UPSC CAPF AC Eligibility Criteria, Syllabus & Exam Pattern: CAPF AC Exam Full Details

Introduction to UPSC CAPF AC Exam

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandant) Exam, popularly known as UPSC CAPF AC Exam, every year. This national-level exam recruits Assistant Commandants (ACs) in various paramilitary forces such as:

• Border Security Force (BSF)
• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
• Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
• Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
• Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

The role of an Assistant Commandant is equivalent to a Group A Gazetted Officer under the Ministry of Home Affairs. An AC is entrusted with commanding a company of 100–150 armed personnel, handling border security operations, anti-terrorist operations, VIP protection, and internal law & order.

Unlike many defense services, CAPF AC recruitment is direct through UPSC, making it one of the most competitive exams after the Civil Services Examination (CSE). Every year, more than 2.5–3 lakh aspirants apply, but only a few hundred secure the coveted posts.

To crack this exam, candidates must understand the eligibility conditions, detailed exam pattern, and syllabus before starting preparation.

UPSC CAPF AC Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, candidates must fulfill strict eligibility conditions laid down by UPSC in its official notification. These conditions ensure that only suitable, qualified, and physically fit candidates are recruited as future leaders in paramilitary forces.

Nationality

• The candidate must be a citizen of India.
• Exceptions: Subjects of Nepal and Bhutan may also apply.
• Candidates holding foreign citizenship are not eligible.

This ensures that only individuals committed to Indian sovereignty and national security are recruited.

Age Limit for UPSC CAPF AC

• The candidate must be between 20 and 25 years on the cut-off date mentioned in the notification.

For example, if the notification mentions 1st August 2025 as the reference date:

• Minimum DOB: 2nd August 2000
• Maximum DOB: 1st August 2005

Age Relaxations:

• SC/ST candidates – 5 years relaxation (up to 30 years)
• OBC candidates – 3 years relaxation (up to 28 years)
• Ex-servicemen – Up to 5 years relaxation
• Civil Central Government employees – Up to 5 years relaxation

This allows more inclusivity while maintaining youthfulness required for physically demanding roles.

Educational Qualification

• The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
• Final year students awaiting results can also apply, provided they submit proof before the final selection.

There is no restriction on the stream of graduation – candidates from Arts, Science, Commerce, or Engineering backgrounds can all apply.

Physical & Medical Standards

The role of an AC requires exceptional physical fitness and endurance. Therefore, UPSC prescribes strict standards.

Minimum Height & Weight

• Male: Height – 165 cm | Weight – 50 kg
• Female: Height – 157 cm | Weight – 46 kg

(Relaxations are given for certain categories as per notification.)

Chest Measurements (for Male only)

• Unexpanded – 81 cm
• Expanded – 86 cm (5 cm expansion required)

Vision Standards

• Distant vision: 6/6 or 6/9 (with or without glasses)
• Near vision: J1 (for both eyes)

Other Conditions

• No flat foot, knock knees, or squint eye
• No hearing defect or stammering
• Healthy cardiovascular and respiratory systems

Number of Attempts & Reservation Policy

• UPSC has no fixed attempt limit for CAPF AC, unlike Civil Services. Candidates can appear until they reach the maximum age limit.
• Reservation is applicable for SC, ST, OBC, and EWS candidates as per government norms.

UPSC CAPF AC Exam Pattern

Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for candidates as it helps them structure their preparation smartly. The UPSC CAPF AC exam is conducted in three stages:

1. Written Examination (Objective + Descriptive)
2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Medical Standards Test
3. Interview/Personality Test

The final merit list is prepared by combining scores from Written Exam + Interview, while the PET/Medical Test is qualifying in nature.

Written Exam Structure

The written exam consists of two papers conducted on the same day in two shifts.

Paper I – General Ability & Intelligence

• Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
• Marks: 250
• Duration: 2 hours
• Language: English & Hindi
• Negative Marking: 1/3rd marks deducted for each wrong answer

Syllabus for Paper I includes:

• General Science
• History of India & Freedom Struggle
• Indian Polity & Governance
• Indian Economy
• Geography (World & India)
• Current Events of National & International Importance
• Logical Reasoning, Numerical Ability, Data Interpretation

This paper is often compared with UPSC Prelims GS Paper I but with more focus on defense, security, and reasoning ability.

