Title: Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) – Role, Ranks, and Recruitment | UPSC Guide
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A complete guide on Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) – structure, roles, and recruitment. Ideal for UPSC aspirants preparing for CAPF AC exam and Polity section.
Introduction
The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) form the backbone of India’s internal security mechanism. From guarding borders to tackling insurgencies and maintaining public order, these forces serve with discipline, courage, and commitment. For UPSC aspirants, especially those aiming for the CAPF (AC) Examination, understanding the composition, roles, and structure of CAPF is essential.
What is CAPF?
The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) refers to the seven central security forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). These forces are tasked with internal security duties, border guarding, counter-insurgency, and VIP protection.
Forces Under CAPF
- Border Security Force (BSF)
- Guards India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh
- Prevents trans-border crimes and illegal infiltration
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
- Handles law and order, riot control, counter-insurgency
- Largest paramilitary force in India
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
- Provides security to critical infrastructure like airports, metro, PSUs, etc.
- Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
- Guards the India-China border
- Also trained for disaster response and rescue
- Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
- Secures Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders
- Engages in community interaction in border areas
- Assam Rifles (AR)(Administered by MHA, but under operational control of the Ministry of Defence)
- Oldest paramilitary force
- Deployed in the Northeast for counter-insurgency and border security
- National Security Guard (NSG)
- Specialized anti-terrorism and hostage rescue force
- Elite unit known as Black Cats
Roles and Responsibilities of CAPF
- Border security and surveillance
- Counter-insurgency and anti-terror operations
- Assisting state police in maintaining law and order
- Election duty and crowd control
- Disaster relief and humanitarian operations
- Protection of vital installations and VIPs
Recruitment in CAPF
UPSC conducts the CAPF Assistant Commandant (AC) Examination annually for officer-level recruitment.
- Eligibility:
- Graduate in any discipline
- Age: 20–25 years
- Physical and medical fitness required
- Selection Process:
- Written Examination (Paper I: General Ability & Intelligence, Paper II: General Studies & Essay)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Interview/Personality Test
Other recruitment for constables, head constables, and sub-inspectors is conducted by SSC or respective forces.
Ranks in CAPF (Gazetted Officers)
| Rank | Equivalent in Army |
|---|---|
| Director General (DG) | Lieutenant General |
| Additional DG | Major General |
| Inspector General (IG) | Brigadier |
| Deputy IG | Colonel |
| Commandant | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Deputy Commandant | Major |
| Assistant Commandant | Captain (Entry-level UPSC Rank) |
Challenges Faced by CAPF
- Deployment in harsh terrains (e.g., Himalayas, deserts, jungles)
- Long working hours and stress
- Lack of modernization in some units
- Welfare and family separation issues
Government initiatives such as better pay, housing, and training modernization are helping address these concerns.
Conclusion
The Central Armed Police Forces are the silent protectors of India’s internal peace and territorial integrity. Their role is not just limited to combat but extends to nation-building, disaster response, and social harmony. For UPSC aspirants, CAPF is both a career opportunity and an important subject in the Polity and Security syllabus.