What Do You Need for CAPF (AC)?
CAPF (AC) at a Glance
The Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination selects young graduates to lead companies in India’s central armed police forces.
Open to men and women. Always confirm details on upsc.gov.in.
Forces and Vacancies (2026)
You give your force preferences in the application.
| Force | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Border Security Force (BSF) | 108 |
| Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) | 106 |
| Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) | 70 |
| Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) | 53 |
| Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) | 12 |
| Total | 349 |
As reported from the 2026 notification. Numbers change each year.
Who Is Eligible?
1. Age
20–25 years on 1 August of the exam year, with relaxation for reserved categories and others as per rules.
2. Qualification
A bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. Final-year students can apply subject to the rules.
3. Nationality
Indian citizen.
4. Physical & medical
Must meet the physical and medical standards set for the forces.
Selection Process
Written exam
Two papers on the same day — 450 marks.
PST, PET & medical
Physical standards, efficiency test and medical exam — qualifying.
Interview
Personality test of 150 marks.
Final merit
Written + interview = 600 marks, then force allocation.
Written Exam Pattern
Paper I is objective with one-third negative marking. Paper II is checked only for candidates who qualify in Paper I.
| Paper | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|
| I — General Ability & Intelligence (objective) | 250 | 2 h |
| II — General Studies, Essay & Comprehension (descriptive) | 200 | 3 h |
| Written total | 450 |
Paper I in Hindi and English. In Paper II, the essay may be written in English or Hindi; précis, comprehension and language parts in English.
Physical Efficiency Test
Qualifying. Held for candidates who clear the written exam.
| Event | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 100 m race | 16 sec | 18 sec |
| 800 m race | 3 min 45 sec | 4 min 45 sec |
| Long jump (3 chances) | 3.5 m | 3.0 m |
| Shot put (7.26 kg) | 4.5 m | — |
Physical standards (height, chest, weight) and a medical exam also apply. Standards as reported for 2026 — check the notification.
CAPF (AC) Syllabus
Tap a paper to see its main areas.
Paper I — General Ability & IntelligenceObjective, 250 marks
- General mental ability — reasoning, quantitative aptitude, data interpretation
- General science and scientific temper
- Current events of national and international importance
- Indian polity and economy
- History of India
- Indian and world geography
Paper II — General Studies, Essay & ComprehensionDescriptive, 200 marks
- Part A (80 marks): essays on topics such as modern Indian history, freedom movement, geography, polity, economy, security, human rights — in English or Hindi
- Part B (120 marks): comprehension, précis writing, communication and language skills, counter-arguments, simple grammar — in English
Free CAPF Study Material
Notes and practice for both papers.
These resources are being added step by step. Pages marked “Coming soon” are not published yet.
General Ability
Reasoning, quant and GK for Paper I.
Coming soon →Essay Writing
Topics on security, society and polity.
Coming soon →Précis & Comprehension
Practice passages with model answers.
Coming soon →Internal Security
Border management, insurgency and policing.
Coming soon →PET Training
Running, long jump and shot put plan.
Coming soon →CAPF Mock Tests
Under development. The mock tests below are planned and will open here when ready.
Paper I Mock
Paper II Practice
Previous-Year Papers
Weekly Essay Topic
How to Prepare
Overlap with UPSC CSE
Paper I’s GS syllabus overlaps strongly with CSE Prelims.
Write regularly
Paper II rewards clear essays and précis — practise weekly.
Follow security news
Border issues, insurgency and internal security matter for essays and the interview.
Clear Paper I first
Paper II is checked only if you qualify in Paper I.
Train physically
Practise sprinting, 800 m runs and long jump months in advance.
Prepare for the interview
Show leadership, fitness and awareness of the forces’ work.
CAPF (AC) 2026 Dates
Notification: 20 February 2026. Written exam: 19 July 2026. Written result: 25 August 2026; PST/PET and medical follow, then interviews — as reported. The 2027 cycle usually opens early in the year. Always check the official website.
CAPF (AC) FAQs
What is the CAPF (AC) exam?
UPSC’s Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination recruits Group A officers for BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB. Official information is on upsc.gov.in.
Can women apply?
Yes. Both men and women can apply and are selected for all participating forces.
What is the age limit?
20–25 years as on 1 August of the exam year, with relaxation for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years) and others as per rules.
Is there negative marking?
Yes, in Paper I — one-third of a question’s marks is deducted for each wrong answer. Paper II is checked only if you reach the qualifying marks in Paper I.
How is the final merit made?
Written exam (450 marks) plus interview/personality test (150 marks) — a total of 600. The physical and medical tests are qualifying.
What is the pay?
Assistant Commandant is a Group A post at Pay Level 10 (₹56,100–1,77,500) plus allowances.