DRDO software to test psychological fitness of CRPF personnel on VIP duty

To improve efficiency of its over 1,000 personnel pressed into VIP security duty, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has started using a computerised psychological evaluation test based on a software prepared by the DRDO, paving the way for an IT-based and upgraded assessment that is also relied upon by forces like the National Security Guard (NSG) and the Special Protection Group (SPG).

- RAHUL CHHABRA

The software handed over by DRDO to CRPF is helping replace the paper-based test that has been used all these years to assess an individual's abilities related to decision-making and handling tricky situations. The module based on the Vienna Test System (VTS) also helps assess an officer's stress level.

"It is not something that was not happening earlier. Now, the only difference is that it is computerized. Earlier it was a written test," said a CRPF officer, adding that the purpose is to further improve the performance of the force.

Security experts say offering protection to a dignitary is a team job and the VTS helps identify the most suitable personnel for the collective task.