How To Become A Para Commando In India

June 22, 20222 Minutes Read
Success Stories

Link Copied!

Para commandos are officers in the Indian defence force. These officers are responsible for special operations. Their missions include direct action, hostage rescue, counter-terrorism, and unconventional warfare.

Does this sound interesting to you? If yes, read on to know all about them.

  • The PARA and PARA (SF) battalion are part of the Parachute Regiment. This elite force volunteers for the Indian Army.

  • There are nine special forces in the Parachute Regiment - Three airborne Special Forces, two Territorial Army and one Counter-Insurgency, also known as Rashtriya Rifles.

  • Para Commandos must undergo strict training and maintain high physical fitness and efficiency levels.

    A Para Commando Sepoy earns ₹ 17,300 per month. A Para Commando Army Soldier's ranges between ₹ 3.6 Lakhs -- ₹ 4.6 Lakhs. An allowance of ₹ 6000 per month is offered to Special Forces in Para Battalion as Para Pay.

Not everyone can become a Para Commando Officer. There are eligibility criteria as follows:

  1. Only male candidates are allowed to apply.
  2. Candidates must be 18-23 to apply.
  3. Candidates must be at least 5.1 feet (157 cm) to apply for the Army and Navy battalion and 5.3 ft ( 162.5 cm) to apply for the Airforce.
  4. Candidates must have passed their 10th and 12th grades.
  5. Candidates must have worked for a minimum two years in the Indian Army after the rally examination.
  6. Candidates need to be able to fulfil the following physical requirements:
  • Run 5Km in 20 minutes

  • Complete 14 chin-ups

  • 40 pushups in 1 minute

  • 80 sit-up reps in 2 minutes

  • 17 Mtr Shuttles in 1 minute

    Para Commandos can be recruited directly or via army transfer, after which they will be subjected to probation - 3 months for Airborne battalions and six months for Special Forces.

Direct Recruitment:

  • There is a physical and a written test conducted by the board of officers of PRTC at ARO station.
  • Candidates who score 100% on the fitness test and at least 50% on the written will be considered successful.
  • They will then be subjected to additional tests to decide allocation into the PARA or Parent regt.

Army Recruitment:

The candidates must first join the Indian Army as an officer after passing the respective exams.

  1. NDA cadets must join the respective wings after NDA. Two Volunteer Gentlemen Cadets will be commissioned per year. The MS branch allots them a parent regiment.
  2. A copy of the application must be signed by the Commanding officer in the MS branch along with a letter of recommendation from a senior.
  3. Arms and Services Officers with less than five years of service can volunteer for the Parachute Regiment.

Training of a Para Commando

  • SF Para Commandos start their day by running for 20 km carrying a weight of 60 to 65 kg.
  • Combat training in water at the Naval Driving Training School.
  • Complete 50 jumps from 33000ft Air Force training in Agra. The two parachutes used for training weigh 5 kg and 15 kg, respectively.

Are you interested in becoming a Para Commando? Check if it's the right fit for you with the Career Test at Glow & Lovely Careers (formerly known as Fair & Lovely Career Foundation).

Get Inspired with

Blog and News

Success Stories
November 11, 20202 Minutes Read

Minal Bhosle, The Woman Who Created India's First COVID 19 Testing Kit

The fight against the Coronavirus has brought to the forefront healthcare workers and helpers who are risking their lives to help the nation. Many inspirational women are playing a critical role in pushing through the daily hardships and doing the best they can in the fight against the pandemic. One such person is Minal Dakhave Bhosle, Mylab Discovery Solution's research and development chief. If you're interested in the field of science and medicine, her story will inspire you to pursue a career in the field.

Minal Bhosale and her team at Mylab created India's first coronavirus test kit. The kit was manufactured in a short time of just six weeks compared to the industry standard of three to four months. Yet the most remarkable thing about the creation of the kit is that it all happened while she was pregnant. On March 18, she submitted her testing kit for evaluation to the National Institute of Virology. The same evening, she also submitted the kit to the Indian FDA and the drugs control authority CDSCO for commercial approval, just an hour before she went to a hospital to deliver her baby!

