The UPSC has released a notification on May 5, 2007, to fill up 341 positions in the Central Police Forces. The last date to file applications is June 4, 2007. The break up of positions in as follows: BSF-140, CRPF-81, CISF-50, ITBP-47 and SSB-3. A written examination will be held on October 7, 2007. The written examination centres in Karnataka are Dharwad and Bangalore.
Qualification: An aspirant has to be in the age group of 20-25 years as on August  1, 2007. One has to be born between August 1, 1982 and August 2, 1987. There is age relaxation by five years for SC/STs, by three years for OBC’s and by five years for displaced persons and ex-military personnel. General category candidates can make upto four attempts, OBC’s upto seven and SC/ST can make unlimited attempts at cracking the exams, subject to age limit. Any graduate is eligible to appear for the examination.

Selection process: The selection process is based on the following:
1. Written examination
2.Physical measurement and physical efficiency test (PET)
3.Medical examination and
4. Interview

Written examination: The written examination conducted by the UPSC comprises of two papers each of two hours duration.
Paper-I: The questions in this paper will be of objective type multiple choices, in which questions will be set in English and Hindi. The paper carries 250 marks. The pattern of examination is outlined as follows:

General test: The question will be designed to test logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude including numerical and data interpretation.

General Science: The questions will be set to test general awareness, scientific temper, comprehension and appreciation of scientific phenomena of day-to-day observation including new areas of knowledge such as Information Technology, Bio-Technology, and Environmental Science etc.

Current events: This part is devoted to test the candidate’s awareness of national and international issues in the areas of culture, music, arts, and literature, sports and governance, social and developmental issues such as industry, business, globalisation and interplay among the nations.
Indian polity and economy: Here, questions will aim to test the candidate’s knowledge of the political system and Constitution of India, social system, public administration and economic development.

History of India: The questions will broadly cover social, economic and political aspects. This also includes the areas of national and freedom movements.


Geography: This covers physical, social and economic aspects of geography pertaining to India and the world.

Paper-II: This paper is to test the candidate’s ability to formulate his ideas on a given essay topic, arrange them in a coherent, orderly, concise, understandable and lucid manner employing grammatically correct language, free of errors. Further, this will also test the candidate’s ability to understand a given passage for precis writing and comprehension. Also, one needs to develop skills to summarise the precis passage and provide answers to short questions on the comprehension passage.

Physical efficiency: Physical Efficiency Test (PET) is preceded by a Physical Measurement Test (PMT). An aspirant who wants to qualify for PET should have the following physical measurement and should be free from physical deformities.

Physical measurement
Male: Height 165 cms, Chest normal 81 cms, Chest expanded 86 cms, Weight 50 kgs. Female: Height 157 cms,  Weight 46 kgs.
The aspirant should not have following deformities: knock knee, bow leg, flat foot, varicose veins.
Certain tests are conducted to confirm the normal eyesight of the aspirant. Candidates with the required physical measurements and those free from physical deformities are allowed to take the PET.

Critical assessment of PET
A young man in the age group of 20-25 years with normal health should be able to cover 100 mts easily in 14-15 seconds. Some candidates may fall in their anxiety to run fast or change track and get disqualified.
A young man of 20-25 years should cover the 800m distance in 2 minutes 30 seconds. One should run steadily and complete running in time with ease. By running too fast some may  get exhausted and stop half way or start throwing up. Don’t over eat before running. In fact, eat less than normal.
High jump has to be attempted after sufficient practice.
A young man of this age group should be able to easily throw a shot put to a distance of 21’ to 25’ with practice.
These physical efficiency tests (PETs) are easy and well within the reach of youngsters in this age group provided they have practiced under a coach.
Medical check-up will be conducted only for those who are declared qualified.
The physical measurement, physical efficiency and medical tests will be conducted under the supervision of a Nodal Authority to be nominated by the Ministry of Home affairs. These tests will be conducted at various centres to be notified after the results of the written examinations are announced.
Appeals will be entertained only against medical standard tests and will have to be made to the Appellate Authority designated by the Ministry of Home Affairs within a period of 15 days from the date of declaration of the results.

Interview/ personality test
Candidates, who are declared qualified in the medical standard tests, will be called for an interview/ personality test to be conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. Candidates who are declared medically unfit temporarily are allowed to appear before the “Review Medical Board” on their appeal to the Appellate Authority. The Interview/ Personality Tests will carry 200 marks.
Candidates who are short listed for interview/ personality tests will be issued a detailed application format (DAF) in which among other things, they will be required to indicate their preference of services. The female candidates are eligible for appointment to CRPF and CISF only. They will be required to indicate their preference between these two services only.
The merit list will be prepared on the basis of marks obtained by the candidates in the written examination and interview.

Career growth
Selected candidates are required to undergo basic training in their respective academies for one year coupled with one year practical training in their units. Practical training includes army attachment for a few months. After working as Asst. Commandant for 6-7 years, one gets promoted to Deputy Commandant. Subsequently one can get promoted to Commandant scale. In his 21-22 years of service, one can get  promoted to additional DIG. In the 30th year of service one gets promoted as DIG depending upon the availability of vacancies. Finally depending upon the availability of vacancies, one gets promoted as IGP.
The Central Police Forces play a vital role in ensuring internal security. The nature of job and training is mostly outdoor and strenuous. There are instances of some dropping out during training and after a short spell of service.

*(The writer can be contacted on: 25293489, 9844354803 or
patilbangalore@yahoo.co.in