Border Security Force (BSF)

The border guarding force of India, most commonly known as The Border Security Force alias BSF is a paramilitary force, established on 1st December 1965. Responsible for guarding India's land border during peace time and preventing transnational crime, BSF is a Union Government Agency under the administrative control of Ministry of Home Affairs. It is one among the law enforcement agencies of India and currently stands as the world's largest border guarding force with a strength of 240,000 personnel in 186 battalions, including women personnel. 'Duty Unto Death' is the motto of BSF.

The BSF has three operational arms namely General Branch, Technical Branch and Medical Branch. The General Duty Branch covers all the general duties of BSF. The vigilance charge is also dependent upon them. Technical Branch deals with all the technical work required from time to time for the smooth functioning of the force. This branch looks after the maintenance and repair of equipments for telecommunication and construction purposes. Medical Branch provides all the facilities regarding medical purposes and they undertake all the responsibility for the fitness and well-being of personnel. 

The troops of BSF are supported by the Technical arms wing which is in charge of the construction and maintenance of buildings required by the forces, as well as the maintenance of arms and other combat equipment. Personnel of Technical arms are engineers qualified in civil or electronic / electrical engineering. The Signals arm of the BSF is a very important constituent of this force. It is the duty of the signals officer to keep the line of communication working and to pass on information to senior officials at all times and seek the necessary advice on matters relating to internal security.

The major tasks of BSF are :

• Peace time:
  Promote a sense of security among the people living in the border areas.
  Prevent trans border crimes, unauthorized entry into or exit from the territory of India.
  Prevent smuggling and any other illegal activity.
  
  
  In addition to their duties, BSF has been deployed for counter insurgency and internal security duties 
• War Time:
  Holding ground in less threatened sectors.
  Protection of vital installations.
  Assistance in control of refugees.
  Anti-infiltration duties in specified areas.

Men of BSF are trained in patrolling the borders be it on camel back, horse back, on foot, on speed boats or on helicopters. The work is daunting and requires deep commitment. The BSF has assumed a strategic role in vital activities concerning security and defence. It is a prestigious and a dignified profession and being qualified for BSF, is a big dream for most aspiring Indian candidates.

BSF Rank Structure

The Border Security Force (BSF) has officers of different grades and the rank structure of BSF is as follows :

1. Director General
2. Special Director General
3. Additional Director General
4. Inspector General
5. Deputy Inspector General
6. Commandant
7. Second-in-Command
8. Deputy Commandant
9. Assistant Commandant
10. Subedar Major
11. Inspector
12. Sub-Inspector
13. Assistant Sub Inspector
14. Head Constable
15. Constable
16. Constable (Tradesmen )

Eligibility & Recruitment

How to Join in BSF

The Border Security Force (BSF) has officers of different grades and each hierarchy has different eligibility criteria. 

The recruitment in Border Security Forces (BSF) is being made in the following ranks: 

General Duty Cadre

• Constable
  - The major component of Border Security Force
• Sub-Inspector
  - One-third of the posts are filled up by direct recruitment and two-third by promotion

Communication- Set Up

• Assistant Commandant 
  - 50% posts of Assistant Commandant are filled by Direct Recruitment (including 10% from SSCO) & balance 50% by promotion from Inspector to AC
• Assistant Sub Inspector (Radio Mechanic) 
• Head Constable (Radio Operator)

HC

• Head Constable (Fitter)

Vacancies are advertised from time to time in all leading newspapers and Employment News. Selection to non-gazetted posts (Constables, Sub-inspectors) is made by the staff selection Commission of BSF. These recruitments are made on the basis of written test, physical and medical test in the respective categories, by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Selection to gazetted posts (Assistant Commandants) are made by the Special Selection Board of Central Police Organization. Selection to senior position is based on time scale as well as service records. In service training is provided to aspiring personnel.

The recruitment process for various post in BSF is as follows :

Constable | Sub Inspector | Assistant Commandant | Assistant Sub- Inspector | Head Constable

Constable

Constables form the major component of BSF. The working of the force mainly depend on the capability and effectiveness of the personnel. Candidates having the right aptitude, capability and fitness in all respect are appointed as constables in BSF.

Classification of post is general central service group 'C' not gazetted/ non ministerial and combatised. Method of recruitment/ filling up of these posts will be by way of

• Direct Recruitment
• Deputation in analogous scale from other CPO/SPO on functional requirement.
• Absorption of enrolled followers of the force who put in min 3 years service and below 30 years of age and 8th class pass.

For appointment of the post of constable (General Duty) in BSF, male candidate must meet the following eligibility condition.

