UPSC CAPF Exam 2026 will be conducted by the Union Public Service Commission on 19 July 2026. The UPSC CAPF Exam is one of the prestigious exams conducted by the UPSC for recruitment into the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). This exam is held annually to select candidates for the post of Assistant Commandant (AC) in various paramilitary forces, including BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.
Discover all the details related to the UPSC CAPF Exam 2025, including dates, notifications, application process, syllabus, eligibility, and more.
UPSC CAPF Exam 2025 Overview
CAPF Full Form is the Central Armed Police Forces. Candidates planning to appear for CAPF must check all the essential details related to the exam to avoid any last-minute hassle. Here is an overview of the UPSC CAPF Exam 2026:
| UPSC CAPF Exam 2026 Overview | |
| Exam Name | UPSC CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) Exam 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Assistant Commandant (AC) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Exam Date | July 19 2026 |
| Notification Date | |
| Application Date | |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Stages | 1. Written Exam
2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Medical Test 3. Personal Interview |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CAPF Exam 2026
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the examination schedule for the Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) – CAPF (ACs) Examination 2026. This prestigious examination is conducted annually to recruit eligible candidates for the post of Assistant Commandants in various forces, including BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.
UPSC CAPF Exam 2026 will held on Sunday, 19 July 2026 across various exam centres in India. The exam aims to assess candidates’ general ability, intelligence, and their understanding of general studies, essay writing, and comprehension. It serves as the first stage of the selection process, followed by Physical Efficiency Tests (PET), Medical Standards Tests, and an Interview/Personality Test.
Candidates must appear for both papers on the same day as per the official schedule released by UPSC. Strict adherence to the timing and guidelines is mandatory. Candidates are advised to reach the examination venue well before time and carry the required documents, including admit card, valid photo ID, and stationery items as per exam instructions.
UPSC CAPF Exam Time Table 2026
CAPF (ACs) Examination 2026 was conducted in two sessions on 19th July 2026 (Sunday). Paper I will be objective in nature, while Paper II will be conventional. Both papers will test different skill sets essential for the role of an Assistant Commandant.
| Date & Day | Timing | Subject | Code No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19.07.2026 (Sunday) | 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon | General Ability and Intelligence (Objective Type) | 01 |
| 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM | General Studies, Essay & Comprehension (Conventional Type) | 02 |
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The exam was conducted in Indian Standard Time (IST).
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Paper I is an objective-type paper to test General Ability and Intelligence.
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Paper II is a descriptive paper to assess candidates’ essay writing, comprehension, and general studies knowledge.
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Candidates must appear in both papers to be eligible for further stages of the selection process.
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It is advisable to carry black ballpoint pens for marking answers in the OMR sheet for Paper I.
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Use only the language medium opted by the candidate in the application for writing Paper II.
UPSC CAPF Exam 2025 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the UPSC CAPF Exam 2025 include specific requirements related to nationality, age, education, and physical standards. Meeting these criteria is essential for candidates to apply and proceed with the selection process. Here is an overview of UPSC CAPF Exam 2025 Eligibility Criteria:
| UPSC CAPF Exam 2025 Eligibility Criteria | |
| Criteria | Details |
| Nationality | Indian citizen. |
| Age Limit | 20 to 25 years (Relaxations: SC/ST – 5 years, OBC – 3 years). |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. |
| Physical Standards | Candidates must meet the prescribed physical and medical standards. |
| Attempts Allowed | No specific limit, subject to the upper age limit. |
UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026
The written exam consists of two papers: Paper 1 (Objective) and Paper 2 (Descriptive). Candidates must pass both papers to advance to the next stage. Here is an overview of the UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026 for written exams:
| UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026 | ||||
| Paper | Subject | Total Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | General Ability and Intelligence | 125 (MCQ) | 250 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 2 | General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension | 6 (Descriptive) | 200 | 3 Hours |
UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2026
The complete UPSC CAPF Exam 2026 syllabus is available for download in PDF format on the official website. The UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2026 outlines the topics to be covered in the written examination, including Paper 1 (General Ability and Intelligence) and Paper 2 (General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension). A clear understanding of the syllabus is vital for focused preparation and success in the exam.
Paper 1: General Ability and Intelligence
- General Mental Ability: Logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, data interpretation.
- General Science: Basic concepts, latest scientific developments.
- Current Events: National and international issues, sports, awards, and honors.
- Indian Polity and Economy: Constitution, governance, economic development.
- History and Geography: India’s history and geography, general world geography.
Paper 2: General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension
- Essay Writing: Topics on modern Indian history, politics, economy, social issues, etc.
- Comprehension: Grammar, vocabulary, and precise writing.
- General Studies: Indian polity, human rights issues, security challenges.
UPSC CAPF 2026 Application Process
UPSC CAPF 2026 Application Process has begun along with the release of the UPSC CAPF notification. Candidates can apply online for the exam through the official website. However, they must ensure that they fulfill the required criteria to avoid cancellation of their candidacy:
- Visit Official Website: www.upsc.gov.in
- Fill Online Application: Provide personal and educational details.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned photo and signature.
- Pay Application Fee: Fee for General/OBC: ₹200; SC/ST/Female candidates are exempted.
UPSC CAPF Application Fee 2026
After submitting the application form, candidates are required to pay a fee online through net banking, credit/debit card, or any other accepted method. The application fee is waived for female candidates and those from the SC/ST categories. Check out the UPSC CAPF Application Fee 2026 from below:
| UPSC CAPF Application Fee 2026 | |
| Category | Application Fee |
| General | ₹200 |
| OBC | ₹200 |
| SC/ST/Female | Exempted |
UPSC CAPF 2026 Selection Process
The selection process for UPSC CAPF 2026 consists of three stages:
- Written Examination: Paper 1 (Objective) and Paper 2 (Descriptive).
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Includes physical tasks like running, long jump, and shot put.
- Interview/Personality Test: Evaluate the candidate’s leadership and communication skills.
Candidates must clear all stages to be considered for the final merit list.
| Physical Efficiency Test (PET) | ||
| Activity | Male | Female |
| 100 Meters Race | 16 seconds | 18 seconds |
| 800 Meters Race | 3 minutes 45 seconds | 4 minutes 45 seconds |
| Long Jump (3 attempts) | 3.5 meters | 3 meters |
| Shot Put (7.26 kg) | 4.5 meters | Not applicable |