One of the key constituents of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) is the Border Security Force (BSF). The Home Ministry of India regulates the BSF. As the name suggests, these individuals are responsible for securing the border territories of India, namely the India-Bangladesh border, the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan, as well as the border India shares with Myanmar. These individuals also assist in the maintenance of the country’s internal security, prevention of crimes across geographical boundaries, and curbing various types of illegal activities. In the event of a breakout of war, they are expected to fight alongside the army as well. Exemplary by all standards, India’s border security force has always played a key role. This is evident by the bravery displayed by them across various regions, some of which include Punjab, Kashmir, Tripura, and Mizoram. The BSF works under highly demanding conditions of extreme temperatures and terror attacks. This does not prevent several individuals from joining the border security forces because of their innate desire to protect the borders of their nation as well as the people residing near the borders.
Did you know? That India has the largest Border Security Force (BSF) in the world
Details on the Salary of a BSF Constable in 2023
Let’s explore the career graph of these brave-hearted individuals and understand the details of their compensation packages and other benefits.
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The Central government of India encompasses various divisions and systems. One of its administrative divisions is the Pay Commission. The primary duty of the Pay Commission is to introduce requisite changes in the compensation packages of individuals serving in the Central government’s various divisions. It keeps a vigil on various economic factors like inflation to make the necessary revision in the remuneration of more than 1 crore individuals, including those who receive a pension. This also applies to the Border Security Force. There are many individuals who are keen to pursue a career in the BSF. The reasons are varied, but many join because it instils in them a sense of pride in serving their nation. The BSF salary revisions made by the 7th Pay Commission have brought about interesting revisions across the hierarchy of the BSF. The average salary of a BSF constable varies between ₹2.5 lakhs and ₹6.5 lakhs per annum. This applies to employees who have a minimum experience of 5 years and a maximum experience of 20 years. The salary scale is dependent on the various Grades as well as the experience of each individual.
BSF Constable Salary 2023
The Pay Commission has uploaded the details of a BSF constable’s salary for this year (2023) on its official website for applicants to get an insight into the compensation package. The details include the grade pay, various deductions as well as allowances and give clarity on the monthly net earnings of a BSF constable. These are depicted in the table is given below:
Income type |
Amount in Indian rupees |
Total deductions |
Amount in Indian rupees |
Basic package |
₹21,700 |
Central government health scheme (CGHS) |
₹125 |
Commuting allowance (Place of residing-Office) - City – A1 |
₹1,220+₹24 = ₹1224 |
Central government employees group insurance scheme (CGEGIS) |
₹30 |
House rent allowance – City-X |
₹2,538 |
Contribution towards pension |
₹2,214 |
Dearness allowance |
₹434 |
||
Gross earnings |
₹25,896 |
Total deductions |
₹2,369 |
Net earnings |
₹23,527 |
The basic salary of a BSF constable bundled with a dearness allowance as well as other allowances (depending on the Grade of the constable) constitute the BSF salary per month. When BSF constables receive their monthly remunerations, each constable is furnished with a BSF salary slip of the month gone by. This details all the allowances accrued to the said constables as well as the deductions made for the earlier month. A BSF constable salary comes in handy when applying for loans or filing annual tax returns.
BSF Constable Allowances and Benefits
- The allowances and benefits of a BSF constable are as follows:
- Casual leave allowance
- Transport allowance
- House rent allowance (HRA)
- Dearness allowance
- Annual paid leave
- Gratuity
It is now easier to calculate the house rent allowance (HRA) online with the new HRA calculator.
In addition to the above allowance, the other benefits associated with the job profile of a BSF constable include the following:
- Medical facility
- Canteen facility
- Loan facility
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What Is the Job Profile of a BSF Constable?
The job profile of a BSF constable is considered one of the most responsible and challenging ones. Responsible because their call of duty is 24x7 and involves protecting their motherland across its various boundaries. Challenging because they have to counter terror attacks, illegal acts of various types of smuggling, and have to be on their toes for long hours. They have to withstand extreme climatic conditions and bear everything with a smile. Most citizens are unaware of the backbreaking work involved, physically and mentally. Physically, they have to be always fit and keep a hawk’s eye on the borders. They have to be mentally alert at all times. Some of the key responsibilities include:
- Border patrolling without being distracted – this involves an acute observation of the entire terrain.
