1. Introduction - A Real Opportunity for Ex-Servicemen

For many veterans, the biggest challenge after hanging up the uniform is finding a stable, respectful second career. The GSSSB Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2026 offers exactly that - permanent government jobs in Gujarat with clear reservation benefits for Ex-Servicemen.

With 5370 vacancies across clerical and administrative roles, this recruitment is one of the largest opportunities currently available for retired soldiers, sailors, and airmen.

These posts may not be glamorous, but they offer what most veterans value most:

  • Job security
  • Fixed working hours
  • Government status
  • Pension-friendly service continuity
  • A structured, disciplined work environment similar to the forces

If you have recently retired or are about to retire, this notification deserves serious consideration.

2. Verified Key Details (From Official Source)

ItemDetails
Recruiting OrganizationGujarat Subordinate Service Selection Board (GSSSB)
Post CategoryGroup A & Group B (Class III Posts)
Total Vacancies5370
Location of PostingGujarat State
Application ModeOnline
Application Start Date05 February 2026
Last Date to Apply20 February 2026
Selection ProcessPreliminary Exam + Main Exam
Official Websitehttps://ojas.gujarat.gov.in

Vacancy Distribution

  • Group A Posts - 2365 Vacancies

    • Social Welfare Inspector - 125
    • Office Superintendent - 3
    • Revenue Clerk - 1600
    • Head Clerk - 134
    • Senior Clerk - 503

  • Group B Posts - 3005 Vacancies

    • Junior Clerk - 3005

Total: 5370 Posts

3. Eligibility Explained - From an Ex-Serviceman Perspective

Educational Qualification

  • Group A Posts: Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university
  • Group B Posts: Higher Secondary (12th Pass)

What This Means for Veterans

Most Ex-Servicemen fall into two broad categories:

  • HSC/12th Pass Veterans: Ideal fit for Junior Clerk (Group B)
  • Graduates from Armed Forces or Civil Universities: Eligible for both Group A and Group B

If you completed a graduation degree while in service (IGNOU, AMU, or any recognized program), you are fully eligible for higher posts.

Age Limit and Relaxation

  • Basic age limit: 20 to 35 years
  • Relaxation is available for:
    • Ex-Servicemen
    • Reserved categories
    • Women
    • PwD candidates

Exact relaxation quantum is governed by Gujarat Government rules.

Practical Interpretation for ESM

For most veterans:

  • The entire period of military service is deducted from your actual age
  • Additional relaxation is generally provided as per state rules
  • This makes even 40-45 year old retired personnel eligible in many cases

4. Understanding Ex-Servicemen Specific Benefits

The notification clearly states that:

  • Vacancies include reservation for Ex-Servicemen
  • Application fee is reduced for ESM candidates
  • Age relaxation is applicable

Application Fee Advantage

  • General Category: ₹500
  • Ex-Servicemen: ₹400 only

This small but important concession reflects the government’s commitment to veterans.

Pay and Pension Considerations

  • Group A Pay Level: ₹44,900 - ₹1,42,400
  • Group B Initial Pay: Fixed ₹19,950 for first 5 years, then regular scale

Important points for pensioners:

  • You can apply even if you are already drawing pension
  • Civil pay will NOT affect your military pension
  • Pay fixation will follow standard re-employment rules

5. How Military Experience Fits These Roles

These posts are tailor-made for the strengths Ex-Servicemen already possess:

Military SkillHow It Helps Here
DisciplineEssential for clerical and administrative duties
Documentation ExperienceDirectly useful in clerk roles
Office ProceduresSimilar to unit offices
Chain of Command UnderstandingFits government hierarchy
Integrity & ReliabilityHighly valued in revenue and welfare departments

A Havildar clerk, JCO instructor, storekeeper, or administrative NCO already performs work very similar to these civilian posts.

