Check the detailed ITBP Head Constable Syllabus 2026 and exam pattern for Education & Stress Counsellor. Know Psychology topics, 100-mark paper, PET, PST, qualifying marks and preparation strategy.
ITBP Head Constable Syllabus 2026 – Overview
The ITBP Head Constable Syllabus 2026 for the Education & Stress Counsellor recruitment is different from a conventional general government-job examination. The written test gives the largest share of marks to Psychology, which accounts for 60 out of 100 questions and marks. The remaining 40 marks are divided equally among General English, General Hindi, General Awareness, and Quantitative Aptitude & Simple Reasoning.
The official recruitment notification also makes it clear that the selection process does not begin and end with the written examination. Candidates have to qualify the prescribed Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST) before proceeding to the written examination. Candidates shortlisted after the written examination are then required to undergo document verification and medical examination according to the recruitment procedure.
For someone preparing for this recruitment, the most important takeaway is the distribution of the written paper: Psychology alone carries 60% of the total marks. Therefore, preparation should not be based on a generic police-exam strategy. The notified Psychology syllabus should form the centre of the study plan.
ITBP Head Constable Education & Stress Counsellor Exam Pattern 2026
The written examination carries 100 marks and contains 100 objective-type questions. The examination duration is 2 hours. The notification states that the written examination may be conducted through OMR or Computer Based Test (CBT), at the discretion of ITBPF.
The complete subject-wise distribution is:
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General English | 10 | 10 |
| General Hindi | 10 | 10 |
| General Awareness | 10 | 10 |
| Quantitative Aptitude & Simple Reasoning | 10 | 10 |
| Psychology | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
The General Awareness and Quantitative Aptitude & Simple Reasoning sections are specified as Bilingual, while Psychology is also specified as Bilingual in the notification.
Is There Negative Marking in ITBP Head Constable Exam 2026?
No. There is no negative marking.
The notification specifically states that there will be no negative marking in the written examination.
This is an important feature of the paper because candidates do not lose marks for an incorrect answer under the notified written-examination scheme. However, candidates should still develop a sensible question-attempt strategy rather than selecting answers randomly.
ITBP Head Constable Psychology Syllabus 2026
Psychology is the most important section of the ITBP Head Constable Education & Stress Counsellor written examination.
It carries:
60 Questions = 60 Marks
The official notification divides these 60 questions into five broad areas:
| Psychology Topic | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Psychology, Intelligence and Creativity, Problem Solving | 10 | 10 |
| Personality, Attitude, Stereotypes, Prejudice and Discrimination, Group Dynamics | 10 | 10 |
| Psychopathology | 15 | 15 |
| Counseling Psychology | 15 | 15 |
| Managing Human Resources | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 60 | 60 |
This distribution comes directly from the Psychology syllabus table in the recruitment notification.
General Psychology, Intelligence and Creativity, Problem Solving
The first Psychology unit carries 10 questions for 10 marks.
The notified syllabus names:
- General Psychology
- Intelligence
- Creativity
- Problem Solving
Candidates preparing this unit should organise their study around these four areas rather than treating Psychology as a collection of isolated definitions.
General Psychology
Begin with the basic concepts of psychology and the major areas covered by general psychology.
The objective should be to understand the terminology well enough to distinguish between closely related concepts in objective questions.
Intelligence
Preparation should focus on understanding intelligence as a psychological concept and the terminology associated with it.
Candidates should also revise important concepts related to intelligence because objective questions can test differences between related terms.
Creativity
Creativity is specifically included in the notified syllabus.
Candidates should understand the concept of creativity and its relationship with thinking and problem-solving rather than preparing only one-line definitions.
Problem Solving
Problem solving is another explicitly listed area.
Preparation should focus on the psychological understanding of problem-solving and the concepts associated with how individuals approach problems.
Personality, Attitude, Stereotypes, Prejudice and Discrimination, Group Dynamics
The second Psychology unit contains 10 questions for 10 marks.
The notification specifically includes:
- Personality
- Attitude
- Stereotypes
- Prejudice
- Discrimination
- Group Dynamics
These topics are particularly suitable for concept-based preparation because several of the terms are closely related but have different meanings.
