The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) is referred to uniform classification of five security forces in India under the authority of Ministry of Home Affairs.

They are the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

CRPF is the largest of the Central Armed Police Forces units with 325,000 personnel in 245 battalions. The Central Reserve Police includes:

• The Rapid Action Force (RAF), a 10 battalion anti-riot force trained to respond to sectarian violence.
• The Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (COBRA), a 10 battalion strong anti-Naxalite/COIN force


Recruitment
Recruitment is conducted mainly in three modes.

Gazetted Officer
Officer in CAPFs are recruited through Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Exam conducted by UPSC.

One is appointed as Assistant Commandants and are Gazetted Officers generally referred as DAGO (Directly Appointed Gazetted Officer). DEGO (Departmental Entry Gazetted Officer) is promoted through departmental exams conducted internally for Subordinate Officers.

Subordinate Officer
Sub Inspector is recruited through competitive exam conducted by Staff Selection Commission and referred as DASO (Directly Appointed Subordinate Officer). DESO (Departmental Entry Subordinate Officer) is one who is promoted through departmental exam conducted internally for Constable, Head Constable and Assistant Sub Inspector.

Constables
Constable is recruited through competitive exam conducted by Staff Selection Commission.

It also conduct recruitment for specialized posts such as Engineers, Doctors etc. among DAGO and Wireless operators, Technicians, Nursing Staff etc. among subordinate officer and constable directly under own authority.