CRPF Officer Career Guide

Serve the Nation with Honor - Complete guide to joining Central Reserve Police Force

About CRPF

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is India's largest Central Armed Police Force, established in 1939. With over 3.25 lakh personnel, CRPF plays a crucial role in maintaining internal security, counter-insurgency operations, and law enforcement across the country.

CRPF officers serve in challenging environments from Kashmir to Kerala, from border areas to metropolitan cities, ensuring peace and security for the nation. The force is known for its professionalism, discipline, and sacrifice in service to the nation.

CRPF Motto & Values

  • "Service and Loyalty" (सेवा और निष्ठा)
  • Courage and Commitment
  • Integrity and Honor
  • National Unity
  • Secular Outlook

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality

Indian Citizenship required

Education

Bachelor's Degree from recognized university

Age Limit

20-25 years (relaxation for reserved categories)

Physical Fitness

Excellent physical and mental health

Age Relaxation & Reservation

OBC: 3 years relaxation
SC/ST: 5 years relaxation
Ex-Servicemen: 5 years relaxation
Women: As per category rules

Selection Process

Written Examination

Online MCQ Test
Duration:

3 hours

Assessment:

200 questions

Type:

Online MCQ Test

General Studies, Mental Ability, General Hindi/English, Elementary Mathematics

Physical Standards Test (PST)

Physical Measurement
Duration:

1 day

Assessment:

Height/Weight/Chest

Type:

Physical Measurement

Physical measurements as per category requirements

Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

Physical Test
Duration:

1-2 days

Assessment:

Running/High Jump/Long Jump

Type:

Physical Test

1600m run in 5.5 minutes, High Jump 1.25m, Long Jump 4.25m

Medical Examination

Medical Test
Duration:

2-3 days

Assessment:

Complete Medical Check

Type:

Medical Test

Detailed medical examination including vision, hearing, general fitness

Physical Standards

CategoryHeightWeightChestVision
Male (General/OBC)170 cm50 kg80-85 cm6/6 and 6/9
Male (SC)165 cm48 kg78-83 cm6/6 and 6/9
Male (ST)162.5 cm47 kg76-81 cm6/6 and 6/9
Female (All Categories)157 cm46 kgN/A6/6 and 6/9
Male (Ex-Servicemen)165 cm50 kg78-83 cm6/9 and 6/12

Physical Fitness Preparation

Running

Requirement: 1600m in 5.5 minutes
Training: Daily 3-5 km running, interval training, stamina building
Tips: Start slow, gradually increase pace and distance

High Jump

Requirement: 1.25m (Male), 1.10m (Female)
Training: Jump training, leg strengthening, flexibility exercises
Tips: Focus on technique, practice regularly, build leg power

Long Jump

Requirement: 4.25m (Male), 3.5m (Female)
Training: Sprint training, explosive leg workouts, coordination
Tips: Work on approach run, takeoff technique, landing form

General Fitness

Requirement: Overall physical fitness
Training: Push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, weight training
Tips: Maintain consistent routine, balanced diet, adequate rest

CRPF Units & Specializations

General Duty

Role: Law and order, crowd control, VIP security
Posting: All states across India
Specialization: Basic paramilitary operations

Rapid Action Force (RAF)

Role: Riot control and crowd management
Posting: Major cities and sensitive areas
Specialization: Non-lethal crowd control techniques

Combat Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA)

Role: Anti-Naxal operations
Posting: Naxal-affected areas
Specialization: Jungle warfare and counter-insurgency

Special Duty Group (SDG)

Role: VIP security and intelligence
Posting: Delhi and state capitals
Specialization: Close protection and intelligence

Mahila Battalion

Role: Women's security and crowd control
Posting: Various locations
Specialization: Women-specific operations

Signal Battalion

Role: Communication and technical support
Posting: Technical centers
Specialization: Communications and IT support

Duties & Responsibilities

Internal Security

Maintaining law and order during communal riots, elections, and emergencies

Importance: Critical for national stability

Border Guarding

Securing international borders and preventing infiltration

Importance: National defense priority

Counter-Insurgency

Operations against insurgent groups and terrorist organizations

Importance: Internal security challenge

VIP Security

Protection of VIPs, government officials, and foreign dignitaries

Importance: High-profile responsibility

Crowd Control

Managing large gatherings, protests, and maintaining public order

Importance: Democratic policing

Disaster Management

Rescue and relief operations during natural disasters

Importance: Humanitarian service

Training Program

1

Basic Training

Location: CRPF Academy, Mount Abu/Neemuch

Physical training, weapon handling, law, drill, tactical operations

44 weeks
2

Probation Period

Location: Field postings

On-job training, practical experience, performance evaluation

2 years
3

Specialized Training

Location: Various training centers

Unit-specific training (RAF, CoBRA, etc.), advanced tactics

4-12 weeks
4

Advanced Courses

Location: Various institutes

Leadership development, counter-insurgency, investigation techniques

Variable

Posting Locations & Challenges

Jammu & Kashmir

Counter-terrorism and border security

Challenges: High altitude, extreme weather, security threats
Benefits: Special area allowance, risk allowance

