UPSC CAPF AC 2026 – Assistant Commandant
One of India's most respected officer-level defence exams, conducted by UPSC annually. Assistant Commandants lead operations in BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB — India's frontline border and internal security forces. Group A Gazetted post with excellent pay, career growth, and national service.
🎯 Vacancies 2026
349
Across 5 CAPFs
📅 Written Exam
19 July 2026
Paper I & II, same day
📋 Application
Closed
Ran 20 Feb – 12 Mar 2026
💰 Gross Salary
₹95,000–₹1,10,000
Per month (in-hand)
ℹ️ CAPF AC 2026 notification is OUT (Advt. No. 08/2026-CPF, dated 20 Feb 2026, 349 vacancies). Applications closed on 12 March 2026. The written exam is on 19 July 2026. Always verify details at upsc.gov.in.
📅 Last updated: 8 July 2026 · Source: UPSC Notification No. 08/2026-CPF
Important Dates 2026
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| CAPF AC 2025 Written Exam | 3 August 2025 | ✓ Done |
| CAPF AC 2025 PET/Medical & Interview | December 2025 – June 2026 | ✓ Done |
| CAPF AC 2026 Notification (Advt. 08/2026-CPF) | 20 February 2026 | ✓ Done |
| CAPF AC 2026 Application Window | 20 February – 12 March 2026 | ✓ Done |
| CAPF AC 2026 Correction Window | 13 – 19 March 2026 | ✓ Done |
| CAPF AC 2026 Admit Card | July 2026 (about 1 week before exam) | ⏳ Ongoing |
| CAPF AC 2026 Written Exam (Paper I & II) | 19 July 2026 | ⏳ Ongoing |
| CAPF AC 2026 Written Result | To Be Notified (TBN) | ⚠️ TBN |
| CAPF AC 2026 PET/PST & Medical | To Be Notified (TBN) | ⚠️ TBN |
| CAPF AC 2026 Interview / Personality Test | To Be Notified (TBN) | ⚠️ TBN |
Confirmed dates are from UPSC Notification No. 08/2026-CPF (20 Feb 2026). TBN = To Be Notified — these will be announced by UPSC after the written exam. Always verify at upsc.gov.in.
Eligibility Criteria
🪪 Nationality
Indian Citizen (Nepal/Bhutan also eligible for some posts)
🎓 Qualification
Graduation (any stream) from a recognised university
📋 Age Limit
20 to 25 years (as of 1st August of the exam year)
👤 Gender
Male and Female both eligible
Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation | Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | None | 25 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | +3 years | 28 years |
| SC / ST | +5 years | 30 years |
| PwBD (General) | +10 years | 35 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | +13 years | 38 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | +15 years | 40 years |
💡 Final year degree students may apply provisionally. Proof of degree must be submitted before the interview stage.
Vacancies & Forces
Border Security Force
Guards India's land borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. Largest CAPF with ~2.57 lakh personnel.
Central Reserve Police Force
Internal security, counter-Naxal operations, election duty. Largest paramilitary force (~3.25 lakh).
Central Industrial Security Force
Guards airports, government buildings, nuclear plants, metro rail, and major PSUs.
Indo-Tibetan Border Police
Patrols the India–China border (Himalayas). Specialised mountain warfare and disaster relief.
Sashastra Seema Bal
Guards India's open borders with Nepal and Bhutan. Also responsible for border management duties.
Vacancy History (2021–2026)
| Year | BSF | CRPF | CISF | ITBP | SSB | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAPF AC 2025 | 24 | 204 | 92 | 4 | 33 | 357 |
| CAPF AC 2026 | 108 | 106 | 70 | 12 | 53 | 349 |
* Force-wise figures are from official UPSC notifications (2025: Notif. 09/2025-CAPF; 2026: Advt. 08/2026-CPF). Earlier total vacancies: 2022 – 253, 2023 – 322, 2024 – 506 posts.
