UPSC CAPF AC Examination 2026 : Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Date of Examination Notice | 20th February, 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20th February, 2026 |
| Last Date for Application Submission | 12th March, 2026 (up to 18:00 Hours) |
| Online Application Correction Window | Not Allowed (Except one-time URN profile update) |
| Written Examination Date | 19th July, 2026 |
(Note: The "Pay by Cash" mode has been removed as per the latest 2026 fee payment guidelines which only list Net Banking, Cards, and UPI. Additionally, the commission has specified that no corrections/alterations are allowed in the application form after final submission, except for the one-time URN profile update.)
UPSC CAPF AC Examination 2026 : Vacancy Details
For the 2026 examination, a total of 349 vacancies have been announced. The number of vacancies is tentative and could change.
Here is the breakdown of the vacancies:
| Force | Number of Vacancies |
|---|
| Border Security Force (BSF) | 108 |
| Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) | 106 |
| Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) | 70 |
| Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) | 12 |
| Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) | 53 |
| Total | 349 |
Reservation
- Ex-Servicemen: As per government policy, 10% of the total vacancies are reserved for ex-servicemen.
- SC/ST/OBC/EWS: Reservation will be applied as per the policy of the Government. Candidates applying under these categories must ensure they belong to a community listed in the Central Government's list of reserved communities and possess a valid certificate in the prescribed format.
UPSC CAPF AC Examination 2026 : Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must carefully check all eligibility conditions before applying.
Nationality :
- A candidate must be a citizen of India.
- Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan are also eligible, but their appointment requires written consent from the Central Government.
Sex Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply for the post of Assistant Commandant in all five forces.
Educational Qualification :
- A candidate must hold a Bachelor's degree from a University incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University.
- Candidates Awaiting Results: Candidates who have appeared for their final degree examination and are waiting for the results, or who plan to appear for such an examination in 2026, are also eligible to apply. However, they must provide proof of passing the exam when they are called for the Physical Standards/Physical Efficiency Tests.
Age Limit (as of 1st August 2026)
- Minimum Age: 20 years
- Maximum Age: 25 years
- This means a candidate must have been born not earlier than 2nd August 2001 and not later than 1st August 2006.
Age Relaxation :
The upper age limit of 25 years can be relaxed for certain categories as follows:
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) | Up to a maximum of 5 years |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | Up to a maximum of 3 years (for eligible candidates) |
| Civilian Central Government Servants | Up to a maximum of 5 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | Up to a maximum of 5 years |
Note on Cumulative Relaxation: Candidates from SC, ST, or OBC categories who are also Civilian Central Government Servants or Ex-Servicemen can claim age relaxation under both categories.
Other Qualifications
- NCC 'B' or 'C' Certificate: Possession of an NCC 'B' or 'C' Certificate is a desirable (not mandatory) qualification. It will be given consideration at the time of the Interview/Personality Test.
- Restriction on Re-appearance: A candidate who has already been finally selected or recommended in a previous CAPF (ACs) Examination is not eligible to appear again.
UPSC CAPF AC Examination 2026 : Application Fee and Process
Application Fee :
| Category | Fee |
|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | Rs. 200/- (Rupees Two Hundred only) |
| Female (All Categories) | Exempted (No Fee) |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | Exempted (No Fee) |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | Exempted (No Fee) |
Payment Modes The fee can be paid through online modes:
- Online: By using Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card, UPI Payment, or Internet Banking of any bank.
How to Apply Candidates must apply online only through the official UPSC website: https://upsconline.nic.in.
- One Time Registration (OTR): All applicants must first register on the OTR platform on the UPSC website. This is a one-time activity. If you are already registered, you can log in and proceed.
- Fill Application Form: Fill in your personal details, educational qualifications, and preferences for the forces. Live photo capture is required during the Common Application Form filling.
- Upload Documents: You must upload a scanned copy of your Photo ID Card (like Aadhaar, Voter Card, PAN Card, etc.). You must also upload a recent photograph that is not more than 10 days old from the start of the application date (20.02.2026). The photograph must have your name and the date the photo was taken clearly printed on it.
- Application Correction: No correction/alteration/modification in any field of the application form is allowed after submission.
