Training Programme
CISF All Women Commando Unit Breaks New Ground: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) launched its first all women commando unit in August 2025. Training is being conducted at the Regional Training Centre, Barwaha in Madhya Pradesh. About 30 women are undergoing an eight-week programme with focus on physical fitness, weapons handling, live-fire drills, rappelling, survival skills, and forest training.
A 48-hour confidence-building module is a key part of the course. It evaluates decision-making and teamwork in simulated hostile situations. This ensures that women commandos develop equal operational capability to their male counterparts. The first batch will be followed by another group of 100 trainees.
Static GK fact: CISF was established in 1969 under the CISF Act and is headquartered in New Delhi.
Role and Deployment
The unit will be deployed in Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and Special Task Forces (STFs). These women will operate at high-security installations such as airports, metro networks, and sensitive government and private facilities. Their role is crucial in rapid response, counter-terrorism, and critical area protection.
The move aligns with CISF’s strategy of combining operational preparedness with greater gender diversity.
Static GK fact: CISF currently guards over 350 establishments, including airports, nuclear power plants, and Delhi Metro.
Women Representation in CISF
At present, women constitute about 8% of CISF personnel with around 12,491 members. The force plans to recruit 2,400 more women by 2026, aiming to meet the government’s target of 10% female representation in Central Armed Police Forces.
The creation of the commando unit is not symbolic but a structural reform, bringing women into the core operational roles of India’s security apparatus.
Static GK Tip: India’s first women-only police station was established in Kozhikode, Kerala, in 1973.
Significance and Future Outlook
The initiative makes CISF the first central armed police force in India to establish a dedicated all-women commando wing. This step strengthens gender parity in security forces and promotes inclusive participation in frontline defence roles.
Regular commando courses for women will now feature in CISF’s training calendar. The move reflects the government’s commitment to gender equality and operational excellence in national security.
Static GK fact: August 26 is observed globally as Women’s Equality Day, commemorating women’s suffrage in the United States.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
CISF All Women Commando Unit Breaks New Ground:
Topic | Detail |
Force | Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) |
Established | 1969 under the CISF Act |
Headquarters | New Delhi |
New Unit | First all-women commando wing |
Training Centre | Barwaha, Madhya Pradesh |
Training Duration | 8 weeks, with 30 women in first batch |
Key Training Features | Weapons handling, rappelling, forest survival, live-fire drills |
Confidence Module | 48-hour simulated hostile condition test |
Deployment Areas | Airports, metro systems, sensitive installations |
Women in CISF | Around 8% (12,491 personnel) |
Recruitment Target | 2,400 new women by 2026 |
Representation Goal | 10% female personnel in CISF |
First Batch Size | 30 commandos |
Next Batch | 100 women commandos |
Key Roles | Quick Reaction Teams, Special Task Forces |
Significance | First CAPF with dedicated all-women commando unit |
Gender Equality Day | August 26 (Women’s Equality Day) |
Motto of CISF | Protection and Security |
Total Establishments Guarded | Over 350 across India |