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CAPF (Assistant Commandants) Examination 2026

UPSC Service Commission

Domain: Defense & Security
Employment Type: Full time
Stage: Announcement - Detailed Notification

Posted: 7 months ago

Posts: 349

Location: CENTRAL

Closed: 12 Mar 2026

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Job Details

The Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination 2026 is conducted by UPSC for the recruitment of Assistant Commandants in various CAPFs, including BSF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, and CISF. The exam consists of a written test, physical standards/efficiency tests, and an interview/personality test. It is a prestigious opportunity for candidates aspiring to serve in India's defense and security sector.

Level:
central
Cities:
Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Patna, Jaipur, Ahmedabad
Other Information:
  • Service Allocation: Candidates may be posted in any state or union territory of India as per the cadre allocation policy.
Exam Centers:
  • Examination Centres (as per Notice): AGARTALA, AHMEDABAD, AIZAWL, ALMORA (UTTARAKHAND), BENGALURU, BAREILLY, BHOPAL, BHUBANESWAR, CHANDIGARH, CHENNAI, CUTTACK, DEHRADUN, DELHI, DHARAMSHALA (H.P.), DHARWAR, DISPUR, FARIDABAD, GANGTOK, GAUTAM BUDDHA NAGAR (NOIDA), GHAZIABAD, GURUGRAM, HYDERABAD, IMPHAL, INDORE, ITANAGAR, JAIPUR, JAMMU, JODHPUR, JORHAT, KANPUR, KARGIL, KOCHI, KOHIMA, KOLKATA, LEH, LUCKNOW, MADURAI, MANDI (H.P.), MEERUT, MUMBAI, NAGPUR, PANAJI (GOA), PATNA, PORT BLAIR (SRI VIJAYA PURAM), PRAYAGRAJ (ALLAHABAD), PUNE, RAIPUR, RANCHI, SAMBALPUR, SHILLONG, SHIMLA, SRINAGAR, SRINAGAR (UTTARAKHAND), THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, TIRUPATI, UDAIPUR, VISAKHAPATNAM

Job Summary

The CAPF (ACs) Exam 2026 offers a chance to join India's defense forces as an Assistant Commandant. The selection process includes a written exam, physical tests, and an interview. Applications are open from February 20 to March 12, 2026.

Important Dates

  1. Notification Release Date

  2. Applications open · Application Start Date

  3. Last date to apply · Application End Date

  4. Last date to apply · Application closing time

  5. Examination · Examination Date

Fee Structure

Application Fee

1. General/OBC:
Rs.200/-
2. SC/ST/Female:
Exempted

Payment Methods

1. Accepted Payment Methods:
Net Banking of any bank, Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card, UPI

Other Information

1. No exemption for OBC/EWS:
No fee exemption is available to OBC/EWS candidates; they must pay the full fee.
2. Refund policy:
Fee once paid shall not be refunded nor held in reserve for any other examination.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Educational Qualifications

CriteriaDetails
Any GraduateRequired

2. Other Educational Qualifications

CriteriaDetails
Appearing candidatesCandidates who have appeared/are appearing in a qualifying examination in 2026 are eligible; proof of passing must be produced within the time limit prescribed under Rule 15 (Sub‑Rules 9.1 & 9.2).
Acceptable proofDegree Certificate/Final Mark Sheet/Provisional Degree Certificate issued after formal declaration of results by the University/Board.
Equivalent qualificationsProfessional and technical qualifications recognized by Government as equivalent to a degree are acceptable.
Exceptional casesUPSC may treat a candidate without the foregoing qualifications as qualified if he/she has passed an examination of comparable standard (Commission’s discretion).

3. Experience Requirements

CriteriaDetails
Experience RangeN/A - N/A years

4. Age Limit

CriteriaDetails
Age Range20 - 25 years
General Category20 to 25 years as on 1st August, 2026 (born not earlier than 2nd August, 2001 and not later than 1st August, 2006).
SC/ST RelaxationUpper age limit relaxable by 5 years.
OBC RelaxationUpper age limit relaxable by 3 years for candidates eligible for OBC reservation.
Civilian Central Govt Servants/Ex‑servicemenUpper age limit relaxable by up to 5 years (total relaxation on Govt service limited to 5 years).

5. Citizenship

CriteriaDetails
Nationality (as per 2026 Notice)Only a citizen of India shall be appointed; subjects of Nepal or Bhutan may be appointed with the consent of the Central Government signified in writing.
NationalityMust be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intent of permanent settlement.

