Paramilitary forces
The Indian Paramilitary Forces are agencies that provide support to the operations of other Indian Law Enforcement Agencies and the Indian Army. Apart from the valiant efforts of Indian soldiers to protect the nation; the security and integrity of India, especially relating to border securities and internal matters, are being dealt by these courageous men. They work in other security forces, falling under the Ministry of Home Affairs or the Ministry of Defence. They are integrated to Indian Armed Forces acting as Armed Forces Auxiliaries. There are a huge number of Paramilitary Forces with an extensive variety of roles. The diverse forces broadly follow the role of Gendarmerie and carry out Counter-Insurgency or Anti-Terrorist Missions. The Paramilitary Forces of India is regarded as the world's largest and most powerful among other paramilitary forces.
Various Indian Paramilitary Forces are discussed as follows-
Assam Rifles
Presently, there are 50,000 personnel in 46 battalions under the commandment of a Lieutenant General. Its achievements are quite significant. It was formerly formed as Cachar Levy. Indian Paramilitary ForcesDuring British rule in the year 1835, it was formed as a Paramilitary Police Force of 750 men to safeguard colonies against various upsurges like tribal raids etc. In the year 1870, these forces combined into three Assam Military Police Battalions. A fourth battalion was formed 1915 in Imphal. During the World War I, Assam Military Police troopers were part of the Indian forces that fought for Britain in Europe and Middle East. The name Assam Rifles was assigned in 1917 as recognition of their part in the war. During the World War II, the Assam Rifles helped manage the influx of refugees coming from Burma fleeing the Japanese advance in 1942.
Between the end of World War II and Indian independence, the Assam Rifles constituted five battalions that were one part of the Civil Police under the Assam Inspector General of Police. After independence, the Indian government assigned the Assam Rifles its own Director General. In October 1962, the Assam Rifles were the frontline troops in the beginning of the Chinese-Indian War. The Assam Rifles also maintained their peacekeeping roles in the Northern India in the face of tribal unrest and insurgency. The Assam Rifles also look after the medical assistances, help in basic education, assist in rebuilding, agricultural activities and maintains communications in remote areas.
Rashtriya Rifles
The Rashtriya Rifles is a Counter-Insurgency Force in India. In the year 1990, General B C Joshi raised it specially to fight insurgency in Kashmir and also to work hand-in-hand the local security forces in the area. The major role of the formation is to allow the Indian Army to ensure its primary task of defending the borders and the states territory unhindered by action from Pakistani-backed terrorists and guerrillas. The Rashtriya Rifles itself comprises 62 Battalions, with another 30 formed using regular army battalions. Presently there are 68,200 personnel.
Defence Security Corps
Indian Paramilitary Forces Defence Security Corps were earlier known as Defence Department Constabulary Centre, and was established in April 25th 1947 at Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. They generally offer protective services to the Defence Ministry sites and look after the security of various Defence Installations. Currently, there are 32,000 personnel in the Defence Security Corps.
Border Security Force
The Border Security Force (BSF), established on December 1, 1965, is responsible for guarding India's land borders during peacetime and preventing trans-border crimes. It is a Central paramilitary force operating under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Presently there are 215,000 personnel and 186 Battalions.
Central Industrial Security Force
Central Industrial Security Force was established in its current form on June 15, 1983. Currently, there are 165,000 personnel working in 132 Battalions around the country.
Central Reserve Police Force
Presently there are around 400,000 personnel in 210 battalions in India. The CRPF's primary role lies in assisting the State/Union Territories in Police operations to maintain law and order and contain insurgency. It came into existence as the Crown Representative's Police on July 27, 1939. After Indian Independence, it became the Central Reserve Police Force on enactment of the CRPF Act on December 28, 1949.
Indian Paramilitary ForcesRapid Action Force
A 10 battalion semi-independent part of the CRPF trained to respond to sectarian violence. The Rapid Action Force is the Anti-Riot Police of the Indian Union.
