Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat is likely to succeed Praveen Kumar as Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF) if Kumar moves to West Bengal as the state’s DGP, according to the latest developments. Praveen Kumar, a 1993-batch West Bengal cadre IPS officer, was appointed DG BSF in January 2026.
Prabhat is a senior 1992-batch Indian Police Service officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre and has held several key positions in central armed police forces and Jammu and Kashmir. His career has included senior leadership responsibilities in the CRPF and National Security Guard (NSG), along with his present role as J&K DGP.
Nalin Prabhat Likely to Become Next DG BSF
If Praveen Kumar is moved to West Bengal as DGP, Nalin Prabhat is likely to be considered for the post of DG BSF.
The BSF is one of India’s Central Armed Police Forces and is responsible for guarding India’s international borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. The DG BSF is the senior-most officer responsible for the force’s overall leadership and operations.
Praveen Kumar currently heads the BSF. The Ministry of Home Affairs had approved his appointment as DG BSF in January 2026, with his tenure extending until September 30, 2030, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
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Who is Nalin Prabhat?
Nalin Prabhat is a senior IPS officer of the 1992 batch from the Andhra Pradesh cadre. The official IPS Civil List identifies his service number as 19921057 and records his recruitment as a direct recruit through the regular recruitment route. It lists him at Level 17 and as DGP, J&K, with effect from October 1, 2024.
His career has been marked by extensive experience in policing, counter-insurgency and security operations, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir.
Key profile details
- Name: Nalin Prabhat
- Service: Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Batch: 1992
- Cadre: Andhra Pradesh
- Service Number: 19921057
- Current Position: Director General of Police, Jammu and Kashmir
- Current Position Since: October 1, 2024
- Pay Level: Level 17
- Educational Qualification: M.A.
- Home State: Punjab
The official IPS Civil List records his allotment year as 1993, although he is identified as an RR 1992-batch officer.
Nalin Prabhat’s Career in Security Forces
Prabhat has held several important assignments during his career, giving him substantial experience in handling complex security situations.
Before becoming J&K DGP, he served as Director General of the National Security Guard (NSG) in 2024. He also held senior positions in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), including assignments connected with Jammu and Kashmir and counter-insurgency operations.
His experience in the CRPF and NSG has involved dealing with challenging internal security environments and operational responsibilities.
Nalin Prabhat as J&K Police Chief
Nalin Prabhat took charge as Director General of Police, Jammu and Kashmir, on October 1, 2024, succeeding R.R. Swain. The official IPS Civil List confirms the appointment and date.
His tenure as J&K police chief has placed him at the forefront of security and policing operations in one of India’s most sensitive regions.
His previous experience with the CRPF and NSG has also contributed to his profile as a senior officer with extensive operational and counter-insurgency experience.
Awards and Recognitions
Nalin Prabhat has received several police service awards during his career in recognition of his service and operational contributions.
According to the official IPS Civil List, his listed honours include:
- President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service – 2015
- Police Medal for Meritorious Service – 2009
- Police Medal for Gallantry – 2002
Other records also list recognitions including the Antrik Suraksha Padak and service-related medals for his contribution to internal security operations.
Praveen Kumar’s Possible Move to West Bengal
Praveen Kumar is a 1993-batch West Bengal cadre IPS officer and is currently serving as DG BSF. The official MHA appointment order dated January 15, 2026, approved his appointment as DG BSF after he was serving as DG, ITBP.
The West Bengal Police website also lists Praveen Kumar, IPS, as DG, BSF.
If he is moved to West Bengal as the state’s DGP, the change could pave the way for Prabhat to take charge of the BSF, subject to the formal appointment process and approval by the competent authorities.
Nalin Prabhat’s Experience Makes Him a Key Contender
Prabhat’s long experience in Jammu and Kashmir, the CRPF and NSG makes him a senior officer with significant exposure to internal security and counter-insurgency operations.
His potential move to the BSF would also bring experience from one of India’s most challenging security environments to a force responsible for securing the country’s international borders.
However, the proposed succession remains subject to a formal government decision and appointment order.
Nalin Prabhat has built an extensive career across state policing and Central Armed Police Forces, with senior assignments in the CRPF, NSG and Jammu and Kashmir Police. If Praveen Kumar moves to West Bengal as DGP, Prabhat is likely to emerge as a key contender for the post of DG BSF.
The final appointment, however, will depend on the decision of the Central Government and the prescribed appointment process.
Read also: J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat Reviews Security Preparedness at Ganderbal Operating Bases