6. Who Should Definitely Apply

This recruitment is ideal if you are:

  • Recently retired between 2020-2026
  • Aged roughly between 30-45
  • Minimum 12th pass
  • From clerk/administrative trade in Army/Navy/Air Force
  • Looking for a peaceful, settled second innings
  • Planning to remain in Gujarat after retirement

Who May Avoid Applying

  • Veterans looking only for high-salary corporate roles
  • Those unwilling to relocate within Gujarat
  • Personnel without minimum educational qualification

7. Step-by-Step Application Guide for Veterans

How to Apply

  1. Open https://ojas.gujarat.gov.in
  2. Register with mobile and email
  3. Select “GSSSB CCE 2026” application
  4. Fill personal and service details carefully
  5. Upload documents
  6. Pay the reduced ESM fee
  7. Submit before 20-02-2026

Documents Every Ex-Serviceman Must Keep Ready

  • Discharge Book
  • Ex-Serviceman Identity Card
  • PPO (Pension Payment Order)
  • Service Certificate
  • Educational Certificates
  • Aadhaar and PAN
  • Recent Photograph
  • Caste Certificate (if applicable)

8. Common Mistakes ESM Candidates Make

Avoid these typical errors:

  • Entering service number incorrectly
  • Name mismatch between discharge book and Aadhaar
  • Selecting wrong category (General instead of ESM)
  • Forgetting to claim age relaxation
  • Uploading unclear scanned documents

Take time while filling the form - one small mistake can cancel your benefit.

9. Salary, Growth and Work-Life Reality

What to Expect in Real Terms

  • Fixed government working hours
  • Mostly desk jobs
  • Limited physical stress
  • Stable career till age 58/60
  • Regular promotions based on seniority

For veterans tired of field postings and transfers, this is a comfortable and respectable option.

10. Preparation Strategy for Ex-Servicemen

The selection involves:

  • Preliminary Objective Exam
  • Main Descriptive Exam

Practical Preparation Plan

  • Start with basic mathematics and Gujarati language
  • Revise general knowledge and current affairs
  • Practice online mock tests
  • Dedicate 2-3 hours daily

Even if you have been away from academics for years, disciplined daily study - something every soldier understands - is enough to crack this exam.

11. Pros and Cons - Honest Assessment

Advantages

  • Reserved seats for Ex-Servicemen
  • Age relaxation
  • Lower application fee
  • Secure government job
  • Pension remains protected

Challenges

  • Competitive examination
  • Initial fixed pay for Group B
  • Posting only within Gujarat

Overall, for most veterans, the advantages clearly outweigh the limitations.

12. Checklist Before You Apply

  • Confirm educational qualification
  • Check age eligibility with relaxation
  • Keep all ESM documents ready
  • Ensure name and DOB match in all records
  • Decide preferred post category
  • Apply well before last date

13. Final Words - From One Veteran to Another

Transitioning from military life to civilian service is never easy. But government recruitments like GSSSB CCE provide a dignified bridge between the two worlds.

If you are an Ex-Serviceman seeking stability, respect, and a structured second career, this is an opportunity worth pursuing seriously.

Apply on time, prepare sincerely, and carry the same dedication you showed in uniform.

Frequently Asked Questions (ESM Focused)

Q1. Can a pensioner apply for these posts?
Yes. Drawing military pension does not bar you from applying.

Q2. How is age relaxation calculated for Ex-Servicemen?
As per Gujarat Government rules - generally service period is deducted from actual age.

Q3. Does my military rank affect eligibility?
No. Eligibility depends only on education and age, not on rank.

Q4. I am only 12th pass. Can I apply?
Yes - you can apply for Junior Clerk (Group B) posts.

Q5. My name spelling differs in discharge book and Aadhaar. What to do?
Get an affidavit and correction done before applying to avoid rejection.

Q6. How many times can an ESM use reservation?
As per state government norms; generally benefits can be used until securing first regular government job.

Q7. Is knowledge of Gujarati required?
Yes, working knowledge of Gujarati is typically essential for these posts.

Apply Now

Apply Link: https://ojas.gujarat.gov.in