RAW Full Form: History, Functions, Eligibility

RAW Full Form: The Research and Analysis Wing is one of the most important intelligence agencies in India. Knowing all the details and functions of RAW is also important for students who want to serve the country in future.  The RAW Full form stands for the Research and Analysis Wing. It directly operates under the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). It is an independent body established in 1968 under the leadership of R.N. Kao.

RAW Full Form 

RAW Full Form is the Research and Analysis Wing. It is India’s foreign intelligence agency. It is tasked with gathering information from outside India to protect the nation from threats. The agency works silently and never shares its operations with the public.  

• The government relies on RAW for important intelligence reports. These reports help in planning defence strategies, foreign policy decisions, and national security actions.

• Other intelligence agencies work inside the country, but RAW focuses outside India’s borders.

• It keeps track of activities in neighbouring countries and other nations as well. This helps India identify possible dangers and opportunities and work to deal with them. 

What is RAW Agency in India?

RAW is India’s external intelligence agency. It handles secret missions and collects data about other countries. It is an organisation with trained officers who work quietly to negate threats and dangers before they can even enter Indian territories. 

• They gather information about terrorists, foreign armies, and other activities that may affect India.

• RAW also helps India during wars and diplomatic situations. It cannot arrest, punish, or conduct public operations. However, it shares information with important government authorities.

RAW History and Founder

RAW has quite an interesting history. The Research and Analysis Wing, or RAW Full Form, was established in 1968. 

• Its founder was R.N. Kao, one of India's greatest intelligence officers. Before RAW was created, India faced difficulties during wars, particularly in the war with Pakistan in 1965 and the war with China in 1962. 

• The government quickly identified the need for a strong intelligence agency. Since then, RAW has grown into a powerful organisation that protects India from many external threats. 

RAW India Functions and Duties

RAW Full Form and functions are all related to the analysis of external information collected from different countries and calculating their threat perceptions. Some of the important functions of duties of RAW are as follows: 

• Collecting intelligence from foreign nations

• Reporting enemy activities

• Supporting India’s defence forces

• Working on secret missions

• Protecting India’s national security

• Helping India maintain strong foreign relations

RAW Officer Salary and Eligibility

Several candidates preparing for UPSC and other competitive exams in the country aspire to become RAW officers. But how much do they get as salaries? The salaries of RAW officers are not officially published. 

However, RAW officers may earn between an estimated ₹80,000 to ₹1,50,000 per month or more. It will depend on their job role and experience. Extra allowances are also provided. Most officers are selected from the IPS, IAS, Armed Forces, and the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Some of the Eligibility criteria required to become a RAW officer include the following:

• Being an Indian citizen

• Having a clean background

• Strong physical and mental fitness

• Good knowledge of national and international affairs

• Graduation from a recognised university

How to Join RAW agency in India after Graduation?

A lot of students in India aspire to join RAW and serve the country. The recruitment into RAW is not a direct process. RAW does not accept open applications either. Aspiring candidates can join RAW by clearing the UPSC and following the process mentioned below:

1. Complete Graduation: A candidate will need a bachelor’s degree in any field.

2. Clear UPSC or Join the Armed Forces: The Majority of the RAW officers come from IAS, IPS, IFS, Army, Navy, Air Force, or IB.

3. Gain Work Experience: Candidates must serve the government for a few years before joining RAW.

4. Get Selected for RAW Training: Only high-performing officers with good records are chosen to be recruited into RAW.

5. Undergo Training and Assessment: Training includes language, intelligence gathering, and field skills.