The UPSC CAPF (AC) 2026 Examination recruits Assistant Commandants for the Central Armed Police Forces — BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, it is one of the most prestigious routes into a leadership role in India's paramilitary forces. This Cosmo Classes guide covers the CAPF exam pattern, physical tests, syllabus, eligibility, application process, salary and strategy. For the official notification, always refer to upsc.gov.in.
UPSC CAPF 2026 — Quick Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant (AC) Examination |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Forces | BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB |
| Selection | Written Exam → PET/PST → Interview |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's degree in any stream |
| Age Limit | 20 – 25 years (with relaxations) |
| Mode of Application | Online — upsc.gov.in |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CAPF 2026 — Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | As per official UPSC calendar |
| Online Application Window | To be notified on upsc.gov.in |
| Written Exam | As per UPSC calendar |
| PET/PST & Interview | To be announced |
⚠️ Apply before the deadline and check upsc.gov.in for the official notification.
UPSC CAPF 2026 — Eligibility Criteria
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's degree from a recognised university |
| Age Limit | 20 – 25 years (with category relaxations) |
| Physical Standards | Must meet height, chest and physical efficiency norms |
UPSC CAPF 2026 — Selection Process
- Written Examination: Paper I (objective) and Paper II (descriptive).
- PET/PST: Physical Efficiency & Standards Test (qualifying).
- Interview / Personality Test: Final stage for shortlisted candidates.
UPSC CAPF 2026 — Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Ability & Intelligence (objective) | 250 | 2 hours |
| Paper II | General Studies, Essay & Comprehension (descriptive) | 200 | 3 hours |
| PET/PST | Physical Efficiency & Standards Test | Qualifying | — |
| Interview | Personality Test | 150 | — |
UPSC CAPF 2026 — Syllabus Highlights
- General mental ability, reasoning and numerical aptitude
- General science and current events
- Indian polity, economy, history and geography
- Essay writing, precis and comprehension (Paper II)
How to Apply Online for UPSC CAPF 2026
- Visit the official website upsc.gov.in.
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) and log in.
- Fill the CAPF (AC) application form with accurate details.
- Upload required documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee online and submit the form.
- Download the confirmation for records.
UPSC CAPF — Salary & Career Profile
| Post | Pay Level | Approx. In-Hand Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Commandant | Level 10 (₹56,100 basic) | ₹70,000 – ₹85,000/month + allowances |
📈 Career growth: Assistant Commandant → Deputy Commandant → Commandant → DIG → IG, with paramilitary allowances and perks.
UPSC CAPF 2026 — Preparation Strategy
- Balance objective Paper I prep with descriptive answer-writing for Paper II.
- Stay updated with current affairs and national security topics.
- Maintain physical fitness to clear the PET/PST comfortably.
- Practise essay and precis writing within the time limit.
Important Books for UPSC CAPF 2026
| Subject | Book | Author / Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| General Ability | CAPF AC Guide | Arihant / Disha |
| Polity | Indian Polity | M. Laxmikanth |
| Reasoning | Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Current Affairs | Monthly Current Affairs Digest | Pratiyogita Darpan / GK Today |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which forces are covered under UPSC CAPF?
BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB.
Q. How many papers are there in UPSC CAPF?
Two — Paper I (objective) and Paper II (descriptive), followed by PET/PST and interview.
Q. Is the PET/PST qualifying in nature?
Yes, the physical tests are qualifying and not counted in merit.
Q. Where do I apply for UPSC CAPF?
Online at the official website upsc.gov.in.