How to join Paramilitary Forces (CAPF)- Selection process

Become a Paramilitary Personnel
Table of Contents
Dear Candidates, Today I am going to Discuss Paramilitary Forces of Indian Which are supporting bodies of the Indian Army and Indian police force. if you are really excited to know about Indian Paramilitary Forces, you are at the right place. here I am going to discuss all the Paramilitary forces in detail with its’ Selection process, Eligibility, and Syllabus, and much more. so please read the complete article.
In India, The Paramilitary forces are semi-military or supporting bodies of Indian Defense Forces, these forces controlled and regulated under the Central Government of India and also known as Central Armed Police Force. The term “Paramilitary” not listed in any Indian Authorize Place, Document, and any Act. These always treat with the Name of CAPF.
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Central Armed Police Forces
What are the Central Armed Forces:-

CAPF – (Central Armed Police Force) are Supporting bodies of Indian defense forces. Their job responsibilities are very tough and risky. There are 6 child agencies of CAPF that are- AR, BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, NSG, and SSB. These all branches of CAPF are doing their respective jobs at the boundaries of the country, and under the boundary too.
the main objective of Paramilitary forces are-
- To Protect the Boundary lines of India.
- To Protect the National resources from outsiders.
- To Operate the Various National or International Missions.
- To fight against Terrorism.
- To function as police in the Internal system of Indian to maintain the law and order.
- To Secure Some Governmental Organizations.
- etc
Every Paramilitary Force having different positions, services, eligibility criteria, and selection process, and we have to know all the Paramilitary forces of India and their Job responsibilities. There are mainly 7 branches under Indian paramilitary forces as below-
- AR- Assam Rifles
- BSF- Border Security Force
- CRPF- Central Reserve Police Force
- CISF- Central Industrial Security Force
- ITBP- Indo Tibetan Border Police Force
- NSG-National Security Guard
- SSB- Sashtra Seema Bal
These all branches of CAPF are controlled by the Ministry of Home affairs so these all are also part of Indian Defense Forces. so let’s know all in detail.
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AR – Assam Rifles
What is the Selection process in Assam Rifles:

- It is the Oldest Paramilitary Force of India
- Assam Rifles is the Supporting body of the Indian Army in the North-east of India.
- It mainly taking care of Indo-china Border and India Myanmar Border.
- It is Also Known as the Sentinal of North-east.
- It is responsible for the Peace and Security of the North-East region of India.
- It Report To Their Respective Headquarters which Commanded by the Indian Army Personnel.
- when the situation goes beyond the control of central paramilitary operations it Reports to the Indian army for Help.
Departments of Assam Rifles:-
There are 3 Main Headquarters, 1 Maintenance wing, and a Workshop, And Headquarters are- DGAR, IGAR, SECTOR.
- DGAR is the Highest Commanding headquarters which is known as – Directorate General of Assam Rifles, which located at Shilong and Commanded by Lieutenant General of the Indian Army.
- IGAR is second Highest Commanding Headquarters is known as Inspector General Assam Rifles commanded by an officer of the rank of Major General from the Army.
- and Last The Sector Headquarter which commanded by Brigadiers from the Army.
Selection Process:-
- Assam Rifles Hire the candidate Through Direct Bharati (Requirement Rally) as Rifleman in Remote locations
- Through SSC– Staff Selection Commission Exam as Rifleman General duty, Sub Inspector, and Assist. Sub Inspector
- Through UPSC exam as Assistant Commandant
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BSF- Border Security Force
What is the Selection process in BSF:

- BSF– Border Security Force is Standing as the world’s largest border guarding force
- It mainly Responsible for – Security of the Indo-Pak Border and Indo-Bangladesh Border.
- It Maintains the Peace and security in Near the Border area.
- It Prevents trans-border crimes, unauthorized entry into or exit from the territory of India.
- It Prevents smuggling and any other illegal activity.
- It Fights Against Terrorism during the war-time with the Indian Army.
Department of BSF:-
BSF includes various function like- Guarding, Intelligence, Engineering, Development etc.. that’s why it have number of department as below-
- General Duty (Officer)
- Medical/Paramedical
- Engineering
- Communication
- Water Wing
- Air Wing
- Workshop
- Law
- Marine wing,
- Artillery regiment
- Commando units
Selection Process-
- BSF hires the Candidates through its Independent selection process as Pilot, Engineer, Communication, Logistic officer, etc. and their Notification released through the Official website of BSF. these vacancies processed under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- BSF Hire Through SSC Exam as Constable (GS), Sub-Inspector, and Assist Sub-Inspector
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CRPF- Central Reserve Police Force
What is the Selection process in CRPF:

