Defence & Police · Updated October 2026
CAPF Assistant Commandant ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
The Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for recruitment of Assistant Commandants in the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB. It has a written examination, a physical standards and physical efficiency test with medical examination, and an interview.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- Defence
Start for free with CAPF Assistant Commandant syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
CAPF Assistant Commandant exam overview and highlights
About CAPF Assistant Commandant
The Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for recruitment of Assistant Commandants in the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB. It has a written examination, a physical standards and physical efficiency test with medical examination, and an interview. Assistant Commandant is a Group A gazetted entry-level officer post in these forces.
The examination process for CAPF Assistant Commandant comprises 3 stages: Written examination, followed by Physical standards, physical efficiency test and medical, followed by Interview / Personality test. The official syllabus tests candidates across 6 core areas — General Mental Ability, General Science, Current Events of National and International Importance, Indian Polity and Economy, History and Geography of India, Essay, Precis and Comprehension (Paper II) — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Candidates who clear the written exam are called for physical standards and physical efficiency tests and a medical examination, then an interview or personality test. Final merit combines written and interview marks.
Key subjects
- General Mental Ability
- General Science
- Current Events of National and International Importance
- Indian Polity and Economy
- History and Geography of India
- Essay, Precis and Comprehension (Paper II)
What clearing CAPF Assistant Commandant leads to
- Assistant Commandant in the Border Security Force (BSF)
- Assistant Commandant in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
- Assistant Commandant in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
- Assistant Commandant in the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
- Assistant Commandant in the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
- Compensation & Pay Scale: Assistant Commandant at pay Level 10, around ₹56,100 basic plus allowances
Quick facts
- Conducting body
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Frequency
- Once a year
- Exam mode
- Offline (OMR sheet for Paper I; pen and paper descriptive for Paper II)
- Languages
- English and Hindi for Paper I; Paper II essay in English or Hindi, comprehension in English
- Stages & papers
- 3 stages (2 papers total)
- Negative marking
- One-third of the marks for a question deducted per wrong answer in Paper I
- Official website
- upsc.gov.in
CAPF Assistant Commandant — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of CAPF Assistant Commandant conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | CAPF Assistant Commandant |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Category | Defence & Police |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Recruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Once a year: notification around April, written exam around August, with the physical and medical tests and interview over the following months |
| Mode of Application | Online on upsc.gov.in through the one-time registration (OTR) portal |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (OMR sheet for Paper I; pen and paper descriptive for Paper II) |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English and Hindi for Paper I; Paper II essay in English or Hindi, comprehension in English |
| Selection Stages | 3 Stages (2 Papers Total): Written examination → Physical standards, physical efficiency test and medical → Interview / Personality test |
| Negative Marking | One-third of the marks for a question deducted per wrong answer in Paper I |
| Selection / Merit Process | Candidates who clear the written exam are called for physical standards and physical efficiency tests and a medical examination, then an interview or personality test. Final merit combines written and interview marks. |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's degree from a recognised university. |
| Age Limit | Typically 20 to 25 years, with relaxation for reserved categories and government servants |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | Assistant Commandant at pay Level 10, around ₹56,100 basic plus allowances |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | A few lakh candidates apply for a few hundred vacancies across the forces |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
CAPF Assistant Commandant exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for CAPF Assistant Commandant. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official Defence website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| CAPF Assistant Commandant Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Once a year: notification around April, written exam around August, with the physical and medical tests and interview over the following months | Once a year |
| Online Registration & Application Fee Window | Typically remains open for 21 to 30 days from the date of notification release | Online Portal |
| Application Form Correction / Edit Window | 2 to 5 days immediately following the close of the online registration window | As Notified |
| Exam City Intimation & Admit Card Release | City slip 10–15 days prior; Hall Ticket / E-Admit Card 4 to 10 days before the exam date | Via Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| CAPF Assistant Commandant — Written examination | Once a year: notification around April, written exam around August, with the physical and medical tests and interview over the following months | Offline (OMR sheet for Paper I; pen and paper descriptive for Paper II) |
| CAPF Assistant Commandant — Physical standards, physical efficiency test and medical | Typically 6 to 12 weeks after declaration of Stage 1 results | Shortlisted Candidates |
| Provisional Answer Key & Objection Representation Window | Within 3 to 10 days after completion of the objective examination shifts | Online Challenge |
| Final Answer Key, Normalized Result & Merit List / Scorecard | Typically 3 to 6 weeks after conclusion of the examination stage | Merit List PDF / Login |
- Vacancies & Competition
- A few lakh candidates apply for a few hundred vacancies across the forces. Exact post-wise, department-wise, and category-wise (UR, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, ESM, PwBD) vacancies are notified in the official CAPF Assistant Commandant recruitment advertisement published by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
- Application Fee & Payment Norms
- Standard UPSC examination fee norms apply (typically ₹100 to ₹200 for General/OBC/EWS male candidates; Female, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are fully exempted from payment of the application fee).
