- The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) was initially set up as a Cell in the DGCA in January 1978 on the recommendation of the Pande Committee.
- The BCAS was reorganized into an independent department under the Ministry of Civil Aviation on 1st April, 1987 following the 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182.
- The main responsibilities of BCAS include laying down standards and measures with respect to security of civil flights at international and domestic airports in India.
- Laying down Aviation Security Standards in accordance with Annex 17 to Chicago Convention of ICAO for airport operators, airlines operators, and their security agencies responsible for implementing Aviation Security measures
- Ensure that the persons implementing security controls are appropriately trained and possess all competencies required to perform their duties.
- Surprise/Dummy checks to test professional efficiency and alertness of security staff.
- Mock exercise to test efficacy of Contingency Plans and operational preparedness of the various agencies.