The realm of intelligence consists of secrecy, bravery, and perpetual vigilance. In India, the Research and Analysis Wing, otherwise called RAW, is the foremost agency in national foreign intelligence gathering. Created in 1968, RAW operates behind the scenes to keep our country safe from threats outside India's borders. RAW officials live in shadows, work under cover, and travel in tough conditions to gather important information for the security or sovereignty of the country. Being a RAW agent is a tough but also prestigious profession. RAW officials must be mentally and physically fit, as well as clearly dedicated and patriotic.A Brief History of RAWPrior to the founding of RAW, the Intelligence Bureau (IB), which had existed since 1887 during British control of India, was mainly responsible for collecting foreign intelligence services. The endeavours of the IB were widened in 1933 due to circumstances in political affairs globally. With the independence of India in 1947, the necessity for an external intelligence agency/taking on a role as such by the IB became glaringly obvious. Some believe that covert intelligence operations existed in the wars of the 1960s. However, due to major intelligence blunders during the 1962 war with China and the 1965 war with Pakistan, the Indian government believed that a reorganized and better-supported intelligence wing was required. With the assistance of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Rameshwar Nath Kao, the Prime Minister's principal secretary, a design took shape. On September 21, 1968, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) was formally established to collect foreign intelligence and conduct national security operations.Role and Duties of a RAW Agent:RAW agents are responsible for espionage, which involves collecting confidential information about foreign countries, especially regarding military, political, and economic matters. Their job includes:Preventing terrorist attacks and foreign threatsMonitoring internal threats with international linksGathering real-time intelligence on enemy movementsInfiltrating foreign territories for strategic dataEnsuring India’s global security interests are protectedThey are supposed to operate with complete secrecy, often risking their lives in foreign lands without official recognition or protection.Qualities Required to Become a RAW Agent:Due to the challenging nature of the work, RAW agents need to possess certain key qualities:Strong logical and analytical thinkingPhysical and mental enduranceAbility to make quick decisions in high-risk situationsHigh level of secrecy and loyaltyAdaptability to live and work in unfamiliar environmentsExcellent observation and attention to detailAbility to disguise and remain unnoticedWillingness to travel frequentlyFluency in foreign languages is an advantageHigh alertness and emotional controlEligibility and qualifications:To be considered for RAW, an individual must meet the following requirements:Must be an Indian citizenNo criminal backgroundNo history of drug addictionShould not disclose their application to family or friendsMust be willing to relocate without noticeShould be physically fit and mentally stableMust be a graduate from a recognized universityFluency in at least one foreign language is often requiredOfficers with at least 20 years of experience in civil services are usually preferred for senior postsRecruitment Process:RAW does not recruit directly through open applications. The recruitment process is discreet and highly competitive. Most recruits come from government services, especially civil services, military, or police backgrounds. The steps usually include:Clearing the Combined Graduate Preliminary Exam (CGPE) conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC)Performing well in the Civil Services ExaminationClearing the Group A Central Services Exam under the Central Staffing SchemeAttending interviews and psychological assessmentsPassing RAW’s internal examination and selection processOnly the most capable and discreet candidates make it through this rigorous process.Training of RAW Agents:Training for RAW agents is designed to prepare them for life-threatening and complex missions. It takes place in two main stages:Basic Training:This includes foundational lessons in intelligence gathering, surveillance, interrogation techniques, and spycraft.Advanced Training:Conducted by the Field Intelligence Bureau, this involves realistic simulations such as night operations, infiltration and exfiltration techniques, geostrategic studies, foreign languages, contact development, and handling sensitive equipment.The focus is on building skills in disguise, hacking, communication, and survival under extreme conditions.Salary and Perks:Although RAW salaries are not publicly disclosed, it is estimated that a RAW agent earns approximately between Rs 80,000 to Rs 1,30,000 per month, depending on rank and experience.Additional benefits include:Two extra months' salary every yearForeign service allowances for overseas assignmentsSpecial Dearness Allowance and unique security allowancesAccess to exclusive medical and travel benefitsEnhanced pension and retirement schemesRisk and hardship pay based on postingLife After Becoming a RAW Agent:Being a RAW agent is unlike being an employee anywhere else in the government. Their identity is highly protected, even from family and friends. They work under fake identities when stationed abroad, and they have no public recognition or appreciation. Their job is to operate in the background. There is much regard for risk to life, and detainment, when many of the agents do not view it as a risk, they view their service as pride, and a duty to their country.Famous RAW Agents and Their Stories:Ravindra Kaushik:Known as one of India’s best spies, Kaushik infiltrated the Pakistani Army and provided critical intelligence. Under the alias Nabi Ahmed Shakir, he operated in Pakistan for years. He was arrested in 1985, tortured, and imprisoned for 16 years until his death. He was honored with the title “Black Tiger” by the then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.Ajit Doval:Now India’s National Security Advisor, Doval worked for RAW and lived undercover in Pakistan for over seven years. He gathered key intelligence that contributed to several counter-terror operations. His experience earned him the nickname “India’s James Bond.”Mohanlal Bhaskar:Sent to Pakistan in the 1960s, Bhaskar was caught and tortured. He spent about 14 years in jail. After his return, he wrote a book titled An Indian Spy in Pakistan, detailing his journey as a secret agent.Kulbhushan Jadhav:A former Indian Navy officer, Jadhav was arrested in Pakistan in 2016 and accused of being a RAW spy. While India claims he was kidnapped from Iran, Pakistan sentenced him to death. His case was taken to the International Court of Justice, where his execution was stayed. The matter remains highly controversial.In conclusion, being a RAW agent is not just a job but a deep commitment to serving the nation. These agents operate in complete secrecy and often make personal sacrifices for the safety and security of India. Their work may never be known or acknowledged publicly, but their impact is significant and lasting. RAW agents are among the unsung heroes of India’s security system, silently protecting the nation from threats both near and far.For more such information, visit unilist.in
