Army ASC Centre South Recruitment 2026; 62 Group C Posts, Eligibility, Salary & Apply Offline

Army ASC Centre South Recruitment 2026 has been announced for 62 Group C civilian posts including Fireman, Leading Fireman, Fire Engine Driver, Tradesman Mate, Civilian Motor Driver, Cook, MTS, Cleaner and Civilian Catering Instructor.

The recruitment is being conducted by ASC Centre (South), Bangalore under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.

Eligible candidates can apply through the offline postal mode, and applications are required to reach the recruitment authority within the prescribed period from the Employment News publication.

The recruitment is particularly important for 10th-pass candidates looking for Central Government civilian jobs, as most posts require Matriculation along with post-specific qualifications.

Army ASC Centre (South) Bangalore Recruitment 2026 Government of India, Ministry of Defence  |  62 Group ‘C’ Civilian Posts  |  Offline Application
Quick Facts
Particulars Details Recruiting Organization ASC Centre (South), Bangalore — Ministry of Defence, Government of India Published In Employment News, 15–21 August 2026 Total Vacancies 62 (provisional) across 9 trades, Pay Levels 1–3 Posts Covered Civilian Catering Instructor, Cook, MTS (Chowkidar), Civilian Motor Driver, Cleaner, Tradesman Mate (Labour), Fire Engine Driver, Fireman, Leading Fireman Eligibility (Gender) Male candidates only — for every post in this notification Mode of Selection Skill/Physical/Practical Test (qualifying) → Written Test → Medical Examination Application Mode Offline only — plain paper application by registered post Application Fee Nil — no fee mentioned in the notification Postal Address The Presiding Officer, Civilian Direct Recruitment Board, CHQ, ASC Centre (South), Agram Post, Bangalore – 560007 Closing Date Within 21 days of publication ≈ 4 September 2026 Exam/Test Location ASC Centre (South), Bangalore (Karnataka) ONLY — no other centre Status as on 17 August 2026 Application window open — about 18 days remaining
Important Dates
Activity Date Notification Published 15–21 August 2026 (Employment News) Application Start 15 August 2026 Last Date for Receipt of Application Approx. 4 September 2026 (21 days from publication) Skill/Physical/Practical Test & Written Test To be intimated later via Call Letter
Unlike most modern recruitments, this is an offline, postal-only application — there is no online portal. The application must physically reach the Board by the closing date; postal delay is not an excuse the Board will accept (“ASC Centre (South) shall not be responsible for any postal delay or failure”).
Post-wise Vacancy, Pay Level & Category Distribution
Post Pay Level Pay + DA Vacancies Civilian Catering Instructor (CCI) 2 ₹19,900 + DA 3 Cook 2 ₹19,900 + DA 1 MTS (Chowkidar) 1 ₹18,000 + DA 1 Civilian Motor Driver (OG) 2 ₹19,900 + DA 6 Cleaner 1 ₹18,000 + DA 2 Tradesman Mate (Labour) 1 ₹18,000 + DA 8 Fire Engine Driver 3 ₹21,700 + DA 3 Fireman 2 ₹19,900 + DA 24 Leading Fireman 3 ₹21,700 + DA 14 Total 62
Fireman (24) and Leading Fireman (14) together make up 38 of 62 vacancies (~61%) — this drive is overwhelmingly a fire-services recruitment. Candidates targeting non-firefighting roles (Cook, MTS, Cleaner) will find only 1–2 vacancies each, making those posts far more competitive per opening.
Category-wise (Vertical) Reservation Breakup
Category Vacancies UR (Unreserved) 18 SC 3 ST 19 OBC 14 EWS 8 Total 62
Horizontal Reservation % Persons with Physical Disability (PwD) 4% Ex-Servicemen (ESM) 10% Meritorious Sportspersons (MSP) 5% (at Appointing Authority’s discretion)
PwD candidates have NO vacancies at all in CCI, Cook, MTS Chowkidar, Cleaner, Labour, Civil Motor Driver, or Fire Engine Driver trades — PwD reservation applies only within Fireman (1 slot) in this notification, despite the general 4% horizontal quota being mentioned at the top.
Station-wise Tentative Vacancy — Key Postings
Post Top Stations (Vacancies) CCI Bangalore (3) Cook Pune (1) MTS Chowkidar Mahajan/MFFR (1) Cleaner/Labour Kalka (2), Sikhar/Masimpur (2), Mahajan/MFFR (2), Narangi, Gangtok, Lebong, Pattan, Pathankot (1 each) Civilian Motor Driver Pathankot (3), Siliguri, Bengdubi, Hasimara (1 each) Fire Engine Driver BD Bari, Udhampur, Jaisalmer (1 each) Fireman Jodhpur (5), Jhansi, BD Bari (3 each), Rajouri, Udhampur, Jaisalmer (2 each), Delhi, Agra, Bengdubi, Narangi, Pathankot, Srinagar (1 each) Leading Fireman Missamari (3), Bareilly, Ferozpur, Jalandhar, Rajouri, Pathankot, Suratgarh, Bhatinda, Kandrori (1 each)
These postings span across India — Bangalore, Pune, Sikkim (Gangtok/Lebong), Punjab, J&K (Udhampur/Rajouri/Jaisalmer), West Bengal (Siliguri/Bengdubi), UP (Jhansi/Bareilly/Agra) and more — despite the recruitment being conducted entirely through ASC Centre (South), Bangalore. Selected candidates must be prepared to serve anywhere in India, including Hard Areas, High Altitude Areas, and Remote Locality Areas, regardless of which station they’re initially allotted against.
