In a landmark move that could redefine India’s security landscape, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has launched its first all-women commando team. This force, which has been trained to handle some of the most dangerous security situations in the country, will protect airports, high-security areas, and sensitive sites all around India.
Breaking Barriers in Uniform
For decades, women have been underrepresented in paramilitary combat roles. While their presence has grown steadily, frontline commando duties remained a male-dominated territory. CISF’s announcement changes that narrative, signalling a paradigm shift in gender inclusion within India’s security forces.
At present, CISF counts 12,491 women in service—just 8% of its total strength. With this new initiative, the force is aligning itself with the Ministry of Home Affairs’ mandate to ensure 10% women representation across ranks.
Training That Tests the Limits
The first batch of 30 women commandos began training on August 11 at the Regional Training Centre (RTC) in Barwaha, Madhya Pradesh. Their intensive 8-week commando course is no less than a trial by fire.
- The programme includes:
- Live-fire drills under stress conditions
- Advanced weapons training
- Obstacle courses and endurance tests
- Forest survival training
- High-intensity rappelling and climbing
- A 48-hour confidence-building exercise simulating real combat adversity
According to officials, these women are being trained not just as commandos, but as first responders for Quick Reaction Teams (QRT) and members of Special Task Forces (STF) in high-threat scenarios.
From Airports to Parliament: What’s Next?
These women, who are currently stationed at airports, will soon be placed in sensitive areas such as nuclear power plants, metro systems, and even the first all-female CISF unit, which would be stationed close to Delhi. This battalion is expected to secure the Parliament Complex, IGI Airport, Delhi Metro, and key government buildings in the national capital.
CISF officials confirmed that after the first batch completes training on October 4, a second batch will begin on October 6, with the programme continuing till November 29. At least 100 women commandos will complete the course during this initial phase.
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A Step Towards Equal Strength
The move is more than a training programme—it’s a statement of intent. In a country where women are often typecast into supportive or administrative roles, the CISF’s initiative is sending out a loud message: combat readiness knows no gender.
With plans to recruit 2,400 more women by 2026, CISF is aiming not just for numbers, but for a visible frontline transformation. Officials also indicated that the all-women commando courses would become a regular fixture in CISF’s training calendar.
The sight of women commandos manning airports, metro stations, and national assets is set to become a new normal. For India, it’s not just about bolstering security—it’s about embracing the idea that women can, and will, take the lead when the stakes are highest.
