Central Armed Police Forces in India: CRPF, CISF, BSF, RPF, ITBP

Central Armed Police Forces 2025 – The CRPF, CISF, BSF, RPF, and ITBP are paramilitary forces in India, primarily under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), except for RPF, which operates under the Ministry of Railways. Collectively known as Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), they handle internal security, border guarding, and specialized duties, distinct from the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) under the Ministry of Defence. This article explains the roles, structure, and significance of these forces, including their relation to special forces like NSG and COBRA.

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Central Armed Police Forces in India: CRPF, CISF, BSF, RPF, ITBP

Central Armed Police Forces in India – CRPF, CISF, BSF, RPF, ITBP: Roles and Structure

The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are paramilitary forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), except for the Railway Protection Force (RPF), which is under the Ministry of Railways. 

The Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) under the Ministry of Defence, which focus on external defense. 

Whereas CAPFs handle 

• internal security, 
• border security, and 
• specialized tasks like counter-insurgency and
• infrastructure protection. 

Key CAPFs include CRPF, CISF, BSF, ITBP, SSB, NSG, and Assam Rifles, with RPF as a railway-specific force.

Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

Category: Central Armed Police Force (MHA)

• Role: Maintains law and order, combats insurgency, and conducts anti-Naxal operations (e.g., in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand). It assists state police in riot control, VIP security, and elections (e.g., 1999 Parliamentary elections).
• Special Unit: Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA), a specialized unit for guerrilla warfare against Naxalites, established in 2008.
• Structure: Largest CAPF with 247 battalions, over 301,376 personnel, headed by a Director General (IPS officer).
• Established: 1939 as Crown Representative’s Police, renamed CRPF in 1949.

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)

Category: Central Armed Police Force (MHA)

• Role: Provides security to critical infrastructure, including airports, nuclear power plants, space installations, and PSUs (e.g., Delhi Metro, 307 industrial units).
• Special Role: Largest fire protection service provider for 102 industrial undertakings; also secures private enterprises like Infosys on a payment basis.
• Structure: Headed by a Director General (IPS officer), with personnel trained for VIP security and disaster management.
• Established: 1969 under the CISF Act.

Border Security Force (BSF)

Category: Central Armed Police Force (MHA)

• Role: Guards India’s borders with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, preventing trans-border crimes like smuggling and infiltration (e.g., role in 1971 Bangladesh Liberation).
• Special Role: World’s largest border guarding force, with its own Air Wing, Water Wing, and Artillery Regiment; supports counter-insurgency in Naxal areas.
• Structure: 186 battalions, 250,000 personnel, headed by a Director General (IPS officer).
• Established: 1965 after the Indo-Pakistan War.

Railway Protection Force (RPF)

Category: Central Armed Police Force (Ministry of Railways)

• Role: Ensures safety and security of railway passengers, property, and infrastructure, preventing crimes on trains and stations.
• Special Role: Distinct from state railway police, focuses on railway-specific security, not general law enforcement.
• Structure: Headed by a Director General, with personnel deployed across Indian Railways.
• Established: 1957 under the RPF Act.

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)

Category: Central Armed Police Force (MHA)

• Role: Guards the 3,488 km India-China border from Karakoram Pass (Ladakh) to Jachep La (Arunachal Pradesh), specializing in mountain warfare and high-altitude operations.
• Special Role: First responder for Himalayan disasters (e.g., 2013 Uttarakhand floods, rescuing 30,000 pilgrims); conducts UN peacekeeping missions.
• Structure: 60 battalions, 88,432 personnel, 197 border outposts at 9,000-18,750 ft, headed by a Director General (IPS officer).
• Established: 1962 after the Sino-Indian War.

Distinction from Indian Armed Forces

The Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) under the Ministry of Defence focus on external defense and military operations, including special forces like Para SF (Army), MARCOS (Navy), and Garud (Air Force). CAPFs, including CRPF, CISF, BSF, ITBP, and RPF, are civilian forces under MHA (or Railways for RPF), tasked with:

• Internal Security: CRPF and CISF assist state police in law and order, counter-insurgency, and VIP security.
• Border Security: BSF and ITBP guard international borders, supporting the Army during peacetime.
• Specialized Duties: RPF secures railways; CISF protects infrastructure; ITBP excels in Himalayan operations.
• Special Forces: CAPFs include units like NSG (counter-terrorism) and COBRA (anti-Naxal), distinct from military special forces.

Central Armed Police Forces in India: Summary

The CRPF, CISF, BSF, ITBP, and RPF are Central Armed Police Forces, primarily under MHA (except RPF under Railways), responsible for internal security, border guarding, and specialized tasks. Unlike the Indian Armed Forces, which handle external defense, CAPFs focus on domestic challenges, with units like COBRA and NSG enhancing their capabilities. Their distinct roles ensure India’s comprehensive security framework.

Important Links

Action				Link
CRPF Official Website				Click Here
CISF Official Website				Click Here
BSF Official Website				Click Here
RPF Official Website				Click Here
ITBP Official Website				Click Here
Important Questions Q. What is the CRPF? Answer. The CRPF is a Central Armed Police Force under MHA, tasked with law and order, counter-insurgency, and anti-Naxal operations, including the COBRA unit. Q. What does the CISF do? Answer. The CISF is a CAPF under MHA, securing critical infrastructure like airports, nuclear plants, and PSUs, and providing fire protection services. Q. What is the role of the BSF? Answer. The BSF is a CAPF under MHA, guarding India’s borders with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, preventing smuggling and infiltration. Q. Is the RPF part of the Armed Forces? Answer. No, the RPF is a CAPF under the Ministry of Railways, not MHA or MoD, securing railway passengers and property. Q. What is the ITBP’s primary duty? Answer. The ITBP is a CAPF under MHA, guarding the 3,488 km India-China border and conducting disaster relief in the Himalayas. Q. Where can I find official information on CAPFs? Answer. Visit crpf.gov.in, cisf.gov.in, bsf.gov.in, itbpolice.nic.in, or indianrailways.gov.in.