UPSC CAPF (Assistant Commandants) 2026 Notification: Eligibility, Exam Pattern & Selection Process

UPSC CAPF (ACs) 2026: Complete Guide to Assistant Commandant Recruitment

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination, commonly known as UPSC CAPF (ACs). It is one of the most prestigious national-level competitive examinations in India for candidates aspiring to become Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in the country’s paramilitary forces.

For the year 2026, the UPSC CAPF (ACs) notification is expected to be released on February 18, 2026. Every year, thousands of young graduates apply for this examination to serve the nation in leadership roles across various Central Armed Police Forces.

This article explains the recruitment process in a structured and easy-to-understand manner, helping aspirants gain clarity before starting their preparation.

Introduction to UPSC CAPF (Assistant Commandants)

The CAPF examination is conducted to recruit Assistant Commandants, who serve as entry-level officers in India’s central armed police organizations. These officers play a vital role in maintaining internal security, border management, counter-insurgency operations, and disaster response.

Unlike other government jobs, the CAPF Assistant Commandant position combines administrative authority, field leadership, and operational responsibility, making it a highly respected career choice.

UPSC ensures a transparent, merit-based, and competitive selection process, which tests candidates on intellectual ability, physical fitness, and leadership qualities.

Expected UPSC CAPF (ACs) 2026 Notification Schedule

Although the official notification is yet to be released, the examination cycle generally follows a consistent annual timeline. Based on previous trends, the following schedule is anticipated:

• Notification Release: February 18, 2026 (Expected)
• Online Application Start: February 2026
• Last Date to Apply: March 2026
• Admit Card for Written Exam: July 2026
• Written Examination Date: August 2026
• Physical & Medical Tests: October–November 2026
• Final Result: Early 2027

Candidates are advised to treat these dates as tentative and regularly monitor official UPSC announcements.

Central Armed Police Forces Covered Under CAPF Exam

The UPSC CAPF (ACs) examination recruits officers for the following forces:

Border Security Force (BSF)

BSF guards India’s international borders during peacetime and prevents trans-border crimes. Assistant Commandants in BSF are responsible for border management and internal security duties.

Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

CRPF is India’s largest paramilitary force, primarily deployed for internal security, counter-insurgency, and law-and-order duties.

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)

CISF provides security to critical infrastructure such as airports, metro networks, power plants, ports, and government buildings.

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)

ITBP safeguards India’s border with China and is also involved in high-altitude operations, disaster relief, and environmental protection.

Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

SSB protects India’s borders with Nepal and Bhutan and promotes a sense of security among border populations.

Vacancy Details (Expected)

The exact number of vacancies for UPSC CAPF (ACs) 2026 will be announced in the official notification. However, based on previous years, the total vacancies usually range between 300 and 350 posts, distributed among different forces.

Vacancies are categorized under:

• General
• OBC
• EWS
• SC
• ST
• Ex-Servicemen (if applicable)

The distribution depends on operational requirements and government policy.

Role and Responsibilities of an Assistant Commandant

An Assistant Commandant holds a leadership position and is entrusted with both administrative and operational responsibilities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Commanding platoons or companies in the field
• Maintaining discipline and morale among personnel
• Planning and executing security operations
• Managing law and order situations
• Border patrol and surveillance
• Disaster response and humanitarian assistance
• Administrative tasks such as personnel management and logistics

This role demands physical stamina, mental resilience, quick decision-making, and ethical integrity.

Pay Scale and Allowances

Assistant Commandants are appointed under Pay Level 10 of the 7th Pay Commission.

Basic Pay

• ₹56,100 per month (excluding allowances)

Allowances and Benefits

In addition to basic pay, officers receive:

• Dearness Allowance (DA)
• House Rent Allowance (HRA) or government accommodation
• Transport Allowance
• Special Duty Allowance (for difficult postings)
• Risk and hardship allowances
• Medical facilities for self and dependents
• Leave Travel Concessions

The total monthly salary can significantly increase depending on posting location and allowances.

Career Growth and Promotion Hierarchy

The CAPF offers a well-defined promotion structure with opportunities for rapid career advancement.

