The UPSC CAPF AC Syllabus 2026 covers two written papers worth a combined 450 marks — Paper I (General Ability & Intelligence, 250 marks) and Paper II (General Studies, Essay & Comprehension, 200 marks) — followed by physical tests, a medical examination, and a 150-mark interview. Candidates aiming to become Assistant Commandants in the Central Armed Police Forces must understand this pattern thoroughly before starting preparation.

The Union Public Service Commission conducts the CAPF Assistant Commandant examination every year to recruit Group A officers for the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). This guide lays out the full paper-wise syllabus, marking scheme, and selection stages.

UPSC CAPF AC Selection Process 2026

The selection is conducted in three stages, and candidates must clear each to advance:

  1. Written Examination — Paper I and Paper II (450 marks total)
  2. Physical Standards Test (PST) / Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Medical Standards Test — qualifying in nature
  3. Interview / Personality Test — 150 marks

The final merit is prepared out of 600 marks (450 written + 150 interview).

UPSC CAPF AC Exam Pattern 2026

PaperSubjectTypeMarksDuration
Paper IGeneral Ability & IntelligenceObjective (MCQ)2502 hours
Paper IIGeneral Studies, Essay & ComprehensionDescriptive2003 hours
  • Paper I has 125 objective questions and carries 1/3rd negative marking for wrong answers.
  • Paper II is descriptive with no negative marking.
  • Only candidates who clear the Paper I cut-off have their Paper II evaluated.
  • Questions in Paper I are set in both English and Hindi. In Paper II, the essay component may be written in English or Hindi, while precis, comprehension, and other communication questions are attempted in English only.

UPSC CAPF AC Paper I Syllabus 2026 — General Ability & Intelligence (250 Marks)

  • General Mental Ability — logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, data interpretation
  • General Science — general awareness, scientific temper, everyday science, developments in IT, biotechnology, and environmental science
  • Current Events of National and International Importance
  • Indian Polity and Economy — political system, Constitution, social systems, economic development
  • History of India — emphasis on the freedom movement
  • Indian and World Geography — physical, social, and economic geography of India and the world

UPSC CAPF AC Paper II Syllabus 2026 — General Studies, Essay & Comprehension (200 Marks)

Paper II is descriptive and tests writing ability, analytical skill, and language command:

  • Essay questions on modern Indian history, freedom struggle, geography, polity, economy, security, human rights, analytical and descriptive topics, and communication/language skills (essay in English or Hindi)
  • Comprehension passages
  • Precis writing
  • Developing counter-arguments
  • Simple grammar and other aspects of language testing (in English)

UPSC CAPF AC Physical Standards & Efficiency Test 2026

Candidates who qualify the written exam are called for Physical Standards Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET), which are qualifying in nature. The PET typically includes events such as the 100 metre race, 800 metre race, long jump, and shot put, with separate standards for male and female candidates. A Medical Standards Test follows to confirm the candidate's fitness for a uniformed service role.

UPSC CAPF AC Interview / Personality Test 2026

Candidates who clear the written exam and physical/medical stages are called for the Interview/Personality Test worth 150 marks, conducted by a UPSC board. It assesses leadership, mental alertness, judgement, and suitability for a career as an Assistant Commandant.

UPSC CAPF AC Preparation Strategy 2026

  • Strengthen General Studies fundamentals in history, polity, geography, economy, and science, as they feed both Paper I and Paper II.
  • Read a daily newspaper for current affairs of national and international importance.
  • Practise essay and precis writing weekly to build speed and structure for Paper II.
  • Attempt objective mock tests to master Paper I time management and reduce negative marking losses.
  • Begin physical training early — the PET is qualifying but decisive for candidates who neglect fitness.

UPSC CAPF AC Syllabus 2026 — FAQs

How many papers are in the UPSC CAPF AC exam? Two — Paper I (objective, 250 marks) and Paper II (descriptive, 200 marks).

Is there negative marking in the CAPF AC exam? Yes, 1/3rd negative marking applies in Paper I only. Paper II has no negative marking.

What is the total marks for final merit? 600 marks — 450 for the written exam plus 150 for the interview.

Which forces recruit through the CAPF AC exam? BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.

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