Personality
Study the fundamental concepts associated with personality.
Rather than memorising disconnected terminology, organise notes around the major concepts and characteristics included in your Psychology study material.
Attitude
Understand the meaning and basic psychological aspects of attitude.
Pay particular attention to distinctions between attitude and other related behavioural or psychological concepts.
Stereotypes
Stereotypes are explicitly mentioned in the syllabus.
Candidates should understand the term and its relationship with prejudice and discrimination.
Prejudice and Discrimination
These two concepts should be studied together because questions may test the distinction between them.
Create a short comparison table in your notes to avoid confusing terminology during revision.
Group Dynamics
Group dynamics completes this unit.
Focus on the psychological processes and concepts involved when individuals function as members of a group.
Psychopathology
Psychopathology carries 15 questions and 15 marks, making it one of the largest sections of the Psychology syllabus.
Candidates should give this topic substantial preparation time.
Because the notification identifies Psychopathology as a complete syllabus area without breaking it into smaller subtopics, candidates should use the prescribed syllabus as the boundary and organise their study material systematically around the subject.
A useful preparation method is to create topic-wise notes covering the terminology, classifications and concepts included in the candidate’s standard Psychology material.
Avoid trying to memorise large amounts of information without understanding the concepts. Objective questions can test distinctions between similar psychological terms.
Counseling Psychology
Counseling Psychology carries 15 questions and 15 marks.
It is therefore tied with Psychopathology as the largest individual area in the notified Psychology syllabus.
This section deserves a separate notebook or revision section.
Candidates should structure their preparation around the concepts included in their relevant Psychology/Counselling study material while keeping the notified topic Counseling Psychology as the syllabus boundary.
A good revision system is:
Concept → Short Note → MCQs → Mistake Analysis → Revision
This approach is more useful than repeatedly reading the same chapter.
Managing Human Resources
The fifth Psychology section is Managing Human Resources, carrying 10 questions and 10 marks.
Candidates should prepare this as a separate unit rather than leaving it for the final days.
Make concise notes covering the relevant concepts and then practise objective questions.
Because this section represents 10% of the entire written examination, it should not be ignored simply because Psychology has larger units.
ITBP Head Constable General English Syllabus
General English contains:
10 Questions = 10 Marks
The supplied official notification identifies the section as General English, but it does not provide a further topic-wise English syllabus in the extracted written-examination table.
Therefore, candidates should not treat an unofficial list of English topics as an official syllabus.
For preparation purposes, candidates can organise their existing competitive-examination English material around commonly tested areas, but the final preparation boundary should be based on the official recruitment information available from ITBPF.
ITBP Head Constable General Hindi Syllabus
General Hindi contains:
10 Questions = 10 Marks
The notification lists General Hindi as a separate 10-question, 10-mark section.
The supplied notification does not further break General Hindi into individual topics in the written-examination syllabus table.
Candidates should therefore avoid treating any unofficial chapter list as an officially notified detailed Hindi syllabus.
ITBP Head Constable General Awareness Syllabus
General Awareness contains:
10 Questions = 10 Marks
The notification specifies that General Awareness is Bilingual.
Since the supplied notification does not provide a detailed topic-by-topic General Awareness list, candidates should not assume that a particular unofficial list represents the official syllabus.
A practical preparation approach is to maintain concise notes for the areas normally included in competitive-examination General Awareness and revise them regularly.
ITBP Head Constable Quantitative Aptitude and Simple Reasoning
This section contains:
10 Questions = 10 Marks
The official paper structure calls the section Quantitative Aptitude & Simple Reasoning (Bilingual).
The supplied notification does not further divide these 10 questions between Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning.
This means candidates should prepare both components rather than assuming that one will dominate the paper.
ITBP Head Constable Syllabus: Where Should You Spend More Time?
The marks distribution provides a clear way to divide preparation time.
| Area | Marks | Relative Importance for Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | 60 | Major preparation area |
| General English | 10 | Regular practice |
| General Hindi | 10 | Regular practice |
| General Awareness | 10 | Regular revision |
| Quantitative Aptitude & Simple Reasoning | 10 | Regular practice |
| Total | 100 |
The purpose of this table is not to suggest ignoring the 40-mark general sections. Instead, it shows why Psychology should receive a large share of the study time.