Typical promotion ladder:

• Assistant Commandant
• Deputy Commandant
• Second-in-Command
• Commandant
• Deputy Inspector General (DIG)
• Inspector General (IG)
• Additional Director General (ADG)
• Director General (DG)

Promotions depend on service record, departmental examinations, and seniority, allowing officers to rise to top leadership positions.

Eligibility Conditions for UPSC CAPF (ACs) 2026

Candidates must carefully check eligibility before applying, as UPSC strictly enforces these conditions.

Nationality Requirement

Applicants must be:

• Citizens of India

For certain forces, candidates from Nepal or Bhutan may be considered, subject to government approval.

Educational Qualification

• A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is mandatory.
• Final-year students can apply, provided they submit proof of qualification before final selection.

There is no restriction on academic discipline, making graduates from arts, science, commerce, engineering, and other fields eligible.

Age Criteria

The candidate must fall within the prescribed age range as of the cutoff date mentioned in the notification.

• Minimum age: 20 years
• Maximum age: 25 years

Age relaxation is applicable for:

• SC/ST candidates
• OBC candidates
• Ex-servicemen
• Government servants

Exact relaxation details will be mentioned in the official notification.

Gender Eligibility

• Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply for UPSC CAPF (ACs).
• All forces are open to women, subject to specific service conditions.

Physical Standards (Overview)

Candidates must meet prescribed physical and medical standards to qualify for appointment.

Broad requirements include:

• Minimum height and chest standards (for males)
• Proportionate height and weight
• Good vision and hearing
• Overall medical fitness

Detailed physical efficiency tests and medical criteria are conducted after the written examination.

Why Choose CAPF as a Career?

UPSC CAPF is not just a job; it is a commitment to national service. It offers:

• A respected officer rank
• Challenging and adventurous field postings
• Leadership from an early age
• Job security and pension benefits
• Opportunity to serve in diverse regions of India

For candidates seeking a blend of authority, adventure, and service, CAPF stands out as a rewarding career option.

What Comes Next?

The next section will cover:

• Detailed exam pattern and syllabus
• Written examination structure
• Physical Efficiency Tests
• Medical standards
• Selection process
• Application procedure
• Preparation strategy and booklist

UPSC CAPF (ACs) 2026 Examination Pattern

The UPSC CAPF (Assistant Commandants) examination follows a multi-stage selection process designed to assess a candidate’s intellectual capability, physical fitness, and leadership potential. Each stage is qualifying in nature, and performance at every level is crucial for final selection.

Written Examination Structure

The UPSC CAPF written examination is conducted in two papers on the same day, designed to assess both objective knowledge and descriptive ability.

Paper I – General Ability and Intelligence

This paper has a duration of two hours and carries a total of 250 marks. It follows an objective format with multiple-choice questions. Candidates can attempt the paper in English or Hindi, except for questions that test language comprehension.

Paper II – General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension

Paper II is a descriptive examination conducted over three hours for 200 marks. Through essays, comprehension passages, and language-based questions, this paper evaluates a candidate’s analytical thinking, clarity of expression, and understanding of national and international issues.

Detailed Syllabus for UPSC CAPF (ACs) 2026

A thorough understanding of the syllabus is essential for effective preparation. The syllabus is broad but manageable with structured study.

Paper I Syllabus: General Ability and Intelligence

This paper focuses on testing general awareness, reasoning ability, and numerical aptitude.

Topics include:

• General Mental Ability
• Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
• Numerical Ability and Data Interpretation
• General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology up to Class 10 level)
• Current Events of National and International Importance
• Indian Polity and Economy
• Indian History and Geography

Questions are designed to assess conceptual clarity and application skills rather than rote learning.

Paper II Syllabus: General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension

Paper II evaluates a candidate’s ability to express ideas clearly and coherently.

Part A: Essay Writing

• Topics related to security forces, national issues, internal security
• Modern Indian history and freedom struggle
• Human rights, gender issues, and social justice
• Current national and global developments

Essays can be written in English or Hindi.

Part B: Comprehension and Précis

• Reading comprehension passages
• Precis writing
• Grammar and vocabulary
• Basic language skills

Physical Efficiency Tests (PET)

Candidates who qualify in the written examination are called for Physical Efficiency Tests, which are qualifying in nature.

