UPSC CAPF
Union Public Service Commission — Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandant)
UPSC Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandant) Examination
The Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandant) Examination, commonly known as UPSC CAPF (AC), is a national-level examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) once a year to select eligible graduates as Assistant Commandants (AC) in Group A officer ranks of the five Central Armed Police Forces: the Border Security Force (BSF), the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
Assistant Commandant is a gazetted Group A officer-level post in India’s internal security setup. The selection is rigorous and multi-stage: a two-paper written examination, followed by physical standards and physical efficiency tests, a medical examination, and finally an interview / personality test conducted by UPSC. The exam is advertised through an annual notification, with the written test normally scheduled around August each year as per the UPSC annual calendar. Based on the previous cycle, UPSC notified roughly 150–160 vacancies, though the exact number varies every year and is confirmed only in the official notification. The competition is intense and demands a structured preparation plan.
Overview / Key Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam level | Graduation level (national, Group A gazetted post) |
| Mode of exam | Paper I online (computer-based), Paper II offline (descriptive) in recent cycles |
| Medium | English and Hindi |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Post offered | Assistant Commandant (AC) in BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB |
| Selection stages | Written exam (2 papers), Physical Standards & Physical Efficiency Test, Medical Test, Interview / Personality Test |
| Negative marking | Yes, in Paper I (1/3 of the marks of a question deducted for a wrong answer) |
| Official website | https://upsc.gov.in |
| Application portal | https://upsconline.nic.in |
Selection Process
The CAPF (AC) selection is a multi-stage process. Only candidates who clear the written examination are called for the physical standards / physical efficiency tests, and only those who meet the medical standards proceed to the interview / personality test. The final merit list is drawn purely on the basis of marks in the written papers plus the interview, while the physical and medical tests are qualifying only.
- Stage 1 – Written Examination: Two papers on the same day. Paper I (General Studies & General Mental Ability, objective) in the forenoon and Paper II (General Studies, Essay & Comprehension, descriptive) in the afternoon. Both papers carry 500 marks.
- Stage 2 – Written Result: UPSC declares the roll numbers of candidates qualified on the basis of the written examination. Paper II is evaluated only for candidates who qualify in Paper I on the basis of UPSC-determined qualifying marks.
- Stage 3 – Physical Standards Test / Physical Efficiency Test (PST/PET): Conducted under a Nodal Authority appointed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. This stage is qualifying only.
- Stage 4 – Medical Standards Test: Candidates who meet the physical standards undergo a medical examination to assess physical and visual fitness. Also qualifying in nature.
- Stage 5 – Interview / Personality Test: Medically fit candidates are called for the interview, which carries 150 marks. Shortlisted candidates are issued a Detailed Application Form (DAF) to indicate their preference of forces.
- Stage 6 – Final Merit: The merit list is drawn on total marks in the written exam plus the interview (650 marks). Selected candidates are allotted forces and undergo training at the respective force academies.
Exam Pattern
The written examination comprises two papers conducted on a single day. Paper I is objective (multiple-choice) and is generally conducted in computer-based mode, while Paper II is descriptive. The medium of Paper I is English and Hindi; in Paper II, the essay component can be answered in English or Hindi, while the precis, comprehension and communication components are answered in English only. The paper-wise break-up based on the pattern of the previous cycle is as follows (subject to change in the current notification).
| Paper | Subjects | Questions | Marks | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies & General Mental Ability | 120 | 250 | 2 hours | Objective (MCQ) |
| Paper II | General Studies, Essay & Comprehension | Descriptive | 250 | 3 hours | Descriptive (written) |
Important notes: Paper I has a negative marking of one-third (0.33) of the marks of a question for every wrong answer, as per the pattern of the previous cycle. Paper II is descriptive with no negative marking and is evaluated only for candidates who qualify in Paper I. Both papers are compulsory and there are no optional subjects. Written marks plus the interview make the final score out of a total of 650 marks.
Detailed Syllabus
The syllabus below follows the standard UPSC CAPF (AC) syllabus that has been in force in recent cycles. Candidates must confirm the exact scope of the current cycle from the official notification and the detailed syllabus available on the UPSC website.
