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{{short description|Central Armed police forces of India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2016}}
{{Infobox law enforcement agency
| agencyname = Central Armed Police Forces
| abbreviation =
| patch =
| patchcaption =
| logo = [[File:Emblem of India.svg|class=skin-invert-image|140px]]
| logocaption =
| badge =
| badgecaption =
| flag =
| flagcaption =
| imagesize =
| formed =
| preceding1 =
| budget = {{INRConvert|116789.30|c|lk=on}} <small>(2026–27)</small><ref>{{cite news|author=The Hindu Bureau|title=Union Budget 2022 {{!}} ₹1.85 lakh crore allocation to MHA; CAPF, police get funds for modernisation|url=https://www.thehindu.com/business/budget/185-lakh-crore-allocation-to-mha-in-budget/article38358957.ece|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=1 February 2022|access-date=3 February 2023|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
| legalpersonality = Government organisations
| legaljuris =
| country = India
| governingbody = [[Government of India]]
| speciality1 = paramilitary
| speciality2 = border
| speciality3 = property
| headquarters =

| minister1name = [[Amit Shah]]
| minister1pfo = [[Minister of Home Affairs (India)|Minister of Home Affairs]]
| chief1name =
| chief1position =
| parentagency = [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]]
| child1agency = {{flagicon image|Assam Rifles Flag.svg}} [[Assam Rifles]]
| child2agency = {{flagicon image|BSF Flag.svg}} [[Border Security Force]]
| child3agency = {{flagicon image|CISF Flag.svg}} [[Central Industrial Security Force]]
| child4agency = {{flagicon image|Flag of Central Reserve Police Forces.png}} [[Central Reserve Police Force]]
| child5agency = {{flagicon image|ITBP Flag.svg}} [[Indo-Tibetan Border Police]]|
| child6agency = {{flagicon image|NSG Flag.svg}} [[National Security Guard]]
| child7agency = {{flagicon image|Sashastra Seema Bal Flag.svg}} [[Sashastra Seema Bal]]
| website = {{URL|https://www.mha.gov.in/about-us/central-armed-police-forces|mha.gov.in/central-armed-police-forces}}
| footnotes =
| reference =
}}
The '''Central Armed Police Forces''' ('''CAPF''') are a group of seven armed police units under the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] (MHA), [[Government of India]], tasked with maintaining [[internal security]], law and order, [[counterinsurgency]], and [[Border control|protecting borders]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) {{!}} Indian Police in Service of the Nation |url=https://police.gov.in/poi-internal-pages/central-armed-police-forces-capfs |publisher=Police.gov.in |access-date=14 December 2024 |archive-date=28 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628120134/https://www.police.gov.in/poi-internal-pages/central-armed-police-forces-capfs |url-status=dead }}</ref> Previously referred to as "[[paramilitary]]" forces, the term was officially discontinued in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 March 2011 |title=No.I-45020/2/2011-Pers-II, Government of India/Bharat Sarkar, Ministry of Home Affairs/Grih ManOtralaya, OFFICE MEMORANDUM, Adoption of new nomenclature of: Central Armed Forces (CAPFs) |url=https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/OM2-020513.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404094329/https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/OM2-020513.pdf |archive-date=2023-04-04 |access-date=2025-07-17 |website=www.mha.gov.in}}</ref>

The CAPF is classified into three groups: Border Guarding Forces ([[Assam Rifles]], [[Border Security Force]], [[Indo-Tibetan Border Police]], and [[Sashastra Seema Bal]]), Forces for Internal Security ([[Central Industrial Security Force]] and [[Central Reserve Police Force]]), and Special Task Force ([[National Security Guard]]).<ref name=StandingCommitteeReport>{{cite book |author=Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs |title=Working conditions in Border Guarding Forces Sashastra Seema Bal, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Border Security Force) |date=12 December 2018 |publisher=[[Rajya Sabha]] |page=1 |url=https://sansad.in/getFile/rsnew/Committee_site/Committee_File/ReportFile/15/107/214_2019_11_11.pdf?source=rajyasabha |access-date=23 January 2024}}</ref> While the Assam Rifles is administratively under the MHA and part of the CAPF, its operational control is handled by the [[Indian Army]].<ref name="AR"/> These forces are categorized under the "other armed forces" in the [[Union List|Central List]] of the [[Constitution of India]] and function in accordance with [[Article 355]], which mandates the [[Central government|Central]] to protect [[State governments of India|states]] against "external aggression" and "internal disturbances". Since "police" and "public order" fall under the [[State List]], CAPF units are deployed to support state governments as required, while their powers, jurisdiction, privileges, and liabilities remain under the control of the Central government as specified in the Central List.<ref>{{cite web |author1=[[Standing Committee on Home Affairs]] |title=Two Hundred Fifteenth Report |url=https://sansad.in/getFile/rsnew/Committee_site/Committee_File/ReportFile/15/107/215_2019_11_14.pdf?source=rajyasabha |publisher=[[Rajya Sabha]] |access-date=14 December 2024 |date=12 December 2018}}</ref>