6. Language Requirements

CriteriaDetails
Paper mediumsPaper‑I is bilingual (English/Hindi). Essay in Paper‑II may be written in English or Hindi; précis/comprehension and other language skills are in English only.

7. Physical Requirements

CriteriaDetails
Minimum heightMen 165 cm; Women 157 cm (measured to one decimal; less than minimum leads to disqualification).
Chest (men)81 cm unexpanded with minimum 5 cm expansion.
WeightMen 50 kg; Women 46 kg; to be as per height/age charts in Appendix‑V(B).
EyesightDistant vision 6/6 & 6/12 or 6/9 & 6/9; Near vision N6 (corrected) and N9 (corrected); CP‑III by Ishihara; LASIK permitted subject to criteria (age 18–35, axial length 21–26 mm, corneal thickness ≥425 micron, pre‑LASIK error up to 6D, 6 months post‑op stability).
General medical standardsNo knock knees, flat foot, varicose veins; good mental and bodily health; no chronic diseases; detailed standards as per Appendix‑V.

8. Other Eligibility

CriteriaDetails
Sex eligibilityBoth male and female candidates are eligible for appointment to Assistant Commandant.
Restriction on re‑appearanceA candidate finally selected earlier for AC in any participating CAPF is not eligible to appear again.
OBC NCL certificateMust be based on income for FY 2024‑25, 2023‑24 and 2022‑23 and issued on/after 01.04.2025 but not later than 12.03.2026.
EWS certificateIncome & Asset Certificate based on FY 2024‑25 and issued on/after 01.04.2025 but not later than 12.03.2026 is required to claim EWS.
Ex‑servicemen documentsPrescribed Certificate and Undertaking as per Appendix‑VI(A)/(B) must be in possession by 12.03.2026.
NCC CertificatesPossession of NCC ‘B’ or ‘C’ Certificate will be a desirable qualification.

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Post Details

Total Posts: 349

1. Assistant Commandant in BSF

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: Any graduate from a recognized university.

Age Limitations:

  • General Category: 20 to 25 years
  • OBC Category: 20 to 28 years
  • SC/ST Category: 20 to 30 years

Category Wise Vacancy:

CategoryReserved SeatsOther Eligibility
General54N/A
OBC29N/A
SC16N/A
ST9N/A

2. Assistant Commandant in CRPF

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: Any graduate from a recognized university.

Age Limitations:

  • General Category: 20 to 25 years
  • OBC Category: 20 to 28 years
  • SC/ST Category: 20 to 30 years

Category Wise Vacancy:

CategoryReserved SeatsOther Eligibility
General53N/A
OBC28N/A
SC16N/A
ST9N/A

3. Assistant Commandant in ITBP

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: Any graduate from a recognized university.

Age Limitations:

  • General Category: 20 to 25 years
  • OBC Category: 20 to 28 years
  • SC/ST Category: 20 to 30 years

Category Wise Vacancy:

CategoryReserved SeatsOther Eligibility
General6N/A
OBC3N/A
SC2N/A
ST1N/A

4. Assistant Commandant in SSB

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: Any graduate from a recognized university.

Age Limitations:

  • General Category: 20 to 25 years
  • OBC Category: 20 to 28 years
  • SC/ST Category: 20 to 30 years

Category Wise Vacancy:

CategoryReserved SeatsOther Eligibility
General27N/A
OBC14N/A
SC8N/A
ST4N/A

5. Assistant Commandant in CISF

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: Any graduate from a recognized university.

Age Limitations:

  • General Category: 20 to 25 years
  • OBC Category: 20 to 28 years
  • SC/ST Category: 20 to 30 years

Category Wise Vacancy:

CategoryReserved SeatsOther Eligibility
General35N/A
OBC18N/A
SC11N/A
ST6N/A

Additional Information

  • Service Allocation: Depends on rank in UPSC CAPF (ACs) and preferences given by the candidate.
  • Exam Fees: ₹200 for General/OBC; Exempted for SC/ST/Female candidates.
  • Vacancy note: Number of vacancies is liable to alteration.

Salary Details

> Salary Range: ₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500 Monthly

> Allowances: House Rent Allowance, Dearness Allowance, Travel Allowance

Other Information

  • Annual Increment: Increment based on performance and years of service, in accordance with government pay scales.

