The CISF exam is conducted as part of CISF recruitment to appoint candidates in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), one of India’s most crucial Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
CISF is responsible for providing security to critical national infrastructure such as airports, metro rail systems, nuclear power plants, space installations, seaports, oil refineries, government buildings, and public sector undertakings (PSUs). Due to the importance of its role, the CISF recruitment process is highly competitive and strictly regulated.
Candidates aiming to clear the CISF exam must prepare for the written test, qualify the CISF physical test, meet medical standards, and clear document verification.
The CISF exam is not a single examination. It is a collective term used for multiple recruitment examinations conducted for different ranks and posts in CISF. Each post has its own notification, eligibility rules, exam pattern, and selection stages.
Depending on the post, CISF recruitment may include:
Written examination
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Physical Standard Test (PST)
Skill / Trade Test (for specific posts)
Medical Examination
Document Verification
Candidates who successfully clear all required stages are inducted into CISF and trained as per force standards.
Below is a detailed list of all major exams conducted under CISF recruitment, along with their purpose.
Most common CISF exam
For General Duty constable posts
Includes written exam, PET/PST, medical test
Candidates are posted at airports, PSUs, metro sites, and industrial units
For technical and support trades such as:
Cook, Barber, Washerman, Tailor, Sweeper, Painter, Electrician, etc.
Includes:
Written exam
Trade test
CISF physical test
Medical examination
For clerical and administrative roles
Includes:
Written exam
Typing / skill test
PET/PST
Medical test
For candidates with recognized sports achievements
Includes:
Sports trials
Physical test
Medical examination
Conducted for ASI (Executive / Stenographer) posts
Selection stages include:
Written test
Skill test (where applicable)
PET/PST
Medical exam
Conducted either through:
SSC CPO examination
CISF-specific recruitment notifications
Includes:
Written examination
PET/PST
Medical test
All these examinations together form the complete CISF recruitment system.
The CISF notification is released separately for different posts. However, the tentative recruitment timeline is as follows:
|
CISF Exam 2026 Important Dates |
|
|
Event |
Expected Timeline |
|
CISF Notification 2026 |
Jan – Feb 2026 |
|
Online Application Start |
Feb – Mar 2026 |
|
CISF Admit Card |
Apr – May 2026 |
|
CISF Exam Date |
May – Jun 2026 |
|
CISF Physical Test |
Jun – Jul 2026 |
|
CISF Result |
Aug – Sep 2026 |
Candidates must regularly check official notifications to confirm the exact CISF exam date for their specific post.
The CISF eligibility criteria differ slightly based on the post, but the basic requirements are explained below.
Constable (GD / Tradesman): Class 10 pass
Head Constable / ASI: Class 12 pass
SI-level posts: Graduation (as specified in notification)
Minimum: 18 years
Maximum: 23–25 years (post-specific)
Age relaxation applicable for SC/ST/OBC/Ex-servicemen
Both male and female candidates can apply (depending on post)
Must be an Indian citizen
The CISF physical test is a qualifying stage and mandatory for most posts.
Male candidates: 1.6 km run in 6–7 minutes
Female candidates: 800 meters run in 4 minutes
Measurement of height, weight, and chest (for males)
Relaxations applicable as per category rules
Failure to qualify the CISF physical test leads to immediate disqualification.
The CISF application form is released online along with the CISF notification.
Mode: Online
Application Fee:
General / OBC: INR 100
SC / ST / Ex-servicemen: Fee Exempt
Visit official CISF recruitment website
Complete one-time registration
Fill application form carefully
Upload documents
Pay application fee
Submit and download confirmation
The CISF syllabus for the written exam generally includes:
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Analogy, Series, Coding-Decoding, Non-verbal reasoning
General Knowledge & Awareness
History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Current Affairs
Elementary Mathematics
Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Time & Work, Profit & Loss
English / Hindi
Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension
The exam is objective in nature (MCQs).
The CISF selection process typically includes the following stages:
CISF Notification release
Online application
CISF admit card download
Written examination
CISF physical test (PET & PST)
Skill / Trade test (if applicable)
Medical examination
Document verification
Final CISF result
The CISF admit card is released online only.
Download using registration details
Mandatory for written exam and physical test
Carry valid photo ID along with admit card
The CISF result is published in PDF format containing roll numbers of qualified candidates.
Written exam cut-off varies by post and category
Final merit list prepared after all selection stages
Higher written marks and fitness improve final ranking
Note: Always check the respective CISF exam notification for exact eligibility, syllabus, physical standards, and selection stages. The details mentioned above provide basic and common information only.
Practicing CISF previous year question papers helps candidates:
Understand exam pattern
Identify important topics
Improve speed and accuracy
Build exam confidence
Written preparation must always be supported by regular physical training.
The key reasons to choose CISF as a career option are:
Opportunity to serve the nation and protect vital infrastructure
Central government job with strong job security
Competitive salary with DA, HRA, and other allowances
Posting at airports, metros, PSUs, and high-security zones
Structured promotion hierarchy
Discipline, respect, and prestige