Indo-Tibetan Border Police
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), established on 24th October, 1962, is an Indian paramilitary force that was conceived for the security of the Indian border along the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, which is spread across 2115 km. presently there are 60,500 personnel working in 55 Battalions.
Other important Paramilitary forces in India are Railway Protection Force, Civil Defence, Indian Home Guard, Special Security Bureau, National Security Guards (7500 personnel), Special Protection Group (3000 personnel). The functioning of Paramilitary forces in India is significant thus ensuring the safety and security of the whole nation(India parliamentary force, n.d.)
Public
In paramilitary services, one can work for :
• Border Security Force (BSF)
• Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
• Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
• National Security Guard (NSG)
• Railway Protection Force (RPF)
• Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
• Special Protection Group (SPG)
1. Team player
2. Leadership
3. Communication skills
4. Quick-thinking and effective problem solver
5. Sense of responsibility
6. Stamina and physical fitness
7. Flexibility and adaptable to change
8. Ability to endure tough working conditions in inhospitable terrain
9. Functional intelligence
Entry in all paramilitary forces is through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams for the gazetted officers’ level, and by Staff Selection Board (SSB) for lower ranks. The intake is at the rank of Assistant Commandant (which is equivalent to Deputy Superintendent of Police, or Captain). Eligibility is for graduates from any stream, who can pass the written test as well as the physical fitness criteria. It is comparatively easier to get into the paramilitary services as compared to IAS, IPS or the army. The forces also take in candidates at the Sub-Inspector level, wherein the academic eligibility is not very high, but the physical fitness is given more emphasis. Similarly, there are vacancies for technical graduates, education officers, medical officers, and other specialists. Aptitude
Perfect health, good physical fitness, and a courageous temperament are the hallmarks of these forces. Good leadership qualities, ability to handle crises, love for travel, particularly to remote and inhospitable surroundings, are also a must. Candidates should have good eyesight, good communication skills, and stamina. They also need to have the patience to endure long periods of inactivity and the suspense of awaiting action.
Selection Test for the Paramilitary Services
Both male and female candidates are eligible for appointment to CRPF. However, only male candidates are eligible for appointment to BSF, ITBP.
For training as Sub officers, entry to National Fire Service College, Nagpur the eligibility is 18-23 years and the applicant should have passed Class XII. The test is of the objective type.
Assistant Commandants Selection
Graduates (age 20-25 yrs on 1st Aug of the year of application) are eligible to take the written exam which is a selection test for recruiting cadets. The entrants also go through a physical efficiency test (PET). Those who qualify face an interview board and take the medical test.
Selected candidates undergo rigorous training before taking charge. Technical graduates too go through the PET and medical examination.
Age: 20-25 yrs
The written paper has two parts - Paper I of 250 marks is a test of general awareness, basic intelligence and reasoning and numerical ability. Paper II of 150 marks is an assessment of ability to read and understand serious discursive prose and also the ability to express the ideas clearly and correctly. This comprises essay (in Hindi or English), precis writing and comprehension of a given passage, (in English only).
Physical efficiency test - This is a test to ensure physical fitness. It comprises of 100 meters (16 sec men, 18 sec girls), 800 meters races (3 min men, 4 min. girls), long jump 3.5 meters men, 3 meters girls, high jump 1.05 meters men and 0.9 meters girls and shot-put for men only (4.50 meters, 7.26 Kgs). Three chances are given for long and high jump.
Interview - Beginning with questions pertaining to the bio data, the interviewers move on to hobbies, subjects of study, general awareness and general intelligence. The candidates psyche, aptitude, mannerisms and etiquette along with the dedication to the cause of the nation are also assessed by the Board. Preference in selection is given to outstanding sports men & NCC cadets who have outstanding record.
Physical Standard - Height 165 cms. for men & 157 cms. for women, Chest 81 cms. with 5 cms minimum expansion, weight 50 kg. for men & 46 kg. for women.
Physical/mental health should be good. Knock knees, flat foot and squint in eyes are not permitted. Perfect colour vision/corrected vision J-I/J-II permitted/corrected distant vision 6/6 (Better eye) and 6/12 (worse eye) or 6/9 and 6/9.