Cut Off Marks

1. Written Examination:
Cut-off marks for the written examination will be released after the results are declared.

How to Apply

1. Online application:
Apply at https://upsconline.nic.in using URN (Universal Registration Number), Common Application Form (CAF) and the Examination Specific Module; submit required documents with the application.
2. Live photo capture:
While filling the CAF, upload a photograph and capture a live photograph as per instructions on the portal.
3. Signature upload:
Upload a sheet signed three times (one below the other) in black ink; signatures must be clear and legible.
4. Photo ID requirement:
Provide details of one Photo ID (Aadhaar/EPIC/PAN/Passport/Driving License/Other Govt photo ID) in URN; carry the same ID to the Examination/Personality Test.
5. Edits and withdrawal:
No withdrawal or correction is allowed after submission. A one‑time edit facility exists only for the URN profile (changes do not reflect in already submitted applications).
6. Centres allotment:
Centres are allotted on ‘first‑apply‑first‑allot’ basis subject to capacity; apply early to get a preferred centre.

Exam Pattern

1. Paper‑I:
General Ability and Intelligence — 250 marks; Objective (MCQ); bilingual (English & Hindi); 10:00–12:00 on 19.07.2026.
2. Paper‑II:
General Studies, Essay and Comprehension — 200 marks; Essay in English or Hindi; précis/comprehension and other language skills in English only; 14:00–17:00 on 19.07.2026.
3. Negative marking:
There will be penalty (0.33) for wrong answers in Objective type Paper‑I.
4. Minimum qualifying marks:
Minimum qualifying marks may be fixed separately in each paper; Paper‑II will be evaluated only for those who qualify Paper‑I.
5. OMR instructions:
Use black ball‑point pen only for OMR; follow special instructions in Appendix‑III.
6. PST/PET:
Candidates qualified in written exam will undergo Physical Standards/Physical Efficiency Tests as per Appendix‑V.

Syllabus Details

1. Paper‑I topics:
General Mental Ability; General Science; Current Events of National and International Importance; Indian Polity and Economy; History of India; Indian & World Geography.
2. Paper‑II Part‑A (Essay):
Long narrative essay in English or Hindi on topics such as modern Indian history (freedom struggle), geography, polity & economy, security & human rights issues, analytical ability.
3. Paper‑II Part‑B (English):
Comprehension passages, précis writing, developing counter‑arguments, simple grammar and other language skills (to be attempted in English only).

Selection Process

1. Stage I — Written Examination:
Two papers on 19.07.2026; Paper‑I (Objective, 250 marks) and Paper‑II (Descriptive, 200 marks).
2. Stage II — PST/PET:
Physical Standards and Physical Efficiency Tests for those qualified in written exam; PET standards — Men: 100m in 16s, 800m in 3m45s, Long Jump 3.5m (3 chances), Shot Put 7.26kg 4.5m; Women: 100m in 18s, 800m in 4m45s, Long Jump 3.0m (3 chances).
3. Stage III — Interview/Personality Test:
Carrying 150 marks; only for candidates qualified in PST/PET.
4. Medical Standards Tests:
Conducted after Interview/PT as per Appendix‑V; appeals against DME to Appellate Authority within 24 hours.
5. Final selection:
Merit list based on marks of Written Examination and Interview/Personality Test; candidates not meeting Medical Standards will not be appointed.
6. Tie‑breaking & rounding:
Marks rounded to two decimals; tie resolved by higher written total, then higher Paper‑I marks, then senior in age, else Commission’s discretion.
7. Special provision (pregnancy):
Pregnant female candidates found so at PST/PET are declared temporarily unfit; PST/PET/DME after six weeks post‑confinement with seniority protection; they may still appear in Interview/PT as per schedule.

Admit Card Details

1. Release timeline:
e‑Admit Card will be issued on the last working day of the week preceding the date of the Examination on https://upsconline.nic.in; not sent by post/email.
2. Discrepancies/Non‑receipt:
If not received by the last working day of the preceding week, contact the Commission/Facilitation Counter (011‑24041001).
3. Important note:
Admission is provisional; verify details on e‑Admit Card and report discrepancies immediately.

Reservation Details

1. Reservation policy:
Reservations for SC/ST/OBC/EWS as per Government policy.
2. Ex‑servicemen:
10% of total vacancies are earmarked for Ex‑servicemen.
3. OBC NCL certificate window:
OBC (NCL) certificate must be based on FY 2024‑25, 2023‑24 & 2022‑23 and issued on/after 01.04.2025 but not later than 12.03.2026.
4. EWS certificate window:
EWS Income & Asset Certificate must be based on FY 2024‑25 and issued on/after 01.04.2025 but not later than 12.03.2026.
5. Category change:
Requests to change category after submission (e.g., General to reserved or between reserved categories) will not be entertained.

