Chhattisgarh Mandi Board Sub Inspector Recruitment 2026: 200 Vacancies, Eligibility, Exam Date & Application Process

Chhattisgarh Mandi Board Recruitment 2026 – Overview

The Chhattisgarh State Krishi Vipanan (Mandi) Board, functioning under the Department of Agriculture, Government of Chhattisgarh, has officially released the recruitment notification for the post of Sub Inspector (उप निरीक्षक) for the year 2026. This recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 200 vacancies, which includes 180 regular posts and 20 backlog vacancies. The selection process will be conducted by the Chhattisgarh Professional Examination Board (Vyapam), Raipur, on behalf of the Mandi Board. Online applications are invited from eligible candidates who are domicile holders of Chhattisgarh and possess a graduate degree from a recognized university. This is a golden opportunity for youth seeking a prestigious government job in the state administrative services under the Mandi Board.

Eligibility, Selection Process & Key Highlights

Candidates applying for the post of Sub Inspector under this recruitment must hold a Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized university. The age of the applicant should not be less than 21 years and not more than 35 years as on 01 January 2026. Chhattisgarh domicile holders belonging to SC, ST, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), and Women categories are eligible for age relaxation up to 45 years as per state government norms. The selection will be strictly merit-based through a single-stage written competitive examination conducted by Vyapam. The entire recruitment process is subject to the final orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in S.L.P.(C) No. 19668/2022. Candidates are advised to thoroughly verify their eligibility before applying, as applications found invalid at any stage will be summarily rejected without notice.

Understanding the Important Dates for Chhattisgarh Mandi Board Sub Inspector Recruitment 2026

The timeline of this recruitment is one of the most critical aspects candidates must track. While the specific start and end dates for online applications will be published on the official Vyapam website, the notification has clearly fixed 01 January 2026 as the cut-off date for age calculation. This means your age as on this specific date will determine your eligibility. Unlike many recruitments where dates shift, this board has locked the reference date well in advance. Additionally, the state government has extended the 5-year age relaxation benefit for local residents from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2029. If you are a Chhattisgarh domicile candidate who previously lost eligibility due to crossing the age limit, this extension gives you another opportunity. Many candidates make the mistake of waiting until the last day to apply. Given that Vyapam servers experience heavy traffic, it is advisable to complete your application at least 3-4 days before the deadline. The correction window, though not explicitly dated in this notification, is generally provided by Vyapam for 2-3 days post-application closure. Missing this window means losing the chance to rectify even minor errors like a misspelled name or wrong date of birth, which leads to automatic rejection.

About Application Fees for CG Vyapam Mandi Board Recruitment 2026

The application fee structure for this recruitment follows the standard Vyapam pattern, though the exact rupee amount is typically mentioned in the detailed advertisement on the Vyapam portal. However, the notification clearly states that SC, ST, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), and Women candidates are eligible for fee concessions under Clause 6(i). This is a significant benefit. For example, if the general category fee is ₹400, reserved category candidates usually pay around ₹300. A common mistake observed in previous Vyapam recruitments is that OBC candidates submit their fee without ensuring their Non-Creamy Layer certificate is valid for the current financial year. Even if you pay the reduced fee but fail to submit a valid OBC-NCL certificate issued within the last three financial years (2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26), your application will be treated as invalid, and you will not be allowed to appear for the exam despite paying the fee. Always verify your certificate’s issuance date before applying. The fee is non-refundable, so double-check your category status before initiating payment.

