NEW DELHI, August 13, 2026
MHA Extends CAPF, Assam Rifles Deputation to Seven Years in CBI, NIA and 3 Other Agencies
The MHA deputation policy for Central Armed Police Forces and Assam Rifles personnel has been revised, allowing initial postings of up to seven years in five specialized central agencies, instead of the previous five-year tenure.
The revised tenure applies to personnel joining the Central Bureau of Investigation, National Investigation Agency, National Security Guard, Narcotics Control Bureau and National Disaster Response Force.
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the order through the Personnel Policy Section of its Police-II Division after consulting the CAPFs and Assam Rifles. The measure was approved by the Union home minister.
Why was the deputation period extended?
The policy change followed requests from central agencies seeking longer tenures for deputed personnel. The NSG had asked the ministry to increase the period from five to seven years, citing the importance of retaining institutional knowledge and specialized operational experience.
The CBI reportedly submitted a similar request in May, seeking a longer tenure for personnel drawn from the CAPFs and Assam Rifles.
Consultations with the forces indicated that seven-year postings could help agencies retain experienced personnel, maintain operational continuity and reduce the disruption caused by frequent replacements.
Which five agencies are covered?
The revised MHA deputation policy applies to postings in:
- Central Bureau of Investigation
- National Investigation Agency
- National Security Guard
- Narcotics Control Bureau
- National Disaster Response Force
These organizations handle specialized responsibilities ranging from criminal investigations and counterterrorism to disaster response, counter-narcotics operations and high-risk security duties.
When will the seven-year period begin?
Under the amended provisions, CAPF and Assam Rifles personnel selected for these organizations will be deputed for seven years from the time they enter the respective agency.
The wording indicates that the policy governs the tenure fixed at the time of initial appointment. It should not automatically be interpreted as a two-year extension for every individual currently completing a five-year deputation unless a separate order specifically covers existing personnel.
MHA modifies 2016 policy guidelines
The ministry has amended provisions under Paragraph 3(B)(2), titled “Period of Deputation,” in its policy guidelines issued on November 22, 2016.
The earlier guidelines established the broader framework for deputing CAPF and Assam Rifles personnel to outside organizations. The latest change creates a seven-year tenure for positions involving specialized work in the five designated agencies. The original policy framework is available through the Ministry of Home Affairs.
What will the agencies need to do?
The organizations will still be required to plan replacements well in advance. Early planning is intended to ensure that trained personnel are available when a deputation ends and that ongoing investigations, security operations or disaster-response assignments are not disrupted.
The longer tenure could also allow agencies to make greater use of the training and experience acquired by deputed personnel. It may provide officers and other employees more time to develop expertise in specialized roles before returning to their parent forces.
Why the decision matters
CAPF and Assam Rifles personnel provide operational and technical support across several central organizations. Training replacements frequently can require significant time and resources, particularly in agencies handling complex investigations, counterterrorism duties and emergency operations.
A seven-year tenure could improve workforce stability and preserve institutional knowledge. Its practical effect, however, will depend on implementation instructions, staffing requirements and how the policy is applied to current and future deputation cases.
