How to Become NSG Commando: Height, Age Limit, Eligibility & Selection Criteria

Becoming an NSG commando represents the pinnacle of commitment and expertise in the field of counterterrorism. Aspirants must have unyielding resolve and physical prowess to embark on this extraordinary voyage. Candidates selected from India's elite armed forces undergo rigorous screening and training to hone their combat skills and mental toughness. 

Know about the process to join the NSG, eligibility criteria, salary and allowances of Black Cat commandos, and more.

NSG refers to the National Security Guard, which is regarded as the nation's most effective force in times of national peril. NSG is a counter-terrorism force that is prepared to intervene in exceptional circumstances. To guarantee the nation's security and safety, they are experts at handling dangerous and difficult situations.

To become a member of the NSG, you should first be in the armed forces, such as the Indian Army or Central Police Armed Force.

There are 3 phases involved in becoming a Black Cat commando.

Phase 1: Pre-selection Training

At this level, qualified candidates are shortlisted to advance to the next level, and its eligibility requirements include the following:

• A candidate from the Indian army must have three years of experience, whereas a candidate from the police force must have five years of experience.
• The maximum NSG commando age limit is 35 years.
• Standard physical and medical criteria must be met.
• The shortlisting procedure also includes several physiological and physical exams that the candidate must pass.

Phase 2: NSG Commandos Qualification Training

Qualification training lasts three months, followed by nine months of advanced training. Its qualifications include exercises like battling in difficult situations and jumping from great heights to ensure that candidates can perform well under pressure. Because it is a challenging process, the dropout rate is around 80%.

Phase 3: Final Advanced Training

After finishing Qualification training, the Candidate must go through this training for a duration of nine months. It is considered the most difficult training under NSG. 

• Criteria for training include Surveillance, bomb defusing, unarmed fighting, reflex training, and so on.
• Candidates who complete both the basic and advanced training are chosen for NSG and receive extra training.
• This training is provided at Manesar, Haryana's National Security Guard training facility.

NSG commandos receive about ₹18,000 during training. Later, they receive between ₹40,000 and ₹85,000 per month. 

An NSG commando's wage is the same as that of their respective military forces before recruitment, and they are also eligible for numerous benefits after being inducted into the NSG.

Following induction, NSG operators are eligible for a variety of allowances and work benefits, including:

• Allowance for special forces
• Allowance for deputation
• Provision for a particular security
• Allowance for travel
• Allowance for field area
• Compensation for dearness
• Allowance for altitude
• Allowance for the upkeep of a parachute pay kit
• Medical amenities for air/rail travellers
• Free accommodation in government quarters
• Free rationing and canteen services
• Their offspring will receive free schooling, low-interest loans, and a lifetime annuity.

In addition, there might be some other benefits as well. Therefore, the path to becoming an NSG commando might be difficult, but it is certainly worth it at the end of the day.