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Difference Between Army and BSF

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: November 14th, 2023

The major difference between Army and BSF is that the Indian Army is a part of the Ministry of Defense while the Border Security Force is a part of the Central Armed Police Forces. The Border Security Force (BSF full form) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force are also bestowed with equal responsibility for safeguarding India’s border along with Pakistan and Bangladesh in the case of the former and Tibet in the case of the latter. Let us check the difference between BSF and Army.

Difference Between Army and BSF PDF

There is a widespread misconception that any soldier in uniform safeguarding international borders is a part of the Indian Army. While all men and women in uniform are bestowed with the prime task of safeguarding the country and its citizens against all odds, not everyone in uniform is a part of the Indian Army. Here, we have discussed the key differences between Army and BSF and other important information.

Difference Between Army and BSF

Although the Indian Army and BSF are responsible for the country’s protection, there are numerous notable differences between them. The difference between Army and BSF are mentioned in the table below.

BSF vs Army

Difference Between Army and BSF

Indian Army

Border Security Force (BSF)

Protecting the country’s land borders from aggression and terrorism perpetrated by neighbouring countries.

Protecting India’s internal security by protecting India’s international borders with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.

The Indian Army comes under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defense.

The BSF comes under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Founded way back on April 1, 1895, as the British India Army.

In its current format as the Army of independent India, the service was launched on January 26, 1950.

Founded on December 1, 1965, after the Indo-Pakistan war, when India sensed an inadequacy of the State Armed Police to cope with armed attacks.

The Indian Army is headed by a 4 Star Officer of the Equivalent Rank of the General of the Army.

An IPS officer heads the BSF.

Although a BSF cadre officer can reach higher posts, till the Assistant Director-General, the post of a DG is reserved for an IPS officer.

Army and BSF

Currently, the Director-General of the BSF is Sri Pankaj Singh, whereas the current Chief of the Army Staff is General Manoj Mukund Naravane. Here we have provided the difference between army and BSF, along with a brief introduction.

  • The primary goal of the Indian Army is Protecting India and its interests against foreign assault.
  • And it is the fundamental justification for why it is the Army’s war-fighting branch rather than one of the other land-based Armed Forces of the Union of India branches.
  • BSF primarily uses Federal law enforcement to safeguard India’s international border and keep that country safe from internal issues.

Indian Army

The Indian Army is the largest agency and the land-based branch of the Indian Defense Forces. As said earlier, it is responsible for maintaining the overall security and unity of the nation and protecting the country from any external threats or attacks.

  • The Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army is the President of India (As of 2022, Hon. President Ram Nath Kovind).
  • The primary duties of the Indian Army include ensuring national security and unity, protecting the country from external aggression and internal threats, and upholding tranquillity and security within its borders.
  • During disasters and other disruptions, the Indian Army performs humanitarian rescue operations.
  • In other words, Indian Army is a Defence Force of India with a military orientation.
  • In addition, the Indian Army is the biggest of all the nation’s armed forces.
  • The Indian Army and its defense forces are technically coordinated and supervised by the Ministry of Defense.
  • The ceremonial commander-in-chief of the Indian Army and Defense Forces is the President of India.

BSF Army

Border Security Force is a part of the Central Armed Police Forces and comes under the Home Ministry. Unlike the Indian Military, which is responsible for the overall security and unity of the nation and protection of the country from any external threats, the BSF protects the Line of Control with Pakistan on the west and India’s border with Bangladesh on the east.

  • After Central Reserve Police Unit, BSF is the second-oldest force in the CAPF.
  • The Indo-Pakistan Border and the Indo-Bangladesh Border are currently protected by BSF.
  • Hence, it is proudly referred to as “India’s First Line of Defense.”
  • The BSF is one of the seven wings of the CAPF, and an IPS officer is generally nominated as the Director-General of the BSF.
  • The BSF is recognized as an Armed Police Force, in contrast to the Indian Army, which was a Military Force.
  • The Department of Home Affairs coordinates and supervises the Border Security Force.
  • The BSF headquarters are located in New Delhi.

Conclusion:

Key Difference Between Army and BSF

The key difference between Army and BSF is based on the type of organization, parent ministry/commanding organization, and operational role. The Indian Army is the land-based division of the Indian Armed Forces. In comparison, the Border Security Force (BSF) is the Central Armed Police Force of the Indian Armed Forces.

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