Document Requirements

1. Photo ID:
Details of one Photo ID (Aadhaar/EPIC/PAN/Passport/Driving Licence/Other Govt ID) must be provided in URN; carry the same ID to Examination/Personality Test.
2. OBC/EWS documents:
OBC NCL and EWS certificates must meet the issuance windows specified in the Notice and be available by 12.03.2026.
3. Ex‑servicemen:
Prescribed Certificate and Undertaking as per Appendix‑VI(A)/(B).
4. Uploads during application:
Photograph upload and live photo capture; signature sheet with three signatures in black ink.

Preparation Tips

1. Preparation Strategy:
Candidates should focus on understanding the syllabus, practicing previous years' question papers, and taking regular mock tests to evaluate their preparation levels.
2. Time Management:
Allocate time to each subject; practice answering within the paper-wise durations.
3. Stay Updated:
Regularly follow current affairs for Paper‑I and develop structured essay writing for Paper‑II.
4. PET readiness:
Begin physical training early to comfortably meet PET benchmarks.

Important Instructions

1. Banned items:
Mobile phones, smart watches, calculators, Bluetooth devices and any electronic/programmable equipment are banned at the exam venue.
2. Reporting time:
Reach the venue at least 30 minutes before each session; no late entry permitted.
3. Face authentication:
All candidates must undergo face authentication/identity verification at the examination venue.
4. OMR usage:
Use black ball‑point pen only for writing and marking in OMR sheets; follow Appendix‑III.
5. QPRep window:
Representations on Question Papers/Answer Keys can be submitted online from the 3rd day after the exam date to 06:00 PM of the 7th day via the ‘Examinations > Representations on Question Paper’ link on https://upsconline.nic.in.

Interview Details

1. Marks:
Interview/Personality Test carries 150 marks and is conducted by UPSC.
2. Summon letter:
Qualified candidates must log in and update/verify details and documents within 15 days of written result to generate the e‑Summon letter.

Training Details

1. Training Period:
Selected candidates undergo a rigorous training program at designated academies, including the National Police Academy for IPS officers.
2. Training Content:
Training includes foundational courses in law, leadership skills, and physical training, preparing candidates for their responsibilities in defense services.
3. Field Training:
Candidates also participate in field training exercises to gain practical experience in operational tasks and public interaction.
4. Evaluation:
Trainees are evaluated periodically on their performance, including assessments of leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability.

Bond or Service Agreement

1. Service Bond:
Selected candidates may be required to sign a service bond committing to a minimum tenure in the defense services.
2. Bond Amount:
The bond amount varies depending on the service and is meant to cover training costs in case the candidate exits prematurely.
3. Minimum Service Duration:
The bond typically requires a minimum service duration of 5 years from the date of joining.
4. Bond Terms:
The bond terms are binding, and breaking the bond prematurely may lead to financial penalties as outlined in the service agreement.

Disqualification Criteria

1. Unfair means:
Impersonation, procuring impersonation, copying, influencing examiners, obtaining question papers improperly, or using prohibited electronic devices lead to disqualification/debarment and legal action.
2. False information/documents:
Submitting fabricated/incorrect documents or suppressing material information will result in cancellation and debarment.
3. Incorrect photo/signature:
Uploading irrelevant/incorrect photo or signature in the application may lead to cancellation and debarment.
4. Misconduct:
Disorderly conduct, harassment or bodily harm to exam staff may invite severe penalties.

Probation Period

1. Probation Terms:
The probation period for selected candidates is two years, during which performance and conduct are closely monitored.
2. Probation Review:
Candidates’ performance is evaluated periodically, and successful completion of probation is mandatory for confirmation in service.
3. Termination of Service:
Failure to meet performance standards or misconduct during the probation period may lead to termination from the service.
4. Permanent Appointment:
After satisfactory completion of the probation period, candidates are confirmed in their respective services and granted permanent appointment status.

Other Information

1. Pratibha Setu Portal:
Details of candidates who appeared in Interview/PT but were not recommended may be shared (with consent) on UPSC’s dedicated portal for employment opportunities after reserve list is utilized/exhausted.
2. Service/Force allocation:
Allocation based on merit position and force preferences indicated in the online application.

Contact Details

Address: UPSC Facilitation Counter, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi - 110069

Other Information

  • Helpline hours: Operational from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on all working days during 20.02.2026 to 12.03.2026.

  • General email (existing): upsc@nic.in

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