Defence awareness

Paramilitary forces (CAPF)

BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB and Assam Rifles: the Central Armed Police Forces.

The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are armed forces of the Government of India that work under the Ministry of Home Affairs, not under the Ministry of Defence. They guard borders, keep internal security and protect important places. Graduates join them as Assistant Commandants through the UPSC CAPF (AC) exam.

Years and mottos are given from commonly published information. Confirm them on each force's official website.

  • Border Security Force (BSF)Guards the borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh in peace time.
    Raised
    1965
    Motto
    Jeevan Paryant Kartavya (Duty unto death)
  • Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)Helps states keep law and order and fights insurgency and terrorism. It began in 1939 and took its present name after independence. It also has the Rapid Action Force and the COBRA commando unit.
    Motto
    Seva aur Nishtha (Service and Loyalty)
  • Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)Protects airports, metro rail, ports, power plants and other important places.
    Raised
    1969
  • Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)Guards the high Himalayan border with China, often at very great heights.
    Raised
    1962
  • Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)Guards the borders with Nepal and Bhutan.
    Raised
    1963
  • Assam RiflesThe oldest of these forces, with roots in 1835. It guards the India-Myanmar border and keeps peace in the north-east. It is called "Friends of the Hill People". The Army has operational control over it.
    Roots
    1835
  • National Security Guard (NSG)The "Black Cats", a special counter-terror force. It is not a CAPF but also works under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Questions students ask

Are the CAPF part of the Army?

No. They are police forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Soldiers of the Army, Navy and Air Force are under the Ministry of Defence.

How do graduates join the CAPF as officers?

Through the UPSC CAPF (Assistant Commandants) exam, which is followed by physical tests and a medical examination.

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