North-East States

Border security and insurgency control

Challenges: Difficult terrain, cultural diversity, insurgency
Benefits: Border area allowance, hardship allowance

Naxal-Affected Areas

Anti-Naxal operations (CoBRA)

Challenges: Jungle operations, IED threats, guerrilla warfare
Benefits: Field area allowance, risk allowance

Delhi NCR

VIP security, parliament security, law and order

Challenges: High responsibility, protocol duties, crowd management
Benefits: Transport allowance, metro facilities

Industrial Belt

Industrial security, crowd control

Challenges: Labor unrest, industrial accidents, crowd control
Benefits: Industrial area allowance

State Capitals

State government security, VIP protection

Challenges: Political security, ceremonial duties, crowd control
Benefits: City compensatory allowance

Job Hierarchy & Salary

RankLevelPay ScaleKey Responsibilities
Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI)Group C₹35,400-1,12,400Field operations, security duties, crowd control
Sub Inspector (SI)Group C₹44,900-1,42,400Team leadership, operations supervision, administrative duties
InspectorGroup B₹56,100-1,77,500Unit command, strategic operations, training supervision
Assistant CommandantGroup A₹67,700-2,08,700Battalion operations, policy implementation, leadership roles
Deputy CommandantGroup A₹78,800-2,09,200Senior operations management, inter-agency coordination
CommandantGroup A₹1,18,500-2,14,100Force command, strategic planning, administrative control

Allowances & Incentives

Dearness Allowance (DA)

Rate:Current rate ~38%

Inflation adjustment allowance

House Rent Allowance (HRA)

Rate:8-24% of basic pay

Based on posting location classification

Transport Allowance

Rate:₹3,600-7,200

For commuting expenses

Special Area Allowance

Rate:25-50% of basic pay

For postings in difficult areas

Risk Allowance

Rate:₹4,200-17,300

For hazardous duty postings

Field Area Allowance

Rate:₹2,700-6,000

For field postings in operational areas

High Altitude Allowance

Rate:₹1,350-3,150

For high altitude postings

Uniform Allowance

Rate:₹20,000 annually

For uniform and equipment maintenance

Medals & Gallantry Awards

President's Police Medal

Criteria: Distinguished service
Benefits: Prestige and recognition

Police Medal

Criteria: Meritorious service
Benefits: Career advancement points

Shaurya Chakra

Criteria: Gallantry in operations
Benefits: Monetary reward and recognition

Kirti Chakra

Criteria: Conspicuous gallantry
Benefits: High honor and monetary benefits

Ashoka Chakra

Criteria: Most conspicuous bravery
Benefits: Highest peacetime gallantry award

Force Medal

Criteria: Long and faithful service
Benefits: Service recognition

Benefits & Facilities

Job Security

Central government job with excellent stability and pension

Medical Facilities

Comprehensive healthcare through CGHS for self and family

Accommodation

Government quarters or house rent allowance

Canteen Facilities

Subsidized food and essential items through CSD canteens

Leave Travel Concession

Free/subsidized travel for self and family

Education Benefits

Kendriya Vidyalaya admission for children, education allowance

Gallantry Awards

Recognition through medals and awards for exceptional service

Post-Retirement Benefits

Pension, gratuity, medical facilities after retirement

Career Progression

1

Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI)

0-5 years

₹35,400-60,000

2

Sub Inspector (SI)

5-10 years

₹44,900-75,000

3

Inspector

10-15 years

₹56,100-90,000

4

Assistant Commandant

15-20 years

₹67,700-1,20,000

5

Deputy Commandant

20-25 years

₹78,800-1,50,000

6

Commandant

25+ years

₹1,18,500-2,00,000

Recruitment Statistics

YearVacanciesApplicationsSuccess Rate
202319,67315,00,000+1.3%
202220,00014,50,000+1.4%
202117,50012,00,000+1.5%
202015,00010,50,000+1.4%

Preparation Strategy

Focus on current affairs, especially internal security and policing matters

Build excellent physical fitness through regular exercise and sports

Study Indian Constitution, criminal law, and police procedures

Practice quantitative aptitude and logical reasoning regularly

Improve general Hindi and English language skills

Stay updated with CRPF organization, structure, and recent operations

Develop leadership qualities and team management skills

Prepare for high-pressure situations and quick decision making

Ready to Serve the Nation?

Join CRPF and be part of India's largest paramilitary force!

Explore More CareersStart Preparation