About This Course

The Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) is India’s foreign intelligence agency, established in 1968. Its primary functions include gathering foreign intelligence, counter-terrorism, counter-proliferation, advising Indian policymakers, and advancing India’s foreign strategic interests. RAW operates under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister’s Office and is responsible for several critical functions, including:

• Collecting foreign intelligence.
• Counter-terrorism operations.
• Political and military monitoring.
• Securing strategic interests.

RAW has played a significant role in major events such as the accession of the state of Sikkim to India in 1975. The agency’s operations are covert, making it one of the most challenging yet rewarding organizations to work for in India.

Criteria to Join RAW

• Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.
• Educational Qualifications: A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Advanced degrees in fields like International Relations, Political Science, or Cybersecurity are advantageous.
• Age Limit: Typically between 21 and 45 years.
• Experience: Previous experience in armed forces, intelligence, or law enforcement is highly regarded.
• Physical Fitness: Candidates must demonstrate excellent physical and mental fitness.
• Language Proficiency: Knowledge of foreign languages is considered an asset.
• Background Checks: Candidates must have a clean legal record, free of any criminal background or pending court cases.

Recruitment Pathways

• Civil Services Examination (CSE): The most common route to join RAW is through the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Successful candidates can join various services, including the Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Administrative Service (IAS), and Indian Revenue Service (IRS), and then be deputed to RAW.
• Lateral Entry: Candidates can also be recruited from the armed forces, intelligence agencies, and other government services.
• Direct Recruitment: RAW occasionally recruits directly from universities and other institutions for specialized roles.

Salary of Different Jobs in RAW

The salary structure in RAW varies based on the position and experience. Here are some general figures:

• Field Officers: The salary ranges from ₹80,000 to ₹1,20,000 per month.
• Analysts: The salary ranges from ₹60,000 to ₹90,000 per month.
• Experts: Specialists in fields like cybersecurity or linguistics can earn between ₹1,00,000 to ₹1,50,000 per month.
• Director of RAW: The salary can go up to ₹2,00,000 per month or more, depending on the level of responsibility and experience.

Joining RAW is not just about harnessing skills; it’s about embodying a sense of purpose that aligns with national pride and duty.