Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination, 2026. This is a prestigious opportunity for graduates looking to serve as Group A Gazetted Officers in India’s elite paramilitary forces including BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.
The online application window is closing today, 12 March 2026. Interested candidates must complete their OTR (One Time Registration) and submit the form immediately to avoid last-minute technical glitches. Below is the comprehensive guide regarding vacancy details, physical standards, and the updated exam syllabus.
| UPSC CAPF AC 2026 Important Dates (महत्वपूर्ण तिथियां) | |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20 February 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 20 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 12 March 2026 (Till 6:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 12 March 2026 |
| Correction Window Dates | 13 March to 19 March 2026 |
| Exam Date | To be Notified |
| Application Fee Details (आवेदन शुल्क) | |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹ 200/- |
| SC / ST | ₹ 0/- (Exempted) |
| Female (All Categories) | ₹ 0/- (Exempted) |
| Payment Mode | Online (Debit/Credit/Net Banking/UPI) or SBI Challan |
UPSC CAPF AC Vacancy Details 2026 (पद विवरण)
This year, a total of 349 vacancies have been announced across various departments:
| Force Name | No. of Vacancies | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| BSF (Border Security Force) | 108 | Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized University in India. Note: Final year students can also apply provided they produce proof of passing at the time of the Interview. |
| CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) | 106 | |
| CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) | 70 | |
| ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police) | 12 | |
| SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal) | 53 | |
| Total Posts | 349 | – |
Age Limit & Relaxation (आयु सीमा)
The age limit is calculated as of 01 August 2026.
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 20 Years |
| Maximum Age | 25 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | Up to 28 Years (3 Years Relaxation) |
| SC / ST | Up to 30 Years (5 Years Relaxation) |
| Ex-Servicemen / Central Govt Employees | As per Govt Rules (Up to 5 Years) |
UPSC CAPF AC Selection Process 2026 (चयन प्रक्रिया)
The recruitment involves a multi-stage process to ensure the best candidates are selected for the officer cadre:
- Written Examination: Two papers (Paper I – Objective, Paper II – Descriptive).
- Physical Standards/Physical Efficiency Tests (PET) and Medical Standards Tests: Qualfying in nature.
- Interview/Personality Test: Conducted by UPSC (150 Marks).
- Final Merit List: Based on Written Marks + Interview Marks.
Detailed Exam Pattern & Syllabus (परीक्षा पाठ्यक्रम)
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Ability and Intelligence (Objective) | 250 | 2 Hours | 1/3rd (0.33) |
| Paper II | General Studies, Essay and Comprehension (Descriptive) | 200 | 3 Hours | N/A |
Paper I Syllabus Topics: General Mental Ability, General Science, Current Events of National and International Importance, Indian Polity and Economy, History of India, Indian and World Geography.
Paper II Syllabus: Part A (Essay in Hindi or English – 80 Marks), Part B (Comprehension, Précis Writing, Other Communications/Language Skills in English only – 120 Marks).
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Details
| Test | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Meters Race | 16 Seconds | 18 Seconds |
| 800 Meters Race | 3 Minutes 45 Seconds | 4 Minutes 45 Seconds |
| Long Jump | 3.5 Meters (3 Chances) | 3.0 Meters (3 Chances) |
| Shot Put (7.26 Kgs) | 4.5 Meters | N/A |
Salary and Pay Scale (वेतनमान)
Selected Assistant Commandants are appointed as Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers. As per the 7th Pay Commission, the salary structure is:
- Pay Level: Level 10
- Pay Scale: ₹ 56,100 to ₹ 1,77,500
- Allowances: DA, HRA, Transport Allowance, Ration Money, and Special Duty Allowance (depending on posting location).
- In-hand Salary: Approx ₹ 85,000 – ₹ 95,000 per month (initial).
Important Documents Checklist
- Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhar Card, PAN, Voter ID).
- Scanned Photograph & Signature (as per UPSC dimensions).
- Matriculation Certificate (for Date of Birth proof).
- Degree Certificate/Provisional Certificate.
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) if applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the last date to apply for UPSC CAPF AC 2026?
The last date is 12 March 2026, until 6:00 PM IST.
Q2: Can final year students apply for Assistant Commandant?
Yes, final year students can apply, but they must provide proof of passing the degree at the time of the Interview.
Q3: Is there any negative marking in the UPSC CAPF exam?
Yes, in Paper I (Objective Type), there is a negative marking of 1/3rd (0.33 marks) for every wrong answer.
Q4: What is the height requirement for male and female candidates?
Male candidates must be at least 165 cm, and female candidates must be at least 157 cm tall.
Q5: How many attempts are allowed for CAPF AC?
Unlike the Civil Services Exam, there is no limit on the number of attempts for CAPF AC, as long as you meet the age criteria.
Q6: Can I write the Essay in Paper II in Hindi?
Yes, the Essay part can be written in either Hindi or English, but Comprehension and Précis must be written in English only.
Q7: What is the minimum age to apply?
The minimum age required is 20 years as of 01 August 2026.
Q8: Is there a physical test for female candidates?
Yes, female candidates must clear the 100m race, 800m race, and long jump. Shot put is not required for females.
Q9: When will the UPSC CAPF AC 2026 Admit Card be released?
The admit card is usually released 2-3 weeks before the examination date on the official UPSC website.
Q10: Is OTR (One Time Registration) mandatory?
Yes, candidates must register on the UPSC OTR platform before filling out the application form.
| Important Links (महत्वपूर्ण लिंक) | |
|---|---|
| Apply Online (OTR) | Click Here |
| Download Official Notification | Click Here |
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here |
| Join Our WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
| Join Our Telegram Channel | Click Here |