Watched The Family Man? What does it take to become a real-life spy? At RAW or Research and Analysis Wing, the process is much quieter and more complex. It works under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister’s Office. Its responsibility is to monitor threats from outside the country, understand international developments and identify risks that could impact national security. RAW does not recruit like a normal organisation. There are no public advertisements or online portals to apply.  So, how are candidates actually selected? (AI Image)

The selection process is highly confidential and usually happens through govt services where talented individuals have already proved their skills. In many cases, RAW identifies potential candidates before they even know they are being considered. The most common routes are through the Indian Armed Forces, paramilitary organisations, Military Intelligence (MI) or the Intelligence Bureau (IB) – which hires candidates via the ACIO exam. Often IPS or IRS officers recruited via UPSC are also selected as RAW agents. Even those in armed forces have high chances of being selected the agency. (Representative Image)

There are some basic requirements. A candidate must be an Indian citizen, usually below 56 years old. He or she must be able to adapt to different environments. Body language, communication style and behaviour all become important. (AI Image)

RAW’s psychological tests are designed to understand a person’s thinking, honesty and emotional control. The goal is not to find a correct answer but to observe consistency, honesty and how a person reacts under pressure. (AI Image)

A person’s background is examined very carefully. Criminal records, questionable connections or any major concerns can immediately reduce the chances of selection. Skills such as foreign language knowledge, especially in languages like Arabic, Russian or Chinese, along with strong analytical ability and problem-solving skills, can be valuable. (AI Image)