Border Security Force also known as the BSF forms the backbone of the Indian paramilitary. BSF personnel work near the borders of the country to keep the country safeguarded against external threats. Established in 1965, the BSF has been relentlessly working for over 40 years to safeguard the borders during peace time and prevent transnational crime. Working under the aegis of the Union Government of India, the BSF has been living their motto ‘Duty Unto Death’ since its inception. With strength of over 2,40,000 personnel in 186 battalions, the BSF is the largest border guarding force in the world.
The major work of Border Security Force includes patrolling the vast Indian border that stretches along the vast mountainous terrains to extensive deserts to long costal lines to stop unauthorized entry and exit from the country, promote a sense of security to people residing in the border areas of the country, curtail smuggling activities, perform counter insurgency roles etc. Along with the peace times, the BSF also plays an extremely important role during the war times as they protect vital installations against enemy attacks.
Personality Traits
- Dedicated patriots
- Strong physical built
- Mental toughness
- Sense of responsibility
- Courage
- Endurance
- Love for adventure
- Leadership qualities
- Commitment
- Dedication
- Perception
- An alert mind
- Integrity
- Willingness to obey orders
COURSE/TRAINING
Different agencies/organizations conduct different set of written exams for different divisions of paramilitary forces. UPSC conducts a written exam for the post of Assistant Commandant (Group A) in Central Police Force (CPF) viz. BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB. This written exam conducted by UPSC is divided into two sections. The first section comprise questions from the area of General Ability and Reasoning where as the second section is geared to test the English language ability of the applicants. After this written exam, all the candidates who successfully clear the written exam appear for a physical efficiency and medical test.
Just as UPSC conducts a written exam for CPF for the post of Assistant Commandant (Group A), in the same manner Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts a written examination for the position of Sub-inspectors in BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB. The written exam conducted by SSC assesses the candidate’s ability in areas as diverse as general knowledge, reasoning, numerical ability, language ability etc. Post clearing this written exams, the successful candidates have to then appear for a personality test and interview.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
After getting through the written exam and interview, aspirants can get into any of the below mentioned three branches. As per the aspirant’s qualifications, BSF personnel get into the General Branch, Technical Branch or Medical Branch. BSF officers in the General Branch take care of the overall general duties and vigilance related work of the Border Security Force. The task of the technical branch entails taking care of the telecommunications and construction equipments, undertaking the repair related work, regularly undertaking the maintenance duties etc. BSF’s Medical Branch provides medical facilities to the personnel round the clock and undertakes actions to ensure overall fitness and well-being of the personnel.
Remunerations
Aspirants who join BSF as Assistant Commandant get a Pay Band of 15600-39100. With experience BSF personnel get the opportunity to gain promotion to position of Assistant Commandant to Deputy Commandant, Second-in-Command, Commandant, Additional Deputy Inspector General, Deputy Inspector General, Inspector General, Additional Director General and finally Director General. Apart from the salaries, BSF officers also enjoy various allowances and additional facilities such as DA, Insurance, free ration etc.