- Central Reserve Police Force acts as a Security force Under the State and union territory.
- It Commanded by Directorate general which is IPS.
- It is Responsible for the Security of Governmental Organisation, General Election, and other internal functions of the government.
- It plays Important roles During Parliamentary Election, general election, and in Jammu & Kashmir as Security.
- It also arranges the Security in UN Missions.
Selection Process:-
- The Services are Classified according to their job responsibilities and ranks are- Group ‘A’, Group ‘B’, Group ‘C’, and Group ‘D’.
- It hires the candidate for Tech and non-tech, Medical staff, General duty.
- Mainly hiring is processed through its Independent selection process which notification released at the Official website of CRPF, and the cadre control body is Ministry of Home Affairs.
- It also hires through SCC Exam as Constable (GD), Sub-inspector, and Assist. Sub Inspector.
- Or through UPSC as Assist. Commandant.
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CISF – Central Industrial Security Force
What is the Selection process in CISF:

- CISF is the Central Industrial Security force responsible for the security of Governmental Organizations.
- CISF has 12 reserve battalions, 08 training institutes, and 63 other formations
- CISF is providing security to the strategic establishment, including-
- The Department of Space,
- The Department of Atomic Energy
- The Airports
- The Delhi Metro
- The ports
- The historical monuments
- And for Indian economies such as petroleum and natural gas, electricity, coal, steel, and mining.
- CISF is providing protection to some private sector units and important government buildings in Delhi.
- Now-days, CISF is also providing security to the protected persons classified as Z Plus, Z, X, Y.
- CISF is the only force with a customized and dedicated fire wing.
Selection Process-
CISF hires the candidates for the various staff through its Independent selection process which is Process under Ministry of Home Affairs and
- It also hires through SCC Exam as Constable (GD), Sub-inspector, and Assist. Sub Inspector.
- Or through UPSC as Assist. Commandant.
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ITBP- Indo Tibetan Border Police Force
What is the Selection process in ITBP:

ITBP is the Same as BSF appointed at Indo- China Border, to prevent Illegal entry in India. it responsible for-
- Maintain the Peace and security in Near the Border area.
- Prevent trans-border crimes, unauthorized entry into or exit from the territory of India.
- Prevents smuggling and any other illegal activity.
- Fights Against Terrorism during the war-time with the Indian Army.
- It Commanded by Directorate General which is IPS.
Selection Process:- ITPB hires the candidate for the technical, non-technical, Medical, and General duty staff. It has its independent hiring platform which releases the online notification of the vacancies on authorize website. It also hires the constable GD, Sub-Inspector, Assist. Sub-Inspector from SSC Exam, and Through UPSC exam as Assist. Commandant
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NSG -National Security Guard
What is the Selection process in NSG:

- If you have seen URI movie, you may already about operations and tasks of NSG, yes NSG is also known as Para commandos.
- In India, NSG is an Anti-terror security body listed as paramilitary force controlled by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- NSG is responsible for Special tasks with zero error that’s why it also is known as Special force is trained for specific situations and to be used in exceptional circumstances.
- it hires the candidates for technical, non-technical, Officer, Assistant commandant, Ranger (Inspector, Sub-Inspector), commando, and Constable.
How to be Para Commando:
Selection Process:- NSG has its own selection body controlled by the Ministry of Home Affair and their vacancy notification is released at its official Website.
It also hires through SCC Exam as Constable, Sub-inspector, and Assist. Sub-Inspector. and through UPSC as Assist. Commandant.
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SSB- Sashtra Seema Bal
What is the Selection process in Sashtra Seema Bal:

SSB force is part of paramilitary force since 2001 and appointed at Indo-Nepal Border and Indo-Bhutan Border. it is also border security force and responsible to Prevent unauthorized entry, and here India Share Open Border to Nepal and Bhutan that’s why it is responsible for Peace and security in the near-border area. SSB is now spread along the International border across Uttarakhand, UP, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh.
- It Prevents trans-border crimes, unauthorized entry into or exit from the territory of India.
- It Prevents smuggling and any other illegal activity.
Selection Process:- SSB hires the candidate for the technical, non-technical, Medical, and General duty staff. It has its independent hiring platform which releases the online notification of the vacancies on authorize website. It also hires the constable GD, Sub-Inspector, Assist. Sub-Inspector from SSC Exam, and Through UPSC exam as Assist. Commandant
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Selection Process in paramilitary Force
What is the selection process in Paramilitary forces:
As we discussed there are 7 paramilitary forces that’s why their hiring process are differ to each other but some of common are as blow-
Rank | Department | Selection Body |
Assistant Commandant | AR, BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, NSG and SSB. | UPSC- Union Public Service Commission |
Sub-Inspector | AR, BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, NSG and SSB. | SSC Staff Selection Commission |
Constable | AR, BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, NSG and SSB. | SSC Staff Selection Commission |
So we can discuss the Requirement process one by one.
Entry Though UPSC
UPSC Conduct the examination for the position of Assistant commandant in AR, BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, NSG, and SSB. Notification Available on the UPSC Authorize Website. Candidate can apply from all over India, Who has Equivalent Educational, Physical and Age criteria.
ASSISTANT COMMANDANT
How to be Assistant commandant in paramilitary forces:
- The rank of Assistant Commandant is equivalent to the ranks of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), and Captain in the Indian Army. This rank is a Group-A gazetted officer rank in the Central Armed Police Forces of India.
- Assistant commandants in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are appointed through (UPSC) selection process and are called directly appointed gazetted officers.
Examination: UPSC conducts two papers and a Personality test (Interview)
Name of paper | Type of paper | Maximum Marks |
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Paper-1 | Online Written Exam only MCQ type | 250 Marks |
Paper-2 | Online Written Exam of General studies, Easy and Comprehension | 200 Marks |
Personality test | Interview type | 250 Marks |
Examination Fee- 200 rupee fee for Gen Students and No fee to all Female Candidate and Category Students. Fee can be Submit through Online Offline both.
Educational Requirement – Candidate Should At least Graduate from any Recognize university in any Discipline.
Physical Standard and efficiency test: Those Candidates who clear the written exam Deputed to Medical and Physical Standard test. The all the department can have different Physical standard for different candidate. Some of common are as below.
Terms | Male | Female | Relaxations |
Height | 165 cm | 157 cm | (Hill Area male –165cm) (Hill Area Female –155cm) (SC-162.5) (Female ST- 154 cm) |
Chest | 81 cm (Cm Exp.) | ——— | |
Weight | 50 KG | 46 KG | |
Age | 18 to 35 | 18 to 35 | (SC/ST-5 Year), (OBC-3 Year) (EX-3 year) |
100 meter Race | 16 Sec | 18 Sec | |
1.6 Km Race | 6.5 Minute | ———- | |
800 Meter Race | 3 min 45 sec | 4 min 45 sec | |
Long Jump | 3.5 Meter 3 Chance | 3 Meter 3 Chance | |
Shot put | 16 Lbs. in 4.5 Minute , 3 Chance | ——— |
** Pregnancy at the time of PET will be Disqualify
Interview Personality Test: The Interview and personality test carry 250 marks. Those candidates are selected for the Interview and Personality test will be required to indicate their Preference of Forces.
Final Selection merit: Candidate shortlists for the final on the basis of Merit list which is produced according to their written examination and Personality test both.
Syllabus:– syllabus asked in paper 1 and paper 2 as follows.
