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20 Jan 2026·Source: The Hindu
3 min
Polity & GovernancePolity & GovernanceNEWS

CISF to Determine Roles for Ex-Agniveers After Home Ministry Guidance

CISF awaits Home Ministry instructions on assigning roles to ex-Agniveers absorbed into the force.

UPSC●SSC
CISF to Determine Roles for Ex-Agniveers After Home Ministry Guidance

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Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Director-General Praveer Ranjan stated that an internal committee has been formed to determine the responsibilities for former Agniveers absorbed into the force. The CISF is awaiting instructions from the Union Home Ministry regarding the reservation percentage for Agniveers and the reservation pattern. The government launched the Agnipath recruitment scheme in June 2022, enrolling candidates into the armed forces for four years, with 25% being retained after the term. The Home Ministry previously announced a 10% reservation for Agniveers in Central Armed Police Forces, and later decided to enhance the reservation for former Agniveers in Group C posts of all CAPFs from the existing 10% to 50%. The Ministry notified that 50% of vacant constable posts in the Border Security Force would be reserved for ex-Agniveers.

Visual Insights

Quick Revision

1.

CISF: Determining roles for ex-Agniveers

2.

Agnipath scheme: Launched June 2022

3.

Retention rate: 25% after four years

4.

CAPF reservation: 10% initially, enhanced to 50%

5.

BSF constable posts: 50% reserved for ex-Agniveers

Key Dates

June 2022 - Agnipath scheme launchedDecember 19, 2025 - BSF reservation notification

Key Numbers

25% - Retention rate in Agnipath scheme10% - Initial CAPF reservation for Agniveers50% - Enhanced CAPF reservation for Agniveers50% - BSF constable posts reserved for ex-Agniveers

Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 3: Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism.

2.

GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

3.

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on internal security and government schemes.

More Information

Background

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) was established in 1969 under the CISF Act, 1968, initially to provide security to Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). The impetus for its creation stemmed from the need for a specialized force to protect vital industrial installations, which were increasingly becoming targets of sabotage and unrest. Over the decades, the CISF's mandate expanded significantly.

The 1999 Kandahar hijacking incident exposed vulnerabilities in airport security, leading to CISF's deployment at airports. Post the 2008 Mumbai attacks, its role further broadened to include private sector entities and critical infrastructure. This evolution reflects the changing security landscape and the increasing need for a professional, specialized security force capable of handling diverse threats.

Latest Developments

Recent developments concerning CAPFs, including the CISF, involve enhanced technological integration, modernization of equipment, and specialized training programs to counter emerging threats such as cyberattacks and drone-based intrusions. The focus has also shifted towards improving the welfare and working conditions of personnel, addressing issues like long working hours and stress management. Furthermore, there's an increasing emphasis on gender diversity and inclusion within the forces.

The absorption of ex-Agniveers is part of a broader government initiative to provide employment opportunities to those who have served in the armed forces under the Agnipath scheme, aiming to leverage their training and discipline for national security purposes. Future outlook includes further integration of artificial intelligence and data analytics for predictive policing and threat assessment.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Agnipath Scheme: 1. It envisages the recruitment of personnel into the armed forces for a period of five years. 2. Agniveers will receive a consolidated monthly package with applicable risk and hardship allowances. 3. 100% of Agniveers will be enrolled as regular cadre in the Armed Forces. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is incorrect as the recruitment is for four years. Statement 3 is incorrect as only 25% of Agniveers will be enrolled as regular cadre.

2. With reference to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which of the following statements is NOT correct?

  • A.CISF was established in 1969 to provide security to Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
  • B.CISF is under the control of the Ministry of Defence.
  • C.CISF provides security cover to private sector entities.
  • D.CISF is governed by the CISF Act, 1968.
Show Answer

Answer: B

CISF is under the control of the Ministry of Home Affairs, not the Ministry of Defence.

3. Consider the following statements regarding Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs): 1. CAPFs are under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence. 2. The Border Security Force (BSF) is mandated to guard India's borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. 3. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is primarily responsible for maintaining law and order in insurgency-affected areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is incorrect. CAPFs are under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

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