Nature of Work
The BSF has assumed immense importance in the past decade, in the face of growing threats to our country by infiltrators, terrorists and smugglers. In 1965 the Government constituted this force to man the extensive national boundaries for security of the border regions as well as to control any activities which could threaten our defence structure. The Border Security Force has the task of keeping vigil on our borders which have mountainous terrains, deserts and long coastal stretches.
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. The work is a daunting one and requires deep commitment. The BSF has assumed a strategic role in vital activities concerning security and defence. During peace they provide intelligence reports from the border regions, they protect vital installations and provide protection to people in the border areas. During war their intelligence reports are vital, they also keep vigil over major operational areas such as bridges, roads, airstrips etc.
The BSF has three operational arms - the General Duty branch, the Technical branch and the Medical branch. While the General duty staff is in charge of vigilance, the technical branch maintains equipment, telecommunication networks and is in charge of construction work. The Medical staff provides all kinds of medical facilities to BSF troops. The positions of hierarchy are almost like in the CRPF.
The troops of BSF are supported by the Technical arms wing which is incharge of the construction, 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 seeking the necessary advice on matters relating to internal security.
The responsibilities of the BSF since its inception have grown many fold. Now the forces are also called to assist in controlling riots, insurgencies, chaotic situations caused by natural disasters, besides guarding the frontiers in times of peace and war.
Entry and Training
Selection to non-gazetted posts (Constables, Sub-inspectors) is made by the staff selection Commission of BSF.
Age requirement is 20-25 yrs (relax able for government employees) for sub-inspectors, and 18-22 years for constables.
Selection to gazetted posts (Assistant Commandants) are made by the Special Selection Board of Central Police Organization. Graduates(only males) in the age group of 20-25 years are eligible 20-30 for SC/ST/Candidates for Central Government in area concerned for gazetted posts and special preference is given to NCC ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ certificate holders. ‘C’ certificate holders get almost additional 10 marks in their selection examinations.
Outstanding sports or athletics certificates is an added qualification
(For examination details and physical requirements refer to the article Selection Test for Paramilitary Services)
BSF training academy is at Tekanpur in Madhya Pradesh. All personnel undergo basic training which is followed by training in operational subjects for working in border areas.
Career growth - Newly selected candidates begin their careers as AC (Assistant Commandant) and within 20 years the career graph ascends to the rank of DIG or IG. They do not simply police the borders of our country, as many would be inclined to think. Adequate opportunities are available to an AC for refresher courses in various areas like management, mountaineering etc. Management courses equip them for administrative functions to be performed later in their career as they move on to senior ranks.
An AC striving to update his professional competence in all areas (by doing many possible refresher courses ) who is good at public relations and able to form a good team and lead his men courageously, can look forward to a bright career ahead. Officers of these organisations also get the opportunity to work for special groups like National Security Guards and Special Protection Group.
They are deputed to these groups for three to four years after which they are replaced by another batch of officers sent on deputation. They receive special allowances for their important duties like protecting VIPs during deputation. CRPF, BSF, ITBF act as feeders for these special groups doing important duties.Considering special nature of work these organisations look for dedicated men who are not self-seeking, and who would like to lead men at the time of crisis, rendering duty anywhere in India or abroad. It is more than a job being a service which is both challenging and fulfilling.
Selection to senior position is based on time scale as well as service records. In service training is provided to aspiring personnel.
Address for reference: Deputy Director(Personnel, BSF HQ, Block 10, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110003.
