Centre Appoints Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor as ITBP Chief; Praveen Kumar to Head BSF

The Union government has announced important leadership changes in India’s border security forces. Senior IPS officer Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor has been appointed as the new Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, while the current ITBP chief Praveen Kumar will take charge as Director General of the Border Security Force. These appointments are part of routine administrative restructuring to ensure continuity and effectiveness in internal security.

Why in News?

On January 14, 2026, the Centre appointed Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor as DG of ITBP, while Praveen Kumar was named the new DG of BSF, according to orders issued by the Ministry of Personnel.

Appointment of Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor as ITBP Chief

• Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor, a 1990-batch IPS officer, has been appointed as the Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police.
• He is currently serving in his cadre state Haryana. Kapoor will succeed Praveen Kumar and will remain in office until October 31, 2026, the date of his superannuation.
• His appointment is expected to strengthen leadership in ITBP, which guards India’s sensitive Himalayan borders.

Praveen Kumar Takes Charge as BSF Director General

• The incumbent ITBP chief Praveen Kumar, a 1993-batch IPS officer of the West Bengal cadre, has been appointed as the Director General of the Border Security Force.
• His tenure as BSF chief will continue until September 30, 2030, marking a relatively long leadership term.
• The appointment reflects the Centre’s confidence in his experience and administrative capabilities.

Tenure and Approval Process

• Both appointments were approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) and notified through a Personnel Ministry order.
• Such high-level postings in Central Armed Police Forces are made after careful consideration of seniority, experience, and operational exposure.
• Fixed tenures help ensure stability in leadership, especially for forces responsible for border management and internal security.

Significance of ITBP and BSF Leadership

• The ITBP plays a critical role in guarding India’s borders with China across high-altitude and inhospitable terrain, while the BSF is responsible for securing borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
• Leadership continuity in these forces is crucial amid evolving challenges such as cross-border infiltration, transnational crime, and regional instability.
• The appointments underline the Centre’s focus on professional and experienced leadership in border management.

Background of ITBP and BSF

• The Indo-Tibetan Border Police was raised in 1962 after the India-China conflict and specialises in high-altitude operations.
• The Border Security Force, established in 1965, is India’s largest border guarding force. Both forces operate under the Ministry of Home Affairs and form a key pillar of India’s internal security architecture.

Key Summary at a Glance

Question

Q. Who has been appointed as the Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police in January 2026?

A. Praveen Kumar
B. Rakesh Aggarwal
C. Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor
D. Anil Chauhan