The Border Security Force (BSF) was raised in:

The Border Security Force (BSF) was raised on 1 December 1965, after the India-Pakistan war of that year.

Why the BSF was raised:

• Before 1965, India's borders with Pakistan were guarded by the armed police battalions of the states.
• These forces were not well equipped or coordinated to deal with attacks from across the border.
• The war of 1965 showed the need for a specialised central force to guard the borders in peacetime.

First Director General:

K.F. Rustamji, a senior police officer, was the first Director General of the BSF and is regarded as its founder.

Role of the BSF:

• It guards India's borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh during peacetime.
• It prevents trans-border crimes such as smuggling, infiltration and illegal immigration.
• During war, it holds ground in less threatened sectors and assists the Army.
• It is also deployed for counter-insurgency and internal security duties when needed.

Special features:

• The BSF has its own air wing, marine (water) wing and artillery regiment.
• It has a camel contingent, which takes part in the Republic Day parade.
• It is often called "India's first line of defence".

Role in history:

• The BSF played an important role in the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh.
• Its troops have taken part in United Nations peacekeeping missions.

Control:

• It is one of the Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Its headquarters is in New Delhi.

Motto:

Its motto is "Jeevan Paryant Kartavya", meaning "Duty unto death".

Legal basis:

It is governed by the Border Security Force Act, which lays down its powers and discipline.

Why not the other options?

• ✗1950 and 1986 do not match.
• ✗1971 is the year of the Bangladesh war, in which the BSF took part.