How to Become a RAW Agent: A Comprehensive Guide

RAW, or Research and Analysis Wing, is India’s premier external intelligence agency. It is responsible for gathering and analyzing information related to national security and foreign affairs. RAW agents play a vital role in protecting India’s interests and countering threats from other countries and terrorist groups. Becoming a RAW agent is a dream for many patriotic and adventurous Indians who want to serve their country and make a difference in the world. But how can one become a RAW agent? What are the eligibility criteria, recruitment process, job profiles, and responsibilities of a RAW agent? How can one prepare for this challenging and rewarding career? In this article, we will answer these questions and provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to become a RAW agent.

Why Choose a Career in RAW?

A career in RAW is not for everyone. It requires dedication, courage, intelligence, and sacrifice. RAW agents have to work in secrecy, often in hostile and dangerous environments. They have to deal with complex and sensitive issues that affect India’s national security and foreign policy. They have to face many challenges and risks, both personal and professional. However, a career in RAW also offers many benefits and opportunities. Some of them are:

• Prestige and respect: RAW agents are highly respected and admired by their peers, superiors, and the public. They are considered as the elite of India’s intelligence community. They work directly under the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and report to the Cabinet Secretary. They have access to classified and confidential information that few others can see. They are involved in shaping India’s strategic interests and influencing global events.
• Impact: RAW agents have a direct impact on India’s security and prosperity. They provide valuable intelligence inputs that help India’s policymakers make informed decisions. They conduct covert operations that thwart enemy plans and protect India’s interests. They support India’s allies and partners in achieving common goals. They contribute to India’s development and progress by promoting its image and values abroad.
• Variety: RAW agents have a diverse and dynamic career. They work on different subjects, regions, and issues depending on their expertise and assignments. They travel to various countries and interact with different cultures and people. They use various methods and techniques to collect and analyze information. They constantly learn new skills and update their knowledge.
   

Eligibility Criteria

To become a RAW agent, one has to fulfill certain eligibility criteria regarding age, educational qualification, professional experience, and other requirements. These are:

• Educational qualification: A candidate must have graduated from a reputed institution or organization. A degree in engineering, law, management, economics, or foreign languages is preferred. Knowledge of one or more foreign languages is essential for becoming a RAW agent.
• Age limit: There is no specific age limit for becoming a RAW agent. However, candidates should be under 56 years of age at the time of recruitment.
• Professional experience: Candidates should have at least 20 years of service in any of the following fields: civil services (IAS, IPS, IRS, IFS), armed forces (army, navy, air force), police services (state or central), intelligence agencies (IB, CBI), or other government departments or organizations.
• Other requirements: Candidates should be Indian citizens with no criminal record or pending cases. They should not hold any office of profit or be affiliated with any political party or organization. They should be physically fit and mentally sound. They should be willing to work in any part of the country or abroad as per the requirements of the agency.
   

Recruitment Process

The recruitment process for becoming a RAW agent is highly secretive and selective. There are two main ways of getting recruited into RAW: direct recruitment and lateral entry.

Direct Recruitment

Direct recruitment is done through the UPSC civil services examination. Candidates who clear the preliminary exam have to take the Group A civil services exam under the Central Staffing Scheme (CSS). Those who score well in all the stages of the exam are eligible for an interview by RAW at the end of their foundation course at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA). The interview consists of psychological tests and personal interviews to assess the candidates’ aptitude, personality, motivation, and suitability for becoming a RAW agent.

Lateral Entry

Lateral entry is done through deputation from other government departments or organizations. Candidates who have at least 20 years of service in any of the fields mentioned above can apply for deputation to RAW through their respective departments or organizations. The applications are screened by RAW based on their qualifications, experience, performance, and recommendations. The shortlisted candidates are then called for an interview by RAW which involves psychological tests and personal interviews similar to those conducted for direct recruits.

Job Profiles and Responsibilities

RAW has various job profiles and ranks for its agents depending on their expertise, experience, and assignments. Some of the common job profiles are:

