Those who enforce customs regulations on behalf of the government are known as Customs Officers. Union Public Service Commission or SSC CGL exams are the only options for students who want to become customs officers in the Indian government. The Customs Officer is in charge of monitoring the flow of contraband into and out of Indian airports.

It’s a high-paying, high-stress job. Those found guilty might be detained immediately by the Customs Officer. Many Indian exporters utilize IGST credits to pay customs duty as a result of the implementation of GST.

As a result, India’s government is enacting strict measures to track down and investigate any such acts. In order to export products from India, it is common practice to use bogus documentation and falsely claim GST credits. As a result, you have the authority to halt the flow of unlawful goods in your capacity as a government official.

Eligibility to Become a Customs Officer in India

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college to be eligible to apply. In order to receive a qualifying degree,

• you must score at least 55% in each of the courses you take.
• Only individuals who are at least 21 years old are eligible to apply.
• The candidate must be at max 30 years old to be considered.
• To qualify for an age reduction, an applicant must be from a low-income household.

Skills needed to be a Customs officer in India

• Technical expertise is a need.
• In order to determine the truth of a situation, you must have self-assurance and mental clarity.
• Be aware of your obligations and responsibilities under Indian law, and constantly remember them.
• The ability to communicate effectively
• As part of your professional development, you’ll need to learn how to operate effectively as part of a team.
• Discipline

Customs Officer Levels

Customs officers are employed in one of four capacities:

1. Group A Level: 

Passing the UPSC test is a must. The Indian Revenue Service, which includes customs and central excise, is your only option. Assistant Commissioner of Central Excise or Assistant Commissioner of Customs will be your job. Throughout your career, you’ll need to work in both departments.

2. Group B Level:

Postings at this level are divided into three categories:

(i) Inspector of Customs and Central Excise:

In order to become an inspector of Customs and Central Excise, one must pass the SSC-CGL exam. You’ll be assigned to a department as an inspector. Throughout your career, you’ll need to work in both departments.

(ii) Preventive Officer:

In order to become a preventative officer, you must pass the SSC CGL test. Only customs officers need to apply, and you’ll be placed near the shore (for seas and airports). This is one of the customs department’s more exciting positions since you get to wear a white uniform.

(iii) Indian Customs Inspector:

Choose the examiner after passing the SSC CGL. You’ll be in charge of customs duties at seaports and airports, and you’ll solely be accountable for those duties.

How to Become a Customs Officer in India?

After your tenth grade, you have the option of choosing any topic (science, business, or the arts) and enrolling in a degree program of your choice. After finishing your B.E., B.Tech., or MBBS, you may also apply for this position.

UPSC Mains can be taken by MBBS students who have not yet finished their internship. It is required that they submit an application form that has been authenticated by their relevant authority, such as the head of the department or the dean of the institution.

Their exam application form must include this document. A copy of the applicant’s internship certificate and other documentation verifying completion of the relevant prerequisites for a medical degree must be presented during the interview round.

1. SSC-CGL examination

The three levels of the SSC-CGL examination to become a customs officer are as follows:

Stage 1: The first step in the SSC-CGL selection process is the preliminary written test. You will be tested on your thinking, English, and math skills on this written examination.

Stage 2: Only those who have passed the preliminary test are eligible to sit for the next SSC-CGL written examination. This test’s syllabus includes English, quantitative ability, general studies, and statistics.

Stage 3: A personality test or interview is the next step.

2. Through UPSC

To become a customs officer, the UPSC examination is broken down into the following stages:

UPSC’s preliminary written test is called the preliminaries. Among the topics included in this exam’s syllabus are general knowledge, social studies, Indian polity, mathematical aptitude, and general science.

A candidate who has passed the preliminary test of the UPSC is eligible to take the mains examination. English, general studies, an optional paper, and Indian languages are the most significant topics for the main exam.

The final stage in the process of becoming a customs officer through the UPSC examination is an interview. For the interview round, candidates can brush up on their vital abilities by practicing in front of a mirror.

Customs officer training

Custom duty UPSC test coaching rates vary according to the city and the coaching institute you choose. Following the UPSC tests, candidates must go through a personal interview. If you’re preparing for the SSC CGL exam, you’ll need to use a different strategy. Attending soft skill lessons might help you enhance your self-confidence and communication abilities if you lack these talents.

Your knowledge of class X and XII topics is essential if you want to pass the UPSC Mains exam. You should also make an effort to clear past exam papers in order to learn how to manage your time and identify the questions that are most critical.

Customs officer’s average annual pay

A customs officer makes an average of Rs. 40,000 per month. Their pay may be affected by where they are assigned to work. A customs officer’s salary can be affected by a variety of factors, including education, training, and certifications. More experienced customs officials are more likely to get paid more.

Name of Job/Role	Average Salary offered (in Rs)
Preventive Officer	44900 per month
Central Excise Inspector	44900 per month
Examiner of Indian Customs	52000 per month
Assistant Commissioner	50000-65000 per month

Check details of popular entrance exams after class 12th

Perks and Benefits for a Career as a Customs Officer

Pay raises are common while moving up the corporate ladder from executive to senior positions. Here are some of the most important perks officers receive:

• Full control of the airport: Only a few authorities have unfettered access to the whole airport. They are allowed to enter the aircraft for the purpose of screening it before takeoff. In contrast to the rest of the population, they are entitled to free foreign travel.
• Prestige and honor: Customs officers must provide authorization for every foreign aircraft or ship to depart. As a result, this is a well-regarded and coveted position.
• The government provides transportation and housing for these officers when they are on duty. On rare occasions, he is allowed to fly for free to large Indian cities, especially if the airline trip is interrupted by a domestic flight.

What the Future Holds for Customs officers?

Union Public Service Commission or SSC CGL examinations are difficult to pass in order to become a Customs Officer. You may expect to be an officer in the Customs and Central Excise Department in between three and five years, depending on your training duration.

Fast-tracking your career means doing well on government exams as soon as you possibly can. Students who want to work for the government should enroll in one of the best schools in the country.