Technical and Tradesman link, enter your personal and educational details, upload photo and documents, pay the fee if applicable, submit and save the form and receipt.
Similar defence openings
If you are exploring other forces, see the CRPF sports quota, ITBP Constable GD and the DRDO apprentice notices. They have different physical or trade requirements.
Trade tests: what to expect
For Rifleman and Havildar technical trades, the trade or skill test is practical. A candidate applying as an armourer may be asked to identify and handle tools and weapon components, a vehicle mechanic may be asked to diagnose a simple fault, and an electrician may be asked to carry out a wiring or testing task. The test carries no marks, but you have to qualify. If you hold an ITI certificate, revisit your practical file and practise the main tasks of your trade. The examiner is looking for confidence with tools, safety awareness and basic technical vocabulary, not perfection.
Life in the force: think before you apply
Assam Rifles is a paramilitary force that guards the Indo-Myanmar border and is deployed mainly in the north-east. Postings may be in remote and hilly areas, and living conditions can be tough. The job comes with respect, allowances and a secure career, but it also asks for long periods away from home. If you are applying only because it is a government post, spend an evening talking to someone who has served in a paramilitary force before you decide.
Documents to carry on rally day
- Admit card and the printed application form.
- Class 10 and Class 12 certificates and marksheets.
- ITI or trade certificates with marksheets.
- Caste certificate in the prescribed format, if applicable.
- Domicile or residence certificate where the notice requires it.
- Passport-size photographs and a valid photo ID.
Keep both originals and photocopies, and arrange them in the order of the notice’s document list. Rallies are crowded, and an organised file makes the verification smoother.
Do not fall for agents
Every paramilitary rally attracts people who claim they can fix a selection for money. There is no such thing. Selection is based on your physical tests, written test, trade test and document verification, and the only fee is the one on the official portal, which is ₹100 for General, OBC and EWS candidates. If someone asks you for money, report it to the police and the recruiting unit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last date for Assam Rifles 2026?
28 October 2026, 11:59 PM.
Can women apply?
Reports state that these posts are for male candidates.
Is there a negative marking in the written test?
As reported, the computer-based test has no negative marking.
What is the fee?
₹100 for General, OBC and EWS. No fee for SC, ST, ex-servicemen and women.
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