Deep Dive: Vacancy Distribution for Sub Inspector Posts

The Chhattisgarh Mandi Board has advertised a total of 200 vacancies for the Sub Inspector position. This is divided into two distinct buckets: 180 regular vacancies and 20 backlog vacancies. Backlog vacancies are those reserved for SC/ST/OBC categories that could not be filled in previous recruitment cycles and are now being carried forward exclusively for candidates belonging to those specific categories. In this notification, all 20 backlog posts are reserved for ST candidates (2 posts) and the women quota under ST (2 posts). This is a massive opportunity for ST category applicants as the competition is restricted to their category only. Candidates often overlook the distinction between regular and backlog posts while applying. If you belong to the ST category and possess a valid caste certificate, you are eligible for both regular ST posts (52 seats) and backlog ST posts (2 seats). However, the selection merit list for backlog is prepared separately. The notification carries a disclaimer that the number of vacancies may change. This usually happens if additional posts are sanctioned during the recruitment process or if the department decides to increase the intake based on administrative exigencies. Do not be alarmed if the final number on the result day varies slightly; it is a standard clause in government recruitments.

Deep Dive: Educational Qualification and Age Criteria

The educational criteria for Sub Inspector is straightforward: you must be a graduate. Unlike technical posts that demand B.Tech, B.Sc Agriculture, or specific professional degrees, this post is open to graduates from any discipline—BA, B.Com, B.Sc, BBA, or any other degree recognized by UGC. There is no minimum percentage requirement mentioned, meaning even pass class candidates are eligible. This widens the applicant pool significantly. However, this is where the age criteria act as a natural filter. The minimum age is 21 years, which implies that candidates who completed graduation at 20 or below are still eligible, but they must have turned 21 on or before 01.01.2026. The maximum age for Chhattisgarh domicile candidates is 35 years. This is higher than the standard 30-32 years seen in many state recruitments, giving an extended window for older graduates. The most critical point here is the absolute upper cap of 45 years after including all relaxations. Even if you are eligible for SC/ST/OBC/Women/ESM relaxation cumulatively, the board will not appoint anyone aged above 45 years as on 01.01.2026. Candidates close to this threshold must calculate their age precisely. For example, if you are 44 years and 11 months old, you are eligible, but if you are 45 years and 1 day old, you are not. Use an online age calculator with the exact cut-off date to avoid rejection at the document verification stage.

How Vertical and Horizontal Reservation Works in This Recruitment

The vacancy distribution in this notification follows a dual-axis reservation system: vertical reservation (caste-based: SC, ST, OBC, UR) and horizontal reservation (special categories: Women, Ex-Servicemen). A common confusion among applicants is thinking that 27 women posts and 2 ESM posts are separate from the 200 vacancies. This is incorrect. Horizontal reservation operates on a cut-off principle. For example, out of 78 UR posts, a certain percentage will be allocated to women candidates who are also from the UR category. Similarly, out of 22 SC posts, women candidates from SC will get preference. The 2 ESM posts will be adjusted within UR/OBC/SC/ST as per availability of eligible ex-servicemen in those categories. This means if you are a woman candidate belonging to the ST category, you are competing not only against other ST candidates but specifically against ST women candidates. The merit list for women is drawn horizontally across each category. This system ensures representation without exceeding the total sanctioned strength. Candidates often miscalculate their chances by looking only at the total women vacancies (29) without realizing that these seats are subsumed within their respective caste categories. Always check your specific caste category total first, then understand that women candidates within that category will be selected on a separate merit list up to the prescribed horizontal quota.

Backlog Vacancies: A Second Chance for ST Candidates

The 20 backlog vacancies are exclusively for ST candidates (2 posts) and ST women candidates (2 posts). Backlog vacancies arise when in previous years, sufficient candidates from reserved categories were not available or the recruitment process was stalled. These vacancies do not lapse; they are carried forward and offered in subsequent recruitments exclusively to the same category. For ST candidates, this is a significant advantage because the competition pool is smaller. Only candidates possessing valid ST caste certificates from Chhattisgarh are eligible for these backlog posts. Furthermore, the selection for backlog posts is conducted separately, though through the same examination. The cut-off marks for backlog vacancies are generally lower than regular ST vacancies because the candidate pool is restricted. However, candidates must note that backlog vacancies are subject to the same eligibility criteria (age, qualification) as regular posts. There is no additional relaxation for backlog consideration beyond the standard category relaxations.

