Firefighter Recruitment 2026: Latest Vacancies, Syllabus & Exam Pattern

Government Firefighter Jobs 2026: An Overview

Firefighter is a specific job role within the public service sector, requiring physical fitness, quick thinking, and dedication. Government firefighter positions are announced by various organizations such as the Department of Fire Services, Municipal Corporations, Defence organizations, and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

Job Profile & Responsibilities

Government Firefighters are frontline responders responsible for extinguishing fires, rescuing individuals from burning buildings or accident sites, and administering first aid. Their duties typically include:

• Responding promptly to fire alarms and emergency calls.
• Operating fire suppression equipment and vehicles.
• Securing hazardous materials and accident scenes.
• Conducting fire safety inspections and public education campaigns.
• Maintaining fire fighting equipment and vehicles.
• Performing rescue operations during natural calamities and man-made disasters.

Eligibility Criteria (Detailed)

Meeting the eligibility criteria is mandatory to be considered for government firefighter roles. These generally include:

• Educational Qualification: Typically requires a minimum of 10th pass or 12th pass (intermediate) from a recognized board. Some higher positions might require a degree.
• Physical Standards:
  • Height: Minimum 165 cm (Male), 157 cm (Female) - Relaxation usually applied for candidates from hilly regions and reserved categories.
  • Chest: 81 cm (unexpanded), 86 cm (expanded) for males.
  • Weight: Proportional to height and age.
  • Vision: Standard medical fitness is required.
• Driving License: A valid Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) driving license is often a prerequisite.
• Age Limit: Generally between 18 to 25 years as of the cutoff date specified in the notification. Age relaxation is provided for SC/ST/OBC/Ex-Servicemen and other categories as per government norms.

Selection Process & Exam Pattern

The selection process for government firefighter positions is rigorous and typically comprises several stages:

1. Physical Efficiency Test (PET): This crucial stage assesses the candidate's physical fitness through various tasks like running, pulling ropes, carrying weights, and climbing ladders.
2. Physical Standard Test (PST): Verifies the physical measurements (height, chest, weight) as per the requirements.
3. Written Examination:
   • Syllabus Topics: Usually includes General Intelligence & Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension, General Awareness (with a focus on India, its history, geography, and basic science), and sometimes specific knowledge related to fire fighting or basic mechanics.
   • Exam Pattern: Objective type questions (MCQs) with negative marking. The total marks and time duration vary by recruitment body.
4. Skill Test: May involve practical demonstrations of firefighting equipment operation or driving skills (if a license is required).
5. Document Verification: Candidates shortlisted from previous stages appear for verification of their original documents.
6. Medical Examination: Final medical check-up to ensure candidates meet the required health standards.

Salary Structure & Allowances

Selected Firefighters are placed in government pay scales. A typical starting salary falls under Pay Level-2 (approximately Rs. 19,900 - Rs. 63,200) or Pay Level-3 (approximately Rs. 21,700 - Rs. 69,100), with potential to move to higher levels like Pay Level-4 (Rs. 25,500 - Rs. 81,100) based on experience and promotions. In addition to the basic pay, they receive:

• Dearness Allowance (DA)
• House Rent Allowance (HRA)
• Transport Allowance (TA)
• Other allowances as per government rules.

How to Apply for Firefighter Vacancies

Government firefighter vacancies are announced by specific recruiting agencies. Candidates need to monitor the official websites of the relevant departments:

• State Fire Services Departments: Look for notifications on the official websites of the respective state governments' Fire and Emergency Services.
• Municipal Corporations: Check the career sections of websites for major city municipal corporations (e.g., BMC, Delhi Municipal Corporation).
• Defence & Central Govt. Bodies: Websites like the Directorate General of Employment & Training (DGET), Defence Estates Organization, or specific job portals managed by these bodies.
• PSUs & Railways: Official career pages of Public Sector Undertakings and Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) sometimes announce fire services posts.

Interested candidates must regularly visit these sites and apply online within the stipulated deadlines when notifications are released for 2026.