Paper name | Subject/Topic Asked | Maximum Marks |
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Paper-1 | 1. General Mental Ability 2. General Science 3. Current Affairs 4. Indian Polity, Economy, and History 5. Indian and World Geography. | 250 Marks |
paper-2 | Part A- Essay Writing is based on the Indian Economy, Polity, and History. Part B- Comprehension is to clarify the General English and Grammar rules. | 80 Marks 120 Marks |
Note- All the Candidate should carry Pencil, Blue Ball Pen, Admit card, Original ID and a Photo.
This is all about Selection Process of Assistant Commandant in any Paramilitary Forces candidate can apply on UPSC Website– https://upsc.gov.in/
Let’s move on next Entry Process that is SSC Exam.
Entry through SSC Exam
In the (CAPF) central armed Police Force all the SUB-INSPECTOR and CONSTABLE vacancy process through SSC- Staff Selection Commission. SSC is the Governmental Body that helps in selecting the Eligible Candidates to the Government Department. All the examination of Different Department process through SCC are as follows- CGL, CHSL, STENO ‘’C & ‘D’, JE, CAPF, Constable GD, JHT, and Other departmental Exams.
So let’s Discuss Sub-Inspector
SUB-INSPECTOR
How to be Sub-Inspector in Paramilitary Forces:
- He is the lowest-ranked officer under Indian Police and CAPF Departments.
- Sub-Inspector has 2 stars on Solders and Promoted to Inspector after a certain time of Duty and required experience.
- The exam is conducted by SSC with Delhi police SI and CAPF SI.
- Service tenure of SI will be Minimum 3 years and not be more than 30 Years (33 for OBC and 35 for SC/ST).
Examination: –
SSC Conduct 2 online paper and Physical standard ability test. Selected candidates deputed to medical tests before Joining.
Name of paper | Type of paper | Maximum Marks |
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Paper-1 | Online Written Exam only MCQ type | 200 Marks |
Paper-2 | Online Written Exam of General English and Comprehension | 200 Marks |
Examination Fee- General Fee of the exam is 100 rupee only and No fee to all Female Candidate and Category Students. Fee can be Submit through Online Offline both
Educational Requirement – Candidate Should At least Graduate from any Recognize university in any Discipline. Bonus in Final Selection Marks to The candidate having NCC Certificates C,B and A.
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate- 10 Marks,5% of the Maximum marks
- NCC ‘B’ Certificate- 6 Marks, 3% of the Maximum marks
- NCC ‘A’ Certificate- 4 Marks, 2% of the Maximum marks
Physical Standard and efficiency test: Those Candidates who clear the written exam Deputed to Medical and Physical Standard test. The all the department can have different Physical standard for different candidate. PET and PST are Mandatory for all the candidates (Not applicable on Ex-serviceman), some of common are as below.
Terms | Male | Female | Relaxations |
Height | 170 cm | 157 cm | (Hill Area male-165cm) (Hill Area Female-155cm)(SC-162.5) (Female ST- 154 cm) |
Chest | 80 cm (Cm Exp.) | ——— | |
Weight | Corresponding to Height and Age | Corresponding to Height and Age | |
Age | 20 to 25 Year | 20 to 25 Year | (SC/ST-5 Year) (OBC-3 Year) (EX-3 year) |
100 meter Race | 16 Sec | 18 Sec | |
1.6 Km Race | 6.5 Minute | ———- | |
800 Meter Race | ———- | 4 Minute | |
Long Jump | 3.65 Meter, 3 Chance | 2.7 Meter, 3 Chance | |
Shot put | 16 Lbs. in 4.5 Minute , 3 Chance |
** Pregnancy at the time of PET will be Disqualify
Final Selection merit: Candidate shortlists for the final section on the basis of the Merit list which is produced according to their written examination and Personality and interview test both. And Minimum Passing marks in paper1 and paper 2 as follows.
- UR-30%
- OBS/EWS-25%
- Other Category- 20%
Those candidates are found to fit in every aspect should have to verify the entire Document and after the Verification Candidate will be inducted as Sub-Inspector in CAPF and Delhi Police Department according to merit list based on Paper 1, 2 and PET MARKS.
Syllabus: syllabus asked in paper 1 and paper 2 as follows.
Name of paper | Subject / Topic asked | Maximum marks |
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Paper-1 | General Intelligence and Reasoning General Knowledge and Awareness Quantitative Aptitude English Comprehension | 50 Marks 50 Marks 50 Marks 50 Marks |
