A good fit if you...
- Want to lead men and women in uniform as an officer without joining the armed forces.
- Enjoy both physical challenge and writing — the exam tests essays as well as fitness.
- Are open to postings in border and conflict areas.
Defence & Police · Group A Officer
UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) (Assistant Commandants) exam is the direct route for graduates to become Group A gazetted officers in Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Services Selection Board (SSB). It combines a written exam, tough physical tests and a personality test.
QualificationGraduation (any stream)
Age Limit20–25 years
Starting PayLevel 10 — ₹56,100 basic
StagesWritten → PET & Medical → Interview
Overview
What is UPSC CAPF (AC)?
The CAPF (AC) exam is held once a year by the UPSC. Successful candidates join as Assistant Commandant — the entry officer rank in the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and Sashastra Seema Bal.
An Assistant Commandant typically commands a company of around 100–135 personnel, leading operations in border areas, internal security, counter-insurgency or industrial security depending on the force.
BSFCRPFCISFITBPSSBGroup A GazettedPaper I & II
Fit check
Who should choose UPSC CAPF (AC)
Think twice if you...
- Want a stable city-based job with predictable hours.
- Do not meet the physical and medical standards.
- Are uncomfortable writing descriptive answers and essays in Paper II.
What gives you an edge
Any degree
Arts, Science, Commerce and engineering graduates are all eligible.
Humanities graduates
Polity, history and current affairs knowledge helps in Paper I and the essays in Paper II.
NCC & sports
National Cadet Corps (NCC) 'B'/'C' certificates are a plus at the interview stage.
Step-by-step plan for your background
Arts / Humanities
If you're from Arts
- Your polity, history and essay-writing skills help directly in written papers.
- Work on numerical ability from basics with daily practice.
- Join group discussions or debate clubs to build confidence for SSB/AFSB or interviews.
Commerce
If you're from Commerce
- Economy and current-affairs topics suit your background.
- Practise essay writing and comprehension regularly.
- Build physical fitness alongside written preparation.
Science
If you're from Science
- Maths and reasoning are your edge; keep speed and accuracy high.
- Read polity, history and current affairs to balance the general awareness section.
- Prepare for personality assessment — communication matters as much as marks.
Eligibility
UPSC CAPF (AC) eligibility criteria
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizen |
| Qualification | Bachelor's degree from a recognised university; final-year students can apply |
| Age limit | 20–25 years |
| Gender | Men and women |
| Physical & medical | Must meet the physical standards, PET and medical standards in the notification |
Upper age relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) (non-creamy layer) | 3 years |
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| Central government civilian employees | Up to 5 years (as per notification) |
| Ex-servicemen | Up to 5 years (as per notification) |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | No age relaxation |
Physical standards
| Standard | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 165 cm | 157 cm |
| Chest (men) | 81 cm, with 5 cm expansion | Not applicable |
| 100 m race | 16 seconds | 18 seconds |
| 800 m race | 3 min 45 s | 4 min 45 s |
| Long jump | 3.5 m (3 chances) | 3.0 m (3 chances) |
| Shot put (7.26 kg) | 4.5 m | Not applicable |
PET is qualifying. Weight must be proportionate to height and age. Eyesight and other medical standards are listed in the notification.
Step-by-step
UPSC CAPF (AC) selection process
Stage 1
Apply online
Through the UPSC online application portal.
Stage 2
Written exam
Paper I (objective) and Paper II (descriptive) on the same day.
Stage 3
Physical Standards Test, PET & Medical
For candidates who clear the written cut-off.
Stage 4
Interview / Personality Test
150 marks, for candidates found physically and medically fit.
Stage 5
Final merit & force allocation
Based on written + interview marks; force allotted by rank and preference.
Marks & timing
UPSC CAPF (AC) exam pattern
Stage 1
Written exam
Marks450
| Paper | Type | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I — General Ability & Intelligence | