Join RAW Full Time
Every country has its special forces. For the maintenance of peace, similarly, India has RAW (Research and Analysis Wing).
For joining RAW, a simple and straight path has been shared with you below.
✅ 1. The most popular route to join RAW is through the civil services.
Take the UPSC Civil Services Examination (IAS, IPS, IFS). You might be assigned to RAW after a few years if you are chosen and employed in any civil service, particularly IPS, IFS, or IRS. RAW may contact and hire you based on your performance, loyalty, and background investigation.
✅ 2. Use the Defence Services to Join RAW:
- Become an officer in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.
- Serve with distinction and a spotless record.
- For specialized positions, RAW occasionally hires senior officers on deputation.
3. Direct Hiring via Research and Analysis Service (RAS)
RAW’s own service cadre is called RAS. Officers are frequently chosen and trained from Group A civil services. RAW also recruits experts in languages, cybersecurity, and intelligence via special tests or interviews (not publicized).
🛡️ Basic Eligibility: No criminal history and citizenship in India.
- High level of education (typically at least a bachelor’s degree).
- Preferably, you have experience with technology, foreign languages, intelligence, or defense.
- Outstanding mental and physical health.
- High degree of loyalty, discretion, and patriotism.
- You are not permitted to apply to RAW via any official advertisement or website.
- Join it right away, just like any other job.
The Main Routes to RAW
1. You must pass the UPSC Civil Services Exam in order to be eligible for UPSC Civil Services (such as IPS, IAS, or IFS).
New officers take a foundation course at LBSNAA after being selected and inducted (usually into IPS, but occasionally into IAS/IFS).
During and after this course, RAW selects officers for their R&AW cadre (referred to as RAS) through campus interviews and assessments.
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Successful applicants can either return to their parent service or join RAS permanently after a year of being placed on lien.
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2. Lateral Deputation of Seniors
Senior defense personnel (Army, Navy, and Air Force officers) and experienced IPS, IRS, and IFS officers may be offered deputation or absorption into RAW—again through internal channels.
Salary with Ranks
| Position / Rank | Estimated Monthly Salary (INR) | Comparable Level |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Assistant / Field Agent | ₹60,000 – ₹90,000 | Police deputation / Entry-level (IB equivalent) |
| Deputy Field Officer (DFO) | ₹80,000 – ₹1,20,000 | Group B (PB-2 / Grade Pay ₹4,800–5,400) |
| Assistant Field Officer (AFO) | ₹90,000 – ₹1,40,000 | Group A / Similar to Inspector or ACP |
| Senior Field Officer (SFO) | ₹1,20,000 – ₹1,80,000 | Mid-level Officer / DSP equivalent |
| Deputy Director | ₹1,50,000 – ₹2,25,000 | Comparable to DIG (Deputy Inspector General) |
| Joint Director | ₹2,00,000 – ₹2,40,000+ | Comparable to IG (Inspector General) |
| Additional Secretary (RAW) | ₹2,25,000 – ₹2,50,000+ | Senior central role / Secretary-level position |
| Secretary (RAW Chief) | ₹2,50,000+ | Equivalent to Cabinet Secretary (top-most post) |
💼 Extra Benefits Raw officers frequently receive:
- Extra benefits (risk/hazard pay)
- Transportation & Accommodation
- Overseas assignments with additional benefits
- Concealed travel and security plans
- No identity disclosure to the public
🏢 RAW Headquarters Address:
Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)
Cabinet Secretariat,
CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003, India
🎓 Estimated RAW Training Duration and Procedure
Depending on their background (military, civil services, or specialized), RAW officers undergo rigorous, multi-phase training. Although specifics are classified, the following is a general summary based on disclosures from former officers and reliable sources:
🧭 1. First Screening & Selection
- Candidates are shortlisted only after being selected during LBSNAA training or after being deputed from IPS, IFS, IRS, or Defense Services.
- Consists of interviews, loyalty tests, psychological assessments, and background checks.
- They move on to training if cleared.
🏕️ 2. Foundational Training
Time frame: Approximately 10 to 12 weeks
Location: A private training center; the precise location is unknown, but it is frequently thought to be in Delhi or Madhya Pradesh.
Subjects Discussed:
- Techniques for gathering intelligence
- Both surveillance and countersurveillance
- Cyberwarfare and cryptography
- Basics of foreign languages
- Writing and analyzing reports
- Identification of stress and deceit
- International and Indian geopolitics
🥷 3. Field Tradecraft Advanced Training
Time frame: Approximately six months to a year (depending on the role)
Crucial Components:
- Undercover activities in both urban and rural environments
- Techniques for unarmed combat and escape
- Identity management and disguise
- Secure communication, encryption, and device use
- Psychological warfare, simulations, and mock missions
- Specialization in a foreign language (if posted abroad)
🧑💻 Extra Specialized Training:
Officers chosen for tech positions or overseas stations may receive training in:
- Cyber intelligence
- Operations using drones
- tracking via satellite
- Diplomatic protocols
| Training Phase | Duration | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Intelligence Course | 10–12 weeks | Theory + Introduction to Tradecraft |
| Advanced Field Training | 6–12 months (varies) | Specialization + Real-World Simulation |