How to Become a PARA SF Commando: A Complete Guide for Aspirants

Becoming a PARA Special Forces commando is one of the toughest and most prestigious goals in the Indian Army. These soldiers are known for unmatched courage, secret missions, and extreme physical and mental strength. PARA SF began after the 1965 war, when a small special strike team led by Major Megh Singh showed how a few highly trained soldiers could destroy key enemy targets from inside their territory. Today, the unit operates in deserts, mountains, jungles, deep snow, and behind enemy lines. This explainer covers their history, selection process, training, and eligibility.

Who Are PARA Special Forces

PARA SF is the most elite fighting group of the Indian Army. They specialise in counter terrorism, hostage rescue, deep penetration missions, direct action operations, intelligence-based raids, high-risk reconnaissance, and quick strikes where regular forces cannot reach.

Origin Story: How PARA SF Was Formed

During the Indo-Pak War of 1965, Major Megh Singh proposed forming a small hand-picked assault team to attack strategic targets inside Pakistan. This team was called Meghdoot Force. They destroyed supply routes, blew up ammunition stocks, neutralised enemy soldiers, and broke Pakistan’s momentum in the war.

Their extraordinary success led to the government approving a permanent special forces unit on 1 July 1966. This became India’s first dedicated commando battalion, which later grew into today’s PARA SF.

Major Achievements of PARA SF

• Entered seventy to eighty kilometres inside Pakistan during the 1971 war
• Captured the region of Chachro without suffering casualties
• Became experts in desert, mountain, jungle, and high altitude operations
• Executed precision raids in border and conflict zones

Who Can Join PARA SF

There is no direct entry into PARA SF. A candidate must join the Indian Army first. This can be done through NDA, IMA, OTA or through recruitment rallies as a soldier. Once a person becomes part of any infantry or supporting unit, they can volunteer for the PARA SF.

The Ninety-Day Probation

This is one of the toughest military selection phases in the world. Candidates face extreme physical training, continuous endurance tasks, complete sleep deprivation, and high psychological pressure. They must complete long-distance runs with heavy tyres around the neck, cross obstacles in mud, and survive the famous one hundred kilometre endurance march.

Most candidates are eliminated here. PARA SF selects only those who never give up.

Training After Selection

Once the candidate survives probation, specialised training begins. PARA SF commandos train at the Special Forces Training School in Nahan, the High Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg, the Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School in Mizoram, the Indian Navy Diving School in Kochi, and the Parvat Ghatak School in Tawang.

They learn survival skills, demolition techniques, sniping, room intervention, mountain climbing, underwater fighting, and guerrilla-style warfare.

Why PARA SF Stands Out

• One of the hardest commando selection programs in the world
• Ability to operate in extreme climates and terrains
• Highly advanced combat and survival capabilities
• History of successful missions in war and peacetime
• Strict discipline and unmatched mental resilience

Is PARA SF the Right Path for You

You may be suitable for PARA SF if you have excellent fitness, strong decision-making ability, a disciplined mind, and the courage to work in extreme conditions. PARA SF is not only about strength. It is about a mindset that refuses to surrender.

Joining PARA SF is a dream for many but an achievement for a rare few. The journey demands every ounce of courage and commitment. Those who succeed become part of the most respected and feared elite unit of India.