UPSC & Central Govt · Updated October 2026
UPSC CISF AC LDCE ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
UPSC CISF Assistant Commandant (Executive) LDCE
Conducted by the UPSC in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs, this Limited Departmental Competitive Examination promotes serving CISF personnel to the post of Assistant Commandant (Executive). Selection is based on a two-paper written test, physical efficiency verification, service record evaluation, and a Personality Test.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- UPSC
Start for free with UPSC CISF AC LDCE syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
UPSC CISF AC LDCE exam overview and highlights
About UPSC CISF AC LDCE
The CISF Assistant Commandant (Executive) Limited Departmental Competitive Examination is conducted by UPSC for serving CISF personnel who want to be promoted to the rank of Assistant Commandant. It is not open to the general public. The exam has a written test, a physical standards and efficiency test, a medical examination and an interview.
The examination process for UPSC CISF AC LDCE comprises 3 stages: Written examination, followed by Physical Standards Test, Physical Efficiency Test and Medical, followed by Interview / Personality Test. The official syllabus tests candidates across 4 core areas — General Mental Ability, General Science and Current Affairs, Polity, Economy, History and Geography, Paper II: Essay and Comprehension — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Written marks (450) plus the Interview (150) decide the final merit out of 600; the Physical Standards Test, Physical Efficiency Test and medical examination are qualifying.
Key subjects
- General Mental Ability
- General Science and Current Affairs
- Polity, Economy, History and Geography
- Paper II: Essay and Comprehension
What clearing UPSC CISF AC LDCE leads to
- Assistant Commandant (Executive), Central Industrial Security Force
- Compensation & Pay Scale: Promotion to Assistant Commandant at Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus allowances
- Central / Institutional appointment through Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), on behalf of the Central Industrial Security Force merit recommendation
- Structured time-scale promotions, Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) elevation, and central allowances (DA, HRA, TA, Medical & NPS)
- All-India or zonal ministry, department, PSU, or public sector field and headquarters postings
- Deputation opportunities to central autonomous bodies, ministries, regulatory authorities, and international assignments
Quick facts
- Full name
- UPSC CISF Assistant Commandant (Executive) LDCE
- Conducting body
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), on behalf of the Central Industrial Security Force
- Frequency
- Once a year
- Exam mode
- Offline (OMR sheet for Paper I, pen and paper for Paper II)
- Languages
- English and Hindi
- Stages & papers
- 3 stages (2 papers total)
- Negative marking
- One-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer in the objective Paper I
- Official website
- upsc.gov.in
UPSC CISF AC LDCE — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of UPSC CISF AC LDCE conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC CISF AC LDCE — UPSC CISF Assistant Commandant (Executive) LDCE |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), on behalf of the Central Industrial Security Force |
| Exam Category | UPSC & Central Govt |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Recruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Notification late in the year, usually in November or December; written examination in March; physical tests, medical examination and interviews in the following months |
| Mode of Application | Online on upsc.gov.in through the One Time Registration (OTR) portal; open only to serving CISF personnel who meet the service conditions, with the application verified through the department |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (OMR sheet for Paper I, pen and paper for Paper II) |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English and Hindi |
| Selection Stages | 3 Stages (2 Papers Total): Written examination → Physical Standards Test, Physical Efficiency Test and Medical → Interview / Personality Test |
| Negative Marking | One-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer in the objective Paper I |
| Selection / Merit Process | Written marks (450) plus the Interview (150) decide the final merit out of 600; the Physical Standards Test, Physical Efficiency Test and medical examination are qualifying. |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's degree from a recognised university |
| Age Limit | Typically up to 35 years, with relaxation for reserved categories, as given in the notification |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | Promotion to Assistant Commandant at 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 | High national-level competition across test cities nationwide |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
UPSC CISF AC LDCE exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for UPSC CISF AC LDCE. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official UPSC website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| UPSC CISF AC LDCE Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Notification late in the year, usually in November or December; written examination in March; physical tests, medical examination and interviews in 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), on behalf of the Central Industrial Security Force |
| UPSC CISF AC LDCE — Written examination | Notification late in the year, usually in November or December; written examination in March; physical tests, medical examination and interviews in the following months | Offline (OMR sheet for Paper I, pen and paper for Paper II) |
| UPSC CISF AC LDCE — Physical Standards Test, 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
- Exact post-wise, department-wise, and category-wise (UR, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, ESM, PwBD) vacancies are notified in the official UPSC CISF AC LDCE recruitment advertisement published by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), on behalf of the Central Industrial Security Force.
