CISF to Induct First-Ever All-Women Commando Team into Core Operations

August 24, 2025 MTIMES 48 Views aviation security, CISF all-women commando team, CISF training, Indian Army, Indian paramilitary forces, Ministry of Home Affairs, Quick Reaction Teams, Special Task Force, women empowerment 4 min read

New Delhi: In a landmark initiative towards gender empowerment, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is set to induct its first-ever all-women commando team into core operations. Training of the selected women commandos has already commenced at the CISF Regional Training Centre (RTC) in Barwaha, Madhya Pradesh.

Advanced training for high-security duties

The eight-week advanced commando programme is designed to prepare women personnel for Quick Reaction Teams (QRT) and Special Task Force (STF) responsibilities at high-security establishments and sensitive plants. Training modules include physical fitness, live-fire drills under stress, endurance-building exercises, obstacle courses, rappelling, forest survival, and a 48-hour confidence-building exercise to test decision-making under adverse conditions.

The first batch of 30 women, currently deployed across airports, started training on August 11, 2025, and will complete it by October 4. A second batch is scheduled from October 6 to November 29, 2025.

Women to play key role in aviation and sensitive CISF units

According to CISF Public Relations Officer Saroj Bhupendra, at least 100 women personnel from Aviation Security Groups (ASGs) and sensitive CISF units will undergo this training in its initial phase. Post-training, they will primarily be deployed at airports before being assigned to other high-security installations.

“The inclusion of women in CISF’s core capabilities marks a decisive step towards gender parity and opens a new operational space previously dominated by men,” Bhupendra said.

Women’s representation in CISF to rise to 10 per cent

Currently, the CISF has 12,491 women personnel, accounting for around eight per cent of its strength. To meet the Ministry of Home Affairs’ target of 10 per cent representation, 2,400 more women will be recruited in 2026. Recruitment will be structured in the coming years to ensure consistent women’s participation across the force.

With this move, the CISF is on track to become a leading force among India’s armed organisations, empowering women both in numbers and operational roles.

The CISF, functioning under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is a specialised paramilitary force tasked with providing security to critical infrastructure, government buildings, airports, metros, and industrial units across India.

FAQ on CISF All-Women Commando Team

Q1. What is the CISF all-women commando team?
It is the first-ever women-only commando unit being trained for Quick Reaction Teams and Special Task Force duties in high-security CISF operations.

Q2. Where is the training for CISF women commandos being held?
The training is being conducted at the CISF Regional Training Centre in Barwaha, Madhya Pradesh.

Q3. How long is the CISF commando training course?
The course runs for eight weeks and includes physical drills, weapons training, survival techniques, and confidence-building exercises.

Q4. How many women are part of the first batch?
The first batch consists of 30 women, currently serving at various airports, undergoing training from August 11 to October 4, 2025.

Q5. What is the target for women’s representation in CISF?
The Ministry of Home Affairs has set a 10 per cent representation target. With upcoming recruitment, women’s strength in CISF is expected to rise from 8 per cent to at least 10 per cent.

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