The UPSC CAPF (Assistant Commandant) Examination is a prestigious national-level recruitment exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select officers for India’s Central Armed Police Forces. Through this examination, candidates are appointed as Assistant Commandants (AC) in forces such as the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
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This exam offers a respected leadership position responsible for maintaining internal security, border management, counter-insurgency operations, and disaster response. The selection process typically includes a written examination, Physical Efficiency Test (PET), medical examination, and a personality test/interview.
UPSC CAPF (AC) provides not only a competitive salary and allowances but also career growth, authority, and the opportunity to serve the nation in challenging conditions. It is an excellent opportunity for graduates who aspire to build a disciplined and impactful career in uniformed services.
UPSC CAPF (AC) 2026 : Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
| Notification Date | February 20, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | March 12, 2026 (18:00 Hours) |
| Written Exam Date | July 19, 2026 |
| Age Limit | 20 to 25 years (as of August 1, 2026) |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline |
| Application Fee | ₹200 (Exempted for Female/SC/ST candidates) |
UPSC CAPF (AC) 2026 : Exam Pattern
The selection is based on a Written Exam, Physical/Medical Tests, and an Interview.
1. Written Examination (Held on a Single Day)
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Type |
| Paper I | General Ability and Intelligence | 250 | 10 AM – 12 PM | Objective (MCQ) |
| Paper II | General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension | 200 | 2 PM – 5 PM | Descriptive |
Note: Negative marking applies to Paper I (0.33 marks deducted per wrong answer). Paper II is only evaluated if a candidate clears the cutoff for Paper I.
| UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026 | ||
| Particulars | Paper-I | Paper-II |
| Name of Paper |
|
|
| Total Marks | 250 | 200 |
| Duration of exam | 2 hours | 3 hours |
| Number of Questions | 125 | 7 |
| Marks for each correct answer | 2 | 50 |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 | – |
| Type of Paper | Objective | Descriptive format |
UPSC CAPF (AC) 2026 : Syllabus
Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence (250 Marks)
This paper consists of objective-type (MCQ) questions. The questions are set in both English and Hindi.
| Subject Area | Detailed Topics & Scope |
| 1. General Mental Ability | Designed to test logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude (including numerical ability), and data interpretation. |
| 2. General Science | Focuses on general awareness, scientific temper, and appreciation of scientific phenomena of everyday observation. Includes new areas of importance like Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Environmental Science. |
| 3. Current Events | Awareness of national and international events in areas such as culture, music, arts, literature, sports, governance, societal issues, industry, business, globalization, and interplay among nations. |
| 4. Indian Polity and Economy | Knowledge of the Country’s political system, the Constitution of India, social systems, and public administration. Also covers economic development in India, regional/international security issues, and human rights. |
| 5. History of India | Broadly covers social, economic, and political aspects of Indian history. Specifically includes the growth of nationalism and the freedom movement. |
| 6. Indian and World Geography | Focuses on the physical, social, and economic aspects of geography pertaining to both India and the World. |
Paper II: General Studies, Essay and Comprehension (200 Marks)
This is a descriptive paper divided into two distinct parts with specific language rules.
| Section | Marks | Component & Language Rules |
| Part-A (Essay) | 80 Marks | Medium: English or Hindi (at the candidate’s option). Topics: Modern Indian history (especially the freedom struggle), geography, polity, economy, security, human rights issues, and analytical ability. |
| Part-B (Comprehension & Language) | 120 Marks | Medium: English ONLY. Components: Comprehension passages, précis writing, developing counter-arguments, simple grammar, and other aspects of language testing. |
Important Exam Rules to Remember
- Sequential Evaluation: Paper I is evaluated first. Paper II will only be checked for candidates who obtain the minimum qualifying marks in Paper I.
- Penalty: There is a negative marking of 0.33 (one-third) for every wrong answer in Paper I.
- Language Strictness: No credit will be given for Paper II answers written in a medium other than what is allowed (e.g., writing the Précis in Hindi).
3. Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
| Event | Male Standard | Female Standard |
| 100 Meter Race | 16 Seconds | 18 Seconds |
| 800 Meter Race | 3 Minutes 45 Seconds | 4 Minutes 45 Seconds |
| Long Jump | 3.5 Meters (3 chances) | 3.0 Meters (3 chances) |
| Shot Put (7.26 kg) | 4.5 Meters (3 chances) | N/A |
UPSC CAPF (AC) 2026 : Preparation Strategy
- Foundation: Start with NCERTs (Class 6–12) for History, Geography, and Science. For Polity, M. Laxmikanth is the gold standard.
- Current Affairs: Read The Hindu or Indian Express daily. Focus on national security, international treaties, and defense technology.
- Paper II Mastery: Practice writing 2–3 essays weekly. Focus on the “Part B” English grammar and précis, as this section often determines the final merit.
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