Physical Tests for Male Candidates

• 100 meters race: 16 seconds
• 800 meters race: 3 minutes 45 seconds
• Long jump: 3.5 meters (3 chances)
• Shot put (7.26 kg): 4.5 meters

Physical Tests for Female Candidates

• 100 meters race: 18 seconds
• 800 meters race: 4 minutes 45 seconds
• Long jump: 3 meters (3 chances)
• Shot put (4 kg): 3 meters

Failure to qualify in PET leads to disqualification, regardless of written exam performance.

Medical Standards and Examination

Candidates who clear PET are subjected to a detailed medical examination.

Key Medical Requirements

• Good mental and physical health
• No chronic diseases
• Normal vision as per CAPF standards
• No knock knees, flat feet, or varicose veins
• Proper hearing ability

Candidates declared unfit may apply for a review medical examination within the prescribed time.

Interview / Personality Test

Candidates who qualify the written exam, PET, and medical examination are called for the Interview / Personality Test, conducted by UPSC.

• Maximum Marks: 150

The interview assesses:

• Leadership qualities
• Decision-making ability
• Communication skills
• Awareness of national security issues
• Mental alertness and confidence

UPSC does not aim to trick candidates but evaluates honesty, clarity of thought, and officer-like qualities.

Final Selection and Merit List

The final merit list is prepared based on:

• Written Examination (Paper I + Paper II)
• Interview / Personality Test

PET and medical tests are qualifying only and do not carry marks.

Candidates are allocated forces based on:

• Rank in merit list
• Preference submitted
• Medical fitness

Application Process for UPSC CAPF (ACs) 2026

The application process is entirely online through the UPSC portal.

Steps to Apply

1. Complete One-Time Registration (OTR)
2. Fill in personal and educational details
3. Upload required documents and photographs
4. Select preferred examination center
5. Pay the application fee
6. Submit and download the application form

Candidates are advised to verify details carefully before final submission.

Application Fee Structure

• General / OBC / EWS candidates: ₹200
• SC / ST candidates: Exempted
• Female candidates: Exempted

The fee can be paid through online or offline modes as specified by UPSC.

Preparation Strategy for UPSC CAPF (ACs)

A smart preparation plan increases the chances of success significantly.

Strategy for Paper I

• Focus on conceptual clarity rather than shortcuts
• Practice MCQs regularly
• Follow daily current affairs
• Revise basic NCERT textbooks

Strategy for Paper II

• Practice essay writing weekly
• Improve reading comprehension skills
• Work on grammar and vocabulary
• Study internal security and defense-related topics

Physical Preparation

• Start running practice at least 6 months before PET
• Include strength training and flexibility exercises
• Maintain a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many aspirants fail despite good preparation due to avoidable mistakes.

• Ignoring physical fitness until the last moment
• Overlooking Paper II preparation
• Writing vague or poorly structured essays
• Neglecting medical standards
• Not practicing time management

Avoiding these mistakes can significantly improve final performance.

Why Early Preparation Matters

UPSC CAPF is a competitive examination that rewards consistency and discipline. Starting early helps in:

• Better syllabus coverage
• Improved physical endurance
• Enhanced confidence
• Reduced exam stress

Candidates who prepare systematically often outperform those who rely on last-minute efforts.

Conclusion

The UPSC CAPF (Assistant Commandants) 2026 examination offers a prestigious opportunity for graduates who aspire to serve the nation as officers in the Central Armed Police Forces. With the notification expected on February 18, 2026, aspirants should begin focused and disciplined preparation without delay. This examination evaluates candidates on multiple levels, including academic knowledge, physical endurance, and leadership qualities, making it one of the most comprehensive officer-level recruitments in the country.

Success in CAPF requires a balanced approach that combines strong conceptual understanding, regular current affairs preparation, consistent physical training, and effective time management. Equally important are mental resilience, integrity, and the ability to take responsibility in challenging situations. Candidates who prepare systematically, remain consistent, and approach each stage with confidence stand a strong chance of success. Ultimately, becoming an Assistant Commandant is not just about securing a government job but embracing a career dedicated to national security, discipline, and service to the country.

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