About the Vyapam Competitive Examination

The selection for Chhattisgarh Mandi Board Sub Inspector posts is a single-stage, merit-based competitive examination. Unlike UPSC or other banking exams which have prelims, mains, and interviews, this recruitment concludes with a single written test. Vyapam, being the examining body, is renowned for its transparent and stringent examination process. The notification clearly demarcates Vyapam’s role: it is only responsible for conducting the exam and releasing the score-based merit list. The final selection and posting order are the exclusive domain of the Mandi Board department. This bifurcation of responsibilities is important. If you have grievances regarding the examination center, question paper, or answer key, you approach Vyapam. If your grievance pertains to posting, joining date, or service conditions, you approach the Mandi Board. A significant number of candidates lose track of this jurisdictional difference. The notification does not specify the exact subjects or number of questions; this detail is invariably mentioned in the detailed advertisement on the Vyapam website. However, based on previous Vyapam recruitments for equivalent state-level posts, the paper generally covers General Knowledge (Chhattisgarh specific), Hindi/English Language, Reasoning, Numerical Ability, and Agriculture/Rural Economy topics. Candidates are advised to visit the Vyapam website and download the detailed syllabus PDF once the application window opens.

Tie-Breaker Rules: Why Your Birth Date Matters

In competitive exams with thousands of candidates, it is common for two or more candidates to score identical marks. The notification has a clear, two-level tie-breaking policy. First preference is given to the candidate with the older age, i.e., the one born earlier. This is based on the principle that a senior citizen deserves priority. If the marks and the date of birth are exactly the same (which is rare but possible in twins or candidates born on same day), then the tie is broken by English alphabetical order. This means your name’s spelling in English can determine your rank. For example, between ‘Amit’ and ‘Rahul’ with same marks and same birth date, ‘Amit’ will rank higher. Candidates often ignore the importance of accurately entering their name in the application form as per the 10th certificate. If you enter a nickname or a shortened version (e.g., ‘R. K. Sharma’ instead of ‘Rajesh Kumar Sharma’), you risk being placed lower in the tie-breaker because the system sorts alphabetically by the registered name. Always use your full legal name as it appears on your Class 10 certificate.

Why No Physical Test? Understanding the Role of Sub Inspector (Mandi Board)

Candidates often associate the term ‘Sub Inspector’ with police or paramilitary forces requiring running, jumping, and height measurements. However, the Sub Inspector post under the Krishi Vipanan (Mandi) Board is a ministerial/supervisory post, not a field operations role. The primary duties involve overseeing the functioning of agricultural produce market committees, checking weights and measures, ensuring compliance with the Chhattisgarh Krishi Vipanan Adhiniyam, and maintaining records. There is no requirement for physical endurance tests. However, the notification mandates a medical fitness certificate from the District Hospital Medical Board. This is a standard formality to ensure the candidate does not suffer from any contagious disease or severe physical disability that would prevent them from performing routine office duties. A critical warning in the notification is Clause 4(vi): "No posts have been identified for Divyangjan (Persons with Disabilities)." This means candidates with benchmark disabilities are not eligible to apply for this specific recruitment. This is a rare but explicit exclusion. Disabled candidates should not apply, as their applications will be rejected at the medical fitness stage, even if they clear the written exam.

Salary Breakdown: What Level 06 Means for Your Career

The pay scale for Sub Inspector is Level 06 of the Chhattisgarh Pay Matrix, equivalent to the 7th Central Pay Commission’s Level 06. The entry-level basic pay is ₹25,300. This is significantly higher than many state government posts at the graduate level, which typically start at Level 02 or 03 (₹19,900 – ₹25,500). With current Dearness Allowance (DA) rates, House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance (TA), the gross monthly emoluments for a newly joined Sub Inspector in Chhattisgarh range between ₹35,000 to ₹40,000. The pay scale extends up to ₹80,500 through annual increments and promotions. Additionally, government employees are entitled to various advances (vehicle, housing, computer), medical reimbursement, and pension benefits under the New Pension Scheme (NPS). Candidates often undervalue state government jobs compared to Central government jobs. However, Chhattisgarh state government salaries are comparable to Central scales, and the cost of living in Chhattisgarh is lower than in metro cities. Over a 30-year career, the lifetime earnings from this post exceed ₹1.5 crore, excluding pension benefits. This makes it one of the most financially rewarding state-level recruitments.