Exam Pattern 2026
General Ability & Intelligence
2 hrs
Objective (MCQ)
1/3rd per wrong answer
General Ability, Mental Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English, Current Affairs
General Studies, Essay & Comprehension
3 hrs
Descriptive (written)
None (descriptive)
Essay (80 marks) + Comprehension Passages (60 marks) + Précis Writing (60 marks)
PET/Medical is qualifying in nature — no marks added. Only candidates clearing PET & Medical are called for the Interview.
Detailed Syllabus
🧠 Paper I – General Ability & Intelligence (250 Marks)
- •General Mental Ability – Series, Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense
- •Quantitative Aptitude – Number System, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time-Speed-Distance, Work & Time
- •Elementary Mathematics – Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry
- •English Language – Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Sentence Correction
- •General Knowledge & Current Affairs – National and international events (last 6 months)
- •Social Studies – History of India, Freedom Struggle, Indian Polity and Constitution
- •Indian Economy – Planning, Policies, Schemes, Budget highlights
- •Physical Geography – World and India, Climate, Rivers, Mountains
- •Science & Technology – Inventions, Space, Defence, Biology basics
- •Environment & Ecology – Biodiversity, Climate change, Conservation policies
✍️ Paper II – General Studies, Essay & Comprehension (200 Marks)
- •Essay Writing – 800–1,000 words on socio-political, defence, or national issues (80 marks)
- •Reading Comprehension – 2 passages with analytical questions (60 marks)
- •Précis Writing – Summarise a given passage into one-third its length (60 marks)
- •Contemporary National Issues – security, environment, governance, society
- •Internal Security Challenges – Naxalism, terrorism, border security, cyber threats
- •India's Defence Posture – Army, Navy, Air Force roles, CAPF in internal security
- •Writing Style – clarity, coherence, structure; Paper II is evaluated by experienced IPS/IFS officers
PET & Medical Standards
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) – Qualifying
| Event | Male Standard | Female Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Race (1.6 km run) | 6 min 30 sec | 4 min (800 m run) |
| Long Jump | 3.5 metres (3 chances) | 3.0 metres (3 chances) |
| High Jump | 1.2 metres (3 chances) | 0.9 metres (3 chances) |
| Shot Put (7.26 kg) | 4.5 metres | N/A |
Height & Chest Standards
| Category | Min. Height | Chest (Males) |
|---|---|---|
| Male – General, OBC, SC | 165 cm | 81 cm (unexpanded) / 86 cm (expanded) |
| Male – ST | 162.5 cm | 79 cm / 84 cm |
| Male – Hilly/North-Eastern/Island regions | 162.5 cm | 80 cm / 85 cm |
| Female – General, OBC, SC | 157 cm | N/A |
| Female – ST | 154 cm | N/A |
Interview / Personality Test
Personal Interview
A structured one-on-one interview by a board of senior officers (typically DIG/IG level). Covers your personal background, academic career, current affairs, motivation for joining paramilitary forces, and leadership qualities. Lasts 30–45 minutes.
Personality Assessment
The board assesses Officer Like Qualities (OLQs): decision-making, communication, mental alertness, integrity, and leadership potential. They review your PIQ (Personal Information Questionnaire) submitted earlier and probe answers.
Current Affairs Discussion
Expect questions on internal security issues (Naxalism, border tensions, cyber threats), recent government policies, CAPF roles in major operations, state police-paramilitary coordination, and national events of the past 6 months.
Marks Allocation
Interview carries 150 marks. Written total = 450 marks. Grand Total = 600 marks. Final merit is based on the aggregate. This means even a 10–15 mark difference in interview can shift your rank significantly — treat the interview as seriously as the written paper.
