How to use this glossary
These agencies feature constantly in the news and Prelims. Cluster them by function — investigation/intelligence, disaster management and regulators — to remember them.
CBI/ED/NIA
Investigation
NDMA/NDRF
Disaster
TRAI
Telecom regulator
UIDAI
Aadhaar
Investigation and intelligence
| Abbr. | Full form |
|---|---|
| CBI | Central Bureau of Investigation |
| ED | Enforcement Directorate |
| NIA | National Investigation Agency |
| RAW | Research and Analysis Wing (external intelligence) |
| IB | Intelligence Bureau (internal intelligence) |
| NCB | Narcotics Control Bureau |
| FIU | Financial Intelligence Unit |
| CERT-In | Indian Computer Emergency Response Team |
Disaster management and security
| Abbr. | Full form |
|---|---|
| NDMA | National Disaster Management Authority |
| NDRF | National Disaster Response Force |
| BSF / CRPF | Border Security Force / Central Reserve Police Force |
| ITBP / SSB | Indo-Tibetan Border Police / Sashastra Seema Bal |
| CISF | Central Industrial Security Force |
| NSG | National Security Guard |
Regulators and others
| Abbr. | Full form |
|---|---|
| TRAI | Telecom Regulatory Authority of India |
| NCLT / NCLAT | National Company Law Tribunal / Appellate Tribunal |
| NGT | National Green Tribunal |
| UIDAI | Unique Identification Authority of India (Aadhaar) |
| NSO | National Statistical Office |
| CDSCO | Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation |
UPSC angle
Distinguish CBI (investigation) vs ED (financial/enforcement) vs NIA (terror) and RAW (external) vs IB (internal). Know NDMA/NDRF and the tribunals (NGT/NCLT).
Frequently asked questions
What is the full form of CBI and ED?
CBI = Central Bureau of Investigation; ED = Enforcement Directorate.
What do RAW and IB stand for?
RAW = Research and Analysis Wing (external intelligence); IB = Intelligence Bureau (internal intelligence).
What is the full form of NDRF?
National Disaster Response Force.
What does UIDAI stand for?
Unique Identification Authority of India — which issues Aadhaar.