Decoding the Syllabus: Where to Focus for Maximum Marks

The notification does not prescribe a detailed syllabus, which is standard practice for Vyapam recruitments. Vyapam releases a separate examination notice containing the subject-wise weightage, number of questions, and duration. However, based on the nature of the post (Krishi Vipanan), candidates should pay special attention to the Agriculture and Rural Economy section under General Knowledge. This includes the APMC Act, agricultural marketing reforms, Chhattisgarh’s major crops (paddy, maize, soybean), support prices, and government schemes like PM-KISAN, Bhavantar Bhugtan Yojana. The reasoning and aptitude sections are moderate difficulty; practicing previous years’ Vyapam papers (Patwari, Police Constable, Forest Guard) will give you a fair idea. Hindi language carries significant weightage. Candidates from English-medium backgrounds often neglect Hindi, assuming it is easy. However, the level of Hindi in Vyapam exams is that of a graduate-level, including पर्यायवाची, विलोम, मुहावरे, and संधि-विच्छेद. Allocate at least 30 minutes daily to Hindi grammar. The English section is usually straightforward; if you are weak in English, focus on Reading Comprehension and spotting errors, which are high-scoring areas.

Online Application: Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection

The online application form is the first and most critical barrier. The notification explicitly warns that mere permission to take the exam does not imply acceptance of eligibility. Verification happens after the exam. If your application contains errors, you will be rejected even after scoring the highest marks. The most common mistakes are: (1) Entering name differently than 10th certificate – this causes issues in police verification. (2) Wrong category selection – OBC candidates selecting ‘General’ or vice versa, leading to loss of reservation benefit. (3) Incorrect date of birth – even a single digit error changes your eligibility. (4) Uploading blurry or outdated photographs – the photo should be recent (preferably within 6 months) with a plain background. (5) For OBC candidates: uploading an income certificate that is not from the last three financial years (2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26) or not specifically mentioning ‘Non-Creamy Layer’. The notification is very strict: your OBC-NCL status must be proven by an income certificate issued within this specific window. Certificates from 2022-23 are invalid, even if the income was below the limit in that year. Double-check every field before final submission. Vyapam generally does not allow corrections after the deadline, except during a brief correction window which comes with additional fees.

The Importance of Self-Attestation & Format Compliance

The notification specifies that all copies of certificates must be self-attested or attested by a Gazetted Officer. Self-attestation means you sign across the photocopy of the document with the date and the phrase ‘True Copy’. This is legally valid. Candidates often submit unattested copies or only upload scanned originals during online application, but at the time of physical verification, the absence of self-attested copies leads to rejection. Prepare a separate folder with at least 5 self-attested copies of each core document (Degree, Caste, Domicile, Class 10). For OBC candidates, the ‘Income & Caste Certificate’ must specifically mention ‘Non-Creamy Layer’. A general OBC certificate without the income clause is insufficient for reservation benefit. Another strict rule: married SC/ST women must submit a caste certificate issued in their father’s name. If you have a certificate in your husband’s name, it will not be accepted. You must apply to the Tehsildar for a new certificate reverting to your maiden name or father’s name before the application deadline.

NOC Requirement for Employed Candidates – A Non-Negotiable Clause

Clause 7 is one of the most stringent in this notification. If you are currently employed in any government department, public sector undertaking, corporation, board, nationalized/private bank, or university, you must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your reporting officer or appointing authority. This NOC must be presented at the time of document verification. The notification warns that if you fail to produce NOC, your examination will still be conducted, but if you are selected, the department bears no responsibility if your current employer does not relieve you. In such cases, your appointment will be cancelled. Many candidates assume they can resign from their current job after selection. However, without an NOC, the relieving process is often delayed, and the Mandi Board will not wait indefinitely. Obtain the NOC at the time of application or immediately after. Do not wait until the verification stage.