She is quoted saying, "If you carry out 10 tests on the same sample, all 10 results should be the same. And we achieved that. Our kit was perfect." Minal and her team had only begun work on the testing kit in February after she left the hospital with a pregnancy complication. "It was an emergency, so I took this on as a challenge. I have to serve my nation," she said, also mentioning that her team, which consisted of 10 members, worked tirelessly to ensure a quick turnaround.

Women like Minal are an excellent example of successful women in India who are driven and do not sit on their past success. During the 2009 outbreak of the Swine Flu disease, Minal was also part of the team working on a vaccine for the disease at NIV, Pune. Her efforts show us that women in science and technology in the country are carrying out some of the most pioneering work. Every kit manufactured by Mylab is capable of testing 100 samples at a cost of only Rupees 1,200. This is almost a quarter of the Rupees 4,500 India was paying to import COVID 19 testing from overseas. Minal and her team also made sure that the test diagnosis was available much quicker. The kit gives a diagnosis in two and a half hours compared to imported testing kits, which take up to seven hours.

Women warriors like Minal are the flag bearers for working women who are ambitious and fearless. She is an excellent example of selfless dedication and shows us that it is possible to successfully achieve our goals even when the odds may be against us. Like her, you too can create a path for yourself in the field of science and who knows, maybe someday your name shall be etched in history.

If you are keenly interested in the field of science, check out the Glowand Lovely Careers online courses in science to get you started.

Success Stories
February 19, 20242 Minutes Read

Social Entrepreneurship: Women Driving Impactful Change in India

A powerful force is reshaping communities and driving positive change -- women-led social entrepreneurship . As the narrative of entrepreneurship evolves, so does the role of women who are not just creating businesses but building ventures with a profound impact on society. Let's explore the realm of women's entrepreneurship and the significant strides in social entrepreneurship .

Social entrepreneurship is about harnessing the power of business to address social and environmental challenges. In India, many women embrace this approach, positioning themselves as business leaders and catalysts for positive change. Their ventures aim not just for profit but also for meaningful impact on the communities they serve.

The landscape of women entrepreneurship in India is growing, with female entrepreneurs actively participating in diverse sectors, including social entrepreneurship. This shift is breaking stereotypes and showcasing the multifaceted roles women can play as business leaders with a mission beyond just financial gains.

One compelling aspect of this transformation is the variety of startup ideas for women in social entrepreneurship. From ventures addressing healthcare disparities to those focused on education, women are bringing innovative solutions to the forefront. These ventures are not just about economic empowerment but about creating sustainable change in the fabric of society.

Social entrepreneurship ideas are often born from a deep understanding of local challenges. As the architects of many of these initiatives, women bring a unique perspective to problem-solving. Whether providing access to clean water, improving healthcare facilities, or promoting sustainable agriculture, these entrepreneurs are at the forefront of impactful change.

The intersection of entrepreneur ideas for women and social entrepreneurship creates a space where purpose-driven businesses thrive. Women are not just looking for financial success; they seek ways to contribute meaningfully to society. The spirit of collaboration and community building is embedded in their ventures, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collective well-being.

One notable example is Preeti Singh, a social entrepreneur who founded a venture focused on menstrual hygiene in rural India. Her initiative addresses a critical health issue and empowers women by providing them with sustainable and affordable solutions. Preeti's story represents the transformative potential of women's entrepreneurship in tackling societal challenges.

The emphasis on social entrepreneurship among women is also generating a ripple effect regarding mentorship and support networks. Established female entrepreneurs are actively encouraging and guiding the next generation. This mentorship is crucial in nurturing a culture of innovation and resilience among women venturing into social entrepreneurship.

The momentum of women entrepreneurship in social impact ventures is not just a trend; it signifies a paradigm shift in how businesses operate in India. Organisations and institutions recognise women's value in terms of empathy, collaboration, and a deep understanding of community needs.

The rise of social entrepreneurship driven by women in India is a testament to the transformative power of purpose-driven businesses. As more women explore and invest in entrepreneurial ideas for women that focus on social impact, the future promises a more equitable and sustainable society. These women entrepreneurs are not just building businesses but driving impactful change and leaving an indelible mark on the nation's socio-economic fabric.

At Glow & Lovely Careers (formerly known as Fair & Lovely Career Foundation), we believe in empowering women to be independent. We provide online career guidance, existing jobs and other online courses to help them nurture their dream of driving social entrepreneurship in India.