Ever wondered how to become a firefighter in India, about saving lives, and making a real difference in your community? This rewarding profession requires bravery, physical fitness, and quick decision-making skills. In this guide, we will outline the steps needed to become a firefighter in India.

In India, firefighters usually earn an average salary that ranges from INR 3,52,000 to 6,00,000 LPA. Many people who become fire fighters have pursued an undergraduate degree in fire science, fire safety or safety management. BSc in Fire Safety and Hazard Management, followed by other related courses such as Diploma in Fire and Safety Management or Fire and Safety Engineering are other viable options.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

First, you need to meet the basic requirements set by the Fire Service Department in India:

• You must be a citizen of India.
• You should be between 18 and 25 years old.
• You need to have passed 10+2 from a recognized board.
• You need to meet certain physical standards: a minimum height of 165 cm, a minimum weight of 50 kg, and a chest measurement of 81 cm with an expansion of 5 cm.
• You should be medically fit.

Step 2: Complete Required Training

Next, you will need to undergo training in firefighting from a recognized institution. The duration of these courses varies from six months to one year. The training covers basic fire prevention techniques, fire-fighting operations, first-aid, and rescue techniques.

Step 3: Apply for Firefighter Jobs

Once you’ve completed the necessary training, you can apply for firefighting jobs. These are usually posted by the state government’s fire and emergency services department. The application process typically includes a written exam, physical efficiency test, medical exam, and an interview.

Job opening typically come from:

• State Fire and Emergency Services
• Airport Authority (Fire Services)
• Large industrial plants and refineries
• Municipal Fire Departments
• Central Government organisations(CISF etc)

The selection process often includes written tests, physical tests (running, climbing, lifting, drills), medical examination, personal interview and personality assessment. Every department sets its own standards and criteria, but preparation in fitness, basics of fire safety, and general awareness will help you clear these stages.

Some of the latest fireman and safety jobs in the government sector for the year 2026 are mentioned below:

Step 4: Undergo Further Training

If your application is successful, you will undergo further on-the-job training. This practical training helps you understand the operations of a fire station, equipment handling, emergency response, and safety procedures.

Step 5: Continuous Learning and Specialization

Firefighting is an ever-evolving field. To keep up with advancements, firefighters must continuously learn and sometimes specialize in areas like hazardous materials (HAZMAT), rescue operations, or fire safety inspection.
Continuous learning expedites both career growth and effectiveness on the job. There are some fire safety job roles that interested candidates usually specialise in:

• Firefighter / Fireman – frontline emergency responder and navigator
• Fire Inspector / Investigator – checks buildings for safety code compliance; investigates reasons and cause of fires
• Firefighter Paramedic – handles medical emergencies with firefighting duties and manages first aid protocols
• Firefighter Engineer – handles technical equipment and engineering systems
• Fire Captain / Team Leader – leads firefighting teams and operations to avoid commotion
• Safety Officer / Consultant – operates in industries to plan and implement safety strategies

With additional education and experience, you can also move into administrative, industrial safety management, or consultancy careers that are going to be interestingly viable for a blossoming career.

What Does The Salary Range Look Like For Firefighters in 2026?

Firefighting jobs in India offer decent starting salaries, which often increase over time with experience and seniority. Typical Annual Salary Range includes:

• Government / State Fire Services: ₹3 – ₹5.8 LPA
• Private Sector: ₹2 – ₹4 LPA
• Specialised Upgraded Roles: ₹3.5 – ₹7.0 LPA
• With more than 10 years of experience: ₹5.0 – ₹8.0 LPA
• Specializations like Fire Investigator, Fire Captain, or Safety Consultant often earn higher pay than entry-level firefighter roles but the above range is usually the case.

Certain useful courses you can pursue related to firefighting and safety:

Diploma in Fire and Safety Management

• Duration: 1–2 years
• Eligibility: 12th Pass in any stream
• Focus: Fire prevention, evacuation, safety systems, and emergency response basics during natural disasters
• Fee range: ₹40,000 on an average(varies by institute)
• Job roles: Safety Supervisor, Fireman, Safety Officer, Fire Safety Trainer, etc.

BSc in Fire Safety and Hazard Management

• Duration: 3 years(Full Time)
• Eligibility: 12th Pass and Qualify relevant Entrance exam
• Focus: Enables deeper understanding of fire science and hazard control. Ideal for both government and private sector jobs
• Fee Range: ₹20,000 to ₹2.5 lakhs
• Job Roles: Firefighter, Hazard Consultant, Fire Safety Instructor, etc.

BTech in Safety and Fire Engineering

• Duration: 4 years
• Eligibility: 12th Pass(preferably in Science stream). Clearing entrances like WBJEE(West Bengal Joint Entrance Exam), KEAM and VITEEE would be essential.
• Focus: Technical engineering with strong industry exposure. Ideal for higher-level technical and engineering roles in fire safety.
• Fee Range: ₹1-8 Lakhs
• Salary Benefits: ₹3-6LPA
• Job Roles: Usually get employed in areas like constructing firms, fire safety training institutes, forest departments, defence forces, fire brigade

MBA / PG Diploma in Safety Management

• Duration: 2 years
• Eligibility: Bachelors from a recognised University and minimum 50% marks.
• Focus: Teaches various safety parameters of an organisation
• Fee Range: ₹1-8 Lakh(varies based on institution)
• Job Roles: Ideal for leadership roles in fire and safety departments, safety consulting, or corporate safety management teams or groups.

These courses are bound to help you stand out during recruitment and give you useful theoretical and practical fire safety skills.

FAQs about Becoming a Firefighter in India

Q1: Is there a specific degree needed to become a firefighter in India?

No, there is no specific degree needed to become a firefighter in India. However, having a degree in fire engineering or any related field can be beneficial.

Q2: Can women become firefighters in India?

Absolutely, women can become firefighters in India. The profession is open to all genders, and many fire departments actively encourage applications from women.

Q3: Is there a retirement age for firefighters in India?

Yes, the retirement age for firefighters in India is typically 60 years, but it may vary depending on the specific rules of the state.

Q4: Can I become a firefighter if I’m colorblind?

Certain types of color blindness may affect your ability to become a firefighter, as accurate color perception is often required for the role. It’s best to consult with the specific fire department for their requirements.

Q5: Is it possible to become a firefighter with a criminal record in India?

This largely depends on the nature of the criminal record. Generally, fire departments require candidates to have a clean record. However, minor offenses, especially those committed when a candidate was a juvenile, may not disqualify an individual. It’s best to check with the specific fire department.