• Secretary: The secretary is the head of RAW who reports directly to the Cabinet Secretary and the Prime Minister. The secretary is responsible for the overall functioning, administration, and coordination of RAW. The secretary is usually a senior civil servant or a retired army officer with extensive experience in intelligence and foreign affairs.
• Special Secretary: The special secretary is the second-in-command of RAW who assists the secretary in managing the agency. The special secretary is in charge of specific divisions or wings of RAW such as operations, analysis, training, finance, etc. The special secretary is also a senior civil servant or a retired army officer with relevant experience in intelligence and foreign affairs.
• Joint Secretary: The joint secretary is the head of a division or wing of RAW such as counter-terrorism, counter-intelligence, cyber, economic, etc. The joint secretary is responsible for planning, executing, and supervising the activities and operations of their respective division or wing. The joint secretary is also a civil servant or a retired army officer with considerable experience in intelligence and foreign affairs.
• Deputy Secretary: The deputy secretary is the deputy head of a division or wing of RAW who assists the joint secretary in managing their respective division or wing. The deputy secretary is also involved in conducting and overseeing the activities and operations of their respective division or wing. The deputy secretary is also a civil servant or a retired army officer with relevant experience in intelligence and foreign affairs.
• Senior Field Officer: The senior field officer is a field agent who works on the ground in various countries and regions. The senior field officer is responsible for collecting and transmitting intelligence information from various sources such as human, technical, open, etc. The senior field officer is also involved in conducting covert operations such as sabotage, subversion, assassination, etc. The senior field officer is usually a civil servant or an ex-serviceman with expertise in intelligence and foreign affairs.
• Field Officer: The field officer is a field agent who works under the supervision of a senior field officer. The field officer is responsible for assisting the senior field officer in collecting and transmitting intelligence information from various sources. The field officer is also involved in conducting covert operations under the guidance of the senior field officer. The field officer is usually a civil servant or an ex-serviceman with basic knowledge of intelligence and foreign affairs.
• Deputy Field Officer: The deputy field officer is a junior field agent who works under the supervision of a field officer. The deputy field officer is responsible for supporting the field officer in collecting and transmitting intelligence information from various sources. The deputy field officer is also involved in conducting covert operations under the direction of the field officer. The deputy field officer is usually a graduate from a reputed institution or organization with some knowledge of intelligence and foreign affairs.
• Assistant Field Officer: The assistant field officer is an entry-level field agent who works under the supervision of a deputy field officer. The assistant field officer is responsible for helping the deputy field officer in collecting and transmitting intelligence information from various sources. The assistant field officer is also involved in conducting covert operations under the instruction of the deputy field officer. The assistant field officer is usually a graduate from a reputed institution or organization with basic knowledge of intelligence and foreign affairs.
   

The responsibilities associated with each job profile vary depending on the nature, scope, and objective of their assignments. However, some of the common responsibilities are:

• To gather and analyze intelligence information from various sources such as human, technical, open, etc.
• To conduct covert operations such as sabotage, subversion, assassination, etc.
• To advise policy makers in India on matters related to national security and foreign affairs
• To counter terrorism and nuclear proliferation
• To secure India’s nuclear program
• To support India’s allies and partners
• To promote India’s image and values abroad
   

Preparation Tips

Becoming a RAW agent requires proper preparation and specific skills. Here are some tips on how to prepare for becoming a RAW agent:

• Study hard for the UPSC exam: If you want to join RAW through direct recruitment, you have to clear the UPSC exam which is one of the toughest exams in India. You have to study hard for all the stages of the exam such as preliminary, mains, and interview. You have to cover all the subjects such as general studies, optional subjects, essay writing, etc. You have to practice mock tests, previous year papers, current affairs, etc.
• Learn foreign languages: Learning foreign languages is essential for becoming a RAW agent as you have to work in different countries and regions. You have to learn at least one foreign language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Persian, Russian, etc. You can join language courses offered by various institutes or universities or learn online through apps or websites.
• Develop analytical and communication skills: Developing analytical and communication skills is important for becoming a RAW agent as you have to collect and analyze intelligence information from various sources and communicate it effectively to your superiors and colleagues. You have to develop your logical reasoning, problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking, etc. You have to improve your verbal and written communication skills in English and other languages.
• Read books and magazines: Reading books and magazines is useful for becoming a RAW agent as you have to broaden your knowledge and awareness of various topics and issues related to national security and foreign affairs. You have to read books and magazines that cover subjects such as history, geography, politics, economics, culture, etc. of different countries and regions. You have to read books and magazines that provide insights into the working and functioning of intelligence agencies and their operations. Some of the books and magazines that you can read are:
  • The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace by A.S. Dulat, Asad Durrani and Aditya Sinha
  • The Kaoboys of R&AW: Down Memory Lane by B. Raman
  • The Unending Game: A Former R&AW Chief’s Insights into Espionage by Vikram Sood
  • India’s External Intelligence: Secrets of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) by Maj. Gen. V.K. Singh
  • The Economist
  • Foreign Affairs
  • India Today
• Stay fit and healthy: Staying fit and healthy is essential for becoming a RAW agent as you have to undergo rigorous physical and mental training and work in challenging and demanding conditions. You have to maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, practice yoga and meditation, avoid smoking and drinking, etc. You have to take care of your physical and mental health and well-being.
• Be discreet and alert: Being discreet and alert is crucial for becoming a RAW agent as you have to work in secrecy and deal with sensitive and confidential information. You have to be careful about what you say, write, or share with others. You have to avoid disclosing your identity, profession, or affiliation with RAW to anyone. You have to be vigilant about your surroundings and activities. You have to be prepared for any contingency or emergency.
   