Eligibility :

Matriculation or 10th class pass

Age Limit : 

Age should be 18 to 23 years on 1st August of the year of the examination.

Age relaxation is available for SC/ST/OBC/Ex-servicemen and other categories as per the instructions issued by the Government.

Physical standards :

Category	Height	Chest	Weight
General	170 Cms	80-85 Cms	proportionate to height and age as per Medical Standards
Men belonging to hill area of Garhwal, Kumoun, Himanchal Pradesh, Gorkhas, Dogras, Marathas, Sikkim, Leh and Ladakkh, Kashmir Valley, and North east	78-83 cm.	80-85 Cms	"
For ST of all state and UTs including Nagas/ Mizos.	162.5cms	76 - 81 cm.	"

Medical Standards :

Eye Sight : The minimum distant vision should be 6/6 & 6/9 of both eyes without correction i.e. without wearing of glasses.

The candidates must not have knock knee, flat foot, varicose vein or squint in eyes and they should possess high color vision. They must be in good mental and bodily health and free from any physical defect likely to interfere with the efficient performance of the duties.

Method of Selection :

The selection procedure for the post of constable (GD) completes in seven steps.

• Preliminary screening / physical measurement.
• Document checking.
• Physical efficiency test (PET)
  - 1 mile Run, high Jump, long Jump.
• Written test (Literacy and Intelligence test)
• Interview.
• Medical examination.
• Merit list. 

There are extra 10 marks for NCC/Sports/Cultural/Technical qualification.

Final selection of the candidates will be made in order of merit in each category

Reservations : There will be reservations for SC/ST/OBC, Ex-Servicemen and other categories of personnel in accordance with the instructions issued by the Government from time to time. The reserved vacancies will be calculated and recruitment made with reference to the allocations made to the States/UTs under item III above. Quota for SC/ST for various States/ UTs will be fixed having regard to the number of SC/ST population in such States/ UTs. The unfilled reserved vacancies may also be filled through special recruitments.

Sub Inspector

One-third of the Sub- Inspector posts are filled up by direct recruitment and two-third by promotion.

Eligibility :

Degree of a recognized University or equivalent

Age Limit : 

Age should be 20 to 25 years on 1st August of the year of the examination

Relaxable for Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe/Other Backward Class in accordance with the instructions issued by the Govt. from time to time.

Physical standards :

Height	Chest	Weight
170 Cms	80-85 Cms	Proportionate to height
Relaxable: by 5 Cms.for candidates belonging to Hill areas of Garhwal, Kumaon, HP, Leh & Ladakh, Kashmir valley, Gorkhas, Marathas, Sikkimies, Dogras & NE States	77-82 Cms for STs	-do-

Medical Standards :

Eye Sight : The minimum distant vision should be 6/6 & 6/9 of both eyes without correction i.e. without wearing of glasses.

The candidates must not have knock knee, flat foot, varicose vein or squint in eyes and they should possess high color vision. They must be in good mental and bodily health and free from any physical defect likely to interfere with the efficient performance of the duties.

BSF Sub Inspector Examination 

Candidates those who are selected in Physical Efficiency Test are eligible for the Written test.

The written test for BSF Sub Inspectors consists of two papers :

• Paper I - 2 hours
  
  
  General Intelligence and reasoning
  Numerical Ability
  General Awareness
  Professional Test
• Paper II - 2 hours
  
  
  Language Comprehension like essay writing etc.
  
  
  Final selection of the candidates will be made in order of merit in each category.
  
  
  Assistant Commandant 
  
  
  50% posts of Assistant Commandant are filled by Direct Recruitment (including 10% from SSCO) & balance 50% by promotion from Inspector to AC. The criteria for Direct Recruitment is as under: 
  
  
  Eligibility :
  General - Degree from a recognized University/Institution or equivalent; Possession of NCC B or C certificate, or outstanding achievements in sports or athletics will be an added qualification.
  Technical - With B.Sc.(Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics) and above education qualification with the Electronics stream are deputed for appointment in the rank of Assistant Commandant (Technical) form the executive posts, after they undergo Battalion Signal Officers Course. These officers later on work in higher posts in Communication hierarchy in BSF, apart from performing General duties in various ranks, since Communication Officers are also part of General Cadre of Officers.
  
  
  Age Limit : 
  Age should be 19 to 25 years on 1st August of the year of the examination
  Relaxable - in the case of Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe/Other Backward Class candidates in accordance with the instructions/orders of Govt from time to time.
  
  
  Physical standards :

	Male	Female
Height	165 Cms.	157 Cms.
Chest	81-86 Cms.	N/A
Weight	50 Kgs.	According to height but not less than 46 Kgs.

