🛡️ Defence & Security / Internal Security

MHA and Indian Army launch first-of-its-kind training of 600 Civil Defence Master Trainers in 12 States/UTs

📅 23 October 2026 📍 India Important

On 23 October 2026 the Ministry of Home Affairs announced a first-of-its-kind pilot in which the Indian Army will train 600 Civil Defence Master Trainers (50 each from 12 States/UTs) by the second week of November 2026, who will in turn train up to 60,000 Civil Defence Volunteers.

Summary

The Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards (DGFSCDHG), Ministry of Home Affairs, in coordination with the Indian Army, announced on 23 October 2026 a first-of-its-kind pilot to train Civil Defence Master Trainers at Army training establishments. In the first phase, 600 Master Trainers (50 from each of 12 States/UTs) will get three-day training by the second week of November 2026 in threat awareness, protection and emergency response, and communication and coordination. Each Master Trainer will then train 100 Civil Defence Volunteers, which can reach 60,000 volunteers. The initiative follows the Prime Minister's 15 August 2026 Independence Day call to build a vibrant Civil Defence network.

Key facts

Agency: DGFSCDHG, Ministry of Home Affairs, with Indian Army
Announced: 23 October 2026
Phase 1: 600 Master Trainers, 50 from each of 12 States/UTs, by 2nd week of November 2026
Training: 3 days at Indian Army training establishments
States/UTs: J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Assam, UP, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
Multiplier: Each trainer trains 100 volunteers; up to 60,000 volunteers
Areas: Threat awareness; protection and emergency response; communication and coordination
Background: PM's Independence Day address, 15 August 2026

Practice MCQs 2 questions

Q1 Advanced

Under the first phase of the Civil Defence Master Trainer initiative announced in October 2026, how many Master Trainers are to be trained by the Indian Army?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 600

In the first phase, 600 Civil Defence Master Trainers (50 from each of 12 States/UTs) are to be trained; they will in turn train up to 60,000 volunteers.

Which directorate of the Ministry of Home Affairs is running the Civil Defence Master Trainer pilot with the Indian Army (October 2026)?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards

The Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards (DGFSCDHG), MHA, is undertaking the pilot in coordination with the Indian Army.