UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant
Syllabus 2026 & Complete Guide
Official detailed syllabus for Paper I (General Ability & Intelligence) and Paper II (General Studies, Essay & Comprehension), exam pattern, physical standards, PET, medical standards, selection process and best study resources — all in one place.
UPSC CAPF AC 2026 – Exam Overview
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination to recruit Group A officers in five forces: BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB. The 2026 examination was held on 19 July 2026 for 349 vacancies.
| Exam Name | Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination, 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post | Assistant Commandant (Group A Gazetted) |
| Forces | BSF (108), CRPF (106), CISF (70), SSB (53), ITBP (12) |
| Total Vacancies | 349 |
| Written Exam Date | 19 July 2026 |
| Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Exam Pattern 2026
The written examination consists of two papers conducted on the same day. Paper II is evaluated only for candidates who secure the minimum qualifying marks in Paper I.
| Paper | Subject | Type | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Ability and Intelligence | Objective (MCQ) | 250 | 2 Hours 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon |
| Paper II | General Studies, Essay and Comprehension | Descriptive | 200 | 3 Hours 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Total Written | 450 | 5 Hours | ||
Paper I Key Points
- • 125 Questions × 2 marks = 250 marks
- • Negative Marking: 1/3rd for each wrong answer
- • Medium: English & Hindi
- • Qualifying nature for Paper II evaluation
Paper II Key Points
- • Essay can be written in Hindi or English
- • Comprehension, Précis & Language Skills only in English
- • No negative marking
- • Tests analytical writing & language skills
Paper I – General Ability and Intelligence
250 Marks • Objective • 2 Hours
1 General Mental Ability
Questions will be designed to test the logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude including numerical ability, and data interpretation.
2 General Science
Questions will be set to test general awareness, scientific temper, comprehension and appreciation of scientific phenomena of everyday observation including new areas of importance like Information Technology, Biotechnology, Environmental Science.
3 Current Events of National and International Importance
The questions will test the candidates’ awareness of current events of national and international importance in the broad areas of culture, music, arts, literature, sports, governance, societal and developmental issues, industry, business, globalisation, and interplay among nations.
4 Indian Polity and Economy
The questions shall aim to test candidates’ knowledge of the Country’s political system and the Constitution of India, social systems and public administration, economic development in India, regional and international security issues and human rights including its indicators.
5 History of India
The questions will broadly cover the subject in its social, economic and political aspects. This shall also include the areas of growth of nationalism and freedom movement.
6 Indian and World Geography
The questions shall cover the physical, social and economic aspects of geography pertaining to India and the World.
Paper II – General Studies, Essay and Comprehension
200 Marks • Descriptive • 3 Hours
Part A – Essay
80 MarksEssay questions which are to be answered in long narrative form either in Hindi or English.
Indicative Topics:
- ▸ Modern Indian History (especially Freedom Struggle)
- ▸ Geography
- ▸ Polity and Economy
- ▸ Security and Human Rights Issues
- ▸ Analytical Ability based topics
Part B – Comprehension, Précis & Language Skills
120 MarksTo be attempted in English only.
Reading comprehension passages with questions testing understanding and analysis.
Summarising given passages accurately and concisely while retaining core meaning.
Developing logical counter arguments on given statements or situations.
Simple grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure and other aspects of language testing.
Complete Selection Process
Written Examination
Paper I (250) + Paper II (200) = 450 marks. Only those who clear the cut-off in Paper I will have Paper II evaluated.
Physical Standards Test (PST) & Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Qualifying in nature. Candidates must meet minimum height, chest (males), weight and clear all PET events.
Interview / Personality Test
150 Marks. Conducted by UPSC. Assesses leadership, decision-making, communication and suitability for the role of Assistant Commandant.
Medical Standards Test
Detailed Medical Examination (DME) followed by Review Medical Examination (RME) if required. Conducted after the Interview.
