New Delhi, Aug 25, 2025:
In a landmark decision, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is all set to introduce its first-ever women commando team, breaking a decades-long barrier in one of India’s most critical paramilitary forces.
30 Women Undergoing Intensive Training in Madhya Pradesh
At the CISF Training Centre in *Barwaha, Madhya Pradesh, around *30 women recruits are currently undergoing an eight-week advanced commando course. The training module includes:
- Physical endurance & combat fitness drills
- Handling of modern weapons and live-fire sessions
- Rappelling and jungle survival skills
- 48-hour confidence-building exercises under extreme conditions
Senior CISF officials said the program has been designed to match the toughest standards of global commando forces.
Deployment in High-Security Zones
Once the course is completed, these women commandos will be deployed in *Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), **Special Task Forces (STFs), and *airport security units, where CISF plays a vital role in counter-terrorism and high-risk operations.
Breaking Gender Barriers in Security Forces
The CISF move reflects India’s broader efforts to *empower women in uniformed services. Earlier, women were inducted as officers and constables, but this is the *first time they will join commando units, traditionally considered male-dominated.
Security analysts say this decision is not just symbolic but *strategic, as women commandos bring additional strengths such as **better passenger profiling at airports, **gender-sensitive frisking, and *combat readiness in urban scenarios.
Global Context
Many countries, including the US, Israel, and the UK, have successfully integrated women into their elite forces. India’s step is being hailed as a progressive move that strengthens both gender equality and national security.
Key Highlights:
- CISF inducts first-ever women commando team in its history.
- 30 women undergoing 8-week rigorous training in Madhya Pradesh.
- Training covers live-fire drills, rappelling, jungle survival, and confidence-building tasks.
- To be deployed in QRT, STF, and airport security operations.
- Marks a historic step for women in India’s paramilitary forces.