Central Reserve Police Force — Prelims Strategy

Prelims Strategy

For Prelims, focus on factual accuracy and key details related to CRPF. Begin by memorizing its establishment year (1939 as CRP, 1949 as CRPF Act), its administrative ministry (Ministry of Home Affairs), and its constitutional backing (Article 355, Seventh Schedule entries).

Pay close attention to its specialized units: CoBRA (anti-Naxal, jungle warfare) and RAF (riot control, crowd management), understanding their specific mandates. Note the current sanctioned strength (approx.

3.25 lakh personnel, 246 battalions) but be aware that such figures can change. Understand the primary roles: anti-Naxal, counter-insurgency, election duties, law & order. Distinguish CRPF's role from other CAPFs like BSF (border guarding) and ITBP (high-altitude border guarding).

Practice MCQs that test these factual distinctions and constitutional connections. Vyyuha's Quick Recall mnemonic 'CRPF-CORE' will be particularly useful here. Also, keep an eye on recent modernization initiatives and significant policy changes as they often feature in current affairs-based Prelims questions.