Paper I – General Studies & General Mental Ability
- Current events of national and international importance
- Indian and World History: ancient, medieval and modern India, world history events and personalities
- Indian and World Geography: physical, social and economic geography, Indian physiography and resources
- Indian Polity and Governance: Constitution, political system, Panchayati Raj, public policy and rights issues
- Economic and Social Development: sustainable development, poverty, inclusion and social sector initiatives
- General issues on environmental ecology, bio-diversity and climate change
- General Science: physics, chemistry and biology at senior-secondary level
- Basic computer awareness and information technology
- General mental ability: reasoning, logical and analytical ability
- Interpersonal skills including communication skills
- Elementary mathematics: number system, arithmetic, basic algebra and geometry
- Data interpretation and analysis of tables, charts and graphs
Paper II – General Studies, Essay & Comprehension
- Reading comprehension of unseen passages
- Précis writing of given passages
- Essay writing on current, social and national themes (about 300 words)
- Descriptive questions on Indian history, freedom struggle and post-independence India
- Descriptive questions on Indian polity, Constitution and governance
- Descriptive questions on Indian and world geography
- Descriptive questions on Indian economy, planning and development
- Descriptive questions on science, technology and environment
- National security, internal security and border management issues
- Role of Central Armed Police Forces and internal security architecture
- Ethics, integrity and aptitude relevant to public service and policing
- Social issues, gender, and the rights of vulnerable groups
Marking Scheme
The following marking scheme is based on the pattern of the previous cycle. The written examination is out of 500 marks and the interview out of 150 marks, giving a grand total of 650 marks. Negative marking applies only to Paper I.
| Component | Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I – General Studies & General Mental Ability | 250 | Objective, counts in merit |
| Paper II – General Studies, Essay & Comprehension | 250 | Descriptive, counts in merit |
| Interview / Personality Test | 150 | Counts in merit |
| Total | 650 | Final merit out of 650 |
Notes on negative marking: In Paper I, for each wrong answer, one-third of the marks allotted to that question is deducted; unanswered questions attract no penalty. Paper II has no negative marking. UPSC may also fix qualifying marks in Paper I, and Paper II is evaluated only for candidates who qualify in Paper I. The actual cut-off varies every year with the number of vacancies, paper difficulty and the number of applicants.
Eligibility Criteria
The following eligibility conditions are based on the last notified cycle and are subject to confirmation in the current year’s official notification.
Educational Qualification
A candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree (graduation) in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification. Candidates who have appeared in the final year of their degree examination and are awaiting results are also eligible to apply, subject to submitting proof of the degree at the time of the interview.
Age Limit
A candidate must have attained the age of 20 years and must not have attained the age of 25 years as on a date fixed in the notification (typically around 1 August of the year of examination). The upper age limit is relaxed for reserved categories as per government rules; for example, SC/ST candidates and other notified categories get age relaxation as specified in the notification. Exact dates of birth accepted for the current cycle should be checked in the official notification.
Physical Standards
The physical standards and efficiency requirements given below are indicative and based on the previous cycle; the exact standards for the current cycle are notified along with the result of the written examination. The physical efficiency test is qualifying in nature.
| Test (indicative) | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 100 metres race | In 16 seconds | In 18 seconds |
| 800 metres race | In 3 minutes 45 seconds | In about 4 minutes 45 seconds to 5 minutes |
| Long jump | 3.5 metres (3 chances) | 3.0 metres |
| Shot put (7.26 kg) | 4.5 metres | — |
Number of Attempts
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for the CAPF (AC) examination, provided the candidate remains within the notified age limit. However, candidates are advised to clear the exam early in their career as the age ceiling of 20–25 years effectively limits the number of chances.
Application Process & Fees
Application is done exclusively online through the UPSC application portal. Candidates must register on the portal, fill the application form, upload the required photograph, signature and supporting documents, and pay the application fee before the closing date.
- Visit the UPSC application portal at https://upsconline.nic.in and register with a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Select the CAPF (AC) Examination and fill in personal, educational and address details.
- Choose the examination centre and upload the scanned photograph, signature and supporting documents.
- Pay the application fee online (net banking, credit card, debit card, UPI) or via cash in selected SBI branches and submit the form.
- Take a printout of the completed application form and the e-receipt for future reference.
Application fees (based on the previous cycle): The fee was about Rs. 200 for General, EWS and OBC candidates, while SC, ST, PwBD and all female candidates were exempted. The exact fee and exemptions for the current cycle must be confirmed in the official notification.
Important dates (indicative, based on the previous cycle): The notification is typically released around April, the last date to apply about three weeks later, and the written examination is normally held around August. Admit cards are released on the UPSC website a few weeks before the examination.
