Station House Officer Recruitment 2026: Latest Vacancies, Syllabus & Exam Pattern

Station House Officer (SHO) Government Jobs 2026: A Comprehensive Guide

The Station House Officer (SHO) is a vital leadership position in the Indian Police Service. They are responsible for the overall administration and functioning of a police station, ensuring public safety and effective law enforcement within their jurisdiction. Government jobs for SHO are advertised by various state police departments and sometimes through central agencies when specific cadres are involved, making it a competitive and rewarding career path.

Key Highlights: Station House Officer Jobs 2026

Job Profile & Responsibilities of a Station House Officer

The daily duties of an SHO are diverse and demanding, encompassing both administrative and operational tasks. Key responsibilities include:

• Supervising police personnel at the station.
• Registering and investigating First Information Reports (FIRs).
• Maintaining law and order in the assigned area and responding to emergencies.
• Ensuring crime prevention and detection.
• Managing station infrastructure and records.
• Interacting with the community to build trust and gather intelligence.
• Overseeing the arrest and detention process, ensuring adherence to legal procedures.
• Managing evidence and ensuring its proper handling and presentation in court.

Eligibility Criteria for Station House Officer: 2026

Aspiring candidates must meet stringent eligibility criteria:

• Educational Qualification: Candidates typically need a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Some state notifications might specify additional requirements.
• Age Limit: Generally, the minimum age is 20 years and the maximum is 30 years for general candidates. Age relaxations are provided for SC/ST/OBC and other reserved categories as per government norms.
• Physical Standards: Candidates must meet specific physical fitness requirements, including height, chest measurement, and vision standards, as prescribed by the recruiting state police force. Specific details vary significantly by state.
• Other Skills: While not always mandatory for direct SHO recruitment at the entry level (often promoted from Sub-Inspector), awareness of local laws, basic computer literacy, and good communication skills are essential. A valid driving license may be an advantage.

Selection Process & Exam Pattern

The selection for SHO positions is a multi-stage process:

1. Written Examination: This is usually the first stage, testing candidates on General Knowledge, Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and subject-specific knowledge (like Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, etc.). The exact syllabus and pattern are defined by each recruiting body.
2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Physical Standard Test (PST): Candidates who qualify the written exam undergo tests to assess their physical fitness and standards.
3. Document Verification: All original documents of shortlisted candidates are verified.
4. Medical Examination: A thorough medical examination is conducted to ensure candidates are fit for service.
5. Interview/Personality Test: Some recruitment processes may include a final interview round to assess the candidate's suitability, leadership qualities, and mental aptitude.

Typical Exam Topics: Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, Evidence Act, General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science), General Intelligence & Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language.

Salary Structure & Allowances

Selected candidates are appointed as Sub-Inspectors or directly as Inspectors, with promotions leading to the SHO post. The salary is based on the Pay Commission recommendations. For an SHO rank (often equivalent to Inspector or higher), the typical salary falls under Pay Level-6 (Basic Pay Rs. 35,400 - Rs. 1,12,400). In addition to the basic pay, SHOs receive various allowances like Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), and other specific police duty allowances, significantly increasing their in-hand salary.

How to Apply for Station House Officer Vacancies

Applications for Station House Officer positions are typically released by individual State Police Departments through their official recruitment websites. Candidates must regularly visit the official websites of the State Police forces they wish to join (e.g., UP Police, Mumbai Police, Delhi Police) or the state's general public service commission portal. Look for notifications under 'Recruitment' or 'Vacancies'. Specific instructions and online application links are provided in the detailed job advertisement.

Preparation Tips for SHO Exams

• Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly study the official syllabus for the specific state's police recruitment.
• Focus on Law Subjects: Pay special attention to IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act; these are crucial for the SHO role.
• Practice Previous Papers: Solving past years' question papers helps understand the exam pattern and difficulty level.
• Current Affairs: Stay updated with national and international current events, and important legal developments.
• Physical Fitness: Maintain consistent physical exercise to meet PET/PST requirements.
• Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to evaluate preparation and improve time management.