Physical Standards (PST) & Efficiency Test (PET)
Minimum Physical Standards
| Parameter | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Height (Minimum) | 165 cm | 157 cm |
| Chest (Unexpanded) | 81 cm | Not Applicable |
| Chest Expansion | Minimum 5 cm | — |
| Weight (Minimum) | 50 kg | 46 kg |
* Height relaxations available for candidates belonging to hill areas, tribal communities (Garhwalis, Kumaonis, Gorkhas, Nagas, etc.) and Scheduled Tribes as per official rules. Weight should be proportionate to height and age.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Standards
| Event | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Metres Race | 16 Seconds | 18 Seconds |
| 800 Metres Race | 3 Minutes 45 Seconds | 4 Minutes 45 Seconds |
| Long Jump | 3.5 Metres (3 chances) | 3.0 Metres (3 chances) |
| Shot Put (7.26 kg) | 4.5 Metres (3 chances) | Not Applicable |
All events are qualifying. Failure in any one event leads to disqualification. Female candidates must submit a self-declaration regarding pregnancy status before PET.
Medical Standards (Key Points)
Vision Standards
- • Distant Vision (Better Eye): 6/6 or 6/9
- • Distant Vision (Worse Eye): 6/12 or 6/9
- • Near Vision: N6 (better) / N9 (worse)
- • Refractive Error: ±4.00 D (including cylinder)
- • Colour Perception: CP-III (Ishihara)
- • Glasses / LASIK permitted within limits
General Medical Requirements
- • Free from any chronic disease or disability
- • Normal hearing, no chronic ear discharge
- • No knock knees, flat feet, varicose veins
- • Healthy teeth for proper mastication
- • Tattoos allowed only on inner forearm / dorsum of hand (limited size, non-offensive)
- • SHAPE-1 medical category required
Eligibility Criteria 2026
Citizen of India
20 – 25 years
As on 1 August 2026
(Born between 02.08.2001 and 01.08.2006)
Bachelor’s Degree
From a recognised University
Best Study Materials for CAPF AC 2026
Recommended books + CrackTarget free resources
1 Paper I – General Ability & Intelligence
RS Aggarwal – Quantitative Aptitude + Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning
Lucent’s General Science + NCERT Class 6–10 Science
The Hindu / Indian Express + Monthly magazines + CrackTarget Current Affairs
M. Laxmikanth – Indian Polity
Spectrum – A Brief History of Modern India + NCERT
GC Leong + NCERT Class 11–12 Geography
Ramesh Singh or Sanjeev Verma + Economic Survey Summary
Topic-wise MCQs, One-liners & Previous Year Questions
2 Paper II – Essay, Comprehension & Language
Practice essays on security, human rights, polity, economy & current issues. Focus on structure, introduction, body and conclusion.
Wren & Martin (select chapters) + daily practice of editorial précis from The Hindu / Indian Express.
Solve last 10 years CAPF Paper II for pattern familiarity and time management.
Model essays + counter-argument practice sets for CAPF pattern
Free Resources on CrackTarget
- • Topic-wise one-liners for Polity, History, Geography & Science
- • Previous Year Question papers with detailed solutions
- • Current Affairs capsules tailored for CAPF
- • Essay topics with model structures
- • Telegram channel updates & daily quizzes
Smart Preparation Strategy
Paper I Focus Areas
- → Master Quantitative Aptitude & Reasoning (high accuracy needed due to negative marking)
- → Polity + Current Affairs carry heavy weightage — revise Laxmikanth + monthly CA thoroughly
- → History focus more on Modern India & Freedom Struggle
- → Science: focus on everyday phenomena, environment, basic IT & biotech concepts
Paper II & Overall Tips
- → Practice at least 2–3 full essays every week under timed conditions
- → Daily précis writing from newspaper editorials (150–200 words)
- → Improve speed & accuracy in comprehension by solving previous papers
- → Start physical training early — PET is qualifying but many candidates struggle with 800m
- → Interview: Build awareness on internal security, CAPF role, current defence issues & leadership examples
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there negative marking in CAPF AC exam?
Can I write the Essay in Hindi?
What is the final merit based on?
Are women eligible for all CAPF forces?
When is Paper II evaluated?
Ready to Crack CAPF AC?
Get free topic-wise notes, one-liners, previous year questions, current affairs and daily quizzes exclusively curated for CAPF aspirants.
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