We all know how our defence forces, Army, Air Force and Navy, work day and night to protect us. No doubt they are known by the masses and are highlighted by our media as well. But along the same line, there are other forces too which work in a very similar manner as that of the defence forces and protect us, but people often confuse them with the Army. These forces are the Central Armed Police Force or more popularly known as CAPF.
CAPF protects the economic interest of India and fights against internal security challenges. So if you are looking for a job that is somewhat similar to that of the defence forces but also has an element of policing and law enforcement, then this is the one for you.
CAPF or Central Armed Police Force is a combined term used for introducing five forces which are Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Border Security Force (BSF), Indo Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBPF) and Shashtra Seema Bal (SSB). So being in these forces you can either protect and guard India’s border like BSF, ITBP or SSB does, or can fight against India’s internal problems like CRPF does or you can protect India’s industrial and economic interest like CISF does. There are two ways a graduate can join these forces:
- UPSC CAPF Examination
- SSC CPO Examination
UPSC CAPF Examination is held once a year and is organized by Union Public Service Commission. The minimum qualification required is an undergraduate degree in any discipline and the applicant must be in the age group 20-25 years, with extension for reserved categories. The medical standards are the same as that of the defence forces and so are the other physical standards. Once you ace the examination, you will be posted as an Assistant Commandant (equivalent to Gazetted Officer) either in the force which you have opted for or any other force which you will be allotted.
SSC CPO Examination is held once a year and organized by the Staff Selection Commission instead of UPSC. The minimum qualifications, age limit, and medical standard requirements are similar to UPSC CAPF. Once you ace the examination, you will be posted as a Sub Inspector or Assistant Sub Inspector (Non-Gazetted Officer) in the force which you have opted for or any other force which you will be allotted. Just like UPSC CAPF, this examination is too open for both males and females.
So if you have the enthusiasm for serving and protecting your motherland, you may opt for this field. For more information, one can visit the official website of UPSC and SSC.
