Defence & Police · UPSC · Updated October 2026
UPSC CAPF AC ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
UPSC Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF AC)
Conducted by the UPSC, this national examination directly recruits Group A Gazetted Assistant Commandants across the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB paramilitary forces. The selection process comprises an objective intelligence paper, a descriptive essay and comprehension paper, physical efficiency tests, and an interview.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- UPSC
Start for free with UPSC CAPF AC syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
UPSC CAPF AC exam overview and highlights
About UPSC CAPF AC
The Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination is conducted by UPSC to recruit Assistant Commandants, the entry level Group A officer rank, in the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB. It has a written examination, a physical and medical test, and an interview. Officers lead companies in border guarding, internal security and industrial security duties.
The examination process for UPSC CAPF AC comprises 3 stages: Written examination, followed by Physical Standards and Physical Efficiency Test and Medical, followed by Interview / Personality Test. The official syllabus tests candidates across 5 core areas — General Mental Ability, General Science, Indian Polity and Economy, History and Geography, Paper II: Essay and Comprehension — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Paper I shortlists the candidates whose Paper II is evaluated. Written marks (450) plus the Interview (150) decide the final merit out of 600 for those who clear the physical standards, physical efficiency and medical tests, which are qualifying.
Key subjects
- General Mental Ability
- General Science
- Indian Polity and Economy
- History and Geography
- Paper II: Essay and Comprehension
What clearing UPSC CAPF AC leads to
- Assistant Commandant, Border Security Force (BSF)
- Assistant Commandant, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
- Assistant Commandant, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
- Assistant Commandant, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
- Assistant Commandant, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
- Compensation & Pay Scale: Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus allowances
Quick facts
- Full name
- UPSC Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF AC)
- Conducting body
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Frequency
- Once a year
- Exam mode
- Offline (OMR sheet for Paper I, pen and paper for Paper II)
- Languages
- Paper I in English and Hindi; Paper II essay may be written in English or Hindi, other parts in English
- Stages & papers
- 3 stages (2 papers total)
- Negative marking
- One-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer in Paper I
- Official website
- upsc.gov.in
UPSC CAPF AC — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of UPSC CAPF AC conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC CAPF AC — UPSC Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF AC) |
| 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 | Notification in April; written examination in August; physical and medical tests over the following months; interviews later in the cycle |
| 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 for Paper II) |
| Medium / Exam Languages | Paper I in English and Hindi; Paper II essay may be written in English or Hindi, other parts in English |
| Selection Stages | 3 Stages (2 Papers Total): Written examination → Physical Standards and Physical Efficiency Test and Medical → Interview / Personality Test |
| Negative Marking | One-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer in Paper I |
| Selection / Merit Process | Paper I shortlists the candidates whose Paper II is evaluated. Written marks (450) plus the Interview (150) decide the final merit out of 600 for those who clear the physical standards, physical efficiency and medical tests, which are qualifying. |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's degree from a recognised university in any discipline |
| Age Limit | 20 to 25 years on 1 August of the exam year for the general category, with the usual relaxations |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus allowances |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | Around 2 lakh applicants for a few hundred posts |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
UPSC CAPF AC exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for UPSC CAPF AC. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official UPSC website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| UPSC CAPF AC Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Notification in April; written examination in August; physical and medical tests over the following months; interviews later in the cycle | 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) |
| UPSC CAPF AC — Written examination | Notification in April; written examination in August; physical and medical tests over the following months; interviews later in the cycle | Offline (OMR sheet for Paper I, pen and paper for Paper II) |
| UPSC CAPF AC — Physical Standards and 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
- Around 2 lakh applicants for a few hundred posts. Exact post-wise, department-wise, and category-wise (UR, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, ESM, PwBD) vacancies are notified in the official UPSC CAPF AC 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 UPSC CAPF AC
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 UPSC CAPF AC application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (Paper I in English and Hindi; Paper II essay may be written in English or Hindi, other parts 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 UPSC CAPF AC Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
UPSC CAPF AC eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for UPSC CAPF AC must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by UPSC.
Educational qualification
Bachelor's degree from a recognised university in any discipline.
Age limit & relaxations
20 to 25 years on 1 August of the exam year for the general category, with the usual relaxations.
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.
Other conditions & standards
Prescribed physical standards (height, chest, weight) and medical fitness are mandatory; both men and women are eligible.
UPSC CAPF AC — 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. |
UPSC CAPF AC selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer in Paper I. Selection & Merit Weightage: Paper I shortlists the candidates whose Paper II is evaluated. Written marks (450) plus the Interview (150) decide the final merit out of 600 for those who clear the physical standards, physical efficiency and medical tests, which are qualifying.
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: an objective General Ability and Intelligence paper and a descriptive General Studies, Essay and Comprehension paper.
Two papers on the same day: an objective General Ability and Intelligence paper and a descriptive General Studies, Essay and Comprehension paper. Paper II is evaluated only for those who clear the Paper I cut-off.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Paper I: General Ability and IntelligenceObjective 125 250 2 hours Paper II: General Studies, Essay and ComprehensionDescriptive Varies 200 3 hours Stage 2: Physical Standards and Physical Efficiency Test and Medical
In person • Qualifying events such as a 100 metre and 800 metre run, long jump and shot put, followed by a medical standards test.