Paper II – General Studies, Essay & Comprehension

• Type: Descriptive (Essay + Writing Skills)
• Marks: 200
• Duration: 3 hours
• Language: English only (except Essays, which can be written in Hindi or English)

Structure of Paper II:

1. Part A – Essay Writing (80 Marks)
   • Topics related to security, polity, governance, social issues, women empowerment, border management, terrorism, etc.
   • Candidates need to write 4–5 essays in a structured manner.
2. Part B – Comprehension, Report Writing, Precis (120 Marks)
   • Reading comprehension passages
   • Precis writing
   • Report/Argument writing
   • English grammar & vocabulary

This paper checks the candidate’s analytical thinking, written communication, and clarity of expression, which are essential for leadership roles in CAPFs.

Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

Candidates who qualify the written exam are shortlisted for PET & Medical Standards Test. This stage is qualifying in nature but mandatory.

PET Standards for Male Candidates

• 100 Meter Race – 16 Seconds
• 800 Meter Race – 3 Minutes 45 Seconds
• Long Jump – 3.5 Meters (3 chances)
• Shot Put (7.26 kg) – 4.5 Meters

PET Standards for Female Candidates

• 100 Meter Race – 18 Seconds
• 800 Meter Race – 4 Minutes 45 Seconds
• Long Jump – 3.0 Meters (3 chances)

Candidates must train well in advance as the PET is physically demanding and many aspirants fail at this stage despite clearing written exams.

Medical Standards

Candidates must also clear the detailed medical examination to ensure they are fit for commanding roles.

• Vision Standard: 6/6 or 6/9 distant vision (with or without glasses), J1 near vision
• No physical deformities: Flat feet, knock knees, varicose veins, stammering, squint eyes disqualify candidates
• Hearing Test: Must be normal
• BMI Range: Candidate should fall within acceptable limits of body mass index

Candidates declared unfit can appeal before a Review Medical Board.

Interview/Personality Test

Candidates who qualify the PET/Medical Tests are called for the Interview/Personality Test conducted by UPSC.

• Marks: 150
• Conducted by a board of experts, including senior bureaucrats and defense officers
• Tests leadership qualities, mental sharpness, communication skills, decision-making ability, and general awareness

Some common questions include:

• Why do you want to join CAPF?
• What is your opinion on India’s border security?
• How should CAPFs tackle terrorism and insurgency?

Final Merit List Preparation

• Written Exam (Paper I + Paper II): 450 Marks
• Interview/Personality Test: 150 Marks
• Total: 600 Marks

Candidates are ranked based on their combined performance in the written exam and interview. PET/Medical is only qualifying and does not add to merit.

Key Highlights of Exam Pattern

• The exam is a mix of objective and descriptive questions.
• Equal importance is given to knowledge (GS) and communication (Essay & English writing).
• Physical fitness is mandatory for final selection.
• Final ranking is based on knowledge + personality test, not just physical ability.

UPSC CAPF AC Syllabus (Paper-wise)

The syllabus of the UPSC CAPF AC exam is broad and tests a candidate’s general awareness, reasoning, analytical ability, writing skills, and physical fitness. To succeed, aspirants must have a structured preparation strategy aligned with the syllabus prescribed in the official notification.

Paper I – General Ability & Intelligence

This paper is designed to test a candidate’s general awareness, analytical ability, and reasoning power. It carries 250 marks and is objective in nature.

1. General Mental Ability

• Logical reasoning
• Quantitative aptitude (basic arithmetic, algebra, data interpretation)
• Problem-solving skills
• Analytical ability
• Numerical reasoning

This section ensures that candidates have a sharp mind for quick decision-making, an essential quality for Assistant Commandants.

2. General Science

• Questions from Physics, Chemistry, Biology (basic concepts)
• Developments in science & technology
• Environmental awareness
• Role of science in daily life

This section is designed to test scientific aptitude and the ability to apply scientific knowledge to security-related challenges.