Beyond the standard eligibility and application details, this notification contains several non-negotiable conditions and hidden clauses that candidates must internalize before applying:

1. Service Bond & Probation: 3+3 Rule

Selected candidates will be appointed on a 3-year probation period. During this time, your performance and conduct are under continuous review. The appointing authority has the discretion to extend the probation by two installments of six months each (total +12 months). At the end of probation, if found satisfactory, you are regularized. However, the most significant clause is the mandatory service agreement. Upon joining, you must sign an undertaking that you will serve the Board for a minimum of three years from the date of appointment. If you breach this contract by resigning or securing another job before completing three years, you are liable to pay liquidated damages equivalent to three months' salary and allowances in cash. This is legally enforceable. Candidates who are preparing for UPSC or other higher competitive exams while joining this job should carefully consider this bond. It is not merely a moral obligation but a financial penalty clause.

2. Ineligibility (Anharta) – Marriage & Criminal Conduct Rules

Rule 6 of the Chhattisgarh Civil Services (General Conditions of Service) Rules, 1961, strictly prohibits bigamy. No male candidate with more than one living wife is eligible. Similarly, no female candidate married to a man who already has a living spouse is eligible. This is a strict bar, and any concealment of this fact at the time of application or verification leads to immediate termination of service and potential criminal prosecution for fraud. Furthermore, candidates convicted of crimes against women are permanently debarred from state government service. If a criminal case against you is pending in court at the time of application, your candidature will be kept in abeyance until the final judgment. If convicted, you are disqualified; if acquitted, your appointment proceeds. Additionally, any candidate who married below the legal age of marriage is ineligible. These are not mere formalities; the Mandi Board conducts thorough police verification before issuing the joining letter.

3. Posting Locations & Transfer Policy

The notification explicitly states that this appointment is for the entire state of Chhattisgarh. Selected candidates can be posted in any Mandi Samiti (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) across the state. This includes rural and tribal-dominated areas of Bastar, Sarguja, and Dantewada. There is no option to choose your preferred district or city. Candidates must be prepared to serve anywhere in the state. Refusal to join at the allotted location will be treated as resignation, and the candidate will be blacklisted for future recruitments in the Board. The service is also classified as "purely temporary" in the notification, though in practice, after regularization, it becomes permanent. However, the board reserves the right to terminate services at any time by giving notice as per service conditions.

4. Validity of Waitlist & Legal Supremacy

The final merit list and the complete waiting list will remain valid for one year from the date of result declaration. During this period, if any selected candidate does not join or additional vacancies arise, candidates from the waiting list will be offered appointments. The government can also extend or reduce this validity period through administrative orders. Critically, the entire selection process is subject to the final orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in S.L.P.(C) No. 19668/2022. This means any directions issued by the Apex Court in this specific civil appeal will override the provisions of this notification. The Mandi Board also reserves the absolute right to cancel the entire advertisement at any stage without assigning any reason. Candidates cannot challenge such cancellation except through the legal remedies available under the Constitution.

1. What is the last date to apply for Chhattisgarh Mandi Board Sub Inspector 2026?

The exact last date has not been mentioned in this notification summary. It will be published on the Vyapam website (vyapamcg.cgstate.gov.in) along with the detailed advertisement. However, the age cut-off date is fixed at 01 January 2026, so plan your eligibility accordingly.

2. I am a BA graduate. Can I apply for Sub Inspector post?

Yes. The notification specifies "Graduate from recognized university." There is no restriction on the stream. BA, B.Com, B.Sc, BBA, BCA, or any other bachelor’s degree holder is eligible.

3. Is there any percentage requirement in graduation?

No. The notification does not prescribe any minimum percentage or CGPA. Candidates who have passed with minimum passing marks are eligible to apply.

