What are Paramilitary Forces in India & How to Join?
A paramilitary force is a semi-militarized bunch that is not a member of a state's official armed forces but has an organisational structure, tactics, training, subculture and functions equivalent to those of a professional military.
What Are the Paramilitary Forces of India?
Indian Paramilitary Forces are three entities that work closely with the Indian Armed Forces and are led by commanders from the Indian Army or Navy. However, no laws or government rules have defined them. The paramilitary forces in India are not military forces, but they are similar to the military's special operations units in terms of organisational structure and training.
What Is the Role of Paramilitary Forces?
The role of paramilitary troops in preserving internal security and aiding the regular armed forces is essential. Paramilitary forces are an important component of a country's security apparatus, supplementing the function of the armed forces in protecting the country's interests. The following are the roles and tasks of India's paramilitary forces:
- Internal security and support for regular armed forces
- Aiding in anti-terrorism efforts
- Providing border security
- Combating insurgencies and civil disturbances
- Providing specialised training and emergency response equipment
- Assisting regular military capabilities by acting as a force multiplier
- Defending national interests and safeguarding the population
- assisting police enforcement in maintaining law and order
- Performing rescue and relief activities in the aftermath of natural disasters
- Improving the overall efficacy and efficiency of the security apparatus of the country.
What Are the Types of Paramilitary Forces?
Various paramilitary units in India perform critical roles in ensuring internal security, border security, and helping the regular armed forces. Here's a rundown of the sorts of paramilitary forces in India:
1. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
The Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF) is India's largest paramilitary organisation. It is in charge of internal security, counter-insurgency operations, and helping state police forces uphold law and order. The CRPF also provides election security and responds to natural disasters.
2. Border Security Force (BSF)
The Border Security Force (BSF) oversees border protection, especially along India's borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is critical in preventing smuggling, illegal immigration, and cross-border terrorism. Border patrol, information gathering, and border infrastructure development are all responsibilities of the BSF.
3. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) protects critical infrastructure such as airports, seaports, power plants, and government buildings. It is in charge of combating terrorism, ensuring public safety, and ensuring security in sensitive regions.
4. Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) patrols India's borders with China (Tibet). It is responsible for patrolling these high-altitude borders, conducting border surveillance, and ensuring security in mountainous areas. The ITBP also conducts disaster response and rescue missions.
5. Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) secures India's borders with Nepal and Bhutan. Its principal goal is to deter transnational crime, illegal activities, and insurgency. The SSB also performs intelligence and counter-terrorism missions.
6. Assam Rifles
The Assam Rifles are controlled by both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Indian Army. It is largely responsible for preserving security and combating insurgencies in India's northeastern areas. Assam Rifles also helps with border management and civic action programmes.
7. National Security Guard (NSG)
The National Security Guard (NSG) is a specialised anti-terrorism organisation. It deals with high-risk security situations such as hostage rescue, counter-hijacking operations, and terrorist threats. The NSG is widely regarded as India's premier tactical reaction unit.
How to Join the Paramilitary Forces of India?
Individuals can take the following routes to be a part of the esteemed paramilitary forces of India.
1. Independent Examinations For 12th Passed Students
For all 12th-pass applicants, recruitment in the Indian Para Military forces begins with independent exams given by various organisations (the BSF, for example). The age limit, physical qualifications, and selection process are similar to those of the above-mentioned exams. Complete information on recruitment through independent exams is widely available on all organisations' official websites.
2. Assistant Commandant Through UPSC CAPF Exam
The UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant Exam is the sole way a candidate can join the Indian Paramilitary Forces as a Gazette Officer. The candidates will be selected on the basis of marks obtained by them out of a total of 600 marks and their performance in the Physical and Medical Tests.
UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant Exam Eligibility Criteria and Stages
| Age | 20 to 25 Years |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualifications | Graduation from any stream |
| Height | Male 165 cm for Males and 157 cm for Females |
| 100 Meters Race | Must be completed in 16 Seconds for males and 18 Seconds for female |
|---|---|
| 800 Meters Race | Must be completed in 3 Minutes 45 Seconds for males and 4 Minutes 45 Seconds for females |
| Long Jump | 3.5 Meters for males and 3 Meters for Females |
| Short Put (In 3 Chances) | 4.5 Meters for males with 7.2 kg |
4. Constable Through SSC Constable GD Exam
The SSC Constable GD Exam recruits constables for the Indian Paramilitary Forces. Exam eligibility and selection criteria are listed below:
Constable Through SSC Constable GD Exam Eligibility Criteria and Stages
| Educational Qualifications | Minimum 10th pass |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | Minimum age is 18, maximum age is 23 |
| Height | 170 cm for Male and 162.5 cm for Females |
| Race | 5 Km in 24 Minutes for males and 1.6 Km in 8 Minutes 30 Seconds for females |
|---|---|
| Vision | 6/6 on 6/9 for distant and N6 on N9 for near |
What Are the Eligibility Criteria to Join the Paramilitary Forces?
The table below discusses the eligibility criteria to join the Indian Army regarding educational qualifications, age limit, and more.
Eligibility to Join the Indian Paramilitary Forces
| Nationality | Must be an Indian citizen or meet specific nationality requirements. |
|---|---|
| Age Requirements | Varied age criteria based on the entry scheme, ranging from 16.5 to 42 years. |
| Educational Qualification | Minimum qualification varies across entry schemes, typically from 10th pass to graduate degree holders. |
| Physical Qualification | Candidates need to meet prescribed physical standards in terms of height, weight, and fitness. |
| Medical Standards | Candidates must meet medical criteria, including visual acuity, overall health, and physical fitness. |
What is the Rank and Salary in Indian Paramilitary Forces?
The pay scale for paramilitary applicants differs depending on their rank in the forces. A paramilitary candidate's annual wage ranges from ₹1.8lakhs to ₹4.5 lakhs, with medical benefits, free rations, and paid leave.
| Rank in Paramilitary Force | Salary (in ₹) |
|---|---|
| Director-General | 2.25 lakhs |
| Inspector General | Up to 2.18 lakhs |
| Senior Commandant | Up to 2.15 lakhs |
| Assistant Commandant | Up to 1.77 lakhs |
| Additional Director General | Up to 2.24 lakhs |
| Deputy Commandant | Up to 2.08 lakhs |
| Deputy Inspector General | Up to 2.16 lakhs |
India's paramilitary forces, which include the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, Assam Rifles, and NSG, are critical in ensuring internal security, border protection, and combating terrorism. These forces majorly contribute to protecting the nation's interests, preserving law and order, and responding to emergencies.
With their specialised training, equipment, and operational capabilities, they are an important component of India's security apparatus, operating in tandem with the regular armed forces to protect the nation's and residents' safety and well-being.
FAQs about Paramilitary Forces in India
What is the minimum age requirement to join the Indian Paramilitary Force?
The age limit varies according to the mode of recruiting. However, the age range for Para Military Force recruiting is 18 to 25 years.
Can female candidates join paramilitary forces in India?
Yes, Females are also eligible to join the Paramilitary Forces of India.
Can someone with colourblindness apply for the paramilitary forces recruitment process?
No, a colourblind individual or anyone with a physical disability is not qualified to join the Indian Paramilitary Forces.
What is the difference between paramilitary and regular armed forces in India?
Internal security, border protection, and law enforcement are the primary responsibilities of paramilitary forces. During emergencies and internal security operations, paramilitary forces also assist the regular armed forces.
Can paramilitary forces take part in combat operations?
Yes, paramilitary forces can be deployed for combat, particularly during counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations. They receive specialised training and equipment to manage such circumstances efficiently.
Can paramilitary forces carry out arrests and conduct investigations?
Yes, paramilitary forces have the authority to make arrests and conduct investigations within the scope of their mandates.