The 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. With 349 vacancies announced, candidates can submit their UPSC CAPF AC Online Form 2026 from 20 February 2026 to 12 March 2026.
UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026: Overview (अवलोकन)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Exam 2026 |
| Post Name | Assistant Commandant (Group A) |
| Total Vacancies | 349 Posts |
| Advt No. | 08/2026-CPF |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Important Dates (महत्वपूर्ण तिथियां)
| Notification Release Date | 20 February 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 12 March 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 12 March 2026 |
| Exam Date | To be Notified Soon |
| Admit Card Release | 7-10 Days Before Exam |
Application Fee (आवेदन शुल्क)
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹ 200/- |
| SC / ST | ₹ 0/- (Exempted) |
| Female (All Categories) | ₹ 0/- (Exempted) |
| PH Candidates | ₹ 0/- |
Note: Payment can be made via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
Vacancy Distribution 2026 (पद विवरण)
| Force / Department | Number of Posts | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| BSF (Border Security Force) | 108 | Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized University. |
| 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 | Graduation |
Age Limit & Relaxation (आयु सीमा)
As on 01 August 2026:
- Minimum Age: 20 Years
- Maximum Age: 25 Years
- Candidates must have been born not earlier than 2nd August 2001 and not later than 1st August 2006.
Age Relaxation: SC/ST candidates get 5 years, and OBC candidates get 3 years of relaxation as per government norms.
Selection Process (चयन प्रक्रिया)
The UPSC CAPF AC selection involves four distinct stages:
- Written Examination: Comprising Paper I (Ability) and Paper II (General Studies).
- Physical Standards/Physical Efficiency Tests (PET) & Medical Standards Tests: Qualifying in nature.
- Interview/Personality Test: Conducted for 150 Marks.
- Final Merit List: Based on Written Exam and Interview scores.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus (परीक्षा पाठ्यक्रम)
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Ability and Intelligence (Objective Type) | 250 Marks | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | General Studies, Essay and Comprehension (Descriptive) | 200 Marks | 3 Hours |
Negative Marking: There is a penalty of 1/3rd marks for every wrong answer in Paper I.
Physical Efficiency Test – PET (शारीरिक दक्षता परीक्षा)
| Test Details | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 165 CMS | 157 CMS |
| Chest (Unexpanded) | 81 CMS (5cm expansion) | N/A |
| 100 Meter Race | 16 Seconds | 18 Seconds |
| 800 Meter 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 Kg) | 4.5 Meters | N/A |
UPSC CAPF AC Salary (वेतनमान)
Assistant Commandants are appointed in Level 10 of the 7th Pay Matrix.
- Basic Pay: ₹ 56,100/-
- In-Hand Salary: Approx. ₹ 85,000 – ₹ 95,000 (including DA, HRA, and Transport Allowance).
- Additional Benefits: Ration money, Medical facilities, Hardship allowance (based on posting), and LTC.
How to Apply for UPSC CAPF AC 2026?
- Visit the UPSC OTR (One Time Registration) portal at upsconline.nic.in.
- If already registered, log in using your Email/Mobile/OTR ID.
- Complete the Part-I Registration by providing basic details.
- Proceed to Part-II: Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Upload scanned documents (Photo, Signature, and Photo ID).
- Select your preferred Examination Centre.
- Review the application and submit. Print the final acknowledgment for future reference.
Important Links (महत्वपूर्ण लिंक्स)
| Apply Online (Registration/Login) | Click Here |
| Check Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official UPSC Website | Click Here |
| Join Our WhatsApp Channel | Join Now |
| Join Our Telegram Channel | Join Now |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When is the last date to apply for UPSC CAPF AC 2026?
The last date to apply online is 12 March 2026 till 6:00 PM.
Q2: What is the age limit for Assistant Commandant 2026?
Candidates must be between 20 to 25 years old as of 01 August 2026.
Q3: Can final year students apply?
Yes, candidates appearing in the final year of graduation can apply, provided they produce proof of passing at the time of the Interview (DAF).
Q4: Is there any negative marking in the UPSC CAPF exam?
Yes, Paper I (Objective) has a negative marking of 0.33 for each wrong answer.
Q5: What are the physical requirements for female candidates?
Female candidates need a minimum height of 157 cm and must pass the 100m, 800m, and long jump tests.
Q6: How many vacancies are there in BSF for 2026?
There are 108 vacancies specifically allocated for the BSF.
Q7: What is the total marks for the Interview stage?
The Interview/Personality Test carries 150 marks.
Q8: Which forces come under CAPF AC Recruitment?
The recruitment includes BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.