How to apply online for CAPF Assistant Commandant
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit upsc.gov.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on upsc.gov.in through the one-time registration (OTR) portal.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the CAPF Assistant Commandant application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English and Hindi for Paper I; Paper II essay in English or Hindi, comprehension in English), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final CAPF Assistant Commandant Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
CAPF Assistant Commandant eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for CAPF Assistant Commandant must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by Defence.
Educational qualification
Bachelor's degree from a recognised university.
Age limit & relaxations
Typically 20 to 25 years, with relaxation for reserved categories and government servants.
Number of attempts
Unlimited attempts permitted as long as the candidate remains within the eligible category-wise upper age limit as on the crucial cut-off date.
Nationality & domicile
Indian citizen (with specified exceptions).
Other conditions & standards
Minimum height of 165 cm for men and 157 cm for women, chest of 81 cm with 5 cm expansion for men, and prescribed weight. The PET includes a 100 m sprint, 800 m run, long jump and shot put (for men) with separate standards for women. Pregnancy at the time of the PET is a disqualification.
CAPF Assistant Commandant — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Central Government Norms) | +5 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Requires valid SC/ST certificate in the prescribed Government of India format. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) (Central Government Norms) | +3 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Candidate must fall outside the Creamy Layer as on the crucial closing date of the online application. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD — UR / OBC / SC-ST) | +10 Years (UR) / +13 Years (OBC) / +15 Years (SC/ST) | Subject to post suitability and 40%+ benchmark disability certificate under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & Commissioned Officers (ECO / SSCO) | +3 to 5 Years after deducting military service rendered from actual age | Must produce discharge book / NOC from the competent defence authority at document verification. |
CAPF Assistant Commandant selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One-third of the marks for a question deducted per wrong answer in Paper I. Selection & Merit Weightage: Candidates who clear the written exam are called for physical standards and physical efficiency tests and a medical examination, then an interview or personality test. Final merit combines written and interview marks.
Stage 1: Written examination
Offline • 2 Papers (Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence, Paper II: General Studies, Essay and Comprehension) • Questions: 125 • 450 Total Marks • Duration: 2 hours • Two papers on the same day.
Two papers on the same day. Paper I is objective and Paper II is descriptive; Paper II is evaluated only for candidates who clear the Paper I cut-off.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence 125 250 2 hours Paper II: General Studies, Essay and Comprehension Descriptive 200 3 hours Stage 2: Physical standards, physical efficiency test and medical
Offline (OMR sheet for Paper I; pen and paper descriptive for Paper II) • Candidates who clear the written exam are measured, take the PET (100 m, 800 m, long jump and shot put) and undergo a medical examination conducted by the forces.
Candidates who clear the written exam are measured, take the PET (100 m, 800 m, long jump and shot put) and undergo a medical examination conducted by the forces.
Stage 3: Interview / Personality test
Offline (OMR sheet for Paper I; pen and paper descriptive for Paper II) • Candidates found fit appear for an interview carrying 150 marks.
Candidates found fit appear for an interview carrying 150 marks. Final merit is based on written marks plus interview marks.
Stage 4: Document Verification, Medical Fitness & Final Cadre/Post Allotment
In-person verification by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) • Original academic, age, category & domicile certificates • Medical fitness examination & final merit allocation
Candidates shortlisted in the final merit list undergo thorough verification of original educational, age, category and domicile certificates followed by a prescribed medical fitness examination before appointment letters and cadre/department allotments are issued.
CAPF Assistant Commandant subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
General Mental Ability: Logical reasoning & Quantitative aptitude and numerical ability
- Logical reasoning
- Quantitative aptitude and numerical ability
- Data interpretation
- Analytical ability
General Science: Physics, chemistry and biology basics & Scientific developments and technology
- Physics, chemistry and biology basics
- Scientific developments and technology
- Information technology
- Biotechnology and environmental science
Current Events of National and International Importance — Part I (Culture, music, arts and literature)
- Culture, music, arts and literature
- Sports and games
- Governance and social issues
Current Events of National and International Importance — Part II (Industry, business and globalisation)
- Industry, business and globalisation
- Security and internal security news
Indian Polity and Economy: Constitution of India and political system & Social and economic development
- Constitution of India and political system
- Social and economic development
- Human rights
- Indian economy and planning
History and Geography of India: Ancient, medieval and modern Indian & Freedom movement
- Ancient, medieval and modern Indian history
- Freedom movement
- Physical, social and economic geography of India
- World geography basics
Essay, Precis and Comprehension (Paper II) — Part I (Essay writing on modern Indian)
- Essay writing on modern Indian history, polity, economy and security
- Argument and counter-argument
- Precis writing
Essay, Precis and Comprehension (Paper II) — Part II (Comprehension and language skills)
- Comprehension and language skills
- Report writing
CAPF Assistant Commandant salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
Assistant Commandant at pay Level 10, around ₹56,100 basic plus allowances. Appointments under Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.
