In a landmark move towards gender parity in India’s security forces, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has created its first-ever all-women commando unit for front-line operational duties.
The specially trained women commandos will form part of Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and the Special Task Force (STF), handling high-security operations at airports, industrial plants, and other critical establishments.
Rigorous Training Underway
The first batch of 30 women personnel, mostly deployed at airports, began their eight-week advanced commando course on August 11 at the CISF Regional Training Centre in Barwaha, Madhya Pradesh. The training includes:
- Weapons handling and live-fire drills under stress
- Endurance-building exercises such as obstacle courses, rappelling, and forest survival
- A 48-hour confidence-building mission to test decision-making and teamwork in adverse conditions
This training will conclude on October 4, 2025, after which the second batch will begin from October 6 to November 29, 2025.
Empowering Women in Uniform
“At least 100 women from different Aviation Security Groups and sensitive CISF units will undergo this training in the initial phase,” said Saroj Bhupendra, PRO of CISF. “Post-training, they will be deployed primarily at airports, followed by other sensitive installations.”
Currently, women comprise 8% (12,491 personnel) of the CISF’s strength. The force plans to recruit an additional 2,400 women in 2026, in line with the Ministry of Home Affairs’ mandate to achieve 10% representation of women across the Central Armed Police Forces.
Breaking New Ground
CISF officials said the creation of the all-women commando unit is a historic step towards gender parity in the force. Until now, such commando roles were occupied exclusively by men.
“With this initiative, the CISF is not only empowering women but also strengthening its operational edge by bringing diversity into its core security functions,” the PRO added.
CISF’s Role
The CISF, one of India’s Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is responsible for the security of airports, metros, government buildings, industrial units, and critical infrastructure across the country.
