Paramilitary Forces
Defence GK · अर्धसैनिक बल
📋Quick Overview
India has a large network of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and paramilitary forces. Most are under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The six CAPFs are: BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, and NSG. Assam Rifles (oldest, 1835) is unique — it is under the Ministry of Defence for operations but MHA for recruitment. Together these forces have about 10 lakh personnel.
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Mnemonic for CAPFs: 'BSF Crores of Indian Security Soldiers Are Needed' — BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, AR (Assam Rifles), NSG.
📖Central Armed Police Forces — Full Details
| Force | Established | HQ | Primary Role | Ministry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSF (Border Security Force) | Dec 1, 1965 | New Delhi | India-Pakistan + India-Bangladesh borders; world's largest border guarding force | |
| CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) | Jul 27, 1939 | New Delhi | Internal security; anti-naxal; Kashmir; world's largest CAPF (~3.5 lakh) | |
| CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) | Mar 10, 1969 | New Delhi | PSUs, airports, nuclear plants, govt buildings; metro security | |
| ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) | Oct 24, 1962 | New Delhi | 3,488 km India-China border; mountain rescue; disaster relief | |
| SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal) | 1963 (as SGB) | New Delhi | India-Nepal (1,751 km) + India-Bhutan (699 km) borders | |
| NSG (National Security Guard) | Oct 16, 1984 | Manesar, Gurgaon | Anti-terrorist; counter-hijacking; 'Black Cats'; VIP protection; under MHA | |
| Assam Rifles | 1835 (Cachar Levy) | Shillong | Oldest paramilitary; 'Sentinels of Northeast'; under MoD (ops) + MHA (budget) |
📖Elite Units Within CAPFs
- •CoBRA (CRPF): Commando Battalion for Resolute Action — elite anti-Naxal force; 10 battalions
- •RAF (CRPF): Rapid Action Force — riot control, disaster management; 15 battalions
- •NDRF: National Disaster Response Force — 16 battalions, drawn from CAPF; under NDMA
- •SPG (Special Protection Group): Protects PM of India and former PMs + immediate family; under Cabinet Secretariat
- •IB (Intelligence Bureau): India's domestic intelligence agency; under MHA; oldest intelligence org in India (1887)