ITBP Chief appointment 2026: Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor takes charge as ITBP DG, Praveen Kumar appointed BSF Director General. Key updates for exams and national security.
Centre Appoints Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor as ITBP Chief & Praveen Kumar as BSF Director-General
In a significant restructuring of India’s central police leadership, the Government of India has appointed Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to head two of the country’s key paramilitary forces — the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Border Security Force (BSF).
Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor Takes Charge as ITBP Director-General
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), Government of India, has approved the appointment of Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor as the new Director General (DG) of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Kapoor is a 1990-batch IPS officer belonging to the Haryana cadre with decades of experience in policing and security. He officially assumed charge of the post following the ceremonial handover from Praveen Kumar at the ITBP headquarters.
Kapoor is expected to serve as DG, ITBP, until his superannuation on October 31, 2026. His appointment comes at a time when the force continues to play a pivotal role in guarding India’s sensitive Ladakh and Himachal Frontier along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Praveen Kumar Named Director-General of BSF
Meanwhile, Praveen Kumar, a 1993-batch IPS officer of the West Bengal cadre, has been appointed as the Director-General of the Border Security Force (BSF). He succeeds the former BSF chief and will hold this crucial command until September 30, 2030 — the date of his retirement.
Before this appointment, Kumar was serving as ITBP Chief and had also handled additional charge of BSF Director-General, showcasing his versatility and depth in border security management.
The BSF is tasked with guarding India’s international borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh and is a key pillar of the nation’s internal security apparatus.
Significance of These Appointments
These appointments mark an important leadership transition in India’s paramilitary forces. Both ITBP and BSF play strategic roles in securing India’s borders, counter-insurgency operations, and maintaining peace in high-risk frontiers. With evolving geopolitical threats, especially along the India–China border, strong leadership in these forces is critical for national security.
Why This News Is Important
Strategic Leadership in National Security Forces
The appointment of senior IPS officers to head the ITBP and BSF is crucial for India’s national security and border management strategy. Both forces are frontline defenders — the ITBP along the challenging Himalayan border with China, and the BSF along the western and eastern borders of India. Their leadership directly influences operational preparedness, morale, and policy implementation at the highest levels.
Relevance for Government Exam Aspirants
For students preparing for competitive exams like SSC, UPSC (IAS/IPS/PCS), defence, banking, railways, and police services, this news highlights how the central government makes top-level appointments in security forces. Questions on the roles, structure, and leadership of paramilitary forces appear in General Awareness, Current Affairs, and Polity sections. Understanding appointments of key leaders helps aspirants stay updated with important personnel changes that reflect government priorities.
Understanding Institutional Hierarchy
This update also illustrates the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) role — a constitutional authority that approves senior positions in central forces. Such procedural knowledge is often tested in exams like UPSC and State PSCs under the Governance and Administrative framework segment.
Historical Context: ITBP and BSF Leadership
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
The ITBP was raised in 1962 after the Sino-India war to strengthen border defense along the Chinese frontier. Over the decades, it has evolved into a specialized force with high-altitude operational capability, disaster-response duties, and internal security responsibilities. Its DG is the highest operational authority responsible for strategic planning and execution of border security measures.
Border Security Force (BSF)
The BSF was established in 1965 to guard the borders with Pakistan and later Bangladesh. It is one of the largest paramilitary forces in India and has been engaged in multiple security operations, anti-smuggling initiatives, and humanitarian duties. Leadership of the BSF has historically been entrusted to senior IPS officers with vast experience in policing, counter-insurgency and border management.
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)
The ACC, headed by the Prime Minister of India, approves appointments to senior positions in key forces. These decisions reflect policy direction, operational needs, and leadership continuity in strategic institutions.
Key Takeaways from “Appointments of ITBP & BSF Chiefs”
| S.No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor appointed as Director General of ITBP till October 31, 2026. |
| 2. | Praveen Kumar appointed as Director General of BSF till September 30, 2030. |
| 3. | Both officers are senior IPS officers from the 1990 and 1993 batches, respectively. |
| 4. | These appointments were approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). |
| 5. | BSF and ITBP are critical paramilitary forces responsible for India’s border security and internal governance. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who has been appointed as the new Director General of ITBP?
Answer: Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor, a 1990‑batch IPS officer of Haryana cadre, has been appointed as the Director General of ITBP.
2. Who is the new Director General of BSF?
Answer: Praveen Kumar, a 1993‑batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre, has been appointed as the Director General of BSF.
3. What is the role of ITBP in India?
Answer: The ITBP primarily guards the India-China border along the Himalayan region and also participates in disaster management, internal security, and high-altitude operations.
4. What are the key responsibilities of BSF?
Answer: BSF secures India’s international borders, particularly with Pakistan and Bangladesh, and is involved in anti-smuggling, counter-insurgency, and humanitarian operations.
5. Who approves appointments of senior IPS officers in central forces?
Answer: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approves appointments for senior positions like DG of ITBP and BSF.
6. Until when will Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor serve as ITBP DG?
Answer: He will serve until October 31, 2026, the date of his superannuation.
7. What is the significance of these appointments for competitive exams?
Answer: They reflect government policy and operational leadership in paramilitary forces and are relevant for UPSC, SSC, PSC, defence, banking, and police exam current affairs.
8. When was the BSF established and for what purpose?
Answer: BSF was established in 1965 to secure India’s borders and maintain peace in border regions.
Some Important Current Affairs Links
