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Difference Between BSF and SSB

Know the difference between BSF and SSB to prepare well for the defense exam. Check here the main difference between BSF and SSB.
authorImageIzhar Ahmad18 Apr, 2024
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Difference Between BSF and SSB

Difference Between BSF and SSB: The main difference between BSF and SSB is that BSF is a border security force, while SSB is a central police force. BSF is in charge of guarding India's land borders during peacetime and combating trans-border crimes. On the other side, the SSB is responsible for maintaining peace and order at the country's borders. Those candidates looking for the main difference between BSF and SSB will get the complete information about both in the article below.

Before learning the difference between BSF and SSB, let’s first discuss the Central Armed Police Forces to understand the differences better.

What are Central Armed Police Forces?

The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are seven security forces in India, managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. They are like a mix of military and police but focus on internal security threats rather than external military conflicts. The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are responsible for safeguarding internal security in our country. These forces have separate training facilities and equipment from the Indian Army, yet they may work together in particular circumstances. The seven CAPFs are:
  • Assam Rifles (AR)
  • Border Security Force (BSF)
  • Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
  • Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
  • Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
  • National Security Guard (NSG)
  • Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
The BSF, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, and SSB are managed by IPS officers who have the rank of Director-General. Unlike military personnel, these forces aren't managed by military officers and hence do not fall under the jurisdiction of the military forces.

BSF Full Form

The Border Security Force (BSF) is an important paramilitary force in India tasked with safeguarding the nation’s borders and ensuring peace. BSF was established on December 1, 1965, following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 and it is headquartered in New Delhi. It aimed to address weaknesses in India's border security strategy. The BSF works constantly to safeguard India from illegal immigration, terrorism, and other dangers by constantly guarding its borders.

SSB Full Form

Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) is one of India's Central Armed Police Forces. Its main function is to defend India's international border with Nepal and Bhutan. It was established in 1963 and was originally known as the Special Services Bureau. The major responsibility is to ensure the security of India's allocated international borders (Nepal and Bhutan) and to create a sense of security in those who live in border regions. It performs any additional duties assigned by the Central Government (such as Law and Order, Counter-Insurgency Operations, Election Duty, and UN Missions).

Difference Between BSF and SSB

The main difference between BSF and SSB are provided in the table below. Candidates preparing for the defense exam should read the difference between BSF and SSB.
Particulars Border Security Force (BSF) Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
Establishment Established on December 1, 1965 Established on December 20, 1963
Operational Duty Primarily responsible for guarding India's land borders Primarily responsible for guarding India's borders with Nepal and Bhutan
Jurisdiction Guards borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh Guards borders with Nepal and Bhutan
Role Border security, anti-smuggling, counter-insurgency Border security, counter-insurgency, anti-infiltration
Operational Territory Operates along the land borders of India Focuses on border areas with Nepal and Bhutan
Size One of the largest border-guarding forces in the world Smaller in size compared to BSF
Training Rigorous training in border patrolling, combat tactics Trained in border guarding, intelligence gathering
Specialization Specialized in handling border conflicts and crises Specialized in guarding against cross-border threats
Deployment Deployed in high-conflict border regions Deployed in areas along the Nepal and Bhutan borders
Administrative Control Under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs Also under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs
Additional Duties Performs various duties during peacetime and emergencies Participates in humanitarian and disaster relief operations

Difference Between BSF and SSB FAQs FAQs

Q1. Which role does the BSF have?

Ans. The BSF, along with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar is in charge of the nation's internal security.

Q2. What salary differences are there Between the Army and BSF?

Ans. Officers in the Army are eligible for statutory pensions, whilst those in the BSF are not; this is the difference in salary between the two services.

Q3. How does the CAPF differ from the Indian Army?

Ans. The Ministry of Home Affairs supervises CAPF, whereas the Ministry of Defence supervises the Indian Army.

Q4. What is the selection process for the SSB exam?

Ans. PST (Physical Standard Test)/PET (Physical Efficiency Test), Written Test, Interview, and Medical Examination & Final Selection are the four stages that candidates must pass for the SSB exam.

Q5. What is the selection process for the BSF Exam?

Ans. The five stages of the BSF exam selection process include the Written Exam, PST, PET, Trade Test, and Medical Exam.
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