Life as a RAW Agent

Life as a RAW agent is not easy or glamorous. It is full of challenges, risks, and sacrifices. However, it is also full of excitement, adventure, and satisfaction. Here are some aspects of life as a RAW agent:

• Challenges: Life as a RAW agent is full of challenges that test your skills, abilities, and endurance. You have to face various difficulties such as language barriers, cultural differences, hostile environments, etc. You have to deal with various threats such as enemy agents, terrorists, hackers, etc. You have to cope with various pressures such as deadlines, targets, expectations, etc.
• Risks: Life as a RAW agent is full of risks that endanger your life, liberty, and reputation. You have to work in dangerous situations such as war zones, conflict areas, etc. You have to perform risky tasks such as infiltrating enemy networks, planting bugs, stealing documents, etc. You have to face the consequences of failure such as capture, torture, imprisonment, etc.
• Sacrifices: Life as a RAW agent is full of sacrifices that affect your personal and professional life. You have to sacrifice your family time, social life, hobbies, etc. for your work. You have to sacrifice your identity, privacy, security, etc. for your country. You have to sacrifice your emotions, feelings, attachments, etc. for your mission.
• Excitement: Life as a RAW agent is full of excitement that stimulates your senses and adrenaline. You have to experience various thrillers such as travelling to exotic locations, meeting interesting people, discovering secrets, etc. You have to enjoy various adventures such as chasing suspects, escaping traps, fighting enemies, etc. You have to feel various emotions such as curiosity, passion, fear, joy, etc.
• Adventure: Life as a RAW agent is full of adventure that enriches your life and personality. You have to explore various opportunities such as learning new skills and gaining new knowledge.
• Satisfaction: Life as a RAW agent is full of satisfaction that fills your heart and soul. You have to achieve various goals such as solving cases, preventing attacks, saving lives, etc. You have to serve various causes such as national security, global peace, human rights, etc. You have to fulfill various duties such as loyalty, integrity, patriotism, etc.
   

The Bottom Line

Becoming a RAW agent is a challenging and rewarding career that requires hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. It is not a job for everyone, but for those who have the passion, talent, and courage to serve their country and make a difference in the world. If you are one of them, then this article has provided you with all the information and guidance you need to become a RAW agent. We hope you found this article helpful and informative. We wish you all the best for your future endeavors.

FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about becoming a RAW agent:

Q: How much does a RAW agent earn?

A: The salary of a RAW agent depends on their rank, experience, and assignment. However, according to some sources, the average salary of a RAW agent ranges from Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1,50,000 per month. Apart from the salary, RAW agents also get various allowances and benefits such as travel, accommodation, medical, etc.

Q: How long does it take to become a RAW agent?

A: The duration of becoming a RAW agent varies depending on the mode of recruitment and the training period. For direct recruits, it takes about 2 to 3 years to become a RAW agent after clearing the UPSC exam and undergoing the interview and training by RAW. For lateral entrants, it takes about 1 to 2 years to become a RAW agent after applying for deputation and undergoing the interview and training by RAW.

Q: How many RAW agents are there in India?

A: The exact number of RAW agents in India is not known to the public as it is a classified information. However, according to some estimates, there are about 8,000 to 10,000 RAW agents in India working in various divisions and wings of the agency.

Q: Can women become RAW agents?

A: Yes, women can become RAW agents as there is no gender discrimination in the recruitment process or the job profiles of RAW. In fact, many women have served as successful RAW agents in the past and present. Some of the notable women RAW agents are Nisha Priya Bhatia, Maloy Krishna Dhar, Anjali Bhagwat, etc.

Q: Can I join RAW after 12th?

A: No, you cannot join RAW after 12th as you need to have at least a graduation degree from a reputed institution or organization to become eligible for becoming a RAW agent. However, you can start preparing for the UPSC exam after 12th as it is one of the main ways of getting recruited into RAW.