Medical Standards :

Eye sight or without glasses:

with Glass	without glass
Distant Vision	Distant Vision
6/6 or 6/9	6/12 or 6/9
Near Vision	Near Vision
J-I	J-II

Color Vision: Must possess high color vision

Must not have knock-knee, flat foot, or squint in eyes, must be in good mental & bodily health & free from any physical defect likely to interfere with the efficient performance of the duties.

BSF Assistant Commandants Examination 

Candidates those who are selected in Physical Efficiency Test are eligible for the Written test.

The written test consists of Multiple Objective type questions in General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics and Analytical Aptitude.

Final selection of the candidates will be made in order of merit in written test, Physical efficiency test & interview as prescribed by the Government.

Assistant Sub- Inspector

Eligibility :

Matric with 3 year Diploma in Radio and TV technology / Electronics / Tele-Communications / Computer / Electrical / Mechanical / Engineering / Domestic appliance from an Institution recognized by State/Central Government or 10+2 or Intermediate or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, having 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics from a recognized Board.

Age Limit : 

Age should be 18 to 25 years on 1st August of the year of the examination

Upper age limit shall be relaxable in respect of candidates from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes communities and other categories of personnel in accordance with instruction/orders issued by the Central Government from time to time.

Physical standards :

	Height	Chest-Un expanded	Expended	Weight
General Category	170 Cms	81 Cms	86 Cms	Proportionate to height
Tribals/Adivasis having height 162.5 Cms	shall be 162.5 Cms.	77 Cms	82 Cms	-do-

Relaxable: by 5 Cms for the candidates belonging to Hill areas of Garhwal, Kumaon, Himachal Pradesh, Leh, Ladakh, Kashmir Valley, Gorkhas, Marathas, Sikkimies and North Eastern States, Height for Tribals/ Adivasis including Mizo and Nagas shall be 162.5 Cms

Medical Standards :

Vision 

Eye sight near vision better eye J-I, J-II, 6/6 and 6/9 high grade. Must pass high-grade colour vision test.Other:

Must not have knock-knee, flat foot, or squint in eyes, must be in good mental & bodily health & free from any physical defect likely to interfere with the efficient performance of the duties.

BSF Assistant Sub Inspector Examination 

Candidates those who are selected in Physical Efficiency Test are eligible for the Written test.

The written test for BSF Assistant Sub Inspector Radio Mechanic consists of Multiple Objective type questions in General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics and Analytical Aptitude.

Final selection of the candidates will be made in order of merit in written test, Physical efficiency test and interview as prescribed by the Government.

Head Constable

Eligibility :

Operator - Matric or equivalent plus two years ITI certificate in Radio and TV/ Electronics or Intermediate or 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics from a recognized Board of Education.

Fitter - Matric or equivalent plus two years ITI certificate in engine/ fitter/ Diesel Mechanic/ Automobile/ Motor Mechanic from an Institution recognized by State/ Central Government or equivalent or 10+2 or Intermediate or its equivalent with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics from a recognized Board of Education.

Age Limit : 

Age should be 18 to 23 years on 1st August of the year of the examination

Upper age limit shall be relaxable in respect of candidates from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes communities and other categories of personnel in accordance with instruction/orders issued by the Central Government from time to time.

Physical standards :

	Height	Chest-Un expanded	Expended	Weight
General Category	170 Cms	80 Cms	85 Cms	Proportionate to height
For those having height 165 Cms.	shall be 165 Cms.	78 Cms	83 Cms	-do-
Tribals/Adivasis having height 162.5 Cms.	shall be 162.5 Cms.	76 Cms	81 Cms	-do-

Relaxable: by 5 Cms for the candidates belonging to Hill areas of Garhwal, Kumaon, Himachal Pradesh, Leh, Ladakh, Kashmir Valley, Gorkhas, Marathas, Sikkimies and North Eastern States, Height for Tribals/ Adivasis including Mizo and Nagas shall be 162.5 Cms. 167.5 Cms in respect of candidates belonging to the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala

Medical Standards :

Vision 

Minimum distant vision should be 6/6 and 6/9 of both eyes without correction (i.e. without wearing glasses.). Must pass high-grade colour vision test.

Other:

Must not have knock-knee, flat foot, or squint in eyes, must not be having any defect/deformity likely to interfere with the efficient performance of the duties.

BSF Head Constable Examination 

Candidates those who are selected in Physical Efficiency Test are eligible for the Written test.

The written test for BSF Head Constable (Fitter) consists of Multiple Objective type questions in General Knowledge, Elementary Mathematics and Analytical Aptitude.