3. Current Events of National & International Importance

• National & international politics
• Global security issues (terrorism, border disputes, UN peacekeeping, climate change)
• Sports & cultural events
• Recent government policies & schemes

Since CAPF is linked to internal & external security, UPSC expects aspirants to be updated with current affairs.

4. Indian Polity & Economy

• Constitution of India (Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, etc.)
• Political system – Parliament, Executive, Judiciary, Federalism
• Governance & public policies
• Economic development in India
• Planning, liberalization, reforms, and sustainable growth

Special focus is given to security-related governance such as AFSPA, NIA, internal security mechanisms.

5. History of India

• Ancient India – culture, architecture, dynasties
• Medieval India – Mughal administration, regional kingdoms
• Modern India – freedom struggle, 1857 revolt, Gandhian era, independence movement

CAPF aspirants must understand the historical background of India’s national integration and unity.

6. Indian & World Geography

• Physical, social, and economic geography of India and the world
• Key geographical features (mountains, rivers, deserts, oceans)
• Climate and vegetation patterns
• Resource distribution (minerals, agriculture, industries)

Since CAPF forces guard borders and difficult terrains, geography knowledge is essential.

7. Numerical Ability

• Percentage, ratio, averages
• Time & work, speed & distance
• Profit & loss, simple & compound interest
• Probability, permutations, combinations

These questions test mathematical reasoning under time pressure.

Paper II – General Studies, Essay & Comprehension

This is a descriptive paper of 200 marks aimed at evaluating the candidate’s expression, analytical ability, and communication skills.

Part A – Essay Writing (80 Marks)

Candidates are required to write essays on topics related to:

• National security challenges
• Human rights issues
• Role of CAPFs in disaster management
• Border security & counter-terrorism
• Role of women in armed forces
• Socio-political and economic issues
• Environmental issues and sustainable development

Essays can be written in English or Hindi.

Tip: Essays should be structured with Introduction – Body – Conclusion and supported by facts, examples, and government initiatives.

Part B – Comprehension, Report & Precis Writing (120 Marks)

This section evaluates English language skills.

• Reading Comprehension: Understanding passages & answering questions
• Precis Writing: Condensing passages while retaining key ideas
• Report Writing: Structured reports on security, governance, or social issues
• Counter-argument Writing: Presenting balanced views on a given issue
• Grammar, Vocabulary & Usage

This part ensures candidates can communicate effectively in English, which is essential for commanding officers who must interact with diverse agencies.

Weightage of Syllabus

Section	Paper	Marks	Type
General Ability & Intelligence	Paper I	250	Objective
Essay Writing	Paper II (Part A)	80	Descriptive
Comprehension & Writing Skills	Paper II (Part B)	120	Descriptive
PET + Medical Standards	Qualifying	–	Physical/Medical
Interview/Personality Test	Final Stage	150	Oral

The written exam carries 450 marks (Paper I + Paper II), making it the most crucial stage.

How to Cover the Syllabus Effectively?

1. Start with NCERTs (Class 6–12) for History, Geography, Polity, and Science.
2. Follow standard books – Laxmikanth for Polity, Spectrum for Modern History, G.C. Leong for Geography, Ramesh Singh for Economy.
3. Read newspapers daily – The Hindu, Indian Express for current affairs.
4. Practice essay writing regularly – focus on security-related topics.
5. Revise basics of Math & Reasoning for Paper I.
6. Solve previous year papers to understand question trends.

Preparation Strategy for UPSC CAPF AC Exam

Cracking the UPSC CAPF AC exam requires a balanced approach since the exam tests not only knowledge but also analytical ability, writing skills, and physical fitness. Here’s a subject-wise and stage-wise preparation roadmap.

Subject-wise Strategy

1. History & Polity

• Begin with NCERTs (Class 6–12) to build strong basics.
• Use Spectrum’s Modern History for detailed coverage of the Indian freedom struggle.
• For Polity, M. Laxmikanth’s “Indian Polity” is the bible – cover fundamental rights, duties, Parliament, President, and internal security provisions.

