UPSC CAPF — 2026
Assistant Commandant — BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP & SSB
Exam Overview
- UPSC CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) examination recruits Assistant Commandants (Group A, Gazetted) for India's five central paramilitary forces. The 2026 notification announced 349 vacancies across BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.
- Force-wise Vacancies: BSF: 108 | CRPF: 106 | CISF: 70 | SSB: 53 | ITBP: 12. 10% of vacancies reserved for ex-servicemen.
- Eligibility: Bachelor's degree from a recognised university. Age: 20–25 years (General), +3 years OBC, +5 years SC/ST. Must be a citizen of India.
- Exam Date: Written Examination — 19 July 2026. Application window: 20 Feb – 12 Mar 2026.
- Salary: Pay Level 10 — Rs. 56,100–1,77,500 (basic). In-hand approx. Rs. 49,000–55,000 (normal) to Rs. 75,000–85,000 (border/field areas). Perks include free accommodation, ration, medical, and canteen.
- Application Fee: Rs. 200 (General/OBC male). Female, SC & ST candidates are exempted.
Exam Pattern
Paper I — General Ability & Intelligence (MCQ)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Mental Ability | 25 | 42 |
| General Science | 25 | 42 |
| Current Events of National & International Importance | 25 | 42 |
| Indian Polity & Economy | 25 | 42 |
| History of India & Indian National Movement | 25 | 42 |
| Indian & World Geography | 25 | 40 |
| Total | 150 | 250 |
Duration: 2 Hours | Objective MCQ | Negative Marking: 1/3rd marks deducted per wrong answer
Paper II — General Studies, Essay & Comprehension (Descriptive)
| Part | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Part A | Essay Writing (2 essays from choice of 4) | 80 |
| Part B | Comprehension, Precis Writing & English Language Skills | 120 |
| Total | 200 |
Duration: 3 Hours | Descriptive (pen & paper) | Part B must be attempted in English only
Selection Process
- Written Examination — Paper I (250 marks, MCQ, 2 hours) + Paper II (200 marks, Descriptive, 3 hours) = 450 marks
- Physical Standards Test (PST) — Height: Male 165 cm / Female 157 cm, Chest: Male 81 cm (5 cm expansion)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET) — 800m race: Male in 3 min 45 sec / Female in 4 min 45 sec, Long Jump, Shot Put
- Medical Standards Test — Eyesight, hearing, general fitness as per CAPF medical norms
- Interview / Personality Test — 150 marks
- Final Merit List — Written (450) + Interview (150) = 600 marks total
Forces & Vacancies
| Force | Vacancies | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|
| Border Security Force (BSF) | 108 | International border guarding (Pakistan & Bangladesh borders) |
| Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) | 106 | Internal security, counter-insurgency, anti-Naxal operations |
| Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) | 70 | Airport security, industrial establishments, VIP protection |
| Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) | 53 | Indo-Nepal & Indo-Bhutan border guarding |
| Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) | 12 | India–China border guarding, disaster management |
| Total | 349 |
All forces offer Group A Gazetted officer status. Posting is transferable across India. 10% reservation for ex-servicemen.
Physical Standards & PET
| Parameter | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Height (minimum) | 165 cm | 157 cm |
| Chest (minimum with expansion) | 81 cm (5 cm expansion) | N/A |
| Weight (minimum) | As per height-age chart | 46 kg |
| 800m Race | 3 min 45 sec | 4 min 45 sec |
Physical tests are qualifying. Relaxations available for candidates from hill areas, tribal communities, and Northeast India. PET also includes Long Jump and Shot Put.
CAPF for Assam Students
- Northeast Deployment: BSF guards the India–Bangladesh border (significant presence in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura). SSB guards India–Bhutan and India–Nepal borders. CRPF has major counter-insurgency deployments in NE India.
- Physical Standard Relaxations: Candidates from tribal communities in Northeast India and hill areas may be eligible for relaxations in height and chest requirements as per government norms.
- NE-Relevant Topics: India–Bangladesh border issues, Assam insurgency, Act East Policy, Sixth Schedule, flood & disaster management in Brahmaputra valley, and NE development frequently appear in the General Studies paper.
- Career Advantage: Knowledge of Northeast terrain, local languages, and understanding of border dynamics gives Assam candidates a practical edge in service, especially in BSF, SSB, and CRPF postings in the region.
