- BSF was raised on 1 December 1965; the BSF Act was enacted in 1968.
- Primary role: guarding India's international borders in peace time and preventing trans-border crime.
- Motto: Duty Unto Death. Headed by a Director General under MHA.
- The Act provides a full court-martial style system: Security Force Courts (General, Petty and Summary).
- Offences include mutiny, desertion, insubordination, disobedience of lawful command and cowardice.
- Summary Security Force Court may be convened by the Commandant for specified offences.
- Sentences range from reprimand and fine to dismissal, imprisonment and, in gravest cases, death.
- BSF personnel have powers of search, seizure and arrest within a notified belt along the border under specified laws.
- Members are subject to the Act at all times, wherever they serve.
- BSF Rules, 1969 govern enrolment, enquiry, punishment and appeal procedure.
Study notes for exam practice. Always confirm the exact provision from the bare Act or your unit's official circular.