<strong>How to pursue a career in the Narcotics Department of India</strong>
The narcotics department consists of professionals who carry out investigation on drug usage and activities in a particular area or a country. They are called Narcotics Officers. They are trained on laws, rules and regulations, as well as guidelines regarding drug possession and trafficking. A Narcotics Officer also uses unique methods and resources to handle critical operations and raids. In fact, this job role includes going undercover to collect information about drug supply, usage and trafficking across borders. No wonder, it is considered to be an exciting career option in India. Here’s everything an aspiring Narcotics Officer needs to know.
What should an aspiring Narcotics Officer study?
A youngster aspiring to pursue this profession should pursue under-graduation degree courses in disciplines such as criminal justice, criminal studies or criminology. After completion of graduation with more than 55 per cent aggregate, they’re required to appear for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) or State Public Service Commission (SPSC) Exams or the recruitment test conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau of India. After the preliminary and mains written exams, candidates are required to appear for interviews, followed by polygraph tests, drug tests, physical fitness tests and psychological stability test. The final selection is based on the overall performance.
Eligibility criteria
Youngsters who wish to become a Narcotics Officer in India after their class 12 should first and foremost be a legal citizen of India and should also be aged 20 years and above. Candidates should also secure more than 60 per cent in their school final exams and 55 per cent or above in their graduation to appear for the UPSC or SPSC entrance exams or the recruitment test carried out by Narcotics Control Bureau.
Top institutes
Popular institutes to pursue graduation in criminology or any other relevant course for becoming a Narcotics Officer in India are Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai, Indian Institute of Science, Education and Research in Pune or Kharagpur campuses and DG Vaishnav College, Chennai. After qualifying the narcotics officer recruitment or entrance exams selected candidates are sent to a special training institute of Narcotics Control Bureau in New Delhi.
Career options
Two most popular career options after being trained in narcotics control in India are Junior Intelligence Officer and Narcotics Inspector. The job roles include carrying out operations for Central Bureau of Narcotics or Narcotics Control Bureau, K-9 units, Department of Public Safety and other narcotics-based government agencies. The key skills required are effective communication skills, good physical strength and mental ability to cope with stress on a daily basis. They should also be able to efficiently handle firearms and be a pro in self-defence techniques. Their primary aim is to enforce drug law enforcement across state borders.