More than 250 CRPF officers got their first promotion in 15 years

The much-delayed hike in the CRPF came after lengthy litigation and conditional resolution of pending service issues related to seniority and vacancies. File Image | Photo credit: The Hindu

More than 250 officers of the country’s largest paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have finally got their first career promotion after a 14-15-year wait, officials said on Sunday (June 28, 2026).

Their much-delayed increase came after protracted litigation and conditional resolution of pending service matters related to seniority and vacancies.

On June 26, the CRPF headquarters issued orders to promote 263 officers in the rank of Assistant Commandant (AC) to Deputy Commandant (DC). The AC rank is a basic officer post in the Central Forces.

“The development is significant as it will act as a morale booster for officers who have been waiting for 14-15 years for their first promotion, which ideally should come in five years,” a senior CRPF officer told PTI.

The Supreme Court ruling issued on April 16 clarified the position in this regard.

The CRPF headquarters subsequently followed up with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which led to the much-delayed order being issued, the officer said.

He said the newly promoted officers would continue to serve in their current positions as their posting orders could not be issued immediately due to “operational and administrative constraints”.

“Significant Milestone”

The CRPF termed the development as a “significant milestone” in its social media post on X.

The numerous field units where these officers are stationed hold rank ceremonies to honor the newly promoted men and women. The second officer said the orders would have an additional impact on lower-ranking personnel as promotions to the rank of AC would now be from the rank of inspector, creating a ripple effect for other subordinate ranks.

PTI had reported in April that CRPF Director General GP Singh had assured officers and jawans of the unit during an official event that efforts were on to expeditiously resolve the “biggest problem” of stagnation in promotions in the unit.

The CRPF, the 3.25-lakh-strong Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) under the MHA, is the country’s main internal security force. It is deployed to fight against Naxal violence, Northeast insurgency and terrorist affected areas of Jammu and Kashmir.

Published – 28 Jun 2026 20:50 IST