How to Become NSG Commando in India? with Case Study 2025

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How to Become NSG Commando in India
How to Become NSG Commando in India

Becoming an NSG Commando, often referred to as a Black Cat Commando, is a prestigious and challenging path in India, known for its elite counter-terrorism and security operations. Based on the perspective of Lucky Bisht, a former NSG Commando, this article outlines the steps and experiences involved in achieving this role by 2025. It’s a journey that demands not just physical prowess but also mental fortitude and a deep commitment to national service.

Steps to Become an NSG Commando

Joining the Armed Forces or CAPF

The first step is to join either the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) or CAPF, such as the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) or Border Security Force (BSF).

Lucky Bisht joined the Indian Army at 16, undergoing basic military training that instilled discipline and teamwork.

For aspiring commandos in 2025, consider entry schemes like the National Defence Academy (NDA) or direct recruitment, ensuring you meet the age and educational criteria.

Gaining Experience and Excelling

Once in the forces, excelling in your role is crucial. Lucky Bisht highlighted the importance of demonstrating exceptional skills in special forces, like Para SF, which involved advanced combat training and leadership in high-pressure situations.

By 2025, with technological advancements in military training, such as AI-driven simulations, standing out through performance remains key to catching the attention of superiors.

Applying for NSG and Selection Process

There’s no direct civilian recruitment for NSG; you must apply internally or get recommended.

Lucky Bisht applied after gaining experience, facing a rigorous selection process.

This includes physical tests (e.g., 10 km runs, obstacle courses), written exams on counter-terrorism, psychological assessments for mental stability, and interviews with senior officers.

By 2025, these processes likely remain intense, with potential digital enhancements in assessments.

Training and Serving

Tipically, nsg commando training period lasts 14 months. Upon selection, NSG training is specialized, covering counter-terrorism tactics, hostage rescue, and bomb disposal, often with international exposure, as Lucky Bisht experienced in Israel.

Serving as an NSG Commando involves high-risk operations, like VIP protection, as seen in his role with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

By 2025, the role continues to demand readiness for national security threats, with a focus on advanced technology integration.

Analysis of Becoming an NSG Commando in India by 2025

This section provides a comprehensive exploration of the journey to becoming an NSG Commando, drawing from the perspective of Lucky Bisht, a former NSG Commando and spy, and integrating general recruitment processes as understood from various sources.

The analysis is structured to cover historical context, personal anecdotes, and projected trends for 2025, ensuring a thorough understanding for readers interested in this elite career path.

Background and Context

The National Security Guard (NSG), established in 1984 following Operation Blue Star, is India’s federal counter-terrorism force, often called the Black Cats for their distinctive uniforms.

NSG personnel are drawn from the Indian Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), such as CRPF, BSF, CISF, and SSB, ensuring a pool of already trained individuals.

Lucky Bisht, born in Gangolihat, Uttarakhand, joined this elite force after a distinguished career in special forces and RAW, making his perspective particularly insightful.

Lucky Bisht’s Journey: A Personal Narrative

Lucky Bisht’s career began at 16 when he enlisted in the Indian Army in 2003, a decision influenced by his family’s military background—his grandfather died in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, and his father also served.

His early education at Kendriya Vidhyalaya No. 5, Mansarovar, Jaipur, laid the groundwork, but joining at such a young age suggests he likely entered through schemes like the Army Boys’ Sports Company, which recruits minors for training.

Bisht underwent basic military training, which he described as rigorous, focusing on discipline and teamwork.

He later progressed to special forces, undergoing two-and-a-half years of training in espionage and commando tactics in Israel, a detail noted in his Wikipedia profile (Wikipedia – Lucky Bisht). This international exposure was crucial, enhancing his skills for later NSG roles.

General Recruitment Process: Steps to NSG

Joining the Armed Forces or CAPF

Candidates must first serve in the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, or CAPF. Entry methods include NDA, CDS, or direct recruitment, and typically between 16-25 for various schemes.

By 2025, with digital recruitment platforms, this step might see more online applications, but the core requirement remains service experience.

Gaining Experience and Excelling

NSG seeks individuals with proven track records. Lucky Bisht excelled in special forces, demonstrating leadership in operations across India and abroad, including missions in Jammu & Kashmir and the North-East, as mentioned in an India Today article (India Today – A movie on former soldier and NSG commando turned film producer Lucky Bisht could be in the making soon).

By 2025, with AI-driven performance tracking, excelling might involve digital evaluations of combat simulations.

Internal job postings or recommendations from superiors are key, as noted in SSBCrack.

Lucky Bisht applied after his special forces tenure, a process likely unchanged by 2025, though digital HR systems might streamline applications.

Selection Process of NSG commando

The NSG commando selection process is rigorous, with a 70-80% dropout rate. Candidates, already serving in the Indian Army (3 years) or CAPF/Police (5 years), undergo physical fitness tests, psychological evaluations, and interviews. The 14-month training at Manesar, Haryana, includes basic (3 months) and advanced (9 months) phases, covering counter-terrorism, bomb disposal, and combat skills. Only the best are inducted.

This is the most demanding phase, involving:

Physical Tests

Tests like 10 km runs, swimming with gear, and obstacle courses, as described in general guides.

Lucky Bisht recalled moments of doubt during these, pushing through with mental resilience.