- 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 CISF AC LDCE
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; open only to serving CISF personnel who meet the service conditions, with the application verified through the department.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the UPSC CISF AC LDCE application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English and Hindi), 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 CISF AC LDCE Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
UPSC CISF AC LDCE eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for UPSC CISF AC LDCE must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by UPSC.
Educational qualification
Bachelor's degree from a recognised university.
Age limit & relaxations
Typically up to 35 years, with relaxation for reserved categories, as given in the notification.
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
Citizen of India (or eligible subjects of Nepal/Bhutan and categories of Indian origin as notified under Government of India recruitment/admission rules).
Other conditions & standards
Only serving CISF personnel of specified ranks (such as Inspector, Sub-Inspector and Assistant Sub-Inspector) with the minimum years of service laid down in the notification can apply.
UPSC CISF AC LDCE — 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 CISF AC LDCE selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer in the objective Paper I. Selection & Merit Weightage: Written marks (450) plus the Interview (150) decide the final merit out of 600; the Physical Standards Test, Physical Efficiency Test and medical examination 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 pattern of the CAPF (AC) examination: an objective General Ability and Intelligence paper and a descriptive General Studies, Essay and Comprehension paper.
Two papers on the pattern of the CAPF (AC) examination: an objective General Ability and Intelligence paper and a descriptive General Studies, Essay and Comprehension paper.
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 Test, Physical Efficiency Test and Medical
In person • Qualifying physical events and a medical examination conducted by CISF for candidates who clear the written test.
Qualifying physical events and a medical examination conducted by CISF for candidates who clear the written test.
Stage 3: Interview / Personality Test
In person • An interview of 150 marks conducted by UPSC.
An interview of 150 marks conducted by UPSC. The final merit is based on the written examination and the interview.
Stage 4: Document Verification, Medical Fitness & Final Cadre/Post Allotment
In-person verification by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), on behalf of the Central Industrial Security Force • 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 CISF AC LDCE 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 and Current Affairs — Part I (Everyday science)
- Everyday science
- Information technology
- Environment
General Science and Current Affairs — Part II (Current events of national and)
- Current events of national and international importance
- Security and policing related developments
Polity, Economy, History and Geography — Part I (Constitution of India)
- Constitution of India
- Indian economy
- Indian history and freedom struggle
Polity, Economy, History and Geography — Part II (Geography of India)
- Geography of India
- Human rights and governance
Paper II: Essay and Comprehension — Part I (Essay writing)
- Essay writing
- Reading comprehension
- Precis writing
Paper II: Essay and Comprehension — Part II (Grammar and usage)
- Grammar and usage
- Report writing
Previous Year Trend Analysis & High-Weightage Topics (UPSC CISF AC LDCE)
- Recurring multi-concept questions from past UPSC CISF AC LDCE cycles
- High-yield chapters and section-wise mark distribution patterns
- Statement-based, assertion-reason and matching question formats
- Elimination techniques and negative-marking risk management
- Time allocation strategy across sections and papers
UPSC CISF AC LDCE salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
Promotion to Assistant Commandant at Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus allowances. Appointments under Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), on behalf of the Central Industrial Security Force carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.
Pay Scale & Grade Structure
Promotion to Assistant Commandant at Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus allowances.
Appointing / Cadre Authority
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), on behalf of the Central Industrial Security Force (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), on behalf of the Central Industrial Security Force)
- 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 CISF AC LDCE cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), on behalf of the Central Industrial Security Force releases stage-wise and category-wise UPSC CISF AC LDCE 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 CISF AC LDCE — 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 CISF AC LDCE is evaluated on a uniform single-session paper scale under one-third of the marks of a question deducted per wrong answer in the objective Paper I, raw score accuracy directly determines your rank on the official merit list.
Factors Determining UPSC CISF AC LDCE 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 CISF AC LDCE 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 CISF AC LDCE admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
UPSC CISF AC LDCE Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), on behalf of the Central Industrial Security Force releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official UPSC CISF AC LDCE 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 CISF AC LDCE 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 CISF AC LDCE Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), on behalf of the Central Industrial Security Force 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 CISF AC LDCE Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), on behalf of the Central Industrial Security Force declares the UPSC CISF AC LDCE 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 CISF AC LDCE 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 CISF AC LDCE mock tests
Practice in the official UPSC CISF AC LDCE pattern on the Free plan, and unlock 10 full or sectional mocks every month, unlimited chapter and topic tests, and the CBT Exam Simulator with SmartRank Pass.
