Maharashtra Police Constable (General) Eligibility Criteria
Updated 2026The educational qualification requirement varies slightly depending on the specific post, though the foundational requirement for most roles is a 10+2 (Higher Secondary) pass from a recognized board. For general Police Constable posts, candidates must have passed 12th grade; no minimum percentage is stipulated. For the Police Driver Constable post, candidates are required to hold a 12th-grade qualification and must possess a valid Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) or Heavy Motor Vehicle (HMV) driving license, ideally with documented driving experience. The Bandsman post is unique, requiring at least a 10th-grade pass and, most importantly, demonstrated proficiency in playing musical instruments. For any equivalent qualifications, the certificate must be recognized and approved by the relevant state government authorities. Candidates are expected to hold these qualifications before the application deadline, and proof of these degrees will be strictly verified during the final stages of the selection process.
For the Maharashtra Police Constable Bharti 2026, the age limit is strictly enforced based on the candidate's category. For the general category, male applicants must be between 18 and 28 years of age, while female applicants must be between 18 and 25 years. These limits are calculated as of the date specified in the official notification. Candidates from reserved categories, including OBC, SC, ST, and others, are granted significant age relaxations in line with state government policies. It is mandatory for candidates to provide official documentation (such as a birth certificate or 10th-grade certificate) to verify their age during the document verification process. Any candidate found exceeding the age limit without eligible relaxation will be disqualified from the selection process immediately.
The selection process for the Maharashtra Police Constable 2026 is conducted in three distinct stages designed to evaluate the physical and intellectual capability of the candidates.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Physical Standards Test (PST): This is the initial stage where applicants must meet rigorous physical criteria. The standards include specific height and chest measurements, as well as a fitness test involving running and endurance exercises. Only those who pass this stage are permitted to move forward.
- Written Examination: Candidates who qualify in the physical stage are invited to sit for a written test. This paper assesses knowledge in Mathematics, General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Reasoning, and Marathi Grammar. This is a crucial qualifying stage where a minimum score is required to pass.
- Document Verification: The final stage involves the verification of all original documents, including educational certificates, age proof, caste/category status, and, where applicable, driving licenses or sports certificates. Following successful verification, the final merit list is prepared, and successful candidates are offered appointments.
- OBC: 3 years relaxation (Max age 31 for Male, 28 for Female).
- SC / ST / SBC: 5 years relaxation (Max age 33 for Male, 30 for Female).
- EWS: No specific relaxation (Max age 28 for Male, 25 for Female).
- Ex-Servicemen: Service period + 3 years (up to a maximum age of 45 years).
- PwBD (Divyang): 12 years relaxation (Max age 40 for Male, 37 for Female).
- Orphans: 3 years relaxation (Max age 31 for Male, 28 for Female).
- Project Affected Persons: 5 years relaxation (Max age 33 for Male, 30 for Female).
- Sportspersons: 5 years relaxation (Max age 33 for Male, 30 for Female).
- Home Guards: Up to 3 years relaxation (Max age 31 for Male, 28 for Female).