NEW DELH, OCTOBER 17, 2026 : The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), India’s largest paramilitary force, is considering restoring the military ranks of lance naik and naik, nearly three decades after they were abolished, in a move aimed at addressing promotion delays among personnel and improving career opportunities for retiring Agniveers.
According to officials quoted by PTI, CRPF headquarters has directed hundreds of field formations across the country to hold stakeholder meetings, known as Sainik Sammelans, and gather personnel’s views on the proposal within two days.
The proposed changes could introduce two additional promotional stages for constables before they reach the rank of head constable, potentially helping to reduce long-standing career stagnation and improve morale.
Army Ranks Were Abolished in CRPF in 1997
The ranks of lance naik and naik were abolished in the CRPF in 1997 through an order issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. They were merged into the police ranks of constable and head constable.
Both ranks, however, continue to exist in the Indian Army.
Under the hierarchy described in the report, personnel following the proposed progression could receive their first promotion to lance naik after five years of service, promotion to naik after 10 years and subsequently promotion to head constable after 20 years.
At present, constables in the CRPF reportedly face substantial delays in career progression, with their first promotion taking an average of 22 to 25 years.
Promotion Stagnation a Major Concern
The CRPF has approximately 3.25 lakh personnel and is facing significant stagnation in promotions among its lower ranks.
The prolonged wait for advancement has reportedly caused frustration and grievances among personnel, particularly constables who spend decades in service before receiving their first promotion.
Officials believe restoring the two ranks could provide additional opportunities for career progression, improve job satisfaction and strengthen morale among the force’s personnel.
However, former paramilitary personnel representatives have stressed that merely restoring rank insignia will not solve the problem unless promotions are linked to clear and time-bound career progression.
Agniveers’ Recruitment Prospects Also in Focus
The proposed move is also understood to be aimed at making service in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), including the CRPF, more attractive to former Agniveers.
Under the Centre’s Agnipath scheme, Agniveers serve in the armed forces for four years. The first batch is expected to begin completing its tenure later in 2026, making eligible personnel potential candidates for opportunities in other security forces, subject to applicable recruitment rules.
At present, CAPFs reportedly have an interim arrangement under which constables may wear insignia associated with a non-sanctioned senior constable designation, intended to provide an equivalent to the lance naik rank.
There is currently no corresponding arrangement for the naik rank.
Restoring both ranks could help establish a clearer progression structure, although the final benefits would depend on the policy approved and the applicable service rules.
Ex-Paramilitary Representatives Seek Time-Bound Promotions
Ranbir Singh, Secretary General of the Ex-Paramilitary Personnel Association, said the proposal would benefit jawans only if it ensured promotions within a defined timeframe.
He cautioned that without a time-bound system, reintroducing ranks could prove ineffective and fail to resolve the underlying grievances.
A senior CRPF commandant also emphasised that the move should not be merely cosmetic. The proposed arrangement, the officer said, must preserve discipline within battalions and maintain operational effectiveness.
Balancing Career Progression With Operational Efficiency
The CRPF and Border Security Force (BSF) previously maintained these ranks along lines similar to those used in Army infantry battalions.
According to the report, a battalion may have more than 1,000 personnel, including over 20 subordinate officers. Any restructuring of ranks would therefore need to consider the command structure, unit discipline, staffing requirements and operational efficiency.
The feedback being collected through the Sainik Sammelans is expected to help the force assess personnel’s views before further decisions are taken.
Proposal Still Under Consideration
The possible restoration of lance naik and naik ranks represents an effort to address long-standing promotion concerns within the CRPF while considering the future recruitment of eligible former Agniveers.
However, the proposal remains under consideration. The reported consultations do not, by themselves, establish that the ranks have been officially restored or that a final promotion policy has been approved.
Personnel will be looking for concrete details on eligibility, promotion timelines, sanctioned posts and implementation before the proposal can deliver meaningful career benefits.