Pay Scale & Grade Structure
Assistant Commandant at pay Level 10, around ₹56,100 basic plus allowances.
Appointing / Cadre Authority
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) (Central Government / Public Sector Service)
Allowances & Perks
Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (X/Y/Z cities: 30%/20%/10%), Transport Allowance, CGHS/Medical cover, LTC, and NPS contribution.
Probation & Training
Initial probation period (typically 1 to 2 years) with induction/foundation training before cadre confirmation.
Allowances, Perks & Service Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA) revised bi-annually in line with Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or official government quarters / leased accommodation
- Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Children Education Allowance
- Comprehensive medical care (CGHS / ECHS / State Health Scheme) for employee and dependents
- National Pension System (NPS) employer contribution, gratuity, and paid maternity/paternity/study leave
Promotion Hierarchy & Career Progression
- Entry-Level Cadre Appointment (Post allotment & induction training under Union Public Service Commission (UPSC))
- Senior / Higher Grade Scale via Time-Bound Financial Upgradation (MACP / Dynamic ACP)
- Sectional / Supervisory / Inspector / Assistant Executive Cadre via Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or LDCE
- Middle Management / Gazetted / Divisional Officer Scale
- Senior Administrative / Directorate / Executive Leadership Cadre
CAPF Assistant Commandant cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases stage-wise and category-wise CAPF Assistant Commandant cut-off marks at each stage (Prelims/Tier-I shortlisting, Mains/Tier-II evaluation, and Final Merit List). Candidates must clear both minimum qualifying standards and overall/sectional merit cut-offs to advance.
CAPF Assistant Commandant — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
Because CAPF Assistant Commandant is evaluated on a uniform single-session paper scale under one-third of the marks for a question deducted per wrong answer in Paper I, raw score accuracy directly determines your rank on the official merit list.
Factors Determining CAPF Assistant Commandant Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the CAPF Assistant Commandant cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
CAPF Assistant Commandant admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
CAPF Assistant Commandant Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official CAPF Assistant Commandant Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on upsc.gov.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the CAPF Assistant Commandant e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
CAPF Assistant Commandant Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on upsc.gov.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
CAPF Assistant Commandant Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declares the CAPF Assistant Commandant result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on upsc.gov.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official CAPF Assistant Commandant Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
CAPF Assistant Commandant mock tests
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Predicted questions for CAPF Assistant Commandant
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for CAPF Assistant Commandant
- Paper II is checked only if you clear Paper I, so secure a safe margin in the objective paper before polishing your essay writing.
- Practice writing essays and precis within strict time limits, because Paper II has several parts in three hours.
- Follow internal security, border and paramilitary news closely; they feature in both papers and the interview.
- Start physical training for the 800 m run, long jump and shot put early, as the PET is a knockout stage.
- Use previous UPSC CAPF papers to learn the balance between reasoning, current affairs and general studies in Paper I.
- Read the official CAPF Assistant Commandant notification carefully for the exact pattern, eligibility and selection stages.
CAPF Assistant Commandant FAQs
What is the age limit for CAPF Assistant Commandant?
Candidates are usually required to be between 20 and 25 years old on the date given in the notification, with relaxation for reserved categories and eligible government servants.
What are the physical standards for CAPF AC?
Men need a minimum height of 165 cm and chest of 81 cm with 5 cm expansion; women need a minimum height of 157 cm. Weight must be proportionate, and candidates must clear the PET.
Is CAPF AC a Group A post?
Yes. Assistant Commandant is an entry-level Group A gazetted officer post in the Central Armed Police Forces.
Can women apply for CAPF Assistant Commandant?
Yes. Women can apply, and separate physical standards and PET norms apply to them.
Is there negative marking in CAPF AC?
Yes, in Paper I. One-third of the marks for a question are deducted for each wrong answer.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for CAPF Assistant Commandant?
CAPF Assistant Commandant is conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) across 3 stages: Written examination → Physical standards, physical efficiency test and medical → Interview / Personality test. Candidates who clear the written exam are called for physical standards and physical efficiency tests and a medical examination, then an interview or personality test. Final merit combines written and interview marks.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for CAPF Assistant Commandant?
Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree from a recognised university. Age Limit: Typically 20 to 25 years, with relaxation for reserved categories and government servants.
What is the salary and job profile after clearing CAPF Assistant Commandant?
Assistant Commandant at pay Level 10, around ₹56,100 basic plus allowances.
When is the CAPF Assistant Commandant notification released and how can I apply online?
CAPF Assistant Commandant is held once a year (Once a year: notification around April, written exam around August, with the physical and medical tests and interview over the following months). Online on upsc.gov.in through the one-time registration (OTR) portal.
Where can I practice free CAPF Assistant Commandant mock tests and solved previous year papers?
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Select CAPF Assistant Commandant as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering General Mental Ability, General Science, Current Events of National and International Importance, Indian Polity and Economy, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact CAPF Assistant Commandant pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.