==Terminology==
{{Indian Armed Forces sidebar}}
CAPF were formerly known as '''Central Para-Military Forces''' (CPMF), also variously referred to by Central Police Organisations (CPOs), Para-Military Forces (PMF), and Central Police Forces (CPF) interchangeably. In 2011, the [[Government of India]] released a circular adopting a uniform nomenclature to change the name of the forces to Central Armed Police Forces under the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]]. Initially, only five forces—BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB were covered under the new nomenclature, since AR was under the operational control of the Indian Army, and NSG personnel were completely deputed from the Indian Army and other CAPFs.

The name change was made for political reasons, to improve the international impression of the force, since in some countries the paramilitary refers to militant groups.<ref name="Telegraph">{{cite web |last1=Online |first1=The Telegraph |title=For the paramilitary, all's in a new name |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/for-the-paramilitary-all-s-in-a-new-name/cid/415027 |website=telegraphindia.com |publisher=The Telegraph |access-date=19 September 2020 |date=26 March 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Government of India |first1=Ministry of Home Affairs |title=Office Memorandum |url=https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/OM1-020513.pdf |website=mha.gov.in |publisher=Director (Personnel), MHA |access-date=19 September 2020 |date=23 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Government of India |first1=Ministry of Home Affairs |title=Office Memorandum |url=https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/OM2-020513.pdf |website=mha.gov.in |publisher=Director (Personnel), MHA |access-date=19 September 2020 |pages=1 |date=18 March 2011}}</ref> Currently, all the seven forces are listed under the CAPF definition by the Ministry.<ref>{{cite web |title=Central Armed Police Forces {{!}} Ministry of Home Affairs {{!}} GoI |url=https://www.mha.gov.in/about-us/central-armed-police-forces |publisher=[[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] |access-date=19 August 2022}}</ref>

== Role ==
[[File:Hon'ble Home Minister of India Shri Amit Shah with the Chiefs of the CAPFs..jpg|thumb|Hon'ble Home Minister of India Shri Amit Shah with the Central Home Secretary and Chiefs of the CAPFs]]
Central Armed Police Forces are organised with the primary role of border guarding for AR, BSF, ITBP, SSB; Security of sensitive establishments by CISF, Assisting Police to tackle Law & Order, Counter-Terrorist Operations, Counter-Naxal Operations by CRPF, [[National Security Guard|NSG]]. Apart from the primary role, all CAPFs are involved in assisting the Police in Law & Order situations and also the Army in Counter-Terrorist Operations. BSF, ITBP, and CRPF have assisted the army during external aggression in the past. CAPFs work along with both [[Indian Army]] & Police in different roles assigned to them.

Central Armed Police Forces personnel also serve in various important organisations such as [[Research and Analysis Wing]] (RAW), [[Special Protection Group]] (SPG), [[National Investigation Agency]] (NIA), [[Intelligence Bureau (India)|Intelligence Bureau]] (IB), [[Central Bureau of Investigation]] (CBI), [[National Disaster Response Force]] (NDRF), [[Narcotics Control Bureau]] (NCB), State Armed Police Force (Jharkhand Jaguars, [[Bihar Military Police]], UP/MP STF, DRG, IRB, Chattishgarh Armed Police etc.) on deputation and have attachment/training in various levels/formations/courses along with the [[Indian Army]]. Their role and performance, therefore, assume a great significance due to the special features of an emergency force that is pressed in aid of the civil power to perform multiple roles in extremely difficult situations.