paper-2 | English Language and Comprehension on the basis of CBSC Board 12th Standard | 200 Marks |
This is all about Selection Process of Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPF (Paramilitary Forces)
Now we discuss about CONSTABLE.
CONSTABLE (GD)
How to be Constable in paramilitary forces:
- A police constable is the lowest rank Police in India, who under the Head Constable Follow general Law and Order.
- All the Police Constables Wear Khaki Uniforms.
- The selection procedure of Constable of all CAPF (Paramilitary Forces) is Under SSC.
- After a certain duration Constable prompted to Head constable.
- We can discuss its Selection procedure. Constable also Called Rifleman in Assam Rifles.
Examination Fee- General Fee of the exam is 100 rupee only and No fee to all Female Candidate and Category Students. Fee can be Submit through Online Offline both.
Examination:–
Examination Conducted by SCC is an online Computer base MCQ type. The examination carries 100 Questions of 100 marks. All questions are listed in the Examination will be available in Hindi and English both. After the Examination, a Physical Efficiency test is Compulsory to all the selected candidates.
Educational Requirement- Candidate Should be At least 10th pass from any recognized Board and Equivalent, and should have original All Documents.
Physical Standard and efficiency test:
- Height- Male (170 cm), Female (157 m), Relaxation as per Rules
- Chest- Male only 80 cm with 5 cm expansion
- Race- Male (5 Km , 24 Min) , Female(1.6 Km , 8.5 Min)
- Race- Male(1 Mile,6.5 min ) , Female(800 Meter, 4 min )
Final Selection merit: Final selection of the candidates on the basis of written test and Physical Efficiency test mark. These marks form a merit list and Candidate appointed according to merit.
Syllabus:-
Section | Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum marks |
Part 1 | General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
Part 2 | General Knowledge and General Awareness | 25 | 25 |
Part 3 | Elementary math | 25 | 25 |
Part 4 | English or Hindi | 25 | 25 |
Time- | 90 Min. |
* All the asked syllabus based on CBSE 10th Standard.
The entire candidate should fulfill these all details can apply for the Constable in Paramilitary Forces.
This is all about the Paramilitary forces of India. I hope you like the Information and helpful to you. if you having any doubt please write to me in the comment below, I will reply as soon as possible.
Thank You
FAQ
What are the Paramilitary forces in India?
Central Armed forces are called Paramilitary forces includes- AR, BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, NSG, and SSB
How many Paramilitary forces in India ?
There are mainly 7 Branches as below-
AR, BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, NSG, and SSB
What are Central Armed Police Forces ?
central Armed police forces are the semi-military forces, supporting bodies of Indian Defense forces.
What is CAPF ?
Central Armed police Force
What are paramilitary forces do ?
All the Paramilitary Forces are semi military forces responsible for security of Border lines of India, Prevention of unauthorized entry, security of Union territory, Governmental organizations and PSU etc…
What are the Responsibilities of paramilitary forces ?
Paramilitary forces responsible for –
To Prevent Smuggling
To Prevent Unauthorized Entry
To Protect Borderlines
To Secure the VIP’s
To Secure Governmental Organisation etc…
Who are the commandos ?
National Security guards are also known as commandos responsible for –
To perform special task against Terrorism.
they highly trained for unexpected circumstances. etc…
How to join Paramilitary force ?
All the paramilitary forces has their respective selection boards, you have to open their official website when notification released and fill the application form.
and you can also join from UPSC- Assistant commandant, SSC as Sub-inspector and Constable (GD)
What are the Vacancies in paramilitary forces ?
All the paramilitary forces has a different rank structure
but some are common as below
Assistant commandant- UPSC entry
Sub-Inspector- SSC Entry
Constable – SSC Entry
Who conducts the exam for Paramilitary forces?
Assistant commandant- UPSC entry
Sub-Inspector- SSC Entry
Constable – SSC Entry
apart from that, all the paramilitary forces have their selection platforms controlled by Ministry of Hime Affairs
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