What are different types of Security levels to VVIPs in India? What is SPG/Z+/Z/X?

What is SPG Security? (Special Protection Group)
 

• Highest Level – Given ONLY to the Prime Minister of India
• SPG is India’s most elite protection force.
• Protects the sitting Prime Minister and their immediate family living with them.
• Uses highly trained commandos, threat-neutralization units, armored vehicles, bulletproof rings, and advanced technology.
• No other political leader receives SPG protection.

What is Z+ Security? 

Z+ is the highest security category for civilians in India after SPG.
It typically includes:

• Around 55+ security personnel
• NSG commandos in close protection
• State police for outer cordon
• Escorted movement with pilot and escort vehicles
• Security Categories in India — Explained
• India provides different levels of VIP security based on threat perception, assessed by central and state intelligence agencies.
• These categories determine how many personnel and what type of forces protect a person.
• Given to high-risk individuals such as: Senior national leaders, Important cabinet ministers, Some chief ministers, Persons facing extreme threat perception.
• Examples (publicly known): Amit Shah, Yogi Adityanath, Nitin Gadkari, Shivraj Singh Chouhan (based on news reports).

Z Security

• Around 22–30 security personnel, usually includes:
• CRPF or CISF commandos
• Local police cover
• Escorts for movement
• Given to important political figures, high-ranking officers, and individuals with moderate–high threat level.

Y+ Security

• Around 11–14 personnel, includes:
• 2–4 armed PSOs (Personal Security Officers)
• Escort vehicle (sometimes)
• Static guards at residence
• Given to mid-level threat individuals:
• State-level politicians
• Judges
• Activists
• Celebrities with strong threat perception

Y Security

• Around 6–8 personnel, includes:
• 1–2 PSOs
• Mix of police + paramilitary protection
• Given to individuals with moderate threat or those requiring movement-based security.

X Security

• Lowest official security category.
• Includes:
• 1–2 armed PSOs only
• No escort vehicle
• No large team
• Given to individuals with low-level threat perception but still needing minimal protection.

How Are Security Levels Decided?

• Based on threat reports from:
• Intelligence Bureau (IB)
• State Intelligence
• Central security agencies
• Factors considered:
• Past attacks
• Public visibility
• Political sensitivity
• Terror risks
• Criminal threats
• Security is reviewed regularly and upgraded or downgraded.