==Organisations==
===Assam Rifles (AR)===
The [[Assam Rifles]] is [[paramilitary force]] of india responsible for [[border security]], [[counter-insurgency]], and [[rule of law|law and order]] in [[Northeast India]]. Its primary role is to guard the 1,643-kilometre-long [[Indo-Myanmar border]]. The AR comes under the administration of the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] (MHA), while its operational control is maintained by the [[Indian Army]].<ref name="AR">{{cite news |author1=ANI |title=MHA to explain functioning of Assam Rifles in northeastern states before Parliamentary panel |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/mha-to-explain-functioning-of-assam-rifles-in-northeastern-states-before-parliamentary-panel20220525105037/#:~:text=Assam%20Rifles%20is%20the%20only,Ministry%20of%20Defence%20(MoD). |access-date=19 August 2022 |work=[[ANI News]] |date=25 May 2022}}</ref> It is the oldest paramilitary force in India.

=== Border Security Force (BSF) ===
[[File:Indian BSF Soldier.jpg|thumb|A member of India's [[Border Security Force]] in ceremonial attire|271x271px]]
The primary role of the [[Border Security Force]] is to guard the [[India–Pakistan border|Indo-Pakistan]] and [[Bangladesh–India border|Indo-Bangladesh]] borders; it is deployed both on the international border and the [[Line of Control|LOC]]. The BSF also has active roles during times of war. It has 292,000 personnel in 192 battalions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bsf.nic.in/en/air-wing.html|title=Border Security Force|website=bsf.nic.in|access-date=2020-02-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820142102/http://www.bsf.nic.in/en/air-wing.html|archive-date=20 August 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> The 1, 2 and 7 battalion of [[National Disaster Response Force|NDRF]] are requisitioned from [[Border Security Force|BSF.]] It is also known for being the largest dedicated border guarding force in the world.

=== Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) ===
One of the largest industrial security forces in the world, the [[Central Industrial Security Force]] provides security to various [[List of public sector undertakings in India|Public Sector Undertakings]] (PSUs) and other critical infrastructure installations, [[List of airports in India|major airports]] across the country and provides security during [[Elections in India|elections]] and other [[internal security]] duties and [[Very important person|VVIP]] protection. It has a total strength of about 160,500 personnel in 132 battalions<ref name=":0" />, including 12 reserve battalions.

=== Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) ===
The [[Central Reserve Police Force]] is the largest of the Central Armed Police Forces units with 313,678 personnel in 247 battalions.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/EnglAnnualReport2016-17_17042017.pdf|title=MHA Annual Report 2016-2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808200948/http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/EnglAnnualReport2016-17_17042017.pdf|archive-date=8 August 2017|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The Central Reserve Police includes:
*The [[Rapid Action Force]] (RAF), a 15 battalion [[riot police|anti-riot force]] trained to respond to sectarian violence.
*The [[Commando Battalion for Resolute Action]] (COBRA), a 10 battalion strong anti-[[Naxalite]]/[[Counter-insurgency|COIN]] force.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/COBRA-to-sting-Naxal-virus-new-force-gets-Centre-nod/354579/ |title=COBRA to sting Naxal virus: new force gets Centre nod |publisher=Financial Express |date=2008-08-29 |access-date=2014-02-26}}</ref>

=== Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) ===
The [[Indo-Tibetan Border Police]] is deployed for guarding duties on the [[China–India border|Indo-China border]] from [[Karakoram Pass]] in [[Ladakh]] to [[Diphu Pass]] in [[Arunachal Pradesh]] covering a total distance of 3,488 km.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.archive.india.gov.in/govt/armedforces.php?id=16 |title=Indo-Tibetan Border Police |publisher=Archive.india.gov.in |access-date=2014-02-09 |archive-date=12 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112174707/http://www.archive.india.gov.in/govt/armedforces.php?id=16 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It has 89,432 personnel in 56 fighting battalions, 2 DM and 4 specialised battalions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://itbpolice.nic.in/itbpwebsite/index.html|title=Home {{!}} Indo Tibetan Border Police, Ministry of Home Affairs|website=itbpolice.nic.in|language=en|access-date=2017-08-10}}</ref><ref name=":0" />

===National Security Guard (NSG)===
The [[National Security Guard]] (NSG), commonly known as Black Cats, is a [[counter-terrorism]] unit under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It was founded on 16 October 1984 under the National Security Guard Act, 1986. All personnel are deputed from other CAPFs and the Indian Army.

=== Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) ===
The objective of the [[Sashastra Seema Bal]] (English: ''Armed Border Force'') is to guard the [[India–Nepal border|Indo-Nepal]] and [[Bhutan–India border|Indo-Bhutan]] borders. It has 76,337 personnel and 73 battalions, as well as some reserve battalions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://egov.eletsonline.com/2013/03/guarding-the-nations-frontiers/ |title=Guarding the Nation's Frontiers | eGov Magazine |publisher=Egov.eletsonline.com |date=2013-03-06 |access-date=2014-01-05}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ssb.nic.in/index1.aspx?lsid=37&lev=2&lid=9&langid=1&Cid=0|title=Force Profile- SSB Ministry Of Home Affairs, Govt. Of India|website=ssb.nic.in|access-date=2017-08-12|archive-date=29 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629121431/https://www.ssb.nic.in/index1.aspx?lsid=37&lev=2&lid=9&langid=1&Cid=0|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Personnel ==
On 5 February 2019, the [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]] of India ruled that five CAPFs would be granted Non-Functional Financial Upgradation (NFFU),<ref>{{Cite web |title=DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING ESTT. (RR) DIVISION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON NON-FUNCTIONAL UPGRADATION (NFU) |url=https://dopt.gov.in/sites/default/files/14017_47_2011-Estt.RR-01082012.pdf |website=dopt.gov.in}}</ref> and the status of Organised Group ‘A’ Services (OGAS), ending a nearly decade-long battle for the central armed police. In the judgment by [[Rohinton Fali Nariman]] and M. R. Shah, the court said that officers from BSF, CRPF, SSB, ITBP, and CISF should be granted the NFFU and will be considered as Organised Group A Central Services.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sc-upholds-hc-order-on-nffu-for-capf-officers-5571027/|title = Give paramilitary officers higher grade salary if you can't promote them when eligible: SC to Govt|date = 6 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICITON CIVIL APPEAL NO. 1474/2019 (Arising out of S.L.P. (Civil) NO. 12393 of 2013) |url=https://api.sci.gov.in/supremecourt/2013/7829/7829_2013_Judgement_05-Feb-2019.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717091922/https://main.sci.gov.in/supremecourt/2013/7829/7829_2013_Judgement_05-Feb-2019.pdf |archive-date=2021-07-17 |url-status=live |website=main.sci.gov.in}}</ref>

In July 2019, the [[Union Council of Ministers|Central Cabinet]] granted<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1576843|title = Cabinet approves proposal for Grant of Organized Group 'A' Service (OGAS) to Group 'A' Executive Cadre Officers}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/centre-gives-nods-to-grant-ogas-status-to-group-a-executive-cadre-officers-119070301021_1.html|title=Centre gives nods to grant OGAS status to Group 'A' Executive Cadre Officers|newspaper=Business Standard India|date=3 July 2019|via=Business Standard}}</ref> Organised Group 'A' Service (OGAS) status to Group 'A' executive cadre officers of five Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). It also extended the benefit of Non-Functional Financial Up-gradation(NFFU) and Non-Functional Selection Grade (NFSG) to the executive cadre officers at an enhanced rate of 30%.

However, the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] (MHA) interpreted this judgment narrowly, clarifying that the OGAS status granted was for the limited purpose of extending the benefit of NFFU and NFSG to the eligible officers, and not for all purposes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theprint.in/india/governance/capfs-wont-upgrade-their-recruitment-rules-for-pay-parity-with-ips-officers/284874/|title = CAPFs won't upgrade their Recruitment Rules for pay parity with IPS officers}}</ref>

On 23 May 2025, the [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]] of India ruled that the Group 'A' Executive cadres of the five CAPFs are OGAS for all purposes, and that they cannot be granted one benefit and denied the other.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-rules-that-capf-officers-to-be-organised-services-for-all-purposes/article69611058.ece|title = Supreme Court rules that CAPF officers to be ‘organised services’ for all purposes}}</ref> In the judgment by [[Abhay Shreeniwas Oka|Abhay S. Oka]] and [[Ujjal Bhuyan]], the court held the view that the number of posts earmarked for deputation up to the level of the Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) in each of the five CAPFs should be progressively reduced within an outer limit of two years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/supreme-court-orders-cadre-review-in-capfs-within-6-months-calls-for-ips-deputation-cut-101748029331297.html|title = SC orders cadre review in CAPFs within 6 months, calls for IPS deputation cut}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://api.sci.gov.in/supremecourt/2020/21834/21834_2020_3_1507_62112_Judgement_23-May-2025.pdf|title = IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CIVIL APPEAL NO. 13104 OF 2024 SANJAY PRAKASH & ORS. VERSUS UNION OF INDIA & ORS.}}</ref>

On 28 October 2025, the [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]] of India dismissed the review petition filed by the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] against the judgment dated 23 May 2025.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-rejects-centres-plea-against-reduction-of-ips-deputation-in-capfs/article70225781.ece|title = Supreme Court rejects Centre’s plea against reduction of IPS deputation in CAPFs}}</ref>

