The fire sub officer course (Diploma in Fire Sub Officer, DFSO) is a one-year programme for students who want to lead a fire team. This guide covers fire sub officer course eligibility, subjects, training and career options.
The Diploma in Fire Sub Officer (DFSO) is for students who want to move beyond basic firefighting towards a supervisory role in a fire team. A sub officer leads firefighters during operations, checks equipment and makes sure drills and safety procedures are followed.
DFSO at a glance
| Detail | DFSO at NAFS Jabalpur |
|---|---|
| Course code | DFSO |
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Medium | English / Hindi |
| Eligibility | 10th + 2 or Equivalent |
What a fire sub officer does
- Leads a small team of firefighters at an incident
- Plans and supervises daily drills
- Checks that pumps, hoses, extinguishers and breathing sets are ready
- Keeps records of incidents, drills and equipment
- Helps train new firefighters
Subjects and training areas
A fire sub officer programme generally combines theory with a lot of practical work. Typical areas include:
- Fire science and the behaviour of fire
- Firefighting equipment, pumps and hoses
- Rescue methods and first aid
- Fire prevention and inspection basics
- Team leadership, communication and drill command
- Industrial safety and handling hazardous situations
At NAFS, practical sessions take place on our drill ground in Adhartal – parade, hose drills, PPE practice and trainer demonstrations. See photos on the Campus & Drill Grounds page.
Who should choose DFSO?
- Students who have passed 12th and want a leadership-focused fire course
- Firefighters who want to grow into a supervisory role
- Students who enjoy teamwork, discipline and responsibility
If you have only passed 10th, start with a diploma such as DFSE or DFSHM, then move up. All options are listed on our Courses page.
Career path after DFSO
DFSO holders apply for roles such as Fire Supervisor, Fire Officer and other fire and safety posts in industry and public organisations, depending on each employer’s rules. NAFS supports students with placement assistance – see the Placements page.
Why choose a fire sub officer course?
- It focuses on leadership as well as firefighting skills
- It is open to students who have passed 10th + 2
- It builds on practical drills and equipment handling
- It prepares you for supervisory responsibility in a fire team
A sub officer works within the wider fire service structure, leading crews during operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the eligibility for the fire sub officer course?
At NAFS, the Diploma in Fire Sub Officer (DFSO) needs 10th + 2 or equivalent.
What is the duration of the fire sub officer course?
The DFSO at NAFS is a one-year course taught in English and Hindi.
Can I join the fire sub officer course after 10th?
After 10th, start with DFSE or DFSHM. You can move to DFSO after completing 10th + 2.
What jobs can I apply for after the fire sub officer course?
Roles such as Fire Supervisor and other fire and safety posts, depending on each employer’s rules.
Talk to NAFS Jabalpur
Have a question about eligibility, fees or the next batch? Call us on +91 8770631334, +91 9074716603 or +91 9301910350, send an online enquiry, or visit our Adhartal campus to see the drill ground in person.