- Start freeFREE
UPSC CISF AC LDCE Full Mock Test 1
Written examination · 125 questions · 2 hours
- Start freeFREE
UPSC CISF AC LDCE Full Mock Test 2
Written examination · 125 questions · 2 hours
- Unlock with SmartRank PassPASS
UPSC CISF AC LDCE Full Mock Test 3
Written examination · 125 questions · 2 hours
- Unlock with SmartRank PassPASS
UPSC CISF AC LDCE Full Mock Test 4
Written examination · 125 questions · 2 hours
- Unlock with SmartRank PassPASS
UPSC CISF AC LDCE Full Mock Test 5
Written examination · 125 questions · 2 hours
UPSC CISF AC LDCE previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all UPSC CISF AC LDCE previous year papers by year
- Explore freeFREE
Recent UPSC CISF AC LDCE question papers
Included on the Free plan with step-by-step solutions
- Unlock with SmartRank PassPASS
Complete 10-year UPSC CISF AC LDCE paper archive
Up to 10 years of solved papers with SmartRank Pass (4 years with Learn)
- Unlock with SmartRank PassPASS
Predicted questions for UPSC CISF AC LDCE
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for UPSC CISF AC LDCE
- Use previous years' CAPF (AC) papers for practice, since the written pattern is similar.
- Strengthen quantitative aptitude and reasoning, which many departmental candidates find hardest in Paper I.
- Practice essay and precis writing by hand with a time limit for Paper II.
- Keep up with current affairs on internal security, industrial security and government policy.
- Maintain the physical standards expected for the PET alongside your service duties.
- Read the official UPSC CISF AC LDCE notification carefully for the exact pattern, eligibility and selection stages.
UPSC CISF AC LDCE FAQs
Who can apply for the CISF AC LDCE?
Only serving CISF personnel of the ranks and minimum service specified in the notification. It is a departmental exam and not open to outside candidates.
Is there negative marking in the CISF AC LDCE?
Yes, the objective Paper I has a penalty of one-third of the marks of a question for each wrong answer. Paper II is descriptive.
What is the pattern of the CISF AC LDCE written exam?
It follows the CAPF (AC) pattern: Paper I General Ability and Intelligence (250 marks, objective) and Paper II General Studies, Essay and Comprehension (200 marks, descriptive).
What is the age limit for the CISF AC LDCE?
The upper age limit is typically 35 years with relaxation for reserved categories, but the exact limit is given in each notification.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for UPSC CISF AC LDCE?
UPSC CISF AC LDCE is conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), on behalf of the Central Industrial Security Force across 3 stages: Written examination → Physical Standards Test, Physical Efficiency Test and Medical → Interview / Personality Test. Written marks (450) plus the Interview (150) decide the final merit out of 600; the Physical Standards Test, Physical Efficiency Test and medical examination are qualifying.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for UPSC CISF AC LDCE?
Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree from a recognised university. Age Limit: Typically up to 35 years, with relaxation for reserved categories, as given in the notification.
What is the salary and job profile after clearing UPSC CISF AC LDCE?
Promotion to Assistant Commandant at Pay Level 10 (basic pay around ₹56,100) plus allowances.
When is the UPSC CISF AC LDCE notification released and how can I apply online?
UPSC CISF AC LDCE is held once a year (Notification late in the year, usually in November or December; written examination in March; physical tests, medical examination and interviews in the following months). Online on upsc.gov.in through the One Time Registration (OTR) portal; open only to serving CISF personnel who meet the service conditions, with the application verified through the department.
Where can I practice free UPSC CISF AC LDCE mock tests and solved previous year papers?
Select UPSC CISF AC LDCE as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering General Mental Ability, General Science and Current Affairs, Polity, Economy, History and Geography, Paper II: Essay and Comprehension, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact UPSC CISF AC LDCE pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.
How can I prepare for UPSC CISF AC LDCE on SmartRank?
Select UPSC CISF AC LDCE as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering General Mental Ability, General Science and Current Affairs, Polity, Economy, History and Geography, Paper II: Essay and Comprehension, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact UPSC CISF AC LDCE pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.