As of March 2026, the [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] continues to appoint [[Indian Police Service]] officers to senior positions up to the level of the Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) in the five CAPFs without notifying any amendment in the service rules/recruitment rules of the Group 'A' Executive cadres of the CAPFs or carrying out a cadre review in any of the CAPFs which was due in the year 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ips-appointments-in-capfs-continue-despite-supreme-court-order-against-the-move/article69769448.ece|title = IPS appointments in CAPFs continue despite Supreme Court order against the move}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ips.gov.in/Empanelment/Rekha_28112025.pdf|title = Appointment of Smt. Rekha Lohani, IPS (OD-1997) as IG, CRPF-reg}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ips.gov.in/Empanelment/Homkar_26122025.pdf|title = Appointment of Shri Homkar Amol Vinukant, IPS(JH:2004) as Inspector General in Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF) on deputation basis}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ips.gov.in/Empanelment/2012BatchSSB_29122025.pdf|title = Appointment of Shri Sudipta Das, IPS(TR:2012), presently working as Group Commander in NSG, as DIG in SSB on promotion - reg.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ips.gov.in/Empanelment/DaljeetSingh_13012026.pdf|title = Appointment of Shri Daljeet Singh, IPS (BH:2007) as IG, BSF on deputation basis}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ips.gov.in/Empanelment/RajeevMishra_13012026.pdf|title = Appointment of Shri Rajeev Mishra, IPS (BH:2010) as DIG, CISF on deputation basis}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ips.gov.in/Empanelment/Shalabh%20Mathur13012026.pdf|title = Appointment of Shri Shalabh Mathur, IPS (UP:2006) as IG, CRPF on deputation basis}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/send-more-ips-officers-to-centre-union-home-secretary-tells-states-despite-supreme-court-order/article70506338.ece/|title = Send more IPS officers to Centre, Union Home Secretary tells States despite Supreme Court order}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2026/Jan/14/depute-more-ips-officers-to-centre-union-home-secretary-tells-states-despite-sc-order|title = Depute more IPS officers to Centre, Union Home Secretary tells States despite SC order}}</ref>

Several contempt petitions against the Central Home Secretary, [[Govind Mohan]] have been filed in the [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]] pending adjudication.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ex-capf-officials-file-contempt-plea-against-home-secretary-for-not-implementing-supreme-court-order/article70529897.ece|title = Ex-CAPF officials file contempt plea against Home Secretary for not implementing Supreme Court order}}</ref>

===Recruitment===
Recruitment of candidates to the CAPFs may be conducted by the [[Union Public Service Commission]] CAPF- AC exam, the [[Staff Selection Commission]] CPO exam, or the respective service HQs, depending on the post to be filled. The medical officers of the CAPFs, NSG, and AR are recruited via a common interview/personality test by the medical officers selection board (MOSB) constituted by the office of ADG(Medical), CAPFs, NSG, and AR.
The allotment of the force to the officer in any above exams is based on the merit rank and preference list.

The [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] and the [[Staff Selection Commission]] of the [[Union Government of India|Central Government of India]] allowed the recruitment examination of the CAPF be conducted in [[Assamese language|Assamese]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Marathi language|Marathi]], [[Malayalam]], [[Meitei language|Meitei]] ([[Manipuri language|Manipuri]]), [[Kannada]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Odia language|Odia]], [[Urdu]], [[Punjabi language|Punjabi]], and [[Konkani language|Konkani]], 13 of the [[22 official languages of the Indian Republic]], in addition to [[Hindi]] and English.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Manipuri among 13 regional languages approved for CAPF exam |url=https://www.ifp.co.in/manipur/manipuri-among-13-regional-languages-approved-for-capf-exam |access-date=2023-04-19 |website=[[Imphal Free Press]] |language=en |archive-date=25 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925174356/https://www.ifp.co.in/manipur/manipuri-among-13-regional-languages-approved-for-capf-exam |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-15 |title=CAPF Recruitment Examination In Assamese, Manipuri, Bengali, Odia & Other Regional Languages - NE India Broadcast |url=https://neindiabroadcast.com/2023/04/15/capf-recruitment-examination-in-assamese-manipuri-bengali-odia-other-regional-languages/ |access-date=2023-04-19 |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Rank structure===
;Officers
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armed Forces/OF/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armies/OF/India (Assam Rifles)}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armies/OF/India (BSF)}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armies/OF/India (CISF)}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armies/OF/India (CRPF)}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armies/OF/India (ITBP)}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armies/OF/India (NSG)}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armies/OF/India (Sashastra Seema Bal)}}
|- style="text-align:center;"
| rowspan=1| '''Police equivalent'''
| colspan=4|
| style="vertical-align:top;" colspan=2 rowspan=1 |
{| style="background-color: transparent; text-align: center;"
| Director General of Police
| Director General
| Additional<br />Director General
|}
| colspan=2| Inspector General
| colspan=2| Deputy Inspector General
| colspan=2| Senior Superintendent
| colspan=2| Superintendent
| colspan=2| Additional Superintendent
| colspan=2| Deputy Superintendent
| colspan=6| ACP/ASP
|- style="text-align:center;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armed Forces/OF/Blank}}
|}