- Staying alert and willing to combat and prevent any cross-border hostilities.
- Capable of spotting any trouble brewing on the borders and alerting their next-in-command immediately.
In addition to these duties, BSF constables have to follow a strict regimen. They have to abide by all the rules and regulations and follow the guidelines laid down by the Pay Commission. Team spirit, amicable relations as well as willingness to serve unconditionally are some of the key requirements of BSF constables. Though the job involves tough conditions, the perks and benefits are attractive. They get to see and work in landscapes that normal citizens are kept from. They interact with people from all walks of life and get a deep insight into the importance of protecting your motherland.
BSF Constable Career Growth and Promotion
Career promotions are dependent on individual skills and performances. This applies to BSF constables as well. All constables are subject to basic training that lasts for twelve months. During this training period, BSF constables are paid a specific stipend every month. Each constable’s performance is reviewed at the end of the training. Those who have proved their various skills during the training period are given a permanent job offering. The hierarchy is long, and the BSF constables have to work hard to reach the topmost rung of the ladder. The various levels of hierarchy include the following positions, each with its distinct salary package, allowances as well as benefits. These are as follows:
- Senior constable
- Head constable
- Assistant sub-inspector (ASI)
- Inspector
- Assistant Commandant (AC)
- Deputy Commandant (AC)
- Second-in-Command (2 IC)
- Commandant (CO)
- Deputy inspector general (DIG)
- Inspector general (IG)
- Additional director general (ADG)
- Special director general (SDG)
- Director General (DG)
The BSF division consists of various promotion policies. These promotions are based on internal examinations or tests. As you clear each test, you become eligible for a monetary promotion. However, factors like individual merits, physical fitness, and people management skills are also considered. Every higher rung of the ladder brings an increment in the total compensation package as well. The hierarchy road is long and demanding. It takes a couple of years to get elevated from one position to the next, e.g., and it takes almost 5-6 years for a BSF constable to get promoted to the position of an Inspector. However, everything is dependent on the individual candidates.
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Eligibility Criteria for a BSF Constable
The eligibility criteria vary across the different departments of the Border Security Force. The eligibility rules for women are not as rigid as for men. There are many relaxations for individuals belonging to Schedule tribes and castes. A written test is mandatory for all.
The general rules of eligibility to step into the world of the border security force are based on:
- Education qualification
- Age
- Height, Weight, Chest
- Vision
The eligibility criteria for a BSF constable
This is the entry or first level and the requirements are not too strict. They include
Age: Should be between 18 yrs – 23 yrs
Academic:
The individual should have successfully passed the matric examination (the 10th class exam) affiliated to the State Board.
Physical:
- Height requirement for men - 165 cm
- Height requirement for women - 157 cm.
Other skills:
The Border Security Force career is a highly respectable one as it involves serving the nation. Some of the other skills required are
- Pleasing personality
- Unflinching devotion to the motherland
- Team player
- Motivational skills
How to Apply for the Position of a BSF Constable?
The application process for the position of a BSF constable is as follows:
- Visit the official website i.e. https://rectt.bsf.gov.in/.
- On the landing page, you will be able to view a section with the title, ‘current recruitment openings’.
- Under this heading, you have two options. The first option is for BSF Water Wing recruitment 2023 (Group B & C). The second option states ‘Group B & C combatised (Non-Gazetted - Non-Ministerial) posts in the Border Security Force, SMT WKSP.
- Click on the second option.
- You will be provided with a form.
- Key in all the accurate details which are requested.
- Review the details before submitting the form.
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Conclusion:
This article enlightens you about the profile and career graph of the Border Security Force (BSF) in India. It details the various challenges that come with this enviable profile of protecting your nation. It does sound hazardous, especially since the BSF is always stationed at the various boundaries which demarcate the borders of India’s neighbouring countries. Despite the rugged profile, there are many for whom the BSF is a preferred choice for a career. It takes time to get promoted, but the overall stability of the job lures many to this profession. The BSF profession entails an attractive pay package which is bundled with various allowances, which keeps drawing many individuals to this profession with every passing year.
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