By IETeam Are you aware of the fact that India is actually known for the highly trained and toughest special commando forces in the entire world? Yes, that’s a 100% true. And if you’re wondering like why this level of training and toughness is even needed, well, then you must not know about various threats to India as a nation, right? Like, first of all, we’re surrounded by enemy nations, and on top of that, there are threats like terrorism, insurgency, etc. Thankfully, we have many special commando forces right here in India to deal with all of these threats and keep you (the people) and the nation safe, no matter the cost. Today though, we’re here specifically to talk about the top 10 special commando forces in India as of 2025, and if that’s something you’re intrigued about at the moment, then just keep on reading.
1. National Security Guard (NSG)
To start out straight here, you see, it is 1000% true that India’s ultimate anti-terror force is NSG. No two ways about that. Like, the NSG was formed in 1984 to resolve hostage situations, eliminate terrorists and prevent hijacks, were you aware of that? Most of the recruits (80%) do not make the cut as their selection process is too tough, you know? Though, you may ask like What is their biggest mission? During the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, they eliminated terrorists inside the Taj Hotel. They gear up with cool weapons like MP5 submachine guns and corner-shot rifles, just saying.
2. MARCOS
Next on the list, without a single doubt, MARCOS, which stands for Marine Commandos, are the most dangerous of the Indian Navy. Just so you know though, these commando units perform operations on the ground, in the air, and underwater, so yes, they are very flexible, no doubt. Only 1 in 8 make it through their tough training, just giving you perspective on things. Like, for the Kargil War and coup in the Maldives in 1988, they kinda played a big role back then, that’s what we’re pretty certain of. Also, because they go undercover in Kashmir, people have nicknamed them Dadiwala Fauj (Bearded Army).
3. Para Special Forces
How about taking a good look at the toughest Indian soldiers of the army? Well, sure enough, as many of you may already know, the Para Special Forces (Para SF) are kinda the experts in rapid strikes and deep infiltration. Just so you know, the training is so tough that only 15% of the recruits make it. They learn to parachute, navigate the jungle, and even speak foreign languages so that they can operate behind enemy lines, no matter what. And if you’re wondering, well yes, they were in charge of the 2016 Surgical Strikes in POK.
4. Garud Commando Force
For those who don’t know yet, the Garud Commandos are Air Force commandos who protect airbases, rescue hostages, and take the fight to the enemy above in the air. Well, to become one, you should know that their training lasts for three long years. As for a little bit of history here, well, their initial mission was a 2004 Congo trip which was followed up by the 2016 Pathankot Airbase terrorist takedown. These commandos can parachute into war zones and disarm bombs too.
5. COBRA
COBRA? Yes, if you haven’t heard of them yet, well, just know that the COBRA commandos are experts in jungle warfare. How about that now? Like, they have training to deep fight in forests against Naxal insurgents and guerrilla fighters. Sure enough, as per their training, these guys are the best when it comes to camouflaging, ambushing, and surviving. These guys are trained in disarming booby traps, helicopter insertions, stealth attacks, and all that. If you remember, yes, they have led missions like Operation Chakravyuh (2018) and eliminated key Naxal leaders successfully.
6. Ghatak Force
And who are these? Well, just to give you perspective on things, yes, they are the soldiers who attack first before the main army joins in. Like, they’re taught to fight at high altitudes, in cities, and via surprise attacks. Sure enough, it goes down in history that the Kargil War greatly benefited from their effort as they managed to take down the enemy bunkers high up in the mountains.
7. Special Protection Group (SPG)
For now, just know that SPG is a more secret and elite version of India’s Secret Service. Simple? Nah!! You see, these commandos guard the PM and other VIPs. So not so simple actually! Once again, yes, these squad members are trained in close combat, bomb detection, and evacuation techniques, and it is all confidential for the most part. And sure enough, they have secret missions of which very little is known to the public at large.
8. Greyhounds
Next on the list, you see, the Greyhounds are a super effective anti-insurgency force mainly working in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Just so you know though, Greyhounds are specially trained to combat Naxals at their home unlike COBRA, which works all over the country. Like, the greyhounds move quietly, swiftly and so discretely that the enemy only knows they were there after it’s all over.
9. Force One
For those who don’t know yet, well, in the after-hours of the Mumbai attacks on 26/11, the government decided that Mumbai needed a force that could rapidly respond to anti-terror strikes, ALWAYS. So yes, on 26th November 2009, Force One was formed. The commandos in this were trained to instantly react to urban terror threats. Like, they can reach anywhere in Mumbai in minutes, you know, armed with surveillance equipment, sniper rifles, and drones.
10. Special Frontier Force (SFF)
And last on this special list, you see, the Special Frontier Force was formed during the 1962 Indo-China War, with the purpose of carrying out deep infiltration, sabotage, and intelligence gathering. And it would be a surprising fact for many of you that they work for RAW directly and report to the PMO (Prime Minister’s Office). Like, one of their major missions was Operation Snow Leopard (2020), where they secured Indian positions in Ladakh against Chinese troops.
Conclusion
There you have it. These are by far the top, best, and most famous special commando forces right here in India, and you should get to know a little more about each of these divisions. Go ahead, and get to know how they train, what operations they do, and things like that.