Salary & Career Growth
Salary Breakdown – Assistant Commandant 2026
| Basic Pay – Assistant Commandant (Pay Level 10) | ₹56,100/month |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) – 60% of Basic (from 1 Jan 2026) | ~₹33,660/month |
| House Rent Allowance / Government Accommodation | ₹7,000–₹14,000/month (or quarters) |
| Transport Allowance (TPTA) | ₹3,600–₹7,200/month |
| Special Duty Allowance (border/remote posting) | ₹7,500–₹12,000/month (if applicable) |
| Ration Money / Uniform Allowance | ₹3,000–₹5,000/month |
| Estimated Gross In-hand (Metro posting) | ~₹90,000–₹1,05,000/month |
| 8th Pay Commission (constituted Nov 2025) | Not yet implemented — report expected ~2027; fitment factor still under discussion |
Career Progression Path
| Rank | Service | Pay Level | Basic Pay Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Commandant | 0–4 yrs | Level 10 | ₹56,100–₹1,77,500 |
| Deputy Commandant | 4–8 yrs | Level 11 | ₹67,700–₹2,08,700 |
| Second-in-Command | 8–14 yrs | Level 12 | ₹78,800–₹2,09,200 |
| Commandant | 14–20 yrs | Level 13 | ₹1,23,100–₹2,15,900 |
| Deputy Inspector General (DIG) | 20–25 yrs | Level 13A | ₹1,31,100–₹2,16,600 |
| Inspector General (IG) | 25–30 yrs | Level 14 | ₹1,44,200–₹2,18,200 |
| Additional Director General (ADG) | 30+ yrs | Level 15 | ₹1,82,200–₹2,24,100 |
* Pay ranges are under the 7th Pay Commission. The 8th Pay Commission (constituted Nov 2025; report expected ~2027) is likely to revise these upward once implemented — revised figures are not yet confirmed.
How to Apply
Register at upsconline.nic.in
Go to the official UPSC OTR (One Time Registration) portal. Create a new account using your email and mobile number. Keep your Aadhaar, graduation certificate, passport-size photo, and signature scan ready before starting.
Complete OTR and Fill Application
After OTR registration, fill the CAPF AC application form. Enter academic details, choose preferred force preference order (BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB), and upload documents. Double-check all entries before submitting.
Pay Application Fee
Application fee: ₹200 (General/OBC/EWS). SC/ST and PwBD candidates are exempt from fee. Female candidates are also exempt. Payment via SBI Net Banking, credit/debit card, or UPI.
Submit and Save Confirmation
Submit the form and save the confirmation page / PDF. Note your Registration ID — you will need it for admit card download, PET, and interview stages. Check your registered email for UPSC confirmation.
Download Admit Card & Attend Written Exam
Admit card is released 2–3 weeks before the exam on upsconline.nic.in. Carry it with photo ID to the exam centre. Paper I (objective, 2 hrs) and Paper II (descriptive, 3 hrs) are held on the same day in two sessions.
6-Month Study Plan
Month 1
Paper I Foundation – GK & Current AffairsBuild the foundation of General Knowledge: NCERT History (Class 6–12), Indian Polity by Laxmikanth (Chapters 1–25), and NCERT Geography (Class 9–11). Subscribe to one current affairs source (The Hindu or PIB daily). CAPF regularly asks about CAPF operations, national security, and recent appointments.
Month 2
Paper I – Quantitative Aptitude & Mental AbilityCover all Quant topics — Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time-Speed-Distance, Averages, Ratio & Proportion, Simple & Compound Interest. Mental Ability: practice series, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense daily. Target 25+ correct in this section for a good aggregate.
Month 3
Paper I – English & Remaining GKEnglish Grammar: Error spotting, sentence improvement, vocabulary, comprehension. Solve RC passages daily. For GK: Indian Economy (budget 2025–26 highlights, schemes), Science & Technology (space, defence), Environment & Ecology. Cover at least one NCERT Science textbook (Class 8–10).
Month 4
Paper II – Essay & Comprehension WritingPaper II is the differentiator — most candidates underestimate it. Practice writing one 800-word essay daily on topics like internal security, Naxalism, border disputes, governance, environment. Score the essay yourself for structure, vocabulary, and argument quality. Practice précis writing (reduce a 300-word passage to 100 words) every alternate day.
Month 5
Mock Tests + Weak Area RevisionAttempt 2 full CAPF mock tests per week. Analyse every wrong answer. Common mistakes: random guessing in Paper I (negative marking), weak essay structure in Paper II. Revise current affairs of the last 6 months comprehensively. Practice physical fitness daily — PET is qualifying but failure eliminates you.
