Nature of Work
The primary responsibility assigned to the CRPF is maintenance of internal security and enforcement of law and order. The CRPF often assists and supports other protective agencies also eg. the CISF, BSF, Coastguard in the execution of their duties. During floods, riots and terrorist activities CRPF personnel provide relief and rescue services. For carrying all these activities the training of CRPF personnel incorporate physical training, coordination and group work and training in the use of telecommunication equipment.
The CRPF follows a hierarchical structure. Senior most in command is the Director General who has Inspector Generals (IGs), Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs), Commandants (Selection Grade Officers), Deputy Commandants (Second in Commandant of a Unit), Assistant Commandants or Company Commanders assisting him in the efficient operation of this force.
The other posts are of Sub-inspectors and Constables who form a major part of the police reserve force. Considering the nature of work the CRPF like other protective services selects dedicated men who have the zeal to lead men at the time of crisis, rendering duty anywhere in the country.
Entry and Training
Selection Boards of Central Police Organizations recruit personnel for the CRPF. While selection to non-gazetted posts of Constables is made through a selection test open to non-graduates, the gazetted positions are open only to graduates. Graduates from any stream can apply if they fall in the 19 to 25 years age group 19-30 (SC/ST/Candidates) in Central Government in area concerned. Both male and female candidates are eligible for appointment in the CRPF.
They begin their careers, on selection, as Assistant Commandants/Company Commanders, Quartermasters and Deputy Superintendents. The prescribed qualification is a 1st Class/2nd Class Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks. Special relaxation in marks is made for graduates who have the ‘B’ or ‘C’ certificates of N.C.C, outstanding sports or athletics certificates is an added qualification.
For officer cadres preference is given to ‘C’ certificate holders. Selection is made through a written examination, physical efficiency test (PET) and an Interview. (Details of the test are given at the end of this Chapter). Senior positions of IGs, DIGs, Commandants are filled through promotions or by deputed personnel from the defence services or from the Police Services.
CRPF has its training academies for officers and men where post selection training as well as in service training is imparted. Officers are trained at Neemuch in Madhya Pradesh while the constabulary is trained at Srinagar in the north, Thiruvananthapuram and Avadi in the South, Neemuch in Central India. Avadi is also a training centre for sub-inspectors.
Avenues for growth - The promotions in CRPF are structured. Generally an Assistant Commandant may reach the rank of DIG or IG in a 20 year service. After training at the academy Assistant Commandants complete their field training. They move to the rank of deputy commandant in five to six years.
As Commandants they are in command of about 1000 men. Movement upwards to the position of DIG is dependent on selection based on service records and vacancies. During these years opportunity for special training is available eg. in mountaineering, communication, management etc. Many refresher courses keep the personnel updated in all aspects of work. Officers of CRPF are given opportunity to serve with National Security Guards and Special Protection Groups. This earns them special allowances.
Address for reference -
Central Reserve Police Force, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110003.
