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 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.