CISF First All-Women Commando

The CISF First All-Women Commando unit marks a historic moment in India’s security sector, aiming to enhance gender parity and inclusion in frontline security roles. Introduced in 2025, this initiative is a significant step toward recognizing the capabilities of women in highly specialised and high-risk operational roles traditionally dominated by men.

Overview of the CISF First All-Women Commando Unit

The CISF First All-Women Commando unit is currently undergoing intensive training at the Regional Training Centre in Barwaha, Madhya Pradesh. Around 30 women personnel are enrolled in an eight-week advanced program designed to prepare them for specialised counter-terrorist operations. This initiative not only strengthens operational readiness but also ensures the inclusion of women in critical security assignments.

The creation of this all-women unit reflects a policy shift, emphasizing that women are equally capable of handling challenging frontline duties alongside their male counterparts.

Training Programme of the CISF First All-Women Commando

The CISF women commando training in Barwaha, Madhya Pradesh, began in August 2025 and includes a comprehensive syllabus covering:

• Physical fitness and endurance

• Weapons handling and live-fire drills

• Rappelling and survival techniques

• Forest and terrain training

• 48-hour confidence-building module, testing decision-making and teamwork under simulated hostile conditions

The rigorous training ensures that CISF commandos are equipped with the skills essential for rapid response in critical situations. After the completion of the first batch, a second group of 100 women will undergo similar training, gradually expanding the CISF women commando unit.

This structured training program highlights the discipline, strategy, and tactical expertise required in modern-day security operations.

Role and Deployment of the CISF First All-Women Commando

The CISF First All-Women Commando personnel will serve in Quick Reaction Teams (QRT) and Special Task Forces (STF). They are designated for deployment in high-security installations, including:

• Civil airports

• Metro systems

• Sensitive government and private sector sites

Their primary responsibilities include rapid threat response, counter-terrorism operations, and specialised security missions. The CISF commando deployment at airports and metro security plans signify a major step toward integrating women into frontline operational roles.

The formation of this unit also strengthens CISF women security forces, improving operational efficiency while promoting gender diversity within the force.

Women’s Representation in CISF

Currently, women constitute approximately 8% of the total CISF personnel, numbering 12,491. The government has set a target to achieve 10% female representation by 2026, with plans to recruit an additional 2,400 women.

The introduction of the CISF First All-Women Commando goes beyond symbolic inclusion. It demonstrates a commitment to recognizing women’s potential in core operational duties, encouraging further recruitment and participation in specialised security roles.

Significance and Future Outlook

The CISF First All-Women Commando training program 2025 is a pioneering effort in India’s central armed police forces. By establishing a dedicated all-women CISF commandos wing, the government aims to:

• Promote gender equality in high-risk operational roles

• Enhance operational readiness of security forces

• Regularise all-women commando courses as part of the training calendar

With these initiatives, CISF female commandos in Special Task Force operations will continue to set benchmarks in counter-terrorism and rapid response deployments. The all-women CISF commandos for metro security and other sensitive areas are expected to inspire more women to join CISF recruitment drives, contributing to a more balanced workforce in the long term.

Final Thoughts

The CISF First All-Women Commando unit represents a historic milestone in India’s security forces, highlighting the capabilities and potential of women in high-risk operational roles. This initiative not only strengthens gender diversity but also enhances operational efficiency in critical security missions.

The rigorous training program ensures that these commandos are fully equipped for counter-terrorism, rapid response, and specialised operations.

By establishing a dedicated all-women commando wing, the CISF is setting a new benchmark for inclusion and equality in frontline security roles. The deployment of these commandos in airports, metro systems, and sensitive installations underscores the trust and responsibility placed in their skills.