Educational & Technical Qualification — Post-wise
Post Qualification Required Civilian Catering Instructor Matriculation + Diploma/Certificate in Catering; 1 yr instructor experience desirable Cook Matriculation + knowledge of Indian Cooking & trade proficiency; 1 yr experience desirable MTS (Chowkidar) Matriculation + proficient in trade work Civilian Motor Driver (OG) Matriculation + valid driving licence (heavy & light vehicles) + 2 years driving experience Cleaner Matriculation + proficient in trade work Tradesman Mate (Labour) Matriculation + proficient in trade Fire Engine Driver Matriculation + 3 years heavy-vehicle driving experience + valid licence; fireman course certification preferred Fireman Matriculation + conversant with fire extinguishers/hose fittings/appliances/trailer fire pump + foot & appliance drills Leading Fireman Same as Fireman + capable of training/guiding crew, controlling ‘B’ crane, and independently taking charge of a shift
Every trade requires only Matriculation (10th) as the base academic qualification — but the real differentiator is trade-specific experience and physical fitness, especially for the 3 firefighting-related posts, which carry mandatory physical tests explained below.
Age Limit & Relaxation
Post Age Range CCI, Cook, MTS, Cleaner, Tradesman Mate, Fire Engine Driver, Fireman, Leading Fireman 18 to 25 years Civilian Motor Driver 18 to 27 years
Category Relaxation Govt. Servants & Ex-Servicemen Total Armed Forces service + 3 years SC/ST 5 years OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) 3 years PwD — UR 10 years PwD — OBC (NCL) 13 years PwD — SC/ST 15 years Departmental Candidates (3 yrs continuous Central Govt service) Up to 40 years (45 for SC/ST)
SC/ST/OBC candidates applying against an Unreserved (UR) vacancy get NO age or other relaxation meant for their category — those benefits apply only when applying against a reserved-category post. Crucial date for age calculation is the last date for receipt of application, and the DOB used is strictly the one recorded on the Matriculation certificate.
Physical Standards & Endurance Test (Fire Trades)
Parameter Fire Engine Driver / Fireman / Leading Fireman Height (without shoes) 165 cm (2.5 cm concession for ST candidates) Chest (un-expanded) 81.5 cm Chest (expanded) 85 cm Weight Minimum 50 kg
Endurance Test — Fireman/Ldg. Fireman/Fire Engine Driver Carrying a man (fireman lift, 65.5 kg) 183 metres within 96 seconds Clearing a 2.7 m wide ditch, landing on both feet (long jump) Climbing a 3 m vertical rope using hands and feet
Age Band (Tradesman Mate) 1.5 km Run Carry 50 kg / 200 m General 6 minutes 100 seconds ESM (Below 40 yrs) 7 min 45 sec (431 sec) 120 sec ESM (40–45 yrs) 7 min 48 sec (468 sec) 2 min 10 sec (130 sec) ESM (Above 45 yrs) 9 min 22 sec (562 sec) 2 min 40 sec (160 sec)
These physical/skill tests are purely qualifying — passing them does not add marks; it only opens the door to the Written Test. Only candidates who clear the Skill/Physical/Practical test are eligible to sit the written exam, so physical preparation matters just as much as academic prep for these 4 trades.
Selection Process Overview
Stage What Happens 1 Technical Trade Test & Physical/Skill Test (as applicable per post) — qualifying only 2 Written Test — 150 questions, 150 marks, 2 hours, bilingual (Hindi & English, except English section) 3 Merit prepared solely on Written Test marks — no interview conducted for any post 4 Document Verification & Medical Examination for merit-listed candidates
There is no interview for any of these posts. Selection is entirely merit-based on Written Test marks, subject to qualifying in the Skill/Physical/Practical test. If applications for a single trade are very high, ASC Centre (South) reserves the right to further restrict the shortlist using minimum essential qualification criteria.
Written Test Pattern
Part Subject Questions Marks I General Intelligence & Reasoning 25 25 II General Awareness 50 50 III General English 50 50 IV Numerical Aptitude 25 25 Total 150 150
Duration: 2 hours. Question papers are bilingual (Hindi & English), but the General English section is in English only. Negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer applies. Questions are pitched at Matriculation standard across all four sections — this is not a graduate-level exam.
The Unusual Envelope Colour-Coding Rule