A candidate who prepares the 60-mark Psychology section systematically has a substantial part of the paper covered.
ITBP Head Constable Selection Process 2026
The written examination is only one stage of the recruitment.
The notification describes the recruitment process in phases:
Phase I – Physical Efficiency Test
The PET is qualifying in nature.
Physical Standard Test
Candidates who qualify the PET are screened for the prescribed physical standards.
Phase II – Written Examination
Candidates who qualify the PST proceed to the 100-mark written examination.
Phase III – Original Document Verification
Candidates are shortlisted in merit order for verification of original documents.
Detailed Medical Examination
Candidates qualifying documentation are required to undergo DME.
Review Medical Examination
Candidates declared unfit during DME may be allowed an RME subject to the conditions and consent procedure specified in the notification.
ITBP Head Constable PET Pattern 2026
The Physical Efficiency Test is qualifying and no marks are awarded for PET. Candidates must qualify every event.
PET for Male Candidates
| Event | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1.6 km Race | Within 7 minutes 30 seconds |
| Long Jump | 11 feet, 3 chances |
| High Jump | 3½ feet, 3 chances |
PET for Female Candidates
| Event | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 800 metre Race | Within 4 minutes 45 seconds |
| Long Jump | 9 feet, 3 chances |
| High Jump | 3 feet, 3 chances |
The notification states that there is no provision of appeal for PET. It also specifies that PET will not be held for Ex-Servicemen, although they must qualify the prescribed PST, written examination and medical examination.
ITBP Head Constable PST Pattern 2026
Candidates who qualify the PET are screened for:
- Height
- Chest, for male candidates
- Weight
The notification provides different height standards for general candidates, specified geographical/category groups and Scheduled Tribe candidates.
Standard Physical Measurements
| Category | Male Height | Female Height | Male Chest |
|---|---|---|---|
| General applicable standard | 170 cm | 157 cm | 80–85 cm |
| Specified categories/regions | 165 cm | 155 cm | 80–85 cm |
| Scheduled Tribe including Mizos and Nagas | 162.5 cm | 154 cm | 77–82 cm |
The notification states that female candidates do not undergo chest measurement. It also provides provisions for appeal/re-measurement in cases involving physical measurements.
ITBP Head Constable Written Exam Qualifying Marks
The written examination has minimum qualifying percentages.
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| UR | 35% |
| EWS | 35% |
| Ex-Servicemen | 35% |
| SC | 33% |
| ST | 33% |
| OBC (NCL) | 33% |
The notification specifies these minimum qualifying percentages for the written examination.
These percentages should not be confused with a final selection cutoff. The notification explains that category-wise merit lists are prepared based on written-examination marks and candidates are shortlisted according to the recruitment provisions and vacancies.
ITBP Head Constable Merit List 2026
The merit list is prepared after the written examination.
According to the notification, separate merit lists are drawn for:
- UR
- SC
- ST
- OBC (NCL)
- EWS
- Ex-Servicemen
The written-examination marks form the basis of merit. Candidates are then shortlisted for original-document verification and DME according to the prescribed recruitment process. The notification also states that there will be no reserve list.
What Happens If Two Candidates Get the Same Marks?
The notification provides a tie-breaking sequence.
First: The older candidate is placed higher in the merit list.
If the tie continues: The candidate whose name comes first alphabetically in English is placed higher.
How to Prepare for ITBP Head Constable Psychology
Because Psychology carries 60 marks, it should become the foundation of the preparation plan.
A useful preparation cycle is:
Read → Understand → Make Short Notes → Solve MCQs → Analyse Errors → Revise
Start With the Five Notified Units
Create five sections in your notebook:
- General Psychology, Intelligence, Creativity & Problem Solving
- Personality, Attitude, Stereotypes, Prejudice, Discrimination & Group Dynamics
- Psychopathology
- Counseling Psychology
- Managing Human Resources
This mirrors the organisation of the official syllabus and makes revision easier.
