Customs Inspector Recruitment 2026: Latest Vacancies, Syllabus & Exam Pattern

Customs Inspector: Key Highlights 2026

Job Profile & Responsibilities

A Customs Inspector plays a critical role in the administration of customs laws in India. Their primary duties involve:

• Examining and assessing imported and exported goods to ensure compliance with regulations and proper duty/tax assessment.
• Preventing the illegal import or export of prohibited items, contraband, and undeclared goods.
• Conducting inspections of cargo, baggage, and vessels at ports, airports, and land borders.
• Verifying documentation related to shipments, such as bills of entry and shipping bills.
• Investigating cases of customs duty evasion and smuggling.
• Coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to maintain border security and trade integrity.
• Issuing notices and challans for payment of duties and penalties.
• Maintaining records and preparing reports related to customs operations.

Eligibility Criteria (Detailed)

To be eligible for the Customs Inspector post, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification: A Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university is essential.
• Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.
• Age Limit: Typically, the age limit is between 18 to 27 years as of a specified cutoff date (candidates born between X and Y are eligible). Age relaxation is provided to candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC and other reserved categories as per government norms.
• Physical Standards: While not always explicitly detailed in the notification, candidates are expected to be physically fit to perform their duties. Specific physical requirements may be detailed in the official notification for certain posts indirectly recruited through Customs.

Selection Process & Exam Pattern

The recruitment for Customs Inspectors is primarily conducted through the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination. The selection process typically includes:

• Tier-I: Computer Based Examination (Objective Type): This tier tests General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.
• Tier-II: Computer Based Examination (Objective Type): This tier consists of papers on Quantitative Abilities, English Language & Comprehension, Statistics, and Finance & Accounts (depending on the specific post).
• Skill Tests (where applicable): For certain allied services or posts that might be recruited through SSC CGL or directly, a Computer Proficiency Test (CPT) or a Data Entry Speed Test (DEST) might be conducted.
• Document Verification: Candidates shortlisted based on their performance in the written examinations and skill tests will be called for document verification.

Syllabus Focus Areas: Candidates should prepare thoroughly for topics like Logical Reasoning, Current Affairs, Indian Polity, Economics, basic Mathematics (Arithmetic and Algebra), and English Grammar.

Salary Structure & Allowances

Selected candidates are appointed at Pay Level-4, with a starting basic pay of Rs. 25,500, which can increase up to Rs. 81,100. In addition to the basic pay, Customs Inspectors receive various allowances as per government rules, including:

• Dearness Allowance (DA)
• House Rent Allowance (HRA)
• Transport Allowance (TA)
• Other admissible perquisites and benefits.

The total in-hand salary will be significantly higher than the basic pay, making it an attractive government job.

How to Apply

Customs Inspector vacancies are primarily advertised and filled through the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination. Aspiring candidates must:

1. Regularly visit the official website of the Staff Selection Commission (ssc.nic.in) for the SSC CGL notification.
2. Carefully read the official notification for details on eligibility, exam pattern, and application procedure.
3. Fill out the online application form accurately, providing all required personal, educational, and contact details.
4. Upload scanned copies of photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
5. Pay the application fee online as specified in the notification.
6. Submit the application form before the specified deadline.