In a historic stride toward gender equality, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) launched its first all-women commando unit in 2025, marking a transformative moment for India’s security landscape. This trailblazing initiative empowers women to take on high-stakes, frontline roles in counter-terrorism and specialized security operations. Currently undergoing intensive training in Barwaha, Madhya Pradesh, this unit of 30 women commandos is set to redefine operational excellence and inspire greater female representation in India’s security forces. Here’s an in-depth look at this groundbreaking development, its training, roles, and broader significance.
A Milestone for Gender Parity
The establishment of the all-women commando unit is a bold step by the CISF to promote gender diversity in roles traditionally dominated by men. This initiative aligns with the Indian government’s push for 10% female representation in security forces by 2026, enhancing both inclusion and operational strength.
Key Points:
- First of Its Kind: CISF is the first central armed police force in India to form a dedicated all-women commando wing.
- Current Representation: Women make up 8% (12,491 personnel) of the CISF, with plans to recruit 2,400 more women by 2026.
- Policy Shift: The unit reflects a commitment to recognizing women’s capabilities in high-risk, core operational roles.
Rigorous Training: Forging Elite Commandos
The first batch of 30 women began their eight-week advanced training in August 2025 at the Regional Training Centre in Barwaha, Madhya Pradesh. The program is designed to equip them with skills matching those of male commandos, ensuring readiness for high-pressure scenarios.
Key Points:
- Training Components:
- Physical Fitness: Endurance and strength-building exercises.
- Weapons Handling: Proficiency in firearms and live-fire drills.
- Specialized Skills: Rappelling, survival techniques, and forest training.
- Confidence-Building Module: A 48-hour exercise testing decision-making and teamwork under simulated hostile conditions.
- Future Expansion: A second batch of 100 women will undergo similar training to scale up the unit.
- Goal: To prepare commandos for rapid response and counter-terrorism operations with precision and resilience.
Insight: The rigorous training ensures that women commandos are not just participants but leaders in high-stakes security operations, setting a new standard for inclusivity.
Roles and Deployment: Frontline Guardians
The all-women commando unit will serve in Quick Reaction Teams (QRT) and Special Task Forces (STF), deployed at high-security sites across India, including civil airports, metro systems, and sensitive government and private sector installations.
Key Points:
- Primary Roles: Rapid response to threats, counter-terrorism, and specialized security operations.
- Key Locations: Strategic deployments at critical infrastructure to ensure national safety.
- Operational Impact: Enhances CISF’s readiness while showcasing women’s prowess in high-risk assignments.
Pro Tip: Aspiring commandos can prepare by focusing on physical fitness, mental resilience, and tactical training, as these skills are critical for QRT and STF roles.
Women in CISF: A Growing Force
Women currently constitute 8% of the CISF’s workforce, totaling 12,491 personnel. The force’s plan to recruit 2,400 additional women by 2026 aligns with the government’s broader goal of increasing female representation in security roles.
Key Points:
- Current Strength: Women play a vital role in CISF’s operations, from airport security to industrial protection.
- Recruitment Drive: The addition of 2,400 women will push the force closer to the 10% target.
- Beyond Symbolism: The all-women commando unit empowers women to lead in core operational roles, not just support functions.
Insight: This initiative is a powerful statement that women are not just participants but integral to the future of India’s security framework.
Education and Coaching Trends: Preparing for Security Careers
The Comprehensive Modular Survey (CMS) from the 80th National Sample Survey (2025) highlights the role of private coaching in preparing for competitive careers, including security-related roles. With 27% of students nationwide relying on coaching, urban areas (30.7%) outpace rural ones (25.5%), with urban households spending ₹3,988 annually compared to ₹1,793 in rural areas.
Key Points:
- Coaching Relevance: Specialized programs in cities like Delhi and Pune prepare candidates for security force entrances, including physical and written tests.
- Cost Disparity: Coaching expenses rise to ₹9,950 for higher secondary students in urban areas, reflecting the competitive nature of such careers.
- Funding Challenges: 95% of students rely on household funding, with only 1.2% accessing government scholarships.