UPSC CAPF AC Examination 2026 : Salary
As a Group 'A' Gazetted Officer in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), an Assistant Commandant (AC) receives a highly attractive and secure compensation package governed by the 7th Pay Commission.
The Starting Salary A CAPF officer's career begins at the Assistant Commandant (AC) rank upon successful completion of training.
- Pay Level: Level 10 of the 7th Pay Commission Pay Matrix.
- Starting Basic Pay: ₹56,100 per month
- Salary Components: Basic Pay + Allowances
Your total salary is a combination of your basic pay and several other allowances. Key allowances include:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) (Varies by city of posting: X, Y, or Z class)
- Transport Allowance (TPTA)
- Ration Money
Additionally, as a member of the uniformed services, officers are eligible for other allowances based on their posting and service conditions, such as Hardship Allowance (for difficult postings), Medical Facilities, and Uniform Allowance.
Combining the basic pay (₹56,100) with these allowances, a newly joined Assistant Commandant can expect a gross monthly salary well over ₹1,00,000, depending on the city and location of the posting. This is before deductions for NPS (National Pension System) and income tax.
UPSC CAPF AC Examination 2026 : Selection Process
The selection process is a multi-stage journey. Candidates must qualify at each stage to be promoted to the next.
Stage 1: Written Examination
- This is the first stage, conducted by the UPSC on 19th July 2026.
- It consists of two papers (Paper I and Paper II).
- Candidates who qualify in this written test will be shortlisted for the next stage.
Stage 2: Physical Standards Tests (PST) / Physical Efficiency Tests (PET)
Candidates who clear the written exam will be called for the PST and PET.
Physical Standards Tests (PST)
This test checks if you meet the minimum physical requirements for height, chest, and weight.
| Parameter | Men | Women |
|---|
| Height | 165 cm | 157 cm |
| Chest | 81 cm (unexpanded) (with 5 cm minimum expansion) | Not applicable |
| Weight | 50 kg | 46 kg |
Weight Standards (as per Height and Age) The notification specifies that weight should also be in accordance with the candidate's height and age.
Male Average Body Weights in Kilograms
| Height in CMs | 18-22 years | 23-27 years | 28-32 years | 33-37 years |
|---|
| 156 | 44-54 | 46-56 | 47-58 | 48-59 |
| 158 | 45-55 | 47-57 | 48.5-59.5 | 49.5-60.5 |
| 160 | 46-56 | 47.5-58.5 | 49.5-60.5 | 50.5-61.5 |
| 162 | 47-58 | 49-60 | 50.5-61.5 | 52-63 |
| 164 | 48-59 | 50-61 | 52-63.5 | 53-65 |
| 166 | 49.5-60.5 | 51.5-62.5 | 53-65 | 54.5-66.5 |
| 168 | 51-62 | 52.5-64.5 | 54.5-66.5 | 56-68 |
| 170 | 52-64 | 54-66 | 56-68 | 57.5-70.5 |
| 172 | 54-66 | 55.5-67.5 | 57-70 | 59-72 |
| 174 | 55-67 | 57-70 | 59-72 | 61-74.5 |
| 176 | 56.5-69 | 58.5-71.5 | 60.5-73.5 | 62-76 |
| 178 | 57.5-70.5 | 60-73 | 61.5-75.5 | 63.5-77.5 |
| 180 | 59-72 | 61-75 | 63.5-77.5 | 65.5-80 |
| 182 | 61-74.5 | 62.5-76.5 | 65-79 | 66.5-81.5 |
| 184 | 63-77 | 64.5-78.5 | 66.5-81.5 | 68.5-83.5 |
| 186 | 63.5-77.5 | 65.5-80.5 | 68-83 | 70-86 |
| 188 | 65-79 | 67.5-82.5 | 70-85.5 | 71.5-87.5 |
| 190 | 66-81 | 68.5-83.5 | 70.5-86.5 | 72.5-88.5 |
Female Average Body Weights in Kilograms
| Height in CMs | 18-22 years | 23-27 years | 28-32 years | 33-37 years |
|---|
| 148 | 34.5-42.5 | 37-45 | 38.5-47 | 39.5-48.5 |
| 150 | 36.5-44.5 | 37.5-45.5 | 39-48 | 40.5-49.5 |
| 153 | 38-46 | 39-48 | 41-50 | 42-51 |
| 155 | 38.5-47.5 | 40-49 | 41.5-50.5 | 43-52.5 |
| 158 | 40.5-49.5 | 42-51 | 43-53 | 44.5-54.5 |
| 160 | 41.5-50.5 | 43-52.5 | 44-54 | 45.5-54.5 |
| 163 | 43-52.5 | 44-54 | 46-56 | 47-57 |
| 165 | 44-54 | 45.5-55.5 | 47-58 | 48.5-59.5 |
| 168 | 45-55 | 47-57 | 48.5-59.5 | 49.5-60.5 |
Physical Efficiency Tests (PET) :
Candidates who meet the Physical Standards (PST) will then undergo the PET. These are qualifying tests, and you must pass all events.
