UPSC CAPF AC exam for Assistant Commandants. Check eligibility criteria, syllabus, exam pattern, application process, and career prospects for BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB.
Conducted by: UPSC
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination for recruitment to the Group 'A' post of Assistant Commandants (AC) in the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). This examination provides a prestigious opportunity for eligible candidates to join the nation's elite forces and contribute to maintaining internal security and guarding national borders. The notification for the CAPF AC examination is released annually, typically inviting applications for a significant number of vacancies across the five forces. The exact number of vacancies varies each year and is specified in the official notification. Candidates aspiring for a career in uniformed services with leadership responsibilities find this examination an ideal gateway. Upon successful completion of the selection process, candidates are appointed as Assistant Commandants, which is a gazetted officer post. This role entails significant responsibilities, including leading platoons and companies, managing operational areas, and ensuring law and order. The career progression in CAPF is structured, offering opportunities for promotion to higher ranks such as Deputy Commandant, Second-in-Command, and Commandant, based on performance, experience, and departmental examinations. A career as an Assistant Commandant in CAPF is challenging yet rewarding, offering a dynamic work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and a chance to serve the nation with pride and dedication. It attracts individuals who possess strong leadership qualities, physical fitness, mental fortitude, and a commitment to public service.
Age Limit: Candidates must be between 20 and 25 years of age on the crucial date specified in the notification. Age Relaxation: Scheduled Castes (SC) / Scheduled Tribes (ST): Up to 5 years. Other Backward Classes (OBC): Up to 3 years. Ex-servicemen: Up to 5 years (for services rendered). Central Government Servants: Up to 5 years, provided they have rendered not less than 3 years continuous service. Educational Qualification: A candidate must hold a Bachelor's degree from a University incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India, or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956, or possess an equivalent qualification. Nationality: A candidate must be either: a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal, or a subject of Bhutan. (Note: Candidates other than Indian citizens will need to obtain an eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India). Number of Attempts: There is no restriction on the number of attempts for the UPSC CAPF AC Examination, provided candidates meet the age and other eligibility criteria.
| Stage | Type | Duration | Subjects | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination - Paper I | MCQ | 2 hours | General Ability and Intelligence | 250 |
| Written Examination - Paper II | Descriptive | 3 hours | General Studies, Essay and Comprehension | 200 |
| Physical Standards Test (PST) / Physical Efficiency Test (PET) | Qualifying | Varies by event | Physical fitness events (Races, Jumps, Shot Put) | Qualifying |
| Medical Standards Test | Qualifying | Varies | Physical and Medical fitness assessment | Qualifying |
| Interview/Personality Test | Interview | Varies per candidate | Personality, General Awareness, Intelligence | 150 |
Visit UPSC Website: Go to the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (upsc.gov.in). One Time Registration (OTR): If you are a new applicant, first complete the One Time Registration (OTR) process by providing basic personal details. This is mandatory for all UPSC examinations. Access Application Link: After OTR, navigate to the 'Online Application for Various Examinations' section and select the link for the CAPF (ACs) Examination. Fill Part-I Registration: Complete Part-I of the application form by filling in personal details, educational qualifications, and contact information. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature in the specified format and size. Ensure the images are clear and meet the prescribed guidelines. Application Fee Payment: Pay the application fee (if applicable) through online mode (Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card) or offline mode (by cash in SBI branch). Female candidates and candidates belonging to SC/ST categories are exempted from paying the fee. Fill Part-II Registration: After successful fee payment, proceed to Part-II of the application. Here, you will select your preferred examination centers and agree to the declaration. Review and Submit: Carefully review all the information entered in both parts of the application form. Ensure all details are accurate before final submission. Print Confirmation: After successful submission, a confirmation page will be generated. Download and take a printout of this page for future reference.
Candidates must generally be between 20 and 25 years of age. Age relaxations are provided for SC/ST, OBC, and Ex-servicemen categories as per government norms.
A candidate must hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognized University.
Yes, candidates must meet specific physical standards (height, chest, weight, vision, etc.) and pass physical efficiency tests including races, long jump, and shot put.
Yes, there is negative marking for incorrect answers in Paper I (General Ability and Intelligence), typically one-third of the marks assigned to that question.
Yes, both male and female candidates are eligible to apply for the UPSC CAPF AC examination, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria.
The selection process involves a Written Examination (Paper I & Paper II), Physical Standards Test/Physical Efficiency Test, Medical Standards Test, and an Interview/Personality Test.
Yes, the UPSC CAPF AC examination is generally conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission.