RAW, stand’s for Research and Analysis Wing is one of the prime external intelligence agency in India. It is a very confidential department that arise in popularity when various documentaries & films have been released on RAW in recent years.
If you are fascinated by agent type jobs and want to become an undercover agent or an officer in RAW then I believe you already know about the top intelligence agencies like RAW, CIA, Mossad, M16, GRU, etc. After the popularity of RAW, Many young youths have a dream to become an officer in RAW but very few of them are eligible to become an officer because it is an extremely difficult and vast process to pass through.
RAW Duties
The RAW is a secret agency of India. It was established on 21st September 1968. The headquarter of RAW is in Delhi, India. It is headed by the Secretary of the Cabinet Secretariat which comes under the authority of the Prime Minister of India. RAW is an independent department that don’t require parliamentary oversight. RAW agents are spread across the world in many countries globally and performing their task and duties.
RAW gather important information about India and related to it, which protects the nation from terrorism. The RAW always works related to the country’s protection and monitor and ensures that no one is trying to damage the country.
RAW always keep safe our India. If someone tries to do scam or steal data online of our country, Then this organization takes immediate and very strict actions against it.
As far as the missions are concerned, RAW has done a lot of successful missions so far, some of them are known as Operation Chanakya, Operation Cactus, Operation Meghdoot, Operation Kahuta, Snatch Operation, Operation Leech, etc.
To join the RAW, There are some processes from which you have to go through. Before starting the journey of becoming a RAW officer. You must know below eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for RAW Agent
- The candidate must be an Indian Citizen.
- No criminal record.
- Must be physically & mentally fit.
- Should have sharp memory power.
- Candidate should not have any drug addiction.
- The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree.
- Should know the English Language (write, read and speak).
- Should have Computer Knowledge.
- Candidates should have good communication skills.
Age Limit to Join RAW
The age limit is 18 to 25 years (for Armed forces and Civil service).
Candidates can also apply in RAW till the age of 56 years. But then you should have almost 20 years of experience in government bodies such as the Civil service and Armed forces in India.
Steps to become a RAW officer:
It is not that easy to become a RAW officer, as there is no direct process by which you can become RAW officer. The hiring process in RAW is being processed by the higher authority to only those candidates who are capable of doing all the test required to become an officer in RAW. Generally, The RAW officers are selected from the Police Department, Administrative Services, Defense Sector, Intelligence Units etc.
If you are passionate to become a raw agent then best option is to first make a goal to clear the UPSC civil services exam because the chances of joining RAW becomes high once you become a civil servant & gain some experiences.
As I mentioned earlier, the recruitment in RAW is done by the higher official of RAW. So that, they can have an eye on every department. In whichever division or subdivision they notice that there is someone who is capable to become a RAW agent, then they may get offer to join RAW.
- You can join RAW through a Deputy field officer in the Cabinet Secretariat Gov. of India. First, you need to clear the SSC CGL test & after that, you have to fill the form of Deputy field officer (DFO) from the official Cabinet Secretariat online portal. Post joining DFO, get some experience. then you can apply for the RAW. The other way to join RAW is,
- You can join RAW by passing the entrance exam of the National Academy of Administration which is UPSC CSE. When students pass the Civil service exam, UPSC (CSE) and study at LBSNAA of Civil Service. Students clear the entrance exam and complete the course at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration i.e. LBSNAA. RAW hire officers from LBSNAA after conducting some tests & interviews. Passed candidates go for 1 year training and after the training, based on the candidate’s performance, they get selected for RAW.
- You can also join RAW through the Defence (Armed forces service). In case you are not able to pass UPSC exam, you can join the Armed force & after getting some years of experience. You can apply to join RAW.
- OR, You can also become RAW officer through the (IB). If you in on ACIO or SA posts, then you can apply for RAW. If you are not in Intelligence bureau. You can join IB and after getting some years of service experience in IB, you can apply for RAW.
Once you get selected for the job you need to pass the national aptitude exam in intelligence as well as personality and psychology tests followed by an interview. You have to be very smart and fit candidate to join the RAW agency since this is not as easy as it looks like. You are representing your country & a single mistake can cost you a lot. So, there are certain tests in order to analyze you and make you suitably fit for the job.
You can analyze and check which way to become RAW agent will be suitable for you. If it is about your life and dream then definitely you can become a RAW officer. You just need to be prepared very well and stay focused on your goal and dedication to your dream.
Make a daily routine and schedule and ensure to follow it. Study everyday and daily exercise to keep your body fit and fine. Play games and puzzles to sharpen your mind.
Training of RAW Agents
The Raw agent training starts with the basic 10-12 days training that is simply an introduction held at Delhi. You will be introduced to the basic terms of intelligence and the RAW real world. You will be provided with highlights and an summarized overview of what the job is all about. You will be trained in different languages, common techniques, information security, scientific knowledge, etc. you will also be required to resolve certain case studies for your mental training. You will be asked to solve case studies of various intelligence agencies such as Pakistani ISI, Australian ASIS, Russian KGB, Israeli MOSSAD, etc. As we have already mentioned earlier, At the initial stage of the training, you will learn about foreign languages to other secret agencies.
Additionally, You will also study about below areas in the training;
- Space technology
- IT – Information Technology
- Financial & Economical Information
- Energy Security
- Scientific Information
Post your basic training is over, you will be sent for extensive training in the Indian military academy, based in Dehradun. The training period is generally of 1-2 years, where you will be trained about real-life situations. During this tenure, you are also taught about how to avoid the capture, exfiltration and infiltration, how to handle and what to do during an interrogation, how to use spying and surveillance devices and trained in Krav Maga, etc.
Designation & Grade in RAW department
- Secretary : Group A Officers
- Special Secretary/Additional Secretary : Group A Officers
- Joint Secretary : Group A Officers
- Deputy Secretary : Group A Officers
- Senior Field Officer : Group A Officers
- Field Officer : Group B Officers
- Deputy Field Officer : Group B Officers
- Assistant Field Officer : Group C Officers
Benefits of Being a RAW Officer
The RAW officer’s income is somewhere between in the range of INR 2.3 lakhs to INR 3.6 lakhs per month. RAW officials also get two months of extra income each financial year without any condition. They also get a special foreign service allowance and security allowance which changes from assignment to assignment. They also get some additional perks other than these monetary benefits.
RAW agents also get themselves assigned to America or European Countries to ensure a better education for their kids. You can also apply for senior positions in various state departments post retirement. You can also become a guidance counsellor for aspiring applicants and students want to join RAW.
After all, It is a very respectful job in India. If you like risk & adventure or work on a big mission for the nation, Becoming Raw officer as a career option can be a superb choice. But if you are daring and courageous then only go for it.
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