SSC CGL Preventive Officer Eligibility Criteria 2025: The SSC CGL Preventive Officer is a Group B post under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), Ministry of Finance. The primary responsibility of a Preventive Officer is to prevent smuggling activities, monitor goods passing through customs, and conduct inspections at ports, airports, and borders.
For candidates aspiring to become a Preventive Officer through the SSC CGL Exam, it is essential to understand the eligibility criteria, including age limit, educational qualification, nationality, and physical fitness requirements. Check the detailed explanation of each aspect of the SSC CGL Preventive Officer Eligibility for this post.
The Preventive Officer is responsible for enforcing customs laws and preventing smuggling. This post involves both desk-based and fieldwork, including patrolling coastal areas, conducting raids, and monitoring shipments at airports and seaports. Since the job demands vigilance, physical fitness, and quick decision-making, the SSC CGL Preventive Officer Eligibility criteria include strict physical standards, educational qualifications, and an age limit. The selection process for this post is through the SSC CGL Exam, which is conducted annually by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC).
To be eligible for the Preventive Officer post, candidates must meet specific requirements related to nationality, educational qualifications, age, and physical fitness.
To apply for the Preventive Officer post, candidates must fulfill the nationality conditions set by the Government of India. Candidates who are not Indian citizens (but belong to the above categories) must obtain a valid eligibility certificate from the Government of India before their appointment. The responsibility of producing the necessary documents lies with the candidate, and failing to do so will lead to disqualification. The applicant must be:
The minimum educational qualification required for the post of Preventive Officer is a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification approved by the Government of India. Since the Preventive Officer position involves customs, tax laws, and enforcement duties, candidates with a background in this field may have an advantage, but this is not a mandatory requirement.
The age criteria for the Preventive Officer post ensure that candidates are within the appropriate age range to handle the field responsibilities of the job. Candidates must ensure that their date of birth falls within this range on the specified date in the official notification. The age limit is set considering the physical and mental stamina required for the role, as Preventive Officers work in challenging environments, including ports and border areas. The required age limits are:
SSC CGL Preventive Officer Age Limit | ||
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Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
General Category | 18 years | 30 years |
The Government of India provides age relaxation for candidates from certain reserved categories, ensuring fair opportunities for all. Candidates seeking age relaxation must provide valid documents (such as caste certificates, disability certificates, or ex-servicemen proof). The relaxation applies only to reserved category candidates who meet the eligibility criteria. Below is the category-wise age relaxation for the SSC CGL Preventive Officer post. Age relaxation ensures that candidates from socially and economically weaker backgrounds get a fair chance to compete for government jobs.
SSC CGL Preventive Officer Age Relaxation | ||
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Category | Age Relaxation | Maximum Age Limit |
Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 3 years | 33 years |
Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 5 years | 35 years |
Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) | 10 years | 40 years |
Ex-Servicemen (Ex-SM) | 3 years | Varies |
Central Government Employees | Up to 5 years | Varies |
The Preventive Officer post involves fieldwork, surveillance, and enforcement duties. Therefore, candidates must meet certain physical standards to qualify. The physical requirements vary for male and female candidates. This table provides a clear and structured overview of the physical eligibility criteria that candidates must meet to qualify for the Preventive Officer post under SSC CGL.
Physical Requirements for SSC CGL Preventive Officer | ||
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Physical Parameter | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
Height | 157.5 cm (Relaxable by 5 cm for certain categories) | 152 cm (Relaxable by 2.5 cm for certain categories) |
Chest | 81 cm (with 5 cm expansion) | Not applicable |
Weight | Proportionate to height & age | 48 Kgs minimum |
In addition to meeting the prescribed physical standards, candidates aspiring for the post of Preventive Officer must clear the Physical Endurance Test (PET). This test evaluates the stamina, fitness, and physical capability of the candidates to handle the challenging duties of the Preventive Officer role, which includes tasks such as patrolling, surveillance, and inspections at ports and borders. The PET ensures that candidates are physically prepared for these responsibilities. In addition to meeting the physical standards, candidates must pass a Physical Endurance Test (PET). This test evaluates a candidate’s stamina and fitness level, which are crucial for handling field duties effectively.
Physical Endurance Test (PET) Requirements | ||
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Task | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
Walking | 1.6 km in 15 minutes | 1 km in 20 minutes |
Cycling | 8 km in 30 minutes | 3 km in 25 minutes |
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