National Security Council is a key topic under Defence And Security for UPSC Civil Services Examination. Key points include: The National Security Council (NSC) is India's apex advisory body on national security, established in 1998 by PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.. It operates under a three-tier structure: Strategic Policy Group (SPG), National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), and National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS).. The NSA heads the NSCS and is the principal advisor to the Prime Minister on security.. Understanding this topic is essential for both UPSC Prelims and Mains preparation.
National Security Council is a Medium-level topic in UPSC Defence And Security. It is tested in both Prelims (factual MCQs) and Mains (analytical answer writing). Previous year UPSC questions have frequently covered aspects of National Security Council, making it essential for comprehensive IAS preparation.
To prepare National Security Council for UPSC: (1) Study the comprehensive notes covering all key concepts on Vaidra. (2) Practice previous year questions on this topic. (3) Connect it with current affairs using daily updates. (4) Revise using key takeaways and mind maps available for Defence And Security. (5) Write practice answers linking National Security Council to related GS Paper topics.

The National Security Council (NSC) serves as India's apex advisory body on matters of national security. It plays a crucial role in integrating and coordinating various aspects of security policy, from internal threats to external challenges.
Its establishment marked a significant step in formalizing India's national security apparatus, moving towards a more structured and comprehensive approach to safeguarding national interests.
Apex Body: The NSC is the highest body for national security management in India, providing strategic guidance to the government.
In a notable development, Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA) Rajinder Khanna was appointed as an additional NSA. This marks the first time such a position has been filled, indicating an expansion of the NSC's leadership.
Previously, the post of additional NSA existed but remained vacant. This appointment underscores the evolving needs and increasing complexity of India's security landscape.
Additionally, Intelligence Bureau (IB) special director T.V. Ravichandran has been appointed as a Deputy NSA, further strengthening the council's operational capabilities.
The NSA (National Security Advisor) holds a pivotal role, acting as the secretary of the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). The NSCS is one of the three key components forming the three-tiered structure of the NSC.
The NSC operates under a three-tier structure comprising:
The Strategic Policy Group (SPG) is a critical component of the NSC's structure. It is responsible for high-level policy-making and follow-up actions related to national security.
The SPG is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, ensuring coordination across various government ministries and departments. It comprises senior serving officials who bring diverse expertise to the national security discourse.


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