President’s Bodyguard: Inside India’s Most Elite and Historic Regiment
Among the many distinguished formations of the Indian Armed Forces, one regiment occupies a place of unmatched honour — the President’s Bodyguard (PBG). Recognised as the oldest surviving mounted unit in India and the smallest yet most exclusive regiment in the Army, the PBG serves as the personal guard of the President of India. Its dazzling ceremonial presence, centuries-old traditions, and combat-ready professionalism make it one of the most unique military units in the world.
A Regiment With 250 Years of Unbroken History
The origins of the President’s Bodyguard go back to 1773, when Warren Hastings, the first Governor-General of Bengal, raised a handpicked cavalry unit known as the Governor-General’s Bodyguard. Initially comprising just 50 elite horsemen, the regiment evolved through the eras of the East India Company, the British Raj, and finally Independent India.
After 1947, the unit was renamed the President’s Bodyguard, becoming a direct symbol of the Republic’s sovereignty and continuity. Its longevity — over two and a half centuries — places it among the world’s oldest active military formations.
Selection: Only the Finest Become PBG Troopers
The PBG is often compared with elite forces like Para SF and MARCOS, but in terms of exclusivity, it stands in a league of its own. Recruitment standards are deliberately stringent.
Core requirements include:
- Minimum height of 6 feet for general category soldiers
- Exceptional riding and cavalry skills
- Flawless discipline and impeccable service background
- Physique, posture and bearing suited for ceremonial excellence
Only a few candidates from India’s cavalry and armoured regiments ever earn the rare honour of joining the PBG. Each soldier undergoes extensive screening because the unit serves directly under the highest constitutional authority in the nation.
More Than Ceremonial: A Fully Combat-Ready Force
Though the public mostly sees the PBG in shining uniforms during state parades and presidential ceremonies, the regiment is structured as a fully operational combat unit.
Training includes:
- Armoured operations (T-72 and T-90 tanks)
- Close-protection combat skills
- Reconnaissance and battlefield scouting
- Weapons proficiency and anti-tank warfare
- Tactical communication and mobility
In wartime, PBG personnel can be deployed into active combat roles, blending seamlessly into India’s mechanised and armoured warfare framework.
The Legendary Horses of the President’s Bodyguard
One of the most iconic elements of the PBG is its magnificent mounted troop. The regiment continues the ancient martial tradition of horseback soldiering, making it the only active mounted unit in India.
Their horses include:
- Indian Thoroughbreds
- Indian Half-breds
- A few rare pure white ceremonial horses reserved for special events
These horses undergo rigorous training to remain calm amid loud drums, crowds, and ceremonial gun salutes. Troopers not only ride them but also personally groom, train, and bond with them — a relationship built on trust and discipline.
Ceremonial Grandeur Rooted in Discipline
The President’s Bodyguard performs several high-profile ceremonial duties that have become part of India’s national identity:
- The Mounted Presidential Escort during Republic Day
- Receiving visiting heads of state with full honours
- The weekly Changing of the Guard at Rashtrapati Bhavan
- Guard of Honour parades and state ceremonies
Their scarlet tunics, immaculate drills, and majestic horses transform every ceremony into a symbol of national pride and heritage.
What Makes the PBG Truly Unique
The PBG is not just another regiment — it is a category of its own. Its uniqueness stems from three defining attributes:
1. The Oldest Regiment of India
No other unit can claim over 250 years of continuous service.
2. Dual Nature: Ceremonial and Combat
A rare combination — ceremonial excellence paired with battlefield readiness.
3. Guardian of the Highest Office
The PBG is the only regiment authorised to provide a mounted escort and personal guard to the President of India.
A Living Symbol of India’s Military Heritage
The President’s Bodyguard stands as a reminder of India’s evolving military tradition — from the age of cavalry charges to the era of modern armoured warfare. Their presence at Rashtrapati Bhavan reflects the dignity of the nation, the discipline of its armed forces, and the deep heritage that continues to define India.
Even today, as they ride across Raisina Hill with lances raised and horses thundering, the PBG represents a timeless message:
honour, loyalty, and service at the highest level of national duty.
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