Syllabus
1. General Mental Ability
Logical Reasoning & Analytical AbilityNumber Series & Coding-DecodingBlood Relations & Direction SenseSyllogism & Venn DiagramsStatement & ConclusionDecision Making & Problem SolvingData Interpretation — Charts, Graphs, TablesBasic Numeracy & Arithmetic2. General Science
Physics — Mechanics, Optics, ElectricityChemistry — Elements, Compounds, ReactionsBiology — Human Body, Diseases, NutritionEnvironmental Science & EcologyScience & Technology — Recent DevelopmentsSpace & Defence Technology3. Current Affairs & Indian Polity
Current Events — National & InternationalIndian Constitution — Fundamental Rights, DPSPParliament, Judiciary & Executive FunctionsPanchayati Raj & Urban GovernanceIndian Economy — GDP, Fiscal Policy, BankingGovernment Schemes & PoliciesInternational Organizations — UN, WTO, IMFDefence & Internal Security Current Affairs4. History & Geography
Ancient & Medieval Indian HistoryModern India — Freedom Struggle & National MovementPost-Independence IndiaIndian & World Physical GeographyIndian Economic Geography — Agriculture, Industry, ResourcesNortheast India — Geography, Tribes, HistoryClimate, Rivers & Natural Disasters of India5. Essay, Comprehension & English Language
Essay Writing (Current & Socio-economic Topics)Precis WritingReading ComprehensionGrammar & Sentence CorrectionVocabulary — Synonyms, Antonyms, IdiomsReport & Letter Writing6. Assam-Relevant Topics
BSF & ITBP Deployment in Northeast Border AreasCRPF Operations in NE IndiaInsurgency & Internal Security in AssamIndia–Bangladesh & India–Myanmar Border IssuesAct East Policy — Northeast GatewayFlood Management & Disaster Response in AssamSixth Schedule Areas & Autonomous CouncilsNortheast Special Category Status & Development
Frequently Asked Questions
What is UPSC CAPF and what posts are recruited through it?
UPSC CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) examination recruits Assistant Commandants (Group A, Gazetted) for five paramilitary forces: BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. In 2026, UPSC has announced 349 vacancies. It is a prestigious Group A officer-level entry into India's central armed forces.
What is the UPSC CAPF 2026 exam pattern?
The exam has three stages: (1) Written — Paper I (General Ability & Intelligence, 250 marks MCQ, 2 hours, negative marking 1/3rd) + Paper II (General Studies, Essay & Comprehension, 200 marks descriptive, 3 hours); (2) Physical & Medical Tests (qualifying); (3) Interview/Personality Test (150 marks). Final merit = Written + Interview = 600 marks.
What is the eligibility for UPSC CAPF 2026?
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university, be 20–25 years old (General), with relaxation of +3 years for OBC and +5 years for SC/ST. Must be a citizen of India. Application fee is Rs. 200 for General/OBC males; Female, SC, and ST candidates are exempted.
What is the salary of a CAPF Assistant Commandant?
CAPF Assistant Commandant is a Group A Gazetted officer post in Pay Level 10 (Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 basic). In-hand salary is approximately Rs. 49,000–55,000 in normal postings and Rs. 75,000–85,000 in high-allowance areas (border, field, hardship). Additional perks include free accommodation, ration, medical, canteen, and leave travel concession.
Which CAPF force is best for candidates from Assam?
BSF and SSB have significant presence in Northeast India — BSF on the India–Bangladesh border and SSB on India–Bhutan and India–Nepal borders. CRPF also has deployments in NE for counter-insurgency. Candidates familiar with Northeast terrain, border issues, and local languages may find these postings relatable. However, posting is transferable across India.
What are the physical standards for CAPF?
Male: Height 165 cm, Chest 81 cm (5 cm expansion), 800m race in 3 min 45 sec. Female: Height 157 cm, Weight minimum 46 kg, 800m race in 4 min 45 sec. There are relaxations for candidates from hill areas and certain tribal communities in Northeast India.
Is there negative marking in UPSC CAPF?
Yes, Paper I (MCQ) has negative marking of 1/3rd of the marks assigned to each question for every wrong answer. Paper II is descriptive (essay, comprehension, precis) and does not have negative marking.
How is CAPF different from UPSC CSE (IAS/IPS)?
UPSC CSE recruits for civil services (IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.) with a 3-stage exam (Prelims, Mains, Interview). CAPF specifically recruits Assistant Commandants for paramilitary forces (BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB) with a 2-paper written exam + physical test + interview. CAPF has stricter physical requirements but a comparatively shorter syllabus.