In India, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are paramilitary groups, such as the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. These troops are important in ensuring internal security, protecting borders, combating terrorism, and assisting state police in maintaining law and order throughout the country.

Know more about these forces in-depth, along with the selection procedures and how to apply.

Central Armed Police Forces were previously called the Paramilitary Forces of India. There are seven centrally organised armed police forces. Each of these forces serves a distinct purpose. The Ministry of Home Affairs oversees them. With the noteworthy exception of the Assam Rifles, which is led by an Army officer of the rank of Lieutenant General, each force is led by an IPS officer.

In India, the word "paramilitary forces" is not defined in any act of parliament or by the authorities. Since 2011, the Indian government has used an unofficial definition of paramilitary forces as those that aid the military forces and are led by military commanders rather than IPS officers.

Each force has its own set of jobs and responsibilities; however, there are some functions and obligations that the CAPF shares. CAPF's general roles and tasks are as follows:

• Border Security: CAPF forces, particularly the BSF and ITBP, are largely responsible for patrolling India's borders and preventing unauthorised entry, smuggling, and infiltration. They patrol and secure the country's land borders, which include those with Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and China.
• Internal Security: The CAPF is critical to the country's internal security and law and order. They are in charge of dealing with security issues like insurgency, terrorism, and left-wing extremism.
• Disaster Management: CAPF personnel are frequently deployed during natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, cyclones, and other emergencies. They are crucial in rescue operations, bringing relief and restoring normalcy.
• Terrorism: CAPF personnel are participating in counter-terrorism activities around the country. They help state police departments deal with terrorist threats, conduct search operations, and neutralise terrorists.
• Specialised Operations: CAPF forces may participate in specialised missions like jungle warfare, counterinsurgency, counter-terrorism, and combatting left-wing extremism. They receive particular training to deal with these difficult operational settings.
• Riot Control: Another important function of CAPF is maintaining public order and managing riots and protests. They are trained in crowd management techniques and play an important role in restoring peace during community riots or other disruptions to law and order.
• Training and Capacity Building: CAPF units are responsible for training their members and improving their operational skills. They hold regular training programs to ensure their personnel's physical fitness, combat readiness, and professional development.
• International Peacekeeping: CAPF soldiers, especially the ITBP, serve in United Nations peacekeeping missions worldwide. They help to maintain global peace and security by serving in crisis zones and assisting with peacekeeping initiatives.
• VIP Security: CAPF units, primarily the CISF, are in charge of protecting prominent dignitaries, government officials, and protected sites such as airports, seaports, nuclear installations, and sensitive infrastructure.

There are requirements and a selection process to join the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in India. An overview of how to join CAPF is provided below:

• Written Examination: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) requires you to take a written exam in order to be considered for the position of Assistant Commandant. General Ability and Intelligence (Paper I) and General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension (Paper II) are the two parts of the exam.
• Physical Standards/Physical Efficiency Tests: Meeting the CAPF's physical requirements is an important first step. It consists of measurements like height and chest circumference and stamina tests like the 100-meter dash, the long jump, the high jump, etc. Depending on the CAPF unit, the criteria may change.
• Medical Examination: A medical examination must confirm that you meet the CAPF's medical fitness criteria. It comprises assessments of both physical and mental fitness.
• Personal Interview: Candidates who pass the written examination and physical testing are notified about a personal interview round, where a panel examines your suitability for the CAPF.
• Training: After successfully completing the selection procedure, selected candidates attend training at the respective CAPF training academies. The length of training varies depending on the CAPF unit and the specific course.
• Joining as Assistant Commandant: After completing your training, you are appointed as an Assistant Commandant in the CAPF. As an Assistant Commandant, you may be assigned to various tasks and responsibilities within the CAPF.

Check that you meet the fundamental eligibility requirements, which include the CAPF age limit, educational requirements, and physical standards. The particular criteria will differ depending on whatever CAPF unit you want to join. 

CAPF Age Limit

All applicants must be within the CAPF Age Limit Criteria in order to take the forthcoming examination. Those who are too young to take the CAPF AC exam will be disqualified. Candidates must be between the ages of twenty and twenty-five to be eligible for the CAPF.

CAPF Education Qualification

Candidates must be well-versed in the CAPF Qualification requirements. Candidates must meet the educational requirements to take the exam and get the position of their choice.

• To meet the CAPF qualification criteria, you must have a bachelor's degree in any field.
• The Bachelor's degree must be obtained at a government-recognized university or another institute established by a legislative act (both state and federal).
• A degree from a university established under any Parliamentary Act or Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act of 1956 will also be accepted.
• Any technical or professional degree from an accredited university is acceptable for CAPF qualifying.

CAPF Physical Eligibility

To be qualified for the position, candidates must pass the CAPF Physical Test. The minimal CAPF physical eligibility standards may differ depending on the candidate's gender. You can use the table below to understand the physical requirements for CAPF eligibility.

To be eligible for the exam, students must also meet vision requirements. For the candidates' convenience, the CAPF eligibility conditions are listed below:

CAPF Medical Standards

Candidates must also meet strict medical standards to qualify for the position, according to the CAPF qualifications. The following are the regulations governing minimum medical standards:

• Candidates with deafness, persistent ear discharge, or a history of disorders such as vertigo, tinnitus, or earache should not apply.
• Candidates with disorders or diseases of the neck, teeth, nose, or skin should not apply.
• Candidates with venereal disease should not apply.
• Candidates with chronic ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, or heart disease should not apply.

In India, the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), which include the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB, are essential paramilitary forces in charge of internal security, border protection, and law and order. If you are preparing to join this force, stay updated about the exam dates and application process.