BRO GREF Recruitment 2026: Apply for 899 Various Vacancies

If you are a physically fit, disciplined individual looking to serve the nation by building critical infrastructure in India's most challenging and remote border terrains, this is your ultimate calling. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO), under the Ministry of Defence, has officially released the recruitment notification for General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) for the year 2026.

This major defense recruitment drive brings a total of 899 vacancies across various trades, including Vehicle Mechanics, Store Keepers, and Multi-Skilled Workers (MSW). Working in BRO is a matter of immense pride, offering a highly adventurous career, excellent defense perks, and strict military-grade discipline. The application process is currently open, and the last date for the receipt of hard-copy applications at the Pune headquarters is May 30, 2026.

Let us break down everything you need to know about this BRO GREF recruitment. We will cover the specific trade eligibility criteria, the strict physical and medical standards, the salary structure, and the step-by-step offline application process.

About the Recruiter: Border Roads Organisation (BRO) GREF

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) develops and maintains road networks in India's border areas and friendly neighboring countries. It is staffed by officers from the Indian Army's Corps of Engineers, alongside personnel from the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF).

Important Note: Recruitment in BRO GREF is strictly for MALE CANDIDATES ONLY. Female candidates are not eligible to apply for these specific trade posts under the current GREF rules.

As a GREF personnel, you will be wearing a uniform and will be subject to the provisions of the Army Act, 1950. You must be prepared to be posted in high-altitude, extreme-weather locations like Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, or Jammu & Kashmir.

Posts and Breakdown: Qualification, Age, & Salary Overview

With 899 vacancies distributed across multiple trades, candidates must carefully check the technical requirements before applying:

• Basic Educational Qualifications:

  • Multi Skilled Worker (MSW - Pioneer / Cook / Safaiwala): Minimum 10th Standard (Matriculation) pass from a recognized board.

  • Vehicle Mechanic: 10th Standard pass AND a Certificate of Mechanic in Motor Vehicle / Diesel / Tractor from ITI or equivalent.

  • Store Keeper Technical: 12th Standard (10+2) pass with store keeping knowledge relating to vehicles or engineering equipment.

  • Draughtsman: 12th Standard pass with Science subjects AND a two-year Certificate in Architecture or Draughtsmanship.

• Age Limit Criteria:

  • For Multi Skilled Worker (MSW): 18 to 25 Years.

  • For Vehicle Mechanic, Store Keeper, Draughtsman: 18 to 27 Years.

  • Relaxations: Standard central government relaxations apply (5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC, and up to 45 years for Central Govt civilian employees).

• Salary Summary Overview: GREF personnel are paid under the 7th Pay Commission matrix with highly attractive border allowances.

  • Level 1 (e.g., MSW): Basic Pay ₹18,000 – ₹56,900.

  • Level 2 (e.g., Vehicle Mechanic, Store Keeper): Basic Pay ₹19,900 – ₹63,200.

  • Level 5 (e.g., Draughtsman): Basic Pay ₹29,200 – ₹92,300.

  • Additional Perks: Free ration, free clothing, free medical facilities, High Altitude Allowance (HAA), Special Compensatory Allowances, and complete travel concessions for family.

Important Dates

Because the application process is offline, you must account for postal transit times. Do not wait until the last week.

How to Apply (Offline Process)

Unlike most modern exams, the BRO GREF application process is strictly offline. Follow these exact steps to ensure your form is not rejected:

1. Download the Official Format: Visit the official BRO website at bro.gov.in. Go to the 'Recruitments' tab and download the official PDF advertisement. The blank application form is attached at the end of the PDF.

2. Print & Fill the Form: Print the form on good-quality A4 paper. Fill it out completely in your own handwriting (in Block English or Hindi letters).

3. Attach Photograph & Signature: Paste a recent passport-size photograph (not older than 3 months) in the designated box and sign across it (half on the photo, half on the paper). Also, sign in the designated signature boxes.

4. Pay the Application Fee (Online): * General / EWS / OBC / Ex-Servicemen: ₹50/-

   • SC / ST Candidates: Exempted (No Fee)

   • Payment Method: The fee must be paid strictly online via the SBI e-Collect portal in favor of "Commandant, GREF Centre, Pune-411015". Print the SBI payment receipt.

5. Enclose Documents: Attach self-attested photocopies of your 10th/12th mark sheets, ITI/Trade certificates, Caste Certificate, Domicile Certificate, and the original SBI fee payment receipt.

6. Send the Application: Place everything in a strong envelope. Write in bold letters on the top of the envelope: "APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF ____________ CATEGORY _______ WEIGHTAGE PERCENTAGE IN ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATION ________".

   • Send it via Registered Post / Speed Post to: Commandant, GREF Centre, Dighi Camp, Pune - 411 015

Selection Process

The selection for BRO GREF is physically demanding and technically rigorous:

Phase 1: Written Examination

• Candidates will be shortlisted for the written exam based on the percentage of marks in their essential educational qualification.

• The written test is objective/subjective (depending on the trade) and covers General Knowledge, General English/Hindi, General Arithmetic, and strictly Trade-Specific Technical Knowledge.

• The exam is bilingual (Hindi & English).

Phase 2: Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Practical Trade Test

• PET: You must run 1 Mile in 10 Minutes. It is strictly a qualifying test.

• Trade Test: You will be tested on practical grounds. (e.g., A Vehicle Mechanic will be asked to identify engine parts and fix a fault; a Cook will be asked to prepare a specific dish).

Phase 3: Primary Medical Examination

• GREF requires extremely high medical fitness. You will be examined for exact height, chest expansion, visual acuity (6/12 minimum without glasses for certain trades), and overall physical stamina. Any deformities like flat foot, knock knees, or color blindness will lead to disqualification.

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can female candidates apply for BRO GREF posts? No. As clearly mandated by the Border Roads Organisation rules for the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF), these vacancies are strictly reserved for MALE candidates only.

2. Can I apply for more than one post? Yes, but you must submit separate applications for each post. Each application must be in a separate envelope, accompanied by a separate SBI fee payment receipt and a separate set of attested documents.

3. Will the written exam be held in my state? No. For almost all BRO GREF recruitments, the Written Examination, Physical Efficiency Test, Practical Trade Test, and Initial Medical Examination are conducted exclusively at the GREF Centre, Dighi Camp, Pune. Candidates must travel to Pune at their own expense.

4. Can I send the application via private courier? No. Applications must be sent solely through India Post (Registered Post or Speed Post). Applications sent via private courier services will not be accepted.

5. How is the weightage percentage calculated on the envelope? You must write the exact percentage obtained in your essential educational qualification (e.g., 10th or ITI, depending on the post) on the top of the envelope. If you have an NCC 'C' or 'B' certificate, or if you are a son of an Ex-GREF personnel, you can add the extra weightage marks to your base percentage as detailed in the official PDF.