Indian Internal Security Agencies | Famous Books for UPSC Exam (Summary & Tests) PDF Download

Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Establishment Year: 1939
• The CRPF is the largest paramilitary force in India and operates under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Its primary role is to assist the state and union territories in maintaining law and order, counter-insurgency, and anti-terrorism operations. It also plays a crucial role in ensuring free and fair elections in the country.
• The CRPF is one of the oldest and largest paramilitary forces in the world. It was originally established as the Crown Representative's Police in 1939 and was later renamed as the Central Reserve Police Force in 1949.
• The force is involved in various roles, including counter-insurgency, anti-terrorism operations, maintaining law and order during communal unrest or riots, and assisting in disaster management and humanitarian efforts.
• CRPF personnel are often deployed in conflict-prone areas like Jammu and Kashmir, the Northeastern states, and areas affected by left-wing extremism (Maoist insurgency).

Border Security Force (BSF)

• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Establishment Year: 1965
• The BSF is responsible for guarding India's land borders during peacetime and preventing transnational crime. It plays a pivotal role in curbing smuggling, illegal immigration, and infiltration. The BSF is also involved in disaster management and promoting a sense of security among border residents.
• The BSF was raised in 1965 in response to the 1965 Indo-Pak war. It is one of the five Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) of India.
• Apart from guarding India's borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh, the BSF has also been deployed in internal security tasks, including anti-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeastern states.
• The force plays a significant role in curbing smuggling, illegal immigration, and cross-border terrorism.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Establishment Year: 1941 (as the Special Police Establishment)
• The CBI is India's premier investigation agency and operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions. It investigates major criminal cases, high-level corruption, and cases of national importance. The CBI is often referred to as the "Super Cop" of India's investigative agencies.
• The CBI was established in 1941 as the Special Police Establishment to investigate corruption cases in the war department during World War II.
• It was later renamed as the Central Bureau of Investigation in 1963 and was made the premier investigative agency of India.
• The CBI functions under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act and has jurisdiction over all states and union territories.

Intelligence Bureau (IB)

• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Establishment Year: 1887
• The Intelligence Bureau is the country's internal intelligence agency. It is responsible for gathering and analyzing intelligence within India and providing inputs to the government on matters of national security and counterintelligence. The IB plays a crucial role in safeguarding India against internal threats and espionage.
• The Intelligence Bureau was formed in 1887 and is the oldest internal intelligence agency in India.
• It operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and is responsible for gathering intelligence within the country and counterintelligence activities.
• The IB plays a crucial role in analyzing threats, providing security assessments, and advising the government on matters related to national security.

National Investigation Agency (NIA)

• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Establishment Year: 2009
• The NIA is the central counter-terrorism law enforcement agency in India. It is responsible for investigating and prosecuting offenses related to terrorism, terrorist financing, and other related matters. The NIA has played a significant role in handling major terrorism cases in the country.
• The NIA was established in 2009 after the 2008 Mumbai attacks to strengthen India's capability to handle terrorism-related cases.
• It has the authority to investigate and prosecute offenses related to terrorism, terrorist financing, and other transnational crimes.
• The NIA has been involved in high-profile cases, including the investigation of terrorist attacks, bomb blasts, and cases involving extremist groups.

National Security Guard (NSG)

• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Establishment Year: 1984
• The NSG is India's elite counter-terrorism unit. Also known as the "Black Cats," they are specially trained and equipped to handle terrorist incidents, hostage rescues, and other critical security situations. The NSG is often deployed in high-risk operations to neutralize terrorists and protect civilians.
• The NSG was established in 1984 as a response to the increasing incidents of terrorism in India.
• It is a specialized counter-terrorism force that undergoes rigorous training in hostage rescue, close-quarters combat, and other specialized skills.
• The NSG is known for its swift response to critical situations and has been deployed in various counter-terrorism operations.

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)

• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Establishment Year: 1969
• The CISF is responsible for providing security to critical infrastructure like airports, seaports, nuclear installations, government buildings, and key industrial units. It is known for its expertise in aviation security and disaster response capabilities.
• The CISF was set up in 1969 to provide integrated security cover to public sector undertakings (PSUs) and other critical infrastructure.
• It is responsible for airport security, industrial security, disaster management, and protecting vital installations across the country.
• CISF personnel are well-trained in handling security threats and providing a safe and secure environment for the public.

Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Establishment Year: 1963
• The SSB is primarily responsible for guarding India's borders with Nepal and Bhutan. It focuses on border security and preventing cross-border crimes and illegal activities. The SSB also plays a role in promoting friendly relations with neighboring countries.
• The SSB was established in 1963 as the Special Service Bureau, and later renamed as Sashastra Seema Bal in 2001.
• It is tasked with guarding India's borders with Nepal and Bhutan, where the focus is on maintaining peace and preventing cross-border crimes and illegal activities.
• SSB personnel also participate in civic action programs to foster friendly relations with border communities.