The PARA Special Forces (PARA SF) is an elite unit of the Indian Army, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious special forces in the world. Earning the right to wear the iconic maroon beret and Balidaan badge is considered the pinnacle of military achievement for many defence aspirants in India. However, the journey to becoming a “Red Devil” is exceptionally challenging and requires unwavering dedication, physical prowess, and mental fortitude.
Understanding PARA SF Recruitment
Unlike some special forces units in other branches (such as the GARUD Commandos in the Indian Air Force), there is no direct recruitment path to join the PARA SF. Candidates must first join the Indian Army through standard recruitment channels and then volunteer for the PARA SF. This means that every PARA SF commando has first proven themselves as a capable soldier in the regular army before attempting the rigorous selection process for special forces.
Pathways to Join PARA SF as an Officer
1. Pre-Commission Route for Cadets
Gentlemen Cadets training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) or Officers Training Academy (OTA) can volunteer for the PARA Regiment. The allocation follows these guidelines:
- Up to two officers per battalion per year may be commissioned from IMA/OTA
- These officers will still be allotted a parent regiment by the Military Secretary Branch
- Volunteers must demonstrate exceptional physical fitness and leadership qualities
Read More: Decoding The Badges of a PARA SF Commando
2. Post-Commission Route for Serving Officers
Officers already serving in the Indian Army can also volunteer for the Parachute Regiment if they meet these criteria:
- Less than five years of service at the time of volunteering
- Must be in medical category SHAPE-I (highest medical fitness category)
- Must be graded ‘EXCELLENT’ in Basic Physical Efficiency Test (BPET)
- These officers will retain their affiliation to their original Regiment/Corps as their parent regiment
Officer Entry Examinations
To join the Indian Army as an officer (the first step toward PARA SF), candidates can appear for these examinations:
- National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam
- Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam for Indian Military Academy
- Combined Defence Services (CDS) Exam for Officers Training Academy
Pathways to Join PARA SF as a Jawan (Soldier)
The recruitment process for jawans who wish to join the PARA Regiment follows these steps:
- Initial Army Recruitment: Candidates must first clear the standard Indian Army recruitment process.
- Special Selection Opportunity: Those who achieve exceptional results in the standard recruitment (specifically, 100% marks in Physical Fitness tests and at least 50% marks in Written Test) may be offered the option to volunteer for the PARA Regiment.
- Additional Screening: Volunteers undergo special screening tests specific to the PARA Regiment.
- Contingency Plan: Candidates who opt for PARA Regiment but fail to qualify in the special screening tests will still be assured of joining their already allotted parent regiment.
- PRTC Training: Selected candidates are dispatched to the Parachute Regimental Training Centre (PRTC). Those unable to meet the training standards at PRTC will be transferred to their parent regiment.
The Selection Process
The selection process for PARA SF is notoriously difficult and includes:
- Physical Fitness Assessment: A series of grueling physical tests designed to push candidates to their absolute limits
- Special Screening Tests: Additional tests conducted by a Board of Officers from the PRTC
- Probation Training: Only those who successfully complete the stringent probation training earn the right to wear the coveted Balidaan badge
Essential Skills for PARA SF Personnel
A complete PARA SF soldier or officer must develop advanced proficiency in multiple specialized skills, including:
- Demolitions
- First Aid & Trauma Management
- Communication
- Combat Survival
- Weapons handling, including Sniping
- Unarmed Combat & PTKE (A Philippine Martial Art)
- Language Skills & Cultural Skills
Training Infrastructure
The training of PARA SF commandos is conducted at several specialized facilities:
- Parachute Regimental Training Centre (PRTC): Located in Bangalore, this is where recruit training is conducted
- Paratroopers Training School: Located in Agra, this is where parachute training is imparted
- Special Forces Training School (SFTS): Located in Nahan, Himachal Pradesh, this school was established in 1993 to provide specialized training unique to special forces operations
Insignia and Recognition
PARA SF commandos are distinguished by several unique insignia:
- Balidaan Badge: Symbolizing sacrifice, this badge is worn only by qualified Special Forces personnel
- Maroon Beret: The distinctive headgear of the Parachute Regiment
- Regimental Insignia: An open parachute with wings spread out and a dagger placed upright between the wings
- Shoulder Title: Distinctive PARA SF shoulder flash
- Para Wings: Awarded after completing parachute training
- Various Specialized Badges: Including diving badges, combat free-falling badges, and unit insignia
Conclusion
Joining the PARA SF represents one of the most challenging yet rewarding career paths in the Indian Armed Forces. The journey demands exceptional physical fitness, mental resilience, and unwavering commitment. Those who succeed earn not just the right to wear the distinctive insignia, but also join an elite brotherhood dedicated to the regiment’s motto “Shatrujeet” (The Conqueror).
Also Read: 5 Inspiring Facts About Col Navjot Singh Bal, SC, 2 PARA SF
For defence aspirants aiming to join this prestigious unit, the path is clear: excel in standard military training, volunteer when the opportunity arises, and prepare yourself for the extraordinary challenges that await on the journey to becoming a special forces operator.
FAQs on PARA SF
Is there any special entry to join PARA SF?
No, to join PARA SF, you need to join the Indian Army first. Successful and eligible candidates ie. those attaining 100% marks in Physical Fitness tests and 50% marks in Written Test and are in merit will be asked to exercise an option of joining the ELITE PARA Regt by AROs just prior to their despatch.
What is the difference between Para and Para SF?
All Para SF soldiers are paratroopers but all paratroopers are not Para SF
What is the salary of Para SF commando?
Over and above the standard Army allowances which are authorised depending on the sector where an individual serves, a Sepoy rank soldier in the Special Forces unit will get Rs. 17,300/- per month as Special Forces Allowance and Rs. 6000/- per month in Para Battalion as Para Pay.
