CAPF General Administration Act 2026 notified, setting IPS deputation quotas and service rules

The government has notified the Central Armed Police Forces General Administration Act, 2026, following President Droupadi Murmu’s assent. The umbrella law regulates recruitment, deputation, promotion, and service conditions for CAPF officers, including IPS deputation quotas for inspector general, additional director general, and higher ranks across CRPF, CISF, BSF, ITBP, and SSB.

The Centre has notified the Central Armed Police Forces General Administration Act, 2026. President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the law. The Act sets common rules for recruitment, deputation, promotion, and other service conditions. It applies to officer cadres across the Central Armed Police Forces, known as CAPFs.

The move comes after legal scrutiny of deputation in these forces. In October last year, the Supreme Court rejected the Centre’s request to review a 2025 verdict. That earlier ruling had called for fewer Indian Police Service officers on deputation. It also directed a cadre review within six months.

CAPFs General Administration Act 2026 sets deputation rules

The Act lays down numbers for deputation at senior ranks. It says 50 per cent of inspector general posts will be filled by IPS deputation. It also sets a minimum of 67 per cent for additional director general posts through deputation. The ranks of special director general and director general will be filled only by deputation.

Until now, each force has operated under its own law. The CRPF, CISF, BSF, ITBP and SSB are governed by separate Acts. Those rules cover recruitment and service conditions for Group-A general duty officers. They also apply to other officers and members across the CAPFs.

CAPFs General Administration Act 2026 follows Supreme Court direction

The Supreme Court’s 2025 judgment had set a timeline for reducing deputation. It had said, "... the number of posts earmarked for deputation in the cadres of the CAPFs up to the level of Senior Administrative Grade SAG should be progressively reduced over a period of time, say within an outer limit of two years, the apex court had said.\"

A group of retired CAPF officers later went back to court. The group filed a contempt plea against Home Secretary Govind Mohan. The plea alleged the October 2025 order was not being implemented. The dispute kept focus on how senior posts were being staffed.

CAPFs General Administration Act 2026 aims to reduce litigation

The Bill’s statement of objects and reasons cited changing needs in the forces. It said expanding operational roles had created distinct organisational structures. It also noted there was no umbrella law in recent years. As a result, rules developed in pieces and led to service disputes.

The retired officers’ group also raised wider concerns in a public statement. The group said, \"The proposed CAPF Regulation Bill, 2026, assumes considerable importance.\" The group added that changes to command and service conditions could affect morale. The group also linked leadership rules to operational performance and security duties.

With the Act now notified, the CAPFs will work under a common service framework. The law sets clear deputation provisions for top ranks. It also keeps existing force laws in place for broader governance. The notification marks the latest step after court directions and continuing debate over staffing and structure.

With inputs from PTI