2. Geography & Economy

• NCERTs for Class 6–10 are non-negotiable.
• For World Geography & Indian Physical Geography, G.C. Leong and an updated Atlas are highly recommended.
• Economy prep should be linked to current affairs – read Economic Survey, Union Budget, and Ramesh Singh’s Indian Economy for conceptual clarity.

3. Current Affairs

• Read The Hindu or Indian Express daily.
• Focus on internal security issues, border management, terrorism, and government schemes.
• Refer to PIB (Press Information Bureau) and monthly magazines like Yojana and Kurukshetra.

4. Science & Technology

• Revise NCERT Science (Class 6–10).
• Focus on applied science – space technology (ISRO missions), defense technology (DRDO), environment, biotechnology, and cyber security.

5. Essay & Comprehension

• Practice writing one essay daily on security, governance, or social issues.
• Structure your essay in Introduction – Body – Conclusion.
• Practice precis writing and comprehension from past UPSC papers.

6. Reasoning & Quantitative Aptitude

• Practice from R.S. Aggarwal’s Quantitative Aptitude.
• Revise basics of arithmetic, percentages, time & work, probability, and reasoning puzzles.
• Solve previous year CAPF papers to understand exam patterns.

Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Preparation

Many aspirants clear the written exam but fail in the PET due to lack of preparation. Start early to build endurance.

• Running Practice: Daily sprints (100m, 800m) to build stamina.
• Strength Training: Push-ups, squats, planks for body conditioning.
• Jump Training: Long jump practice for explosive power.
• Shot Put: Regular practice with 7.26 kg (men) or lighter training weights for women.

Remember: PET is qualifying, but without clearing it, you won’t reach the interview stage.

Best Books for CAPF AC Preparation

Subject	Recommended Books
Polity	M. Laxmikanth – Indian Polity
History	Spectrum – Modern India, Bipin Chandra
Geography	G.C. Leong – Physical Geography, NCERTs
Economy	Ramesh Singh – Indian Economy
Current Affairs	The Hindu, Indian Express, Yojana
Reasoning & Quant	R.S. Aggarwal – Quantitative Aptitude
Essay & Comprehension	Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis, Previous UPSC Papers

Important Details about UPSC CAPF AC

• Frequency of Exam: Conducted once every year, usually in August.
• Notification Release: Generally in April by UPSC.
• Number of Vacancies: Varies each year (200–400 on average).
• Training: Selected candidates undergo rigorous training at the CAPF Academy, Mussorie.
• Career Growth: Assistant Commandant → Deputy Commandant → Commandant → DIG → IG → ADG → DG.

Common Myths about UPSC CAPF AC

Myth 1: Only candidates from defense background can crack the exam.
Reality: Anyone with a graduation degree and preparation strategy can succeed.

Myth 2: Women cannot apply.
Reality: The CAPF AC exam is open to both men and women, and many women have successfully cleared it.

Myth 3: CAPF AC is easier than UPSC Civil Services.
Reality: The competition is intense; while the syllabus overlaps with Civil Services, the physical and medical tests make it equally challenging.

Myth 4: You must be fluent in English to clear.
Reality: While Paper II tests English, essays can be written in Hindi, and communication skills can be developed with practice.

Myth 5: Coaching is mandatory.
Reality: Many aspirants crack the exam with self-study + discipline. Coaching is helpful but not compulsory.

Final Words

The UPSC CAPF AC Exam is one of the most prestigious recruitment processes in India, offering aspirants a chance to serve the nation as Assistant Commandants in paramilitary forces. It demands not just academic brilliance but also physical stamina, leadership, and communication skills.

Aspirants must thoroughly understand the eligibility, syllabus, and exam pattern before beginning preparation. With the right mix of NCERTs, standard books, current affairs, physical training, and answer writing, clearing CAPF AC is very much achievable.

Remember: discipline, consistency, and self-belief are the keys to success in UPSC CAPF AC.

Also Read: UPSC Civil Services Exam: Complete Guide for Aspirants

UPSC CAPF AC Eligibility, Syllabus & Exam Pattern: FAQs