;Personnel other than officers
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Indian forces/OR/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armies/OR/India (Assam Rifles)}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armies/OR/India (BSF)}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armies/OR/India (CISF)}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armies/OR/India (CRPF)}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armies/OR/India (ITBP)}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armies/OR/India (NSG)}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armies/OR/India (Sashastra Seema Bal)}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Indian forces/OR/Blank}}
|}

;Officers
Officers in CAPFs are recruited through the Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination conducted by UPSC. They are appointed as Assistant Commandants and are Gazetted Officers generally referred to as DAGOs (Directly Appointed Gazetted Officers) in CRPF, AC (Direct Entry) in BSF. DEGOs (Departmental Entry Gazetted Officers) are those officers who have been promoted through departmental exams conducted internally for Subordinate Officers. They are known as encounter specialists among the police forces of India.

;Enlisted ranks
Sub Inspectors are recruited through a competitive examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission, and they are referred to as DASOs (Directly Appointed Subordinate Officers). DESOs (Departmental Entry Subordinate Officers) are those officers who have been promoted through departmental exams conducted internally for Constables, Head Constables, and Assistant Sub Inspectors. Constables are recruited through a competitive examination conducted by [[Staff Selection Commission]]. Apart from the above modes, CAPFs conduct recruitment for specialized posts such as Engineers, Doctors, etc., among DAGOs and Wireless operators, Technicians, Nursing Staff, etc., among subordinate officers and constables directly under their own authority ([[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|MHA]]).

===Women in CAPF===
Women were not recruited for the Central Armed Police Forces until 1992. Earlier, the role of women was limited to supervisory roles.<ref name="ET">{{cite news |title=Government allows women to be combat officers in all Central Armed Police Forces |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/government-allows-women-to-be-combat-officers-in-all-central-armed-police-forces/articleshow/51380021.cms |access-date=9 January 2020 |work=The Economic Times |date=11 July 2018}}</ref> The [[Parliamentary Committees of India]] for women's empowerment recommended expanding women's roles in CAPF. The [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] declared reservation for women in constabulary, and later declared that they can also be inducted as officers in combat roles in five CAPFs.<ref name="ET"/> The Central Home Minister announced that women's representation in the CRPF and CISF would be made 15 percent while it would be 5 percent in the BSF, ITBP and SSB.<ref>{{cite news |title=Women quota in CRPF, CISF to be made 15 percent |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/women-quota-in-crpf-cisf-to-be-made-15-per-cent/cid/1681181 |access-date=9 January 2020 |work=telegraphindia.com |language=en}}</ref> In 2016, it was decided that 33 percent of posts at the constabulary level would be reserved for women in the CRPF and the CISF, and 14-15 percent of posts at the constable level in the BSF, SSB and ITBP in a phased manner.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Selvaraj |first1=A. |title=Archana Ramasundram becomes first woman to head paramilitary forces |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Archana-Ramasundram-becomes-first-woman-to-head-paramilitary-forces/articleshow/50811752.cms |access-date=9 January 2020 |work=The Times of India |agency=TNN |language=en}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[State Armed Police Forces]]
*[[Paramilitary forces of India]]
*[[Law enforcement in India]]
*[[Indian Armed Forces]]
*[[People's Armed Police]] - A similar agency in China

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=note}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}

{{Home Ministry (India)}}
{{Law enforcement agencies of India}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Central Armed Police Forces of India| ]]
[[Category:Federal law enforcement agencies of India]]
[[Category:Ministry of Home Affairs (India)]]

Central Armed Police Forces - Revision history

Gasperalmeida at 19:33, 29 March 2026