How to Become an NSG Commando in India, Step by Step Guide
Amit kumar Singh20 Nov, 2025
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How to become an NSG commando in India is a question that revolves in the mind of every aspirant. It requires discipline, focus, and careful preparation. The NSG, also called the Black Cats, is responsible for counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, VIP security, and high-risk operations in different parts of India. Before applying, aspirants should meet the NSG Commando eligibility criteria 2025 that include age, medical, and service requirements.
How to Become an NSG Commando in India?
Candidates usually start their careers in the Armed Forces or CAPF, which forms the base for NSG commando entry. Understanding the NSG recruitment process for CAPF/Army, completing the necessary service period. Also, they should meet the required NSG selection physical fitness standards.
Following the step-by-step NSG commando path allows aspirants to gradually build skills, gain operational experience, and develop the mental toughness needed for challenging missions.
Join Armed Forces or CAPF
The journey of joining NSG begins with a career in the Army or CAPF. Candidates can also learn how to join National Security Guard (NSG) India through volunteering after fulfilling service requirements.
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Aspirants may enter through the National Defence Academy (NDA) or Combined Defence Services (CDS).
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Direct recruitment into the Army, Navy, or Air Force is also possible.
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CAPF personnel, such as CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, or Assam Rifles, can volunteer for NSG after completing the required years of service. Further, NSG commando entry from Army/CAPF 2025 is possible.
How to Become an NSG Commando in India, Complete Required Service
Before applying, aspirants need to complete a minimum period in their parent force. This service allows them to gain operational experience, understand field protocols, and develop decision-making abilities, which are important for NSG commandos duties & operations.
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Army personnel should have at least three years of active service.
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CAPF personnel are expected to complete a minimum of five years.
Meet NSG Commando Eligibility Criteria 2025
Aspirants are required to satisfy the NSG Commando eligibility criteria 2025 to qualify for selection. Candidates should have the physical, medical, and mental readiness for demanding operations. In addition, aspirants should focus on clearing the NSG commando medical fitness test.
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Candidates should be under 35 years of age.
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Physical fitness includes running, swimming, and strength exercises.
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Candidates need to pass the NSG medical fitness test and be free from chronic illnesses or injuries.
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Mental stability, focus, and ability to solve problems under stress are necessary NSG commando mental toughness & personality traits.
Volunteer for NSG Selection
Once eligible, candidates are required to volunteer for NSG selection. This process involves applying through the parent force, getting recommendations, and showing readiness for high-risk duties. Further, volunteering shows the commitment and willingness of students to join the elite Black Cats. It should be noted that volunteership is an important part of the step-by-step NSG commando path.
Clear NSG Selection Process
The NSG selection process tests both physical and mental abilities of the applicants. Candidates are analysed on the basis of obstacle courses, running, swimming, and strength exercises. In addition, mental assessments test NSG commando mental toughness & personality traits. Further, medical examinations of the applicants confirm their operational readiness.
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Physical tests include rope climbing, swimming, running, and obstacle courses.
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Mental and personality assessments help evaluate candidates to handle stress and difficult situations.
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Medical fitness tests help confirm candidates are fit for demanding operational duties.
NSG Commando Training Duration and Syllabus
Training at NSG centres prepares candidates for typical operations. Step-by-step NSG commando path includes: basic, qualification, and advanced training. Each phase develops skills for counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and operational efficiency. In addition, training ensures that aspirants gain confidence, stamina, and tactical knowledge for missions under high pressure.
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NSG Commando Training Duration & Syllabus |
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Training Phase |
Duration |
Key Focus Areas |
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Basic Training |
90 Days |
Exercises to build strength and stamina. Learn martial arts and hand-to-hand combat. Practice weapon handling and follow discipline. |
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Qualification Training |
3 Months |
Practice urban combat in city-like situations. Learn rappelling and climbing. Study map reading and tactical movement. |
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Advanced Training |
9 to 11 Months |
Practice hostage rescue and counter-terrorism drills. Learn bomb detection and defusing safely. Train with advanced firearms and tactical exercises. |
Assignment to NSG Units
After training, commandos are posted to units according to skills and performance. SAG, SRG, and SCG units have different responsibilities. Providing services in these units provides practical experience in NSG commandos duties & operations for continuous learning.
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The Special Action Group (SAG) handles counter-terrorism and direct action missions.
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The Special Ranger Group (SRG) provides VIP security and operational support.
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The Special Composite Group (SCG) supports tactical and operational assignments in complex situations.
NSG Commando Salary and Perks 2025
NSG commandos receive competitive salaries along with allowances and benefits. During training, candidates earn stipends. After joining the NSG, salaries can increase based on rank and parent force. In addition, allowances cover housing, medical care, and high-risk duty compensation. Here are the details of NSG Commando Salary and Perks 2025:
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Training stipend is around ₹18,000 per month.
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After joining NSG, salaries of the commandos may range from ₹40,000 to ₹85,000 on the basis of their rank and force.
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Additional allowances include housing, medical care, high-risk duty pay, and operational perks.
NSG Commando Age Limit and Service Requirement
Candidates should meet age and service requirements to be eligible to provide services for NSG commandos duties & operations. NSG commando how many years of service required is specified here. Applicants under 35 years of age with sufficient service experience are considered.
NSG Selection Centre Manesar / Hyderabad
NSG training is conducted at centres in Manesar and Hyderabad. This training includes obstacle courses, shooting ranges, and urban combat zones. In addition, exercises at these centres help aspirants improve their teamwork, stamina, and operational skills. It should be noted that Manesar (Haryana) and Hyderabad (Telangana) have advanced obstacle courses and shooting ranges.
NSG Commando Duties and Operations
NSG commandos perform counter-terrorism, urban combat, hostage rescue, VIP protection, and bomb disposal operations. In addition, they respond to emergencies requiring operational expertise. Here are the common duties and operations offered by the NSG commandos:
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Commandos conduct counter-terrorism and urban combat missions.
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They perform hostage rescues and high-risk emergency operations.
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VIP security and strategic protection duties are included in the daily responsibilities of an NSG commando.
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Bomb disposal and rapid response operations are regularly undertaken by black cat commandos.
NSG Black Cats Career Progression India
After learning how to join National Security Guard (NSG) India, commandos can make progress within NSG or return to their parent forces. Their career paths may include leadership roles, instructor positions, and operational planning. Further, specialised assignments may provide the candidates with professional growth.