A Practical 30-Day ITBP Head Constable Study Plan
The following is a preparation plan, not an official schedule.
Days 1–6: General Psychology
Focus on:
- General Psychology
- Intelligence
- Creativity
- Problem Solving
Read the concepts first and then begin topic-wise MCQs.
Days 7–11: Personality and Group Concepts
Cover:
- Personality
- Attitude
- Stereotypes
- Prejudice
- Discrimination
- Group Dynamics
Prepare comparison notes for concepts that are easy to confuse.
Days 12–18: Psychopathology
This is a 15-mark area, so allocate several consecutive study days to it.
After each major topic, solve questions and record mistakes.
Days 19–24: Counseling Psychology
Counseling Psychology also carries 15 marks.
Use a concept-first approach and maintain short revision notes.
Days 25–27: Managing Human Resources
Complete the 10-mark unit and then revise all five Psychology sections.
Days 28–30: Full Revision and Mock Practice
During the final three days:
- Revise short notes
- Solve mixed Psychology questions
- Practise the four 10-mark general sections
- Attempt timed full-length tests
- Analyse mistakes
- Revisit weak topics
How to Manage the 2-Hour Written Examination
There are 100 questions in 120 minutes.
That gives an average of approximately 1.2 minutes per question if the time were distributed equally.
However, every question will not necessarily require the same amount of time.
A practical approach is:
First Pass
Answer questions that you can solve confidently.
Second Pass
Return to questions that require calculation, recall or more thought.
Final Review
Use remaining time to check unanswered questions and review doubtful responses.
Since the notification specifies no negative marking, candidates should be familiar with the official instructions and use the available examination time carefully.
How to Prepare for the Four 10-Mark Sections
Psychology receives the largest share, but the remaining 40 marks can make a meaningful difference to the written score.
A simple weekly rotation can include:
English: regular question practice
Hindi: regular language practice
General Awareness: short daily revision sessions
Quantitative Aptitude & Reasoning: timed practice
Do not leave these subjects completely untouched until the Psychology syllabus is finished.
ITBP Head Constable Syllabus Preparation Strategy for Beginners
Candidates starting from zero should avoid attempting the entire syllabus simultaneously.
Use three stages.
Stage 1: Build the Base
Understand the Psychology concepts.
Do not worry about speed initially.
Stage 2: Convert Knowledge Into Questions
Start MCQ practice after completing each topic.
For example:
Counseling Psychology → Notes → 30 MCQs → Mistake Analysis
Stage 3: Test Under Time Pressure
Once a substantial portion of the syllabus is complete, start mixed tests.
The objective is to combine:
- Knowledge
- Accuracy
- Speed
- Question selection
- Time management
Common Mistakes in ITBP Head Constable Preparation
Ignoring the Psychology Weightage
The biggest structural mistake would be treating all five sections as though they carry equal marks.
They do not.
Psychology carries 60 marks, while each of the other four sections carries 10 marks.
Studying Only General Knowledge
This is not a general-awareness-dominated examination.
Psychology should remain central to the preparation plan.
Ignoring PET and PST
A strong written score does not eliminate the requirement to qualify the physical stages.
Preparing Unofficial Syllabus Lists as Official
The notification gives detailed Psychology topics but does not provide an equally detailed topic list for every 10-mark section in the supplied written-examination table.
Candidates should therefore distinguish between:
Officially notified syllabus
and
additional preparation topics suggested by books/coaching resources.
Taking Mock Tests Without Analysis
A test is useful only when you learn from the mistakes.
Maintain an error notebook and classify mistakes as:
- Conceptual
- Factual
- Calculation
- Misreading
- Guessing
ITBP Head Constable Syllabus: Best Way to Revise
A useful revision cycle is:
Day 1: Learn
Day 2: Quick revision
Day 4: MCQ practice
Day 7: Revision
Day 15: Mixed questions
This creates multiple exposures to the same material without simply rereading the entire book every day.
For Psychology, keep a compact revision file containing:
- Important definitions
- Concept comparisons
- Difficult terms
- Frequently mistaken facts
- Important theories/concepts from your study material
- Questions answered incorrectly in practice
ITBP Head Constable Exam Day Preparation
Candidates should read the examination instructions carefully.
