Meet India’s First All-Women CISF Commando Unit Ready for Frontline Action

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is set to induct its first-ever all-women commando unit, a major step to promote women’s empowerment in frontline operations.The training for these women commandos has already started at the CISF Regional Training Centre (RTC) in Barwaha, Madhya Pradesh. This advanced eight-week commando course is designed to prepare women for Quick Reaction Team (QRT) and Special Task Force (STF) duties at high-security locations and industrial plants.

Rigorous Training Program

The training involves physical fitness routines, weapons practice, and live-fire drills under stressful conditions. It also includes endurance exercises such as running, obstacle courses, rappelling, forest survival skills, and a 48-hour confidence-building activity that tests teamwork and decision-making under tough conditions.

First and Second Batches

The first group of 30 women, who are currently serving at various airports, began training on August 11. Their training will continue until October 4, 2025. The second batch will follow a similar schedule from October 6 to November 29, 2025.

Expanding Opportunities for Women

"In the first phase, around 100 women from Aviation Security Groups (ASGs) and other sensitive CISF units will complete the course. The Force plans to make such all-women training a regular feature. After training, they will mainly serve at airports and then at other critical sites," said Saroj Bhupendra, CISF Public Relations Officer. He added that including women in frontline roles brings CISF closer to gender equality and opens operational opportunities that were traditionally reserved for men.

Increasing Women’s Recruitment

CISF is also focusing on increasing women’s representation to meet the Ministry of Home Affairs’ target of 10 percent. Currently, 12,491 women serve in the CISF, making up eight percent of its total strength. Another 2,400 women will be recruited in 2026, and future recruitment plans aim to maintain at least 10 percent female representation in the force. Through this initiative, CISF aims to lead among armed forces by empowering women in both numbers and operational responsibilities. The CISF, a Central Armed Police Force under the Ministry of Home Affairs, provides security to critical infrastructure, government offices, airports, metros, and industrial units across India.