This notification has a rule rarely seen elsewhere: candidates must write their overall Matriculation percentage on the application envelope itself, in a specific ink colour based on the score: 50% or below → RED ink 51% to 60% → BLUE ink Above 61% → BLACK ink Percentages are calculated as (Marks Obtained ÷ Maximum Marks × 100), or CGPA × 9.5, or as per grading norms. Decimals below 0.5 round down, 0.5 and above round up (e.g., 48.49% → 48%, 50.50% → 51%). Missing or wrong-coloured ink on the envelope can affect how the application is triaged internally, so this small formatting detail is worth getting right.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Write/type the application on plain paper in the prescribed proforma format (given in the notification), in English or Hindi. Apply for only ONE trade/post — applying for more than one leads to rejection of all such applications. Affix one recent passport-size photo (not older than 3 months) in the designated space on the form, and attach two additional self-attested photographs separately with name & father’s name written on the back. Self-attest legible copies of all required certificates/documents and attach them. Enclose a self-addressed registered envelope with adequate postal stamps affixed. Write the post applied for and your Matriculation percentage (in the correct ink colour per the rule above) on the outer envelope, per Appendix-I format. Post the complete application to: The Presiding Officer, Civilian Direct Recruitment Board, CHQ, ASC Centre (South), Agram Post, Bangalore – 560007.
Documents Required With the Application
Self-attested copies of all certificates/documents Aadhaar Card (issued after age 10 only — earlier ones are not accepted) Domicile Certificate Matriculation Pass Certificate & Class X Marksheet Experience Certificate (where applicable) Proof of Caste/Category — SC/ST/OBC/PH(PWD)/ESM/EWS as claimed Admit Card (in duplicate, as per the format in the notification) Two additional self-attested photographs Self-addressed registered envelope with adequate postage
Aadhaar Card and PAN must bear the applicant’s name exactly as it appears on the School Certificate — a mismatch here is a common and avoidable cause of rejection.
Important Rules & Reasons for Rejection
Incomplete or unsigned application. Application not accompanied by self-attested copies of supporting documents. Application received after the last date. Application without the two additional self-attested photographs. Applicant does not meet the Qualifying Requirement (QR). Applicant has applied for more than one trade. Government/PSU employees must apply through proper channel with a No Disciplinary Action / No Objection Certificate — this NOC must be issued on or after the advertisement’s publication date. Serving Defence personnel (Army/Navy/Air Force) or Defence Civilian Employees must attach an NOC from their Record Office. No TA/DA is admissible for the Skill/Physical/Practical test, Written test, or Medical Examination — candidates arrange their own lodging/boarding. No provision exists for re-checking or re-evaluation of Written Test scores at any stage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming this notification has an online application portal — it is entirely offline/postal, unlike most current government recruitments. Applying for more than one trade hoping to improve chances — this results in outright rejection of every application submitted. Skipping the colour-coded percentage on the envelope — a small but explicitly mandated formatting requirement unique to this notification. Female candidates applying — this recruitment is restricted to male candidates only across every post. Assuming PwD reservation applies broadly — in this specific drive, it is concentrated in only the Fireman trade, not spread across all posts. Under-preparing physically for Fireman/Leading Fireman/Fire Engine Driver — the Skill/Endurance Test is a hard qualifying gate before the written exam even matters. Sending the Aadhaar Card issued in early childhood — cards issued below age 10 are explicitly not accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many total vacancies are there in Army ASC Centre (South) Recruitment 2026? 62 vacancies (provisional) across 9 Group ‘C’ trades, with Fireman (24) and Leading Fireman (14) being the largest.
Q: What is the last date to apply? Applications must reach the Board within 21 days of the notification’s publication in Employment News (15–21 August 2026), i.e. approximately 4 September 2026.
Q: Is there an online application option? No. Applications must be submitted offline, by post, on plain paper in the prescribed format.
Q: Can women apply for this recruitment? No. Every post in this notification is restricted to male candidates only.
Q: Is there an interview in the selection process? No. Selection is based purely on Written Test marks, subject to qualifying the Skill/Physical/Practical test where applicable — no interview is conducted.
Q: What is the application fee? No fee is specified in the notification for any category.
Q: What is the minimum educational qualification? Matriculation (Class 10) from a recognized board, plus trade-specific requirements (driving licence, catering diploma, physical standards) depending on the post.
Important Links
Official Notification	click here
Postal Address for Application	The Presiding Officer, Civilian Direct Recruitment Board, CHQ, ASC Centre (South), Agram Post, Bangalore – 560007