Month 6
Final Revision + Interview PrepComplete revision of all subjects using short notes. Daily current affairs reading (especially internal security, CAPF operations, recent appointments). Start interview preparation: know your biodata deeply, practice Group Discussion (GD) with peers, read about the force you want to join (BSF mission, CRPF operations, etc.). Physical prep: maintain PET standards — run 1.6 km under 6 min 30 sec daily.
Best Books for CAPF AC 2026
| Subject | Book Title | Author |
|---|---|---|
| All-in-One | UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant Solved Papers | Arihant Publications |
| All-in-One | CAPF (AC) 17 Years' Solved Papers | Upkar Prakashan |
| Paper II – Essay | General Studies Paper 2 for CAPF | Arihant / Upkar |
| Polity | Indian Polity | M. LaxmikanthBuy |
| History | A Brief History of Modern India | Rajiv Ahir (Spectrum) |
| Geography | Certificate Physical and Human Geography | G.C. LeongBuy |
| English | Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi (Arihant)Buy |
| Quantitative | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams | R.S. AggarwalBuy |
| Current Affairs | Monthly Current Affairs (free sources) | The Hindu / PIB / Gist of Kurukshetra |
Free Resources
UPSC Official CAPF Page
Official notifications, syllabus PDF, previous year question papers, and admit cards for CAPF AC.
TaiyarHo Weekly Current Affairs
Free weekly current affairs digests with quizzes — directly useful for CAPF Paper I GK and Paper II essay topics.
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
Official MHA site — CAPF structure, internal security policy, and border management updates for Paper II essays and interview.
SSBCrack YouTube
Best resource for CAPF interview and personality test preparation — OLQ tips by serving officers.
PIB Daily Press Releases
Free official government press releases — essential for Paper II essay topics and current affairs.
UPSC CAPF Previous Year Papers
Download official CAPF Paper I & Paper II previous-year question papers directly from UPSC — the best free practice material.
NCERT Free eBooks (Class 6–12)
Free NCERT textbooks — the backbone of CAPF GK: History, Geography, Polity, Science.
SSBCrack.com – CAPF Prep
Free CAPF interview guides, GK notes, success stories, and community discussion for aspirants.
Expert Tips
Paper II is the game-changer. Most candidates prepare only for Paper I and ignore Paper II essay writing. A well-structured, analytical essay on internal security can fetch 60–70+ out of 80 marks and dramatically improve your rank. Practice writing one essay daily for at least 45 days before the exam.
Paper I has negative marking (1/3rd per wrong answer). Never guess randomly. If you can eliminate two options confidently, attempt. Otherwise skip. Current affairs GK questions are the most guessable — attempt all if you have done your preparation.
PET is qualifying but often ignored. Fail it and you are out — regardless of your written score. Train for the 1.6 km run (6 min 30 sec for men), long jump (3.5 m), and high jump (1.2 m) from Day 1 of preparation. Physical fitness also impacts your confidence during the interview stage.
Internal security is the defining theme of CAPF. Paper I GK, Paper II essays, and the interview all heavily focus on Naxalism, border security, counter-insurgency, terrorism, cyber security, and the role of CAPFs in national security. Build a dedicated internal security folder with notes.
Current affairs matter for all three stages — Paper I, Paper II, and Interview. CAPF interviews test whether you know what's happening in the forces you want to join. Read about recent operations, new appointments as DG of CRPF/BSF/CISF/ITBP/SSB, and India's border situation.
In the interview, authenticity beats scripted answers. Know your personal history inside out — hometown, college, extracurriculars, and why you chose CAPF over the Army/IPS/IAS. Most boards also ask why you prefer a specific force (BSF vs CRPF). Have a genuine, well-reasoned answer ready.
The total marks are 600 (450 written + 150 interview). A mediocre candidate with exceptional writing skills in Paper II and a strong interview can outrank a better Paper I scorer. Plan your effort across all three stages rather than obsessing only over Paper I mock test scores.
CAPF AC is held once a year. Unlike CDS (twice a year), a bad attempt means waiting 12 months. This makes disciplined year-long preparation essential. Use the last CAPF notification cycle to estimate your own cut-off probability realistically and course-correct early.