4. My OBC certificate is from Madhya Pradesh. I live in Chhattisgarh now. Can I get OBC reservation?

No. The notification specifically requires a Chhattisgarh State-issued Permanent Caste Certificate for claiming SC/ST/OBC reservation. Certificates from other states are not valid for this recruitment.

5. What is the maximum age for OBC candidates from Chhattisgarh?

OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates from Chhattisgarh get relaxation up to 45 years as per the state government notification. However, the absolute upper age limit after all relaxations is 45 years.

6. My husband is an ex-serviceman. Can I apply under ESM quota?

No. The ESM (Ex-Serviceman) reservation is available only to the ex-serviceman himself/herself, not to dependents or spouses, unless the notification explicitly mentions 'dependents of ESM'. This notification only states reservation for "Chhattisgarh ke Mool/Sthaniya Niwasi Purva Sainik".

7. I am a PwD candidate with 40% locomotor disability. Can I apply?

No. Clause 4(vi) clearly states that no posts have been identified for Divyangjan in this recruitment cycle. PwD candidates are ineligible and should not apply.

8. What documents are accepted as proof of date of birth?

Only High School (Class 10) Certificate or Matriculation Certificate or equivalent examination certificate is accepted. PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Driving License are not valid for age proof in this recruitment.

9. I am currently working in a private bank. Do I need NOC?

Yes. Clause 7(i) mandates that candidates employed in nationalized/non-nationalized banks, private institutions, or universities must obtain an NOC from their employer and present it at document verification.

10. My caste certificate is in my husband's name. I am a married ST woman. Is this valid?

No. The notification explicitly states that married SC/ST women must submit a caste certificate issued in their father's name. Certificates in husband's name will not be accepted. You must apply for a new certificate before applying.

11. What is the application fee for SC female candidates?

SC female candidates are eligible for full fee concession as per Clause 6(i). Exact amount will be notified by Vyapam, but typically SC/ST/Women pay a nominal processing fee (approx ₹200-₹300).

12. Is there negative marking in the exam?

Yes, Vyapam generally follows a negative marking pattern. Typically, 1/3rd or 1/4th mark is deducted for each wrong answer. Confirm the exact rule from the Vyapam detailed notification.

13. Can I get admission to the exam if I am in the final year of graduation?

The notification states you must possess the degree on or before the last date of application. If your result is declared after the application deadline, you are not eligible. However, if you have appeared and are awaiting results, you may apply provisionally, but you must produce the pass certificate at document verification.

14. What is the service bond amount for leaving before 3 years?

The bond amount is equivalent to three months' salary and allowances drawn at the time of resignation. This is not a fixed amount; it increases as your salary grows.

15. Where will I be posted if selected?

You can be posted in any Mandi Committee across Chhattisgarh state. The posting location depends on vacancy and administrative requirements. There is no choice of city.

16. Is this job permanent or contractual?

The appointment is initially on a 3-year probation period. After successful completion and regularization, it becomes a permanent state government job. However, Clause 12 uses the term "purely temporary" regarding termination rights, which is standard legal language.

17. What is the salary in hand for Sub Inspector in Chhattisgarh?

The basic pay is ₹25,300. With current DA (Dearness Allowance), HRA (House Rent Allowance), and TA (Transport Allowance), the approximate gross in-hand salary ranges from ₹35,000 to ₹40,000 per month.

18. Can I edit my application form after submission?

Vyapam usually provides a correction window of 2-3 days after the application deadline. However, not all fields are editable. Generally, name, date of birth, and category may require correction fees. This notification does not specify dates for correction; refer to Vyapam website.

19. I have two wives. Am I eligible for this post?

No. Rule 6(I) of the Chhattisgarh Civil Services Rules, 1961 strictly debars any male candidate with more than one living wife from government service. You are ineligible.

20. What is the syllabus for the Sub Inspector exam?

The detailed syllabus is not in this notification. It will be released by Vyapam on their website. However, based on previous patterns, topics include General Knowledge (Chhattisgarh specific), Hindi, English, Reasoning, and Numerical Ability. Agriculture-related GK is important.