How to Become Para Commando: Complete Eligibility Criteria Explained

The Special Forces unit of the Indian Army's Parachute Regiment is known as the Para Commando. They are responsible for revolting and sabotaging vital enemy infrastructure via subterranean penetrations and precision strikes.

The stringent hiring process guarantees that only the most capable and devoted candidates are chosen for this prestigious post. Know all about the entry processes, eligibility criteria, importance, and more!

Para Commando officers are key members of the Indian defence forces, tasked with carrying out specialised missions such as direct action, hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, and unconventional warfare.

Follow these steps to become a Para Commando in the Indian Army:

Step 1: Finish Your Schooling

After completing your 10+2 in any stream, you can pursue a degree in any field from a certified board. Graduation is the absolute minimum required for joining the Indian Army.

Step 2: Pass Defense Examinations

Candidates interested in becoming a Para or Para SF Commando must have prior experience as soldiers or officers in the armed forces. So, you need to qualify in either of the examinations held by the defence services to hire experts in various cadres.

Step 3: Fulfil The Eligibility Requirements

Before applying to be a Commando, make sure you meet the following basic eligibility requirements:

• The positions are only available to men.
• The age range is 18-23 years.
• The needed minimum height is 157 cm.

Step 4: Acquire Experience

Gain relevant experience as a soldier or officer before joining the Parachute Regiment to become a Para SF commando. Candidates who achieve 100% marks in physical fitness and 50% marks in written assessments can become a Para Commando. 

These candidates may be required to complete extra examinations to be selected for the Para Regiment.

Step 5: Finish Your Training

Para Commandos may be required to complete their training after passing the medical test and meeting all eligibility standards. They are trained for six months, whereas Para Commandos are trained for three months. 

After successfully completing their training, these professionals may be required to take basic courses.

Before applying to join the Indian Paramilitary, prospective officers should meet the requirements below.

• Only male applicants will be considered for the openings.
• The minimum educational requirement for this position is completing a high school diploma or equivalent.
• The Parachute Regiment's Commando program is restricted to males and females between the ages of 18 and 23. 
• To join the Army or Navy, you must be at least 157 cm tall (or 5.1 feet), whereas the Air Force raises it to 162.5 cm (5 feet, 6.5 inches). 
• After completing the rally exam, you must have served in the Indian Army for at least two years.

These unique entries are intended to find and hire talented people with specialised skill sets. Here are some instances of special entries:

• Direct Entry into the Special Forces: This entry is for serving soldiers who have demonstrated remarkable performance and potential during their service. They go through a rigorous screening procedure for the same.
• The Territorial Army Battalion of the Parachute Regiment: The Territorial Army (TA) permits civilians to enrol as officers and soldiers. Aspiring individuals will undergo the same training and para commando selection process as regular Para SF.
• Special Entry into the National Cadet Corps (NCC): NCC cadets who have excelled in their training and exhibited leadership characteristics can petition for special entry into the Para SF.
• Entry Through The Army Cadet Corps (ACC): ACC applicants who demonstrate extraordinary talents during their training can petition for special entry into the Para SF. Aspirants must pass a rigorous selection process that includes physical testing and interviews.

Soldiers in the Para Commando who take on the role of a Sepoy are paid Rs. 17,300 per month. Para Commando (Special Forces) soldiers in the Indian Army get between 3.6 to 4.62 Lakhs annually. Members of the Para Battalion also receive a monthly Special Forces Allowance of 6,000 INR in addition to their regular pay.

Para Commandos are entitled to several allowances and privileges as members of the Indian Army's Para Special Forces (Para SF) in recognition of their operational commitments. Here are a few crucial ones:

• Para Commando stipend: Para Commandos are paid a unique stipend known as the "Para Commando Allowance" as part of their salary. This is a supplemental cash benefit supplied to compensate for their job's physical and mental demands.
• Medical facilities: Para Commandos have access to the Indian Army's excellent medical facilities. This covers medical insurance, military hospital treatment, and specialised care if injured during operations.
• Allowance for high altitude: Para Commandos frequently operate in high-altitude and mountainous terrain. They earn a high altitude stipend as part of their salary to account for the difficult conditions they confront at high elevations.
• Special forces pay: Commandos earn special forces wage in addition to their normal income as members of the elite Para SF. This compensation recognises their specialised abilities, rigorous training, and operational readiness.
• Risk & hardship allowance: Para Commandos are subjected to high-risk scenarios and endure difficult surroundings during their missions. They are eligible for a risk and hardship payment to compensate for these risks and hardships.
• Retirement benefits: Para Commandos, like all other personnel in the Indian Army, are eligible for retirement benefits like pensions, healthcare benefits, and other post-retirement facilities.

To become a Para Commando in the Indian Army, you must be extremely dedicated and determined. Candidates must be physically robust, mentally resilient, and have a strong sense of discipline. It necessitates steadfast dedication, adaptability, and the ability to operate under adverse conditions.