Qualifying events such as a 100 metre and 800 metre run, long jump and shot put, followed by a medical standards test.
Stage 3: Interview / Personality Test
In person • An interview of 150 marks.
An interview of 150 marks. The final merit is based on the written examination plus the interview, a total of 600 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.
UPSC CAPF AC 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
- Logical reasoning
- Quantitative aptitude
- Numerical ability
- Data interpretation
General Science: Everyday physics, chemistry and biology & Information technology
- Everyday physics, chemistry and biology
- Information technology
- Biotechnology
- Environmental science
Indian Polity and Economy — Part I (Constitution of India)
- Constitution of India
- Political system and governance
- Human rights
Indian Polity and Economy — Part II (Indian economy and planning)
- Indian economy and planning
- Social development and security issues
History and Geography — Part I (Indian history and freedom struggle)
- Indian history and freedom struggle
- Social, economic and political aspects of Indian history
- Physical geography of India and the world
History and Geography — Part II (Economic and human geography)
- Economic and human geography
- Current events of national and international importance
Paper II: Essay and Comprehension — Part I (Essay on modern Indian history)
- Essay on modern Indian history, geography, polity, economy and security
- Argumentative essay writing
- Reading comprehension
Paper II: Essay and Comprehension — Part II (Precis writing)
- Precis writing
- Grammar and language ability
- Report writing and counter arguments
UPSC CAPF AC salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus allowances. Appointments under Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.
Pay Scale & Grade Structure
Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) 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
UPSC CAPF AC cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases stage-wise and category-wise UPSC CAPF AC 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.
UPSC CAPF AC — 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 UPSC CAPF AC is evaluated on a uniform single-session paper scale under one-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer in Paper I, raw score accuracy directly determines your rank on the official merit list.
Factors Determining UPSC CAPF AC Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the UPSC CAPF AC 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
UPSC CAPF AC admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
UPSC CAPF AC Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official UPSC CAPF AC 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 UPSC CAPF AC 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
UPSC CAPF AC 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
UPSC CAPF AC Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declares the UPSC CAPF AC 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 UPSC CAPF AC 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
UPSC CAPF AC mock tests
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Written examination · 125 questions · 2 hours
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Written examination · 125 questions · 2 hours
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UPSC CAPF AC previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all UPSC CAPF AC previous year papers by year
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Recent UPSC CAPF AC question papers
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Complete 10-year UPSC CAPF AC paper archive
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Predicted questions for UPSC CAPF AC
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for UPSC CAPF AC
- Prepare Paper I like a general studies exam with extra weight on reasoning and numerical ability.
- Practice essay and precis writing regularly, since Paper II is descriptive and is checked only after clearing Paper I.
- Keep up with internal security, border issues and the role of each CAPF for both the essay and the interview.
- Start physical training early for the 100 metre and 800 metre runs, long jump and shot put.
- Read the physical and medical standards in the notification carefully before applying.
- Read the official UPSC CAPF AC notification carefully for the exact pattern, eligibility and selection stages.
UPSC CAPF AC FAQs
What is the age limit for CAPF AC?
Candidates must be between 20 and 25 years on 1 August of the exam year. OBC candidates get 3 years and SC and ST candidates 5 years of relaxation.
Is there negative marking in CAPF AC?
Yes, in Paper I one-third of the marks of a question are deducted per wrong answer. Paper II is descriptive and has no negative marking.
Can women apply for CAPF Assistant Commandant?
Yes, women are eligible to apply and are recruited in all five forces covered by the exam.
What is the physical test in CAPF AC?
It includes a 100 metre and 800 metre run, long jump and shot put with different standards for men and women, followed by a medical examination. These are qualifying events.
Which forces are covered under CAPF AC?
BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB. Assam Rifles is not part of this examination.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for UPSC CAPF AC?
UPSC CAPF AC is conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) across 3 stages: Written examination → Physical Standards and Physical Efficiency Test and Medical → Interview / Personality Test. Paper I shortlists the candidates whose Paper II is evaluated. Written marks (450) plus the Interview (150) decide the final merit out of 600 for those who clear the physical standards, physical efficiency and medical tests, which are qualifying.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for UPSC CAPF AC?
Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree from a recognised university in any discipline. Age Limit: 20 to 25 years on 1 August of the exam year for the general category, with the usual relaxations.
What is the salary and job profile after clearing UPSC CAPF AC?
Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus allowances.
When is the UPSC CAPF AC notification released and how can I apply online?
UPSC CAPF AC is held once a year (Notification in April; written examination in August; physical and medical tests over the following months; interviews later in the cycle). Online on upsc.gov.in through the One Time Registration (OTR) portal.
Where can I practice free UPSC CAPF AC mock tests and solved previous year papers?
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How can I prepare for UPSC CAPF AC on SmartRank?
Select UPSC CAPF AC as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering General Mental Ability, General Science, Indian Polity and Economy, History and Geography, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact UPSC CAPF AC pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.