Pay & benefits - Pay Rs. 8000-275-13500 plus other benefits like DA, House Rent allowances, City compensatory allowance.(revised as per the latest pay commission report)
Central Police Organisations (Sub-Inspectors) Selection
Age limits: 18 to 25 years.
Upper age limit: relaxable 3-5 yrs.
SC/ST, OBC category, Age concession for Ex-Servicemen and departmental candidates
Educational Eligibility - Degree of a recognized University or equivalent.
Desirable Qualification - NCC B or C certificate or outstanding sports or athletic certificate (For BSF, NCC B certificate only is acceptable)
Scheme of Examination
The examination consists, of two parts, written examination, carrying 500 marks, and Personality Test (Interview) - 100 marks
Paper I General Test (Objective-cum-multiple-choice type)
(a) General Intelligence and Reasoning (50 Q.) 400 marks 2 hours
It is a test of verbal and non-verbal type and includes questions on analogies, similarities and differences, space visualization, problem solving, analysis, judgment, decision making, visual memory, discriminating observation, relationship concepts, arithmetical reasoning, verbal and figure classification, arithmetical number series, non-verbal series, etc.
(b) General Awareness (75 question)
General Awareness is aimed at testing the candidates general awareness of the environment around him and its application to society. Questions on current events and matters of every day observations and experience and questions relating to India and its neighboring countries especially pertaining to history, culture, geography, economics, general polity and scientific research are asked.
(c) Numerical Ability (75 question)
Numerical Ability has computation of whole numbers, decimals and fractions and relationships between, numbers, order among numbers, ability to translate from one name to another, sense or order magnitude, estimation or prediction of the outcome of computation, selection of an appropriate operation for the solution to real life problems and knowledge of alternative computation procedures to find answers.
Paper II English Language
(a) Language Comprehension 100 marks, 1 hour
(b) Communication Writing Skill
English Language tests the candidates understanding and working knowledge of English Language, their Comprehension and their ability at communication skill. There are questions on prcis writing, letter writing, paragraph of report writing etc.
Personality Test (Interview)
Physical Standards: Males
(a) Height: 170 cms, 165 cms
For candidates belonging to Hill areas of Garhwal, Kumaon, Himachal Pradesh, Gorkhas, Dogras, Marathas, Sikkimies, Leh & Ladakh, Kashmir Valley and North Eastern States.
For Tribals/Adivasis including Mizos and Nagas 162.5 Cms.
Gorkhas, Dogras, Marathas, Sikkimies, Leh & Ladakh, Kashmir Valley and North Eastern States-154 cms
Constables (Group 'C' service)
Eligibility- Matriculation
Age-18-23 years.
For selection of constables the written testhas aquestion paper which is set to assess the general knowledge, elementary mathematics, ability to observe and distinguish patterns. This isfollowed by the Physical Efficiency Test, medical examination and interview.
List of important addresses:
· Central Industrial Security fore, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003
· Central Reserve Police Force, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003
· Dirctor General, Assam Rifles, Happy Valley, Shillong
· Dirctor General, Border Security Forces Head Quarters, Block No. 10, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003
· Indo Tibetan Border Police, CGO Complex, MHA Block 2, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003
· National Security guards, Director Recruiting (Officer Selection), West block III, R.K.Puram, Army Head Quarters, New Delhi-110 066
List of important addresses:
· Central Industrial Security fore, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003
· Central Reserve Police Force, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003
· Dirctor General, Assam Rifles, Happy Valley, Shillong
· Dirctor General, Border Security Forces Head Quarters, Block No. 10, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003
· Indo Tibetan Border Police, CGO Complex, MHA Block 2, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003
· National Security guards, Director Recruiting (Officer Selection), West block III, R.K.Puram, Army Head Quarters, New Delhi-110 066
1) Indian parliamentary force(n.d.) retrieved from http://www.indianetzone.com/5/indian_paramilitary_forces.htm