UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant Exam Pattern 2026 Paper Scheme Detailed

UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant Exam Pattern

The Union Public Service Commission has officially structured the Central Armed Police Forces Assistant Commandant selection process into four distinct evaluation stages to ensure comprehensive recruitment. Initially, candidates face a written examination comprising Paper-I, focusing on General Ability and Intelligence with 250 marks in an objective format, and Paper-II, covering General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension for 200 marks in a descriptive mode. A negative marking penalty of one-third is applicable for incorrect answers in the objective section. Those qualifying move to the Physical Standards and Efficiency Tests, followed by a rigorous Medical Standards evaluation. The final assessment stage is the Personality Test or Interview carrying 150 marks. Cumulative performance in the written papers and the interview determines the final merit list for various forces like BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.

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All India

Total Vacancy

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08/2026-CAPF

UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant Exam Pattern

UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant Exam Pattern

(UPSC) Union Public Service Commission

Important Dates

EventDates
Notification Release Date20 Feb, 2026
Application Start Date20 Feb, 2026
Last Date12 Mar, 2026
Admit Card Release DateWill Be Notified
Exam Date19 Jul, 2026
Result DeclarationWill Be Notified

Exam Details

Exam Stages Exam Details
Stage 1Written Examination
Stage 2Physical Standards and PET
Stage 3Interview/Personality Test
Stage 4Medical Standards Tests
Selection Process
Selection Process: The recruitment involves a written test followed by physical and medical examinations.
Exam Mode: Stage one consists of two papers including objective and descriptive sections.
Final Stage: Candidates qualifying the interview are placed in the merit list based on aggregate scores.

Paper I

Objective Type
SubjectQuestionsMarksDuration0.33 Negative Marking
General Ability and Intelligence-2502 Hours0.33 Negative Marking
TOTAL-2502 Hours-
Written Paper I
Exam Mode: Paper I includes objective questions in both English and Hindi.
Scoring: There is a penalty for wrong answers.
Status: Qualifying marks are fixed by the commission.

Paper II

Descriptive Type
SubjectQuestionsMarksDurationHindi English Essay
General Studies, Essay and Comprehension-2003 HoursHindi English Essay
TOTAL-2003 Hours-
Written Paper II
Exam Mode: Candidates can write the essay in English or Hindi.
Language: Precis and comprehension must be written in English only.
Evaluation: Paper II is evaluated only if Paper I is cleared.

Physical Efficiency Test (Men)

Efficiency Test
EventCriteriaStatusTime/DistanceQualifying
100 Meter Race--16 SecondsQualifying
800 Meter Race--03 Min 45 SecQualifying
Long Jump--3.5 Meters3 Chances
Shot Put--4.5 Meters3 Chances
Physical Test Men
Process: Candidates must clear all four physical events to qualify for the next stage.
Attempts: Three chances are provided for long jump and shot put.
Status: This stage is qualifying in nature.

Physical Efficiency Test (Women)

Efficiency Test
EventCriteriaStatusTime/DistanceQualifying
100 Meter Race--18 SecondsQualifying
800 Meter Race--04 Min 45 SecQualifying
Long Jump--3.0 Meters3 Chances
Physical Test Women
Process: Female candidates are tested across three specific physical events.
Attempts: Three chances are allowed for the long jump event.
Status: Physical efficiency tests are mandatory and qualifying.

Important Instructions for Job Seekers

  • Never pay any money, fee, or donation for a job.
  • Verify details only from the official website/notification.
  • Do not trust job offers received via random emails, messages, or calls.
  • Never share bank details, OTP, or passwords with anyone.
  • If in doubt, contact the official recruiting authority directly.

Important Links

Exam Preparation Tips

📖
Master Reasoning Concepts
Focus on logical reasoning and quantitative aptitude to solve the 250-mark objective questions in Paper-I within the allocated two-hour time limit during the official exam.
📝
Enhance Writing Skills
Practice essay writing in either English or Hindi while ensuring precis and comprehension sections are strictly prepared in the English language as per the official mandate.
Stay Current Daily
Regularly track national and international events related to security, governance, and the economy to excel in both the general studies objective and descriptive paper formats.
🎯
Physical Endurance Training
Begin daily practice for the 100m and 800m races along with long jump and shot put to clear the mandatory physical efficiency test qualifying rounds for the selection process.
📰
Study Indian Polity
Thoroughly revise the Constitution of India and the political system as these topics form a significant portion of the General Studies curriculum for the Assistant Commandant post.
👥
Simulate Mock Tests
Solve previous year question papers under timed conditions to get accustomed to the 0.33 negative marking penalty and improve overall accuracy for the objective intelligence paper.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the exam pattern for UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant 2026?

The exam consists of two written papers: Paper-I (General Ability and Intelligence) for 250 marks and Paper-II (General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension) for 200 marks, followed by physical tests and a 150-mark interview.

Is there negative marking in the UPSC CAPF AC written exam?

Yes, for the objective Paper-I, there is a penalty for wrong answers where one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that specific question are deducted from the total score.

Can I write the CAPF Assistant Commandant essay in Hindi?

Yes, candidates have the option to write the Essay component of Paper-II in either English or Hindi, but the precis writing and comprehension sections must be attempted in English only.

What are the stages in the UPSC CAPF selection process?

The selection involves a Written Examination, Physical Standards/Efficiency Tests, a Medical Standards Test, and a final Interview or Personality Test conducted by the Commission.

What are the physical efficiency test events for male candidates?

Male candidates must complete a 100m race in 16 seconds, an 800m race in 3 minutes 45 seconds, a Long Jump of 3.5 meters, and a Shot Put throw of 4.5 meters.

How is the final merit list calculated for CAPF AC recruitment?

The final merit list is prepared based on the total marks obtained by the candidate in the two written papers (450 marks) and the marks secured in the personality test (150 marks).

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