To join RAW (Research and Analysis Wing), India's premier external intelligence agency, there are no direct recruitment exams specifically for RAW. Candidates typically enter RAW through the following main pathways:
- Through the Civil Services Examination (UPSC): The most common route is clearing the UPSC Civil Services Exam and joining services like the Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Administrative Service (IAS), or Indian Revenue Service (IRS). Officers from these services can be deputed or recruited into RAW.
- Through the Indian Armed Forces: Personnel from the Army, Navy, or Air Force with relevant experience in intelligence, counter-insurgency, signals, or surveillance can be selected or deputed to RAW.
- Lateral Recruitment: RAW sometimes recruits experts with specialized skills such as cybersecurity, foreign languages, analysis in international relations, or geopolitics from government services.
Basic eligibility criteria generally include:
- Indian citizenship
- Graduation degree (Bachelor’s minimum)
- Age typically between 21 to 35 years (varies)
- Clean record, no criminal background
- Excellent physical and mental fitness
- Knowledge of foreign languages is a plus
The selection includes screening through the UPSC or armed forces channels, followed by specialized training and internal assessments in RAW. There is no separate public entrance exam for RAW agents, and recruitment is highly selective and classified. In summary, preparing for and clearing the UPSC Civil Services Exam or serving in the armed forces with relevant skills is the primary and practical way to join RAW.