Final selection of the candidates will be made in order of merit in written test, Physical efficiency test & interview as prescribed by the Government.

Training Centers

All selected personnel for BSF have to undergo basic training which is followed by training in operational subjects for working in border areas. The men of the BSF are trained in patrolling the borders be it on camel back, horse back, on foot, on speed boats or on helicopters. For organizing and carrying out Basic Fundamental training and In Service Professional Training, Border Security Force have three Main training Institutions, five Special Training Schools and eleven Subsidiary Training Centres (STCs) / Basic Training Centres (BTCs) spread across the Country. 

Three main training institutions are :

BSF Academy,

PO: Tekanpur, Distt: Gwalior (MP), India Pin: 475005

Phone : 07524- 274180, 274329, 274388, 274520, 274100, 274200, 275509

E-Mail : Contact Now

website : acy.bsf.gov.in

BSF Training Centre & School

(School of Excellence for Counter Insurgency and Commando Type Specilised Training), PO - Meru Camp, Distt - Hazaribag (Jharkhand) 

Phone : 06546-236001, 236002 , 236004

Fax : 06546-236376

E-Mail : Contact Now

website : tcs.bsf.gov.in/

Central School of Weapons and Tactics (CSWT), Indore

Bijasan Road, Near Aerodrum, Indore (MP)

Phone : 0731- 2621030, 2621761

Fax : 0731- 2621761

E-Mail : Contact Now

website : csw.bsf.gov.in

Training schools for Special Training :

• Central School of Motor Transport, (CSMT) 
  In order to maintain a high standard of functional efficiency and road worthiness of MT fleet in the Force, the Central School of Motor Transport popularly known as CSMT, was set up at Sagar (M.P.) in Jan'1963. Initially the School was under the supervision of MP Police and was taken over by BSF in Feb'71. This school continued to function at Sagar upto 18/11/1979 before shifting to its present location in Tekanpur. Spread over an area of 60 acres, this school of Motor Transport has developed as a prestigious Institution. School has been recognised as a "Centre of Excellence" by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Motor Training imparted in CSMT includes:-
  Driving and Maintenance course.
  Motor Vehicle mechanic course.
  Auto Electrician course.
  Fleet Management course (Officers)
  BSF Recovery driver course.
  
  
  Contact
  Central School of Motor Transport, (CSMT) 
  B.S.F. Academy, Tekanpur, 
  Gwalior. (M.P.) 
  Phone No. +91 752 4274100, 4274200
• The National Training Centre for Dogs (NTCD) 
  The National Training Centre for Dogs (NTCD) is a premier Training Institution run by BSF on behalf of MHA. The NTCD breeds service dogs, trains dogs and their handlers for BSF, other Central Police Organisation and State Police Organisations. The dogs are trained in basic obedience, narcotics and explosive detection, tracking, guard duties and patrolling. 
  
  
  Contact
  National Training Centre for Dogs
  Border Security Force Academy
  Post - Tekanpur
  District - Gwalior(MP), India
  PIN - 475005
  Telefax - +91-7524-275332
  E-Mail : Contact Now
• BSF Signal Training School- I, Tigri Camp, New Delhi
  BSF Signal Training Schools New Delhi and Bangalore are functioning under Comn & IT Dte to implement training of Communication personnel. All Operator & Fitter basic and Up grading courses are being conducted in the STS BSF Bangalore and Basic and up gradation courses for RM and Cipher personnel are being conducted in STS BSF New Delhi. Besides above, BSO course for Comn officers is also being conducted at STS New Delhi
  
  
  The Border Security Force, Signal Training School-I is located at Tigri Camp, New Delhi adjacent to Khanpur on M B Road.
• BSF Signal Training School- II, Yelahanka, Bangalore 
  is an ISO 9001:2008 certified premier Training Institution in the BSF engaged in imparting training in Tele-communication not only to BSF personnel but also to other Para-Military Forces and State Police Organizations. The STS Bangalore is a Tele-communication training Institute, having a self contained campus located in a beautiful surroundings. 
  
  
  The STS-II BSF is located on Chaklate-Bangalore road near Yelahanka, 21 Kms off Bangalore town.
•   BSF 'G' Training School, New Delhi
  
  
  The BSF 'G' Training School is located at block 'C', Ist floor, Pushpa Bhawan (Madangir) in South Delhi.

Subsidiary Training Centres (STCs) / Basic Training Centres (BTCs) of BSF are the breeding and training centres for various field formations. These are the nodal training Centres where 400-500 recruits always remain under training.