Written Exams

Covering weapon handling, tactical operations, and security protocols, ensuring theoretical knowledge aligns with practical skills.

Psychological Assessments

Evaluating mental stability for high-stress scenarios, using stress interviews and simulations, a process likely enhanced by 2025 with AI-driven psychological profiling.

Interviews

Panels assess personality, motivation, and suitability, focusing on leadership, adaptability, and integrity, as per standard procedures.

Training at NSG

Post-selection, training at NSG facilities includes counter-terrorism tactics, hostage rescue, bomb disposal, and survival skills.

Lucky Bisht’s training in Israel highlights international collaboration, a trend that might expand by 2025 with global security partnerships.

Training duration is typically several months, focusing on zero-error operations.

Personal Experiences and Challenges

Lucky Bisht’s selection process was intense, with physical tests pushing him to his limits and psychological assessments testing his composure under pressure.

He shared in an interview with Moneycontrol (Moneycontrol – The curious case of former NSG commando & RAW agent Lucky Bisht) that moments of doubt were common, but his motivation stemmed from family legacy and national duty.

By 2025, while the core challenges remain, technological aids like VR simulations might make training more realistic, yet equally demanding.

His role as a personal security officer for dignitaries like Narendra Modi, during Modi’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, underscores the high-stakes nature of NSG duties.

Operations like the 2008 Mumbai attacks (Operation Black Tornado) highlight the NSG’s critical role, though Bisht’s direct involvement is unclear from available data.

By April 9, 2025, the recruitment process likely retains its core structure, but advancements in technology could influence training and selection.

AI-driven assessments might enhance psychological evaluations, and digital platforms could streamline applications. International training, as Bisht experienced, might see increased collaboration, with more commandos trained abroad for global counter-terrorism strategies.

Salary and benefits, as noted in SSBCrack, remain competitive, with allowances for risk and hardship, potentially adjusted for inflation by 2025.

Salary of an NSG Commando in India

The salary of an NSG commando in India in 2025, based on the 7th Pay Commission, ranges from ₹80,000 to ₹3,00,000 per month, depending on rank, experience, and seniority. The average annual salary is around ₹10 lakh, with entry-level Assistant Commandants earning ₹56,100–₹1,77,500 monthly. Commandos receive allowances like Dearness Allowance (17%), House Rent Allowance (24% in major cities), Transport Allowance (₹7,200–₹15,750), Risk and Hardship Allowance, and Uniform Allowance. Additional benefits include medical coverage, pensions, and educational support. Salaries vary by role, with higher ranks like Inspector earning up to ₹15 lakh annually.

Key Stages and Requirements for NSG Commando Selection 2025

StageDescriptionKey Requirements
Join Armed Forces/CAPFEnlist via NDA, CDS, or direct recruitment, serve initially.Age 16-25, educational qualifications, physical fitness.
Gain ExperienceExcel in role, demonstrate leadership in special forces or similar units.Proven skills, recommendations, combat experience.
Apply for NSGMonitor internal postings, get recommended by superiors.Minimum service tenure, exceptional performance.
Selection ProcessPhysical tests, written exams, psychological assessments, interviews.High physical fitness, mental resilience, tactical knowledge.
NSG TrainingSpecialized training in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, bomb disposal.Completion of rigorous training, international exposure possible.

Unexpected Detail: International Training Impact

An unexpected aspect is the role of international training, as seen in Lucky Bisht’s two-and-a-half years in Israel.

By 2025, this could become more common, with NSG commandos trained in countries like the US or UK for advanced counter-terrorism tactics, potentially enhancing India’s security apparatus with global best practices.

Conclusion

Becoming an NSG Commando by 2025, as per Lucky Bisht’s journey, requires joining the armed forces or CAPF, excelling in service, undergoing a demanding selection process, and completing specialized training. It’s a path of sacrifice and honor, demanding physical and mental resilience. For aspirants, start early, stay dedicated, and leverage technological advancements in training. Lucky Bisht’s story inspires, showing that with determination, one can achieve this elite role, serving India with pride..

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can a civilian become an NSG Commando?

No, as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the NSG only recruits from personnel already serving in the Indian Army or Central Armed Police Forces.

What is the age limit to become an NSG Commando?

Typically, the nsg commando age limit must be under 35 years. However, this may vary based on the specific criteria set by the organization.

What is the educational requirement to become an NSG Commando?

Generally, the minimum educational qualification required is a high school diploma or equivalent. However, the NSG values practical skills and physical abilities over formal education.

How long is the training period for an NSG Commando?

The length of the training period can vary but typically extends over a period of about 9-14 months. This includes both basic and specialized training.

What is the nature of the selection process for NSG Commandos?

AThe selection process involves rigorous physical and medical tests, potential written examinations, and personal interviews. It’s an eliminatory process, meaning failure at any stage results in disqualification from the current selection process.

What are the duties of an NSG Commando?

NSG Commandos have several duties including counter-terrorism operations, high-risk security for VIPs, bomb disposal, and dealing with high-risk scenarios like hostage situations.

How risky is the life of an NSG Commando?

Being an NSG Commando is a high-stakes job with real risks. These professionals often find themselves in dangerous situations and must make quick decisions that can have life-altering consequences.

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