| Event | Males | Females |
|---|
| 100 Meters Race | In 16 seconds | In 18 seconds |
| 800 Meters Race | In 3 minutes 45 seconds | In 4 minutes 45 seconds |
| Long Jump | 3.5 Meters (3 chances) | 3.0 Meters (3 chances) |
| Shot Put (7.26 Kgs.) | 4.5 Meters (3 chances) | Not applicable |
Note for Female Candidates: Female candidates who are pregnant at the time of PST/PET will be declared temporarily unfit. A vacancy will be reserved for them, and they will be re-examined six weeks after their confinement is over.
Stage 3: Interview / Personality Test
- Candidates who are declared qualified in the PST and PET will be called for the Interview/Personality Test, which is conducted by the UPSC.
- This stage carries 150 Marks.
Stage 4: Medical Standards Tests Candidates who appear for the Interview/Personality Test will undergo a detailed Medical Examination.
- Candidates declared 'UNFIT' can appeal to a Review Medical Board, but they must do so within 24 hours of the declaration.
- Medical Standards: The key medical standards specified in the notification are:
- Eye Sight: Distant Vision (Corrected): Better eye must be 6/6 or 6/9. The worst eye must be 6/12 or 6/9. Near Vision (Corrected): Better eye must be N6. The worst eye must be N9.
- Refractive Error Limits: Myopia (including cylinder) is limited to -4.00 D. Hypermetropia (including cylinder) is limited to +4.00 D.
- Colour Perception: Must be CP-III by ISIHARA plates.
- LASIK Surgery: Permitted, but must be done between 18-35 years of age, and at least 6 months must have passed post-surgery.
- Carrying Angle: Should not be more than 15° for males and 20° for females.
- Ear: No degree of deafness or persistent ear discharge. No other condition (like atresia, exostosis, or neoplasm) that obstructs the ear passage.
- Nose: Candidates should not have DNS (Deviated Nasal Septum), atrophic rhinitis, or chronic sinusitis.
- Neck: No enlarged lymph nodes, thyroid swelling, or inability to extend the neck fully.
- Teeth: Must have a sufficient number of sound teeth for efficient mastication. Should not have severe pyorrhea.
- General Health: Speech should be without impediment (no stammering). Must not have any indication of chronic disease like TB, arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, bronchial asthma, or any heart disease. Limbs, hands, and feet should be well-formed with perfect motion of all joints. Should not have knock knees, flat-foot, or varicose veins. Must be in good mental and bodily health, free from any physical defect likely to interfere with duties. For males, both testicles must be in the scrotum and of normal size.
- Tattoo Clause: Content: Tattoos depicting religious symbols or figures and names, as followed in the Indian Army, are permitted. Location: Tattoos are only allowed on traditional sites like the inner aspect of the forearm (but only the left forearm, being the non-saluting limb) or the dorsum (back) of the hands. Size: Must be less than ¼ of the particular part (elbow or hand) of the body.
Stage 5: Final Selection / Merit List
- The final merit list will be prepared based on the marks obtained by candidates in the Written Examination (Paper I + Paper II) and the Interview/Personality Test (out of 150 marks).
- The PST/PET and Medical Tests are qualifying in nature; their marks are not added to the final total.
