Bihar Expands Special Auxiliary Police Force with 17,000 New Positions

The Bihar government has made a landmark decision to recruit 17,000 personnel for the Special Auxiliary Police (SAP), significantly increasing its strength from 1,717. This expansion includes not only retired army personnel but also those from central paramilitary forces. With new salary structures in place, JCOs will earn ₹35,000, SAP personnel ₹30,000, and cooks ₹25,000 monthly. This initiative aims to bolster law enforcement and create over 150,000 jobs in the state this year, enhancing security and providing respectable employment opportunities for retired servicemen.

By Ambika Singh Feb 9, 2026, 22:22 IST

Bihar's Police Force Expansion

In a significant move to enhance the police force in Bihar, the government has announced the recruitment of 17,000 personnel for the Special Auxiliary Police (SAP). Currently, there are only 1,717 members in the SAP, but the state cabinet has approved a plan to increase this number more than tenfold.

The recruitment will include 150 Junior Commissioned Officers (JCO), 16,300 SAP personnel, and 550 cooks, all of whom will be hired on a contractual basis. The recruitment process is expected to be completed by the financial year 2026-27. The current strength appears low due to ongoing training for new recruits, prompting the need for this expansion.

A notable change is that now not only retired soldiers from the Indian Army but also those from central paramilitary forces (such as CRPF and BSF) will be eligible to join the SAP. Previously, only ex-servicemen from the army were considered for these positions.

Salary Increases for New Recruits

Salary Enhancements Announced

The new salary structure will see JCOs earning ₹35,000, SAP personnel receiving ₹30,000, and cooks getting ₹25,000 per month. This increase will be adjusted according to the prevailing rates. The government believes that this initiative will strengthen law and order in the state while providing retired personnel with respectable job opportunities and earnings. These recruits will assist the police in enhancing security measures. This recruitment drive is part of a broader goal to create over 150,000 jobs in Bihar this year.