• STCs Covering Border States
  
  
  STC BSF Hamhama (Kashmir)
  STC BSF Udhampur (Jammu)
  STC BSF Kharka Camp (Punjab)
  STC BSF Jodhpur (Rajasthan)
  STC BSF Baikunthpur, Siliguri (Bengal)
  STC BSF Chura Chandpur, Manipur (Assma, Manipur, Meghalaya and Nagaland)
• STCs/ BTCs Covering Inter Land
  
  
  STC BSF Tekanpur (Gwalior)
  STC BSF Yelahanka (Banglore)
  STC BSF Hazaribagh (Jharkhand)
  BTC BSF Hazaribagh (Jharkhand)
  BTC BSF Indore (MP)

Promotions

• Inspector to Assistant Commandant
  
  
  Inspector with 5 years regular service in the grade, having medical category SHAPE (S- Psychological, H- Hearing, A- Appendages, P- Physical Capacity, E- Eye Sight)-I with educational qualification as matric & having undergone Basic Trg, PL Weapon course and Coy Comdr. Course are considered for promotion. 2 Years service in a service coy for all Inspectors/Sub (GD) or 2 years service in a duty Bn for Sub (Comn) is pre-requisite.
• Assistant Commandant to Deputy Commandant
  
  
  Asstt Comdts of BSF with 06 years regular service in the grade, Medical category SHAPE-I and having qualified carrier courses like (i) Commando & Weapon training (ii) YOC by AC(DE), Re-orientation course by promoters and having two years command experience as Coy Comdr in a service coy is considered for promotion.

• Deputy Commandant to 2nd in-Command
  
  
  Dy Comdt of BSF with 05 years regular service in the grade, possessing 02 years service as Dy Commandant in a Duty BN & having Medical category SHAPE-I are considered for promotion to 2IC. Must have qualified one of the following courses. BSW/MMG/MOR/FE and qualified CC Course.
• 2nd-in-Command to Commandant
  
  
  Second-in-Command with 04 years, regular service as 2IC with 02 years service as 2IC in Duty Bn and medical category SHAPE-I is considered for promotion to the rank of Commandant. Should have qualified Senior Command Course.
• Commandant to Additional DIG
  
  
  Comdt of BSF with 03 years regular service as Comdt with total 18 years group A service & possessing 02 years command as Commandant in a Duty Bn & having medical category SHAPE-I is considered for promotion to the rank of ADDL DIG. Should also have undergone Higher Command Course
• Additional DIG to DIG
  
  
  Additional DIG of BSF with 02 years regular service in the grade, with 20 years group A service and having medical category SHAPE-I is considered for promotion to the rank of DIG. Should have undergone Courses/Trg as prescribed by DG BSF from time to time.
• DIG to IG
  DIG of BSF with 04 years service as DIG and having 24 years group A service with medical category SHAPE-I is considered for promotion to the Rank of IG. Should have undergone Courses/Trg as prescribed by DG BSF from time to time.

Promotion Avenues (Non-Gazetted Officer)

The rank structure of non-gazetted cadre of BSF is as :

• Constable
• Head Constable
• Sub Inspector
• Subedar

The promotion of the members of the Force shall be based on merit and suitability in all respects, with due regards to seniority and service in the Medical category. Every member of the force shall, before any promotion be required to pass pre-promotion course. These promotion examinations which are of a qualifying nature, permit a constable to be promoted to the next higher rank of Head Constable upon being first brought on list A. Similarly promotion from the rank of Head Constable to Sub Inspector would require such a person to be first brought on the promotion qualifying list B. In the case of promotion from the rank of sub Inspector to Subedar, the same is dependent on a Sub Inspector qualifying list C.

The candidate appearing in list A, B & C test (i.e. DPC tests) must fulfill the following eligibility conditions

Promotion Test	Minimum Service Required	Minimum Educational Standard
Constable to Head Constable (List A)	8 years as Constable of which 5 years service in a service coy of duty Bn with Medical Cat Shape-I	- Matric/10th class pass or equivalent. - Basic Trg & MR-II. - SLC, JSLC, GLC or pre promotion course prescribed for technical posts.
Head Const to Sub Inspector  (List B)	5 years service as HC together with 18 years of service with Med Cat SHAPE-I & 2 years service in Service Coy	- Matric/10th class pass or equivalent. - Basic Course, MR-I. - Pre-promotion Course prescribed for the post
Sub Inspector to Subedar(List C)	3 years service as Sub Inspector, Med Cat SHAPE-I and 2 years command of a Platoon in a Service Coy	- Matric/10th class pass or equivalent. - Basic Trg prescribed at entry level. - MR-I. - JLC. - PW or W&T Course. - PC (Tac).