Which CAPF Service Is Best For You & Why | CRPF , BSF , ITBP , SSB , CISF

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Introduction – CAPF Service – CRPF , BSF , ITBP , SSB , CISF

The Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) in India refers to the central police organizations collectively known as Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). Technically, these CAPF Service are paramilitary groups that used to go by the name Central Paramilitary Forces (CPMF). In India, the word “paramilitary” has been replaced with the phrase “central armed police forces” since 2011. Both the border and internal security are under the control of these forces. 

There are three divisions of the CAPFs: Border Guarding Forces, which include the Assam Rifles (AR), Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB); Forces for Internal Security, which include the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF); and Special Task Force, which includes the National Security Guard (NSG).

CAPF Eligibility

The  Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts UPSC CAPF-AC Exam for Assistant Commandant (Group A) Officers.

The Eligibility criteria for CAPF AC Exams are as follows –

• Candidate must be at least 20 years of age and not more than 25 years of age.

Relaxation provided to certain sections of society –

• Educational Qualification
• A Bachelor’s degree from a university in India that has been authorized by an act of the Central or State Legislature, is recognized by the Government.
• Applicants who have taken their degree exams but have not yet received their results may still apply for the UPSC CAPF Test. However, admission to the CAPF exam would remain pending until the candidate could show proof of passing the test after completing the CAPF exam.
• Applicants who hold professional or technical qualifications deemed by the government to be equivalent to a professional or technical degree would also meet the academic requirements for candidature as an assistant commandant.

CAPF Physical Standards

CAPF Forces– Explained

Assam Rifles

Northeast India’s law and order, counterinsurgency, and border security are all the responsibility of the Assam Rifles, a central police and paramilitary organization of the CAPF Service. Its main responsibility is to protect the 1,643-kilometer Indo-Myanmar border. The AR is managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), although the Indian Army retains operational responsibility over it. It is India’s oldest paramilitary organization.

Border Security Force (BSF)

The Border Security Force, is the primary border guarding force of India. It is responsible for securing the India-Pakistan and India-Bangladesh border, as well as providing internal security. The BSF was established on December 1, 1965, in the aftermath of the 1965 Indo-Pak War. The force is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 

From 25 battalions in 1965 to 192 battalions with a sanctioned strength of 270,363 troops, the BSF has experienced exponential growth. This includes an increasing air wing, a Marine wing, an artillery regiment, and specialized units. It is currently the largest and most potent border-guarding force in the world.

Read More – How to Join BSF – BSF Salaries, Exam and Selection Procedure

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)

The Central Industrial Security Force, one of the biggest industrial security units in the world, protects VIPs while safeguarding the PSUs and other important infrastructure facilities, major airports across the nation, and many other internal security tasks. Its 132 battalions comprising around 144,418 people, including 9 reserve battalions. 

Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

A federal police force called the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is in charge of upholding law and order throughout India. With more than 3,50,000 personnel, it is regarded as one of the largest paramilitary forces in the world and is the largest one in India. Since its formation, the CRPF has played a crucial role in the security system of India. It has a long history. We shall look at some fascinating information about the CRPF. Being a CAPF, the major responsibility of the CRPF is to support state and union territory police forces in their efforts to uphold the rule of law.

Read More – Facts You Clearly Did Not Know About Our CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force)

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)

The 3,488-kilometer (km) stretch from Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Diphu Pass in Arunachal Pradesh is covered by the deployment of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police for border patrol duties. It has 89,432 people spread across 56 combat, 2 DM, and 4 specialty battalions.

National Security Guard

Under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the National Security Guard (NSG), also referred to as the Black Cats, is a counterterrorism unit of CAPF. According to the National Security Guard Act of 1986, it was established on October 16th, 1984. All employees have been deputed from the Indian Army and other CAPFs.

Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

The Sashastra Seema Bal’s  main task is to protect the borders between India and Nepal and India and Bhutan. It comprises 67 battalions, 76,337 men, and a few reserve battalions.

CAPF Ranks (Officers) (for all CAPF services except National Security Guard)

• Director General 
• Additional Director General
• Inspector General
• Deputy Inspector-General
• Commandant
• Second-In-Command
• Deputy Commandant
• Assistant Commandant

CAPF Ranks (Officers) for National Security Guard

• Director General 
• Additional Director General
• Inspector General
• Deputy Inspector-General
• Group Commander
• Second In Command
• Squadron Commander
• Team Commander

CAPF Salary

Which CAPF Service Is Best For You 

Choosing the right CAPF service depends on your interests, skills, and career goals. If you are interested in border security and counter-insurgency operations, Assam Rifles(AR), Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), or Sashastra Seema Bal  (SSB) may be the right choice for you. If you want to work in security and crisis management, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) may be the right choice. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) offers a more diverse range of roles and responsibilities, including law and order maintenance and peacekeeping missions abroad. If you want to be part of a Special Task Force against counter-terrorism then you should join the National Security Guard (NSG).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the CAPF offer excellent career opportunities for those interested in serving the nation and maintaining law and order. Each force has its own unique roles and responsibilities, and choosing the right force depends on your interests and career goals. By considering the eligibility criteria, ranking system, salary and benefits, you can make an informed decision about which CAPF service is best for