 Why Army ASC Centre South Recruitment 2026 Is Important for 10th Pass Candidates

This recruitment is a notable opportunity for candidates who have completed Class 10 because the advertised posts are Group C civilian positions under the Ministry of Defence, with several posts requiring Matriculation as the basic academic qualification. Unlike many Central Government recruitments that require 12th, ITI, Diploma or graduation, this notification provides opportunities across multiple support and operational trades.

Fireman Posts Offer the Largest Share of Vacancies

The vacancy distribution makes the firefighting stream the main focus of this recruitment. Fireman and Leading Fireman together account for 38 of the 62 advertised vacancies, meaning candidates interested in defence fire-service duties have substantially more openings than candidates targeting smaller trades such as Cook, MTS or Cleaner. This makes post selection an important consideration before sending the offline application.

Offline Application Makes This Recruitment Different

One of the biggest practical differences is that candidates cannot complete this recruitment through a normal online application portal. The application has to be prepared in the prescribed format and sent by post to the designated recruitment authority in Bangalore. Therefore, candidates need to allow sufficient time for document preparation, dispatch and delivery rather than waiting until the final date.

Candidates Should Choose the Post Carefully Before Applying

The notification covers nine different trades, but eligibility and job requirements are not identical for every post. Candidates with only Matriculation may qualify for several positions, while posts such as Civilian Motor Driver, Civilian Catering Instructor and firefighting positions have additional requirements. Since candidates are required to apply for only one trade, checking the qualification and post-specific requirements before dispatching the application is particularly important.

Physical Preparation Can Be Crucial for Fire-Service Candidates

Candidates targeting Fireman, Leading Fireman or Fire Engine Driver should not treat this recruitment as only a written examination opportunity. The selection process includes applicable physical, skill or practical testing before the written stage. Consequently, candidates interested in these posts should prepare for the qualifying physical requirements alongside the written examination rather than beginning physical preparation after receiving a call letter.

The Recruitment Provides an All-India Service Opportunity

Although the recruitment process is conducted through ASC Centre (South), Bangalore, the advertised civilian positions are connected with Army Service Corps establishments and vacancies are distributed across different stations. This means applicants should consider the possibility of service at locations outside their home state before applying. The recruitment is therefore better suited to candidates comfortable with Central Government service requirements and postings beyond their preferred local area.

Application Deadline Requires Special Attention

The recruitment follows a deadline calculated from the publication of the advertisement in Employment News, rather than relying only on a conventional online portal closing time. Recent recruitment coverage lists 4 September 2026 as the application deadline, while the notification describes the period in relation to publication. Candidates should therefore ensure that their application reaches the prescribed address within the allowed period and should not depend on the date of postal dispatch alone.

Final Assessment of Army ASC Centre South Recruitment 2026

Overall, this recruitment is particularly relevant for 10th-pass male candidates seeking Central Government civilian employment in defence establishments. The combination of 62 vacancies, multiple trades and Pay Matrix Levels 1 to 3 makes it a useful opportunity, but the offline application procedure and post-specific eligibility requirements mean that candidates need to prepare the application carefully. Applicants interested in Fireman and other fire-service positions should give equal importance to the qualifying physical stage and the written examination.