The notification specifically states that candidates are not permitted to use mobile phones, calculators or other electronic/electrical devices during the written examination. Possession of such devices, even when not in use, may be treated as use of unfair means.
Candidates should also keep the required admit card and identification documents ready according to the instructions issued with the examination.
ITBP Head Constable Syllabus 2026 – Quick Revision Table
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General English | 10 | 10 |
| General Hindi | 10 | 10 |
| General Awareness | 10 | 10 |
| Quantitative Aptitude & Simple Reasoning | 10 | 10 |
| Psychology | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Exam Duration: 2 Hours
Question Type: Objective / MCQ
Maximum Marks: 100
Negative Marking: No
Psychology: 60 Questions / 60 Marks
ITBP Head Constable Psychology Syllabus – Quick Revision
| Unit | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Psychology, Intelligence, Creativity & Problem Solving | 10 | 10 |
| Personality, Attitude, Stereotypes, Prejudice, Discrimination & Group Dynamics | 10 | 10 |
| Psychopathology | 15 | 15 |
| Counseling Psychology | 15 | 15 |
| Managing Human Resources | 10 | 10 |
| Total | 60 | 60 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ITBP Head Constable Education & Stress Counsellor exam pattern?
The written examination consists of 100 objective questions for 100 marks with a duration of 2 hours. Psychology accounts for 60 questions and marks, while General English, General Hindi, General Awareness, and Quantitative Aptitude & Simple Reasoning carry 10 marks each.
How many questions are asked from Psychology?
There are 60 Psychology questions carrying 60 marks.
What is the Psychology syllabus for ITBP Head Constable?
The notified Psychology syllabus contains five areas: General Psychology/Intelligence/Creativity/Problem Solving; Personality/Attitude/Stereotypes/Prejudice/Discrimination/Group Dynamics; Psychopathology; Counseling Psychology; and Managing Human Resources.
Is there negative marking in the ITBP Head Constable written examination?
No. The notification specifically states that there will be no negative marking.
What is the duration of the ITBP Head Constable written exam?
The written examination duration is 2 hours.
What is the total number of marks?
The written examination carries 100 marks.
What are the qualifying marks in the ITBP Head Constable written exam?
The minimum qualifying percentage is 35% for UR, EWS and Ex-Servicemen and 33% for SC, ST and OBC (NCL) candidates.
Is PET qualifying or does it carry marks?
PET is qualifying in nature, and no marks are awarded for it. Candidates must qualify each prescribed event.
What is the male PET pattern?
Male candidates have to complete a 1.6 km race within 7 minutes 30 seconds, an 11-foot long jump with three chances, and a 3½-foot high jump with three chances.
What is the female PET pattern?
Female candidates have to complete an 800-metre race within 4 minutes 45 seconds, a 9-foot long jump with three chances, and a 3-foot high jump with three chances.
Is Psychology bilingual in the written examination?
Yes. The official written-examination table specifies Psychology as Bilingual.
Can the ITBP written examination be conducted as a CBT?
Yes. The notification states that the written test may be conducted through OMR or Computer Based Test (CBT) at the discretion of ITBPF.
Final Preparation Approach for ITBP Head Constable 2026
The ITBP Head Constable Education & Stress Counsellor Syllabus 2026 gives candidates a relatively clear starting point: the written paper has 100 questions, and 60 of those questions come from Psychology.
Therefore, a practical preparation structure is:
Psychology concepts → Psychology MCQs → General sections → Full-length practice → Revision → Physical preparation
Do not wait for the written examination date before preparing for PET and PST. The recruitment notification places the physical stages before the written examination, and candidates have to qualify the applicable physical requirements to move forward.
For the written examination, Psychology should receive the largest portion of study time because it carries 60 marks. At the same time, the four 10-mark sections should be practised consistently so that the 40 available marks are not neglected.
The most important resource for this recruitment remains the official ITBP notification. The detailed Psychology syllabus, examination pattern, PET/PST requirements, qualifying marks and recruitment stages should be checked against the original notification before finalising your preparation plan.