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The NSG is a counterterrorism force designed to react in exceptional circumstances, equipped to handle high-risk situations and maintain the security of the nation. Their capabilities extend to responding to any form of threat intended to inflict harm, and they are well-trained for diverse tasks. These tasks range from dealing with air and water hijacking situations to bomb disposal, conducting post-blast investigations, and performing hostage rescue operations.
As James P. Carse once wrote, “To be prepared against surprise is to be trained. To be prepared for surprise is to be educated.”
They are trained rigorously to handle any challenging or unexpected situation. They are often called Phantoms, NSG Commandos, or Black Cat Commandos. Those who are selected may even undergo advanced training in Israel if they are selected for the NSG.
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🥷 What is the National Security Guard (NSG)
The National Security Guards (NSG) were established in 1984 as a specialized commando force. They are primarily responsible for combating terrorism and conducting internal security operations. Initially established for “Operation Blue Star”, the goal was to protect the nation from internal disruptions caused by terrorist threats. They fall under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
📌 How to Join NSG National Security Guard
Follow these Steps to Join NSG:
👉 The first step towards joining the NSG is to be part of these forces.
A majority of NSG commandos are recruited from the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Air Force, and Navy) or the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Border Security Force (BSF), and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
👉 Keep an eye on Internal Job Postings
Applicants should have sufficient experience and exceptional skills within the military or CAPF before applying for the NSG. Communicate with your superiors about internal job postings within your force.
👉 Selection Process: Physical Tests, Mental Aptitude Tests, Psychological Tests, Interviews
If your application is accepted, you will have to undergo rigorous selection procedures, including physical tests, mental aptitude tests, psychological tests, and interviews. The objective of this process is to identify candidates with the physical endurance, mental toughness, and strategic thinking skills necessary for the NSG.
👉 14-Month Rigorous Training
Once selected, you will undergo a rigorous training program lasting 14 months. This includes basic, specialised, probationary, and ongoing training.
Basic training includes physical conditioning, small unit tactics, explosives identification, etc.
Specialised training focuses on anti-terrorism, VIP security, etc.
Probation is the final stage of induction.
NSG commandos continue to receive training even after induction to ensure they are always prepared for any situation.
Your induction into the NSG as a Black Cat Commando will follow your successful completion of the training programme.
💪 What does it take to become an NSG Commando?
A black uniform represents the pinnacle of India’s security forces, worn by only the best of the best, the NSG commandos. Naturally, you should possess certain qualities in addition to the physical requirements and examinations. The NSG values include quick reflexes, high fitness levels, patience, active concentration, self-confidence, critical thinking, teamwork, technical proficiency, self-discipline, and dedication.
It is essential to be physically fit, mentally tough, dedicated, and unwaveringly committed if you wish to join the NSG. Candidates are required to demonstrate exceptional levels of perseverance and resilience during the selection process. A black uniform represents the pinnacle of India’s security forces, worn by only the best of the best, the NSG commandos.
📜 NSG Eligibility
Candidates must meet certain requirements in order to be eligible to join the NSG. The following are included:
👉Graduate degree in any field,
👉Citizen of India
👉 An individual who has previous experience with the Indian armed forces.
Please Note: The Indian Army only requires three years of service, while police officers need five years.
👉35 is the maximum age limit for applying
Note: There are no exceptions to this restriction.
🏋️♂️ NSG Training
Interesting Facts – There is a 70-80% dropout rate for the National Security Guard (NSG) due to its rigorous and challenging selection process.
▶️ The 14-month training course is broken down into three distinct phases.
▶️ Candidates are put through a battery of tests during the pre-selection stage in order to gauge both their physical and psychological prowess. Candidates must meet specific physical, psychological, and educational requirements to advance.
▶️ The following stage consists of selection and basic training at the National Security Guard Academy in Manesar. This three-month phase focuses on fundamentals.
- The physical fitness component is extensive, encompassing 26 elements such as navigating an obstacle-filled cross-country course, leaping from great heights, crossing divides, and scaling different terrains.
- At the end of an obstacle-filled cross-country run, one endurance test includes martial arts and target shooting.
- These exercises aim to assess a candidate’s likely performance under stress and fatigue.
▶️ Successful candidates then move on to nine months of advanced training.
💸 NSG Salary and Benefits
There is no doubt that the Indian Armed Forces offer high salaries and benefits to their personnel. NSG commandos receive an average salary of around Rs. 10-15 lakhs annually as well as a variety of bonuses.
Travel reimbursements, free accommodations in the government quarters, free education resources for children, medical services, benefits for maintaining permanent pension kits, payments to field areas, allowances for high altitudes, and special forces allowances are among other benefits.
🎖️NSG Rank Structure
The NSG Rank Structure is divided into two categories: Officer Grade and Enlisted Grade. The details or both are provided below.
Officer Ranks
These are the ranks included in the officer grade:
Enlisted ranks
These are the ranks included in the enlisted grade:
🏋️♂️ NSG Training
Interesting Facts – There is a 70-80% dropout rate for the National Security Guard (NSG) due to its rigorous and challenging selection process.
▶️ The 14-month training course is broken down into three distinct phases.
▶️ Candidates are put through a battery of tests during the pre-selection stage in order to gauge both their physical and psychological prowess. Candidates must meet specific physical, psychological, and educational requirements to advance.
▶️ The following stage consists of selection and basic training at the National Security Guard Academy in Manesar. This three-month phase focuses on fundamentals.
- The physical fitness component is extensive, encompassing 26 elements such as navigating an obstacle-filled cross-country course, leaping from great heights, crossing divides, and scaling different terrains.
- At the end of an obstacle-filled cross-country run, one endurance test includes martial arts and target shooting.
- These exercises aim to assess a candidate’s likely performance under stress and fatigue.
▶️ Successful candidates then move on to nine months of advanced training.
NSG Flag and Insignia
The Importance of Flags and Insignia is best explained by this quote
The flag is the embodiment, not of sentiment, but of history.
Woodrow Wilson
National Security Guards Flag
National Security Guards Insignia
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