Salary / Pay Scale
Assistant Commandant is a Group A gazetted officer-level post. The pay structure below is based on the 7th Central Pay Commission (7th CPC) matrix and the allowances applicable to Central Armed Police Forces officers; the figures are approximate and vary with posting location, allowances and rank progression.
| Component | Details (indicative) |
|---|---|
| Pay level / band | Level 10 of the 7th CPC pay matrix |
| Pay range | Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500 per month |
| Approximate in-hand salary | Rs. 80,000 – Rs. 90,000 per month (including allowances) |
| Other benefits | Dearness allowance, house rent allowance, ration money, medical facilities, leave travel concession, uniform allowances and other service benefits as per CAPF rules |
Official Links & PDFs
The official website of UPSC is https://upsc.gov.in. All notifications, exam calendars, syllabus, answer keys, cut-off marks and results for the CAPF (AC) examination are published here. The official exam page for the CAPF (AC) examination is available at https://www.upsc.gov.in/examinations/Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination.
- Official website: https://upsc.gov.in
- Online application portal: https://upsconline.nic.in
- UPSC examination calendar: https://www.upsc.gov.in/examinations/exam-calendar
- CAPF (AC) previous question papers: https://www.upsc.gov.in/examinations/previous-question-papers
- CAPF (AC) cut-off marks: https://www.upsc.gov.in/examinations/cutoff-marks--
The detailed syllabus for the current cycle is published within the official notification, which can be downloaded from the UPSC website under the notification section. Since direct links to the notification PDF change every year, candidates should look for the current year’s CAPF (AC) notification on the UPSC homepage or the notification page.
Preparation Tips & Strategy
- Study the official notification and syllabus first: Download the current year’s notification from upsc.gov.in and note the exact syllabus, pattern, eligibility and physical standards before planning.
- Build a strong foundation with NCERTs: For history, geography, polity and science, study NCERT textbooks from Class 6 to 12 before moving to standard reference books and current-affairs sources.
- Practice Paper I in exam-like conditions: Solve previous years’ CAPF papers and full mock tests with a timer to build speed and accuracy, and to avoid negative marking.
- Read newspapers and monthly current-affairs compilations: Cover national and international events, government schemes, and defence and internal security news for both papers.
- Prepare Paper II seriously: Practice descriptive answers, essay writing and precis writing. Since Paper II is evaluated only for those who qualify in Paper I, balance your time between the two papers.
- Train for the physical test from the start: The physical efficiency test is qualifying, but failure eliminates otherwise qualified candidates. Start running, practising long jump and shot put, and keep a healthy routine.
- Prepare for the interview: If you qualify, be ready to discuss your educational background, awareness of the CAPF forces, current affairs and your motivation to serve in the armed police forces.
FAQ
Q: Who conducts the CAPF (AC) examination?
A: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandant) Examination once a year to recruit Assistant Commandants for BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB.
Q: What is the exam pattern of UPSC CAPF (AC)?
A: The written exam has two papers: Paper I (General Studies & General Mental Ability, 120 objective questions, 250 marks, 2 hours, one-third negative marking) and Paper II (General Studies, Essay & Comprehension, descriptive, 250 marks, 3 hours). This is followed by physical standards/efficiency tests, a medical test and an interview of 150 marks. Total marks are 650.
Q: What is the age limit and educational qualification?
A: Candidates must be graduates in any discipline and aged between 20 and 25 years as on the date fixed in the notification. Age relaxation applies to reserved categories as per government rules.
Q: Is there negative marking in the CAPF (AC) exam?
A: Yes, only in Paper I, where one-third of the marks of a question is deducted for each wrong answer. Paper II, being descriptive, has no negative marking.
Q: Are the physical and medical tests part of the merit?
A: No. The physical standards test, physical efficiency test and medical examination are qualifying in nature. Final merit is based only on the written exam (500 marks) plus the interview (150 marks), out of 650.
Q: How can I apply for the CAPF (AC) examination?
A: Applications are accepted online only through the UPSC application portal at https://upsconline.nic.in. Fill the form before the closing date and pay the applicable fee as per your category.
Q: Is the CAPF (AC) exam useful for UPSC Civil Services preparation?
A: Yes. Paper I of CAPF overlaps substantially with the General Studies and CSAT papers of the Civil Services Preliminary exam, so the preparation of the two exams complements each other for candidates within the age band.
Closing Note
Keep following the official UPSC website and the application portal regularly for the latest notification, syllabus, exam dates, admit card, answer key and results. Since the exact pattern, fees, vacancies, physical standards and dates can change with each notification, always rely on the official documents published on https://upsc.gov.in rather than unverified sources. Best wishes for your preparation and for a career in the service of the nation.