What is Border Security Force (BSF), Eligibility & How to Apply

The Border Security Force (BSF) is responsible for ensuring the security and integrity of India's borders with its neighbours. With the slogan "Duty Unto Death," the Border Security Force (BSF) is important in ensuring national security, combating terrorism, preventing smuggling, and preserving law and order in border areas.

Know more about this force, how to join, eligibility, and more.

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What is the Border Security Force?

The Border Security Force (BSF) is India's crucial border patrol force. The Ministry of Home Affairs is in charge of the BSF and is part of the Central Police Forces. It was founded on the recommendation of the Committee of Secretaries and went into effect on December 1, 1965.

The BSF, the world's largest border-guarding force, patrols the Indo-Bangladesh and Indo-Pakistan borders. India's expanding inner security threats have mandated that it performs counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, and disaster management, to name a few.

What is the History of BSF?

BSF was established in 1965, primarily tasked with securing the borders of our nation. The devastating war between India and Pakistan in 1965 exposed severe structural flaws in India's border defence policy. This directly fuelled the formation of the BSF.

What are the Roles and Responsibilities of the Border Security Force?

Some of the key roles and responsibilities of this force are as follows:

Wartime activities: Border Security Force (BSF) duties during wartime include defending designated areas, taking limited aggressive actions against enemy forces, and keeping the peace in enemy territory. It also includes guiding the army through border regions, protecting prisoners of war (POWs).
Peacetime activities: Whereas during peacetime, the BSF is responsible for reassuring locals along the border and preventing transnational crime like smuggling and illegal activity, as well as stopping intruders from entering or leaving India illegally.
Disaster management: BSF actively participates in disaster management efforts by assisting in rescue and relief operations during natural disasters, including floods, earthquakes, and cyclones in border areas.
Crisis management: During times of crisis or humanitarian emergency, BSF extends its assistance in delivering humanitarian aid and relief to impacted communities, especially border inhabitants and refugees, assuring their well-being and safety.

How to Join the BSF?

BSF recruitment process has different selection criteria as per different Ranks:

General Duty Cadre

Constable
Sub-Inspector

Communication Setup

Assistant Commandant
Assistant Sub-Inspector (Radio Mechanic)
Head Constable (Radio Operator)

Head Constable

What is the Selection Process for BSF Constables?

Stages	Description
Physical Standard Test	Applicants will take a physical standard test to determine their height, weight, and chest size. If a candidate does not meet the requirements, they will be eliminated.
Document Verification	The original certificates of candidates are verified during this phase in accordance with their educational credentials.
Physical Efficiency Test	Candidates who pass the first two examinations undergo a physical efficiency test, which includes the long jump, high jump, and race.
Written Exam	After the Physical Efficiency Test, candidates take a written exam consisting of a 100-question objective paper.
Medical Exam	Candidates must meet the mental and physical fitness requirements as per the medical norms.
Merit List	A merit list is created based on the candidates' written test scores and their category.

What is the Selection Process for BSF Sub-inspectors?

Phase	Description
Written Exam	The written exam for the sub-inspector position is divided into two parts: Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 consists of 200 multiple-choice questions worth 200 points and lasts for 2 hours. Paper 2 is subjective and worth 200 points, lasting 2 hours.
Physical Standard Test	After completing Paper 1, applicants undergo a physical standard test. This test determines the candidates' eligibility based on elimination criteria, and no marks are awarded. Following this test, applicants proceed to Paper 2 of the written exam.
Medical Exam	Applicants must meet the medical standards specified in the qualifying requirements of the post.
Merit List	A merit list is created based on the marks obtained in the written exam, including both Paper 1 and Paper 2.

What is the Selection Process for BSF Assistant Commandants?

Phase	Description
Written Test	The written test for the BSF Assistant Commandant position consists of two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 is a multiple-choice test with 125 questions worth 200 points, focusing on general ability and intelligence. It lasts for two hours.
Physical Standards and Medical Exam	After passing the written exam, candidates undergo the Physical Standards and Medical Exam. In this phase, candidates must meet the physical and medical requirements to pass the test.
Personal Interview	Shortlisted candidates who pass the preceding tests are subjected to a personal interview. This phase is worth a total of 150 points.
Merit List	In the final phase, a merit list is created based on the written test results (Paper 1 and Paper 2) and the personal interview.

What are the Eligibility Criteria For Joining BSF?

Here are the criteria for BSF eligibility:

The BSF is India’s primary border security force and is one of five Central Armed Police Forces. The BSF, with its devoted employees, performs a critical role in ensuring national security, combating terrorism, preserving law and order, and preventing illicit border activities. The force has a long history and has developed in accordance with the nation's changing security requirements.

FAQs about Border Security Force

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What are the BSF's specialised units?

BSF has specialised units to meet distinct operational needs. The BSF's elite commando force, the Special Operations Group (SOG), which is trained for counter-terrorism and other high-risk operations, is one of the most notable specialised forces. The BSF also has combat and survival training units, such as the Jungle Warfare and Counter Insurgency (JWCI) training school.

Does the BSF have an animal unit?

Search and rescue, detecting explosives, and patrolling in terrain where combat vehicles would fail are just some of the many tasks performed by the BSF's animal squads, which include highly trained dogs and horses.

Is there a female contingent in the BSF?

The BSF actually does employ an allocated number of women. Women participate in the BSF in various roles, including those requiring physical combat, information gathering, and administrative support.

Does the BSF have a designated emergency response team?

The BSF does maintain a contingent with disaster response training. These teams are called into action during natural catastrophes to aid in SAR, evacuation, and aid distribution.

Does the BSF conduct counterterrorism missions?

The BSF does combat terrorism; that much is certain. In cooperation with local authorities, BSF troops stationed nationwide participate in counter-terrorism operations.

Is BSF involved in any community service projects?

To gain the trust of the locals, the force hosts outreach activities and offers free medical care, classes, and workshops.