Can women join PARA SF?
Women can not join the PARA SF at the moment, but women can take part in Airborne training and mission, so they can earn the Maroon beret.
Do Para Commandos eat glass?
Towards the end of their training and before their induction as a Maroon Beret, these soldiers are made to eat glass.
Can TA officer join Para SF?
Yes, TA officers can join PARA SF.
89 thoughts on “How To Join PARA (SF) Special Forces In Indian Army?”
This post provides a really detailed overview of the PARA (SF) selection process! I appreciate the insights on physical training and the mental challenges candidates face. It’s inspiring to read about the dedication required to join such an elite force. Thank you for sharing this informative guide!
Great insights in this post! The detailed steps and tips for joining PARA (SF) are really helpful. I appreciate the emphasis on physical fitness and mental toughness. It’s inspiring to read about the experiences of those who have already succeeded in this journey. Looking forward to more such content!
This blog post was incredibly informative! The detailed steps and insights into the selection process for joining PARA (SF) are very helpful. I appreciate the emphasis on the physical and mental preparation needed. I’m excited to start my journey towards becoming a part of this elite force! Thank you for sharing this valuable information!
This post is incredibly informative! It’s great to see a detailed guide on joining PARA (SF). I appreciate the emphasis on physical fitness and mental toughness, as those are crucial for this elite unit. Looking forward to more insights and tips!
Great insights on the selection process for joining PARA (SF)! The tips on physical training and mental preparation are really helpful. I’ve always wanted to serve in such a prestigious unit, and your post has given me a clearer idea of what to expect. Thank you for sharing!
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Can arts stream students become a para sf or para sf need only science stream student.
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Sir i am in 7 th standard i wanted to join para commando in indian army but i am from middle class family sir can you tell how much total money needed to join
No need of money bro , just complete your 10th and you must be 170 cm tall then apply for amy gd , once u get selected in indian ,then the officers will ask you to join para if u scored 100 percent marks in physics test and 50 percent marks in written
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Sir,I am studying degree after graduation how to join para commando…pls sir can you tell ?
Can a technical soldier join para sf?
PARA COMMNDO SF JOINING 2021
I want to join the special force and be a part of the INDIAN ARMY
Yes
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Please help me sir
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How to join para SF please help in join
I am Bapi Bauri form udaypur para purulia West Bangole pin code 723155 ham para commando job korna ha
How u dare u to call it a job
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Good
I completed 12 this year .. And i want to join para commando ..plz help me
Sir i m allready join army … Can i apply para sf .. What is the join to para sf …??
In a major step towards enhancing jointness among the three services, the three special forces, namely, the Army’s Para (Special Forces), Navy’s Marine Commandos (MARCOS) and Indian Air Force’s Garud Special Forces are being deployed in the Kashmir valley under the Defence Ministry’s newly-raised Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD).
Sir Mein Indian army raili ka taiyari karta hun kya Sar Mein direct para commando ki bharti dekh sakta hun please Sar answer reply my
Phle indian army me select ho fir uske baad para me jaa skte ho
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Sir, I am 12 class humanities ‘Arts’ student sir mai para sf force join Krna cahta hu toh uske liye kya karu please help me sir
Please sir reply
Same too bro
I’m from Kashmir
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Aera mai to class 9 ka hu mai to delhi sa hu mai bhi para special forces join karna Chata hu
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civilian ke liye Sir direct para commando ki bharti Aati Hai Sir
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How to become para sf commando captain please reply
Is it possible to join in para sf after joining as gd
Good morning kids
I just joined the Indian Army and doing my basic course training, but I was not asked just prior to my dispatch. Can I still join the regular paratrooper or the SF ? If so , how ?
12pass jion Indian para SF major
Sir. I want to join indian para commando ..
I have question that if I am in ncc so what can i join para sf Or other defence academy
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Can TA jawan join para SF ??…and is the process same for TA bharti as of ARO to join para ?
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How I can join para sf after passing out from NDA??
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Can Nepal domicile accept?
Sir Aapne bataya ki har PARA SF COMMANDO ek PARATROOPER hota hai to kya PARATROOPER banne ke baad hi hum PARA SF COMMANDO ban sakte hai? Aur haa to pahle PARATROOPER kaise bane?, aur kya PARATROOPER aur PARA COMMANDO ek hi hota hai? (Sirf PARA COMMANDO na ki PARA SF COMMANDO) sir maine kai baar kai logo se ye question puchha hai par koi ans hi nahi deta. Please🙏 ans me😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
para trooper and para commando are different.
To join paratrooper 3 months of training are trained and To join para commando you need to complete paratrooper and
the next training will start i.e training for para sf commando which is trained for 3.5 yrs of training.
That’s what I know.
And I wanna know whether the Indian army from Nepal can join para sf commando or not.
Jay hind sir.
Sir main Indian army gd main huu .
To mai Para SF ke liye kaise apply kar sakta huu sir. Please tell me sir.
I am radi sir
I completed 12 this year .. And i want to join para commando ..plz help me
Does a TA jawan can join para SF .
If yes what is the upper age limit?
Please reply ASAP
Thanks
When I become para commando, after can I apply ACC entry
How many sheet are for para sf and para (air ) in ima . Can cadets directly opt for para sf without clear para sf
What is the best height for para sf officer and what was the common height of ima cadets
10th pass ke baad kaun si stream Lena parega kiya arts le sakta hoon
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Sir m apki jankari ke leye batana chahta hu ki para ki bhi open bharti hoti h jo banglore Balham m hoti h or vah per only relation certificate vale bande bharti dek sakte h jo June or November m hoti h
If i can join admy through short service commission, i can able to join para SF or not? Please give me suggestion to join army after my b.tech graduation sir?
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???
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