Career in RAW: Check All Details Related to RAW

Career in RAW: Have you ever heard about Operation Meghdoot, Operation Chanakya, Operation Leech, Operation Smiling Buddha, etc.? If yes, you might be aware of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). The Research and Analysis Wing is an external intelligence agency that works under the Indian Government. It is a secret department and an independent agency. Since its origin, RAW is trusted with contributing intelligence support to many special operations in foreign countries.

Every youngster wishes to serve their country, and what can be better than being part of India’s most powerful intelligence agency! Before selecting a career in RAW, keep in mind that working as an agent is not as simple as shown in movies. The job is all about the integrity and secrecy of information. To learn more about making a career in RAW – how to join the Indian secret agency/services can go through the article.

How to Join RAW? – History 

Before 1968, India’s Intelligence Bureau (IB) was accountable for all India’s external and internal intelligence activities. However, during the 1962 Sino-Indian border war that resulted in India’s miserable defeat, a separate external intelligence agency requirement was obvious. So, in 1968, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) was established. The first director was Rameshwar Nath Kao, who the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi appointed.

From the year 1968 to 1977, RAW provided various intelligence support; thus, it led to many successful missions. For example, the defeat of Pakistan during the Bangladesh conflict, the accession of Sikkim and the creation of Bangladesh.  

Objective and Functions of RAW

The Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) is not exposed to the public. However, the foremost responsibility is to preserve the integrity of India and also to protect confidential information. Some other functions include: 

1. To look after the scientific, military, political and economic developments of neighbouring countries. 
2. They have to go on a secret mission to safeguard India’s National interests.
3. Conduction of Anti – Terror operations 
4. Restricting the supply of military tools to countries like China and Pakistan from the USA.

Indian officials are dependent on the intelligence data gathered by RAW to influence international public opinion, revise foreign policy and shift national security policy. Some other responsibilities and roles of RAW are:

1.  Giving security services for India’s nuclear program.
2. Utilising the National Technical Facilities Organization (NTFO). 
3. Gathering information regarding the limitations, capabilities, leadership and structure of insurgent groups that work in neighbouring countries. 

RAW Eligibility Requirements

The authorities have not prescribed such eligibility criteria. However, some basic needs are: 

1. Candidates willing to work in R&AW must be a citizen of India. 
2. They must have at least completed their graduation from any recognised university by the government of India. 
3. They must know the basics of computers. 

RAW Recruitment Procedure 2022

The Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) does not release any direct recruitment notice. Most of the time, they shortlist candidates either from any other recruitment procedure like UPSC or through any other department. RAW does not recruit candidates directly. They generally select candidates from other government departments in India, including Intelligence Agencies and Administrative Services. Police Services, Armed Forces, etc. Many of the agents have been selected from – IB (Intelligence Bureau). However, in the recent past, some candidates are being recruited directly from universities too. 

RAW India: Roles & Responsibilities

In RAW other than Field officers, there is the requirement of accountants, stenographers, clerks, desk officers, analysts, admin officers, etc. Check below the job role: 

The Job of Field officers –  A field officer is shortlisted by police services, military services, intelligence agencies, etc. Few posts under this category are:

1. Field Officer
2. Assistant Field Officer
3. Senior Field Officer 
4. Deputy Field Officer

Recruitment of Directors in RAW – The directors are recruited from – other first grade services and Indian Police Services (IPS). Those who are already working as a Grade 1 officer in government departments like – intelligence agencies, armed forces, etc.  

Analyst Level – At this level, candidates are appointed for a desk job. However, an analyst plays a significant role. The posts beneath this section are: 

1. Junior Intelligence Officer
2. Assistant Central Intelligence Officer
3. Central Intelligence Officer

RAW consists of experts in different fields – from a handwriting expert to a computer hacker; RAW provides various opportunities for aspiring candidates.

How to Join RAW: Indian Secret Agency/Services – Hierarchy of RAW

Candidates can go through the below data to know the hierarchy of RAW:

A Career in RAW India – Training 

In the necessary ten days of training, you are supposed to attend an introduction session in Delhi.  You will be given an introduction to the basic terms of intelligence and how to deal with the real world. Apart from that, candidates will have to learn common techniques, information security, different languages and scientific knowledge. Moreover, you will also have to go through some case studies and solve some case studies of the intelligence agencies of Israeli MOSSAD, Australian ASIS, Russian KGB, Pakistani ISI, etc.

After completing the introductory training session, candidates have to go to the Indian military academy, Dehradun. The duration of the training period is one to two years. Here, you will be trained about real-life circumstances. They will also have to learn the following: 

1. Avoiding arrest
2. What to do during an interrogation
3. Exfiltration and infiltration
4. How to use surveillance devices

RAW Appointment and Joining

After the training session, the authorities will appoint candidates as a RAW agents. As soon as they join RAW, they will be given the first mission. 

A career in R&AW – How to join Indian secret agency/services – Former Directors of RAW

1. C. D. Sahay (2003 to 2005) – He was the 15th Chief of RAW. He contributed most of his career working in various roles in RAW. He is the first-ever RAW chief to have undergone intelligence training in Israel. 
2. P. K. Hormis Tharakan (2005 to 2007) – He was the director of the Kerala Police before becoming the chief of RAW.  P.K Tharakan was an IPS officer of the Kerala cadre, from batch 1968. 
3. K. C. Verma (2009 to 2010) – After working for 30 years in the Intelligence Bureau, the authorities appointed him as the head of the Narcotics Control Bureau. He succeeded Ashok Chaturvedi as the Chief of RAW. He faced many challenges during his job duration, including the implementation to prevent corruption in the system. 
4. Sanjeev K Tripathi (2010 to 2012) – He was the 19th Secretary (Research), RAW head. He started as an Indian Police Services UP cadre in 1972. In 2009, he also took command of RAW’s Aviation Research Centre, (ARC).

A career in RAW – How to join Indian secret agency/services – Notable Members of RAW

1. Ajit Doval 
2. Amar Bhushan
3. Ravinder Kaushik
4. General VK Singh
5. Rabinder Singh

FAQs on Career in Raw

The following are the most frequently asked questions on career in raw:

I hope the above article helps you. If you have any queries drop them in the comment section below and we will revert with answers. Embibe wishes you good luck and all the best.

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