India implements CAPF Act 2026 governing officer service and deputation

The Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act, 2026, officially came into force on October 8, 2026. The legislation establishes a common framework for the recruitment, promotion, and service conditions of Group-A general duty officers across several forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

Under the new Act, specific quotas for deputation from the Indian Police Service (IPS) have been set. Fifty per cent of Inspector General posts are to be filled via IPS deputation, while a minimum of 67 per cent of Additional Director General posts are reserved for the same. All posts at the Special Director General and Director General levels will be filled exclusively through deputation.

The implementation of this Act follows a 2025 Supreme Court ruling that directed a progressive reduction of IPS deputations in the CAPFs to allow for internal promotions. The new legislation arrives as the Supreme Court continues to hear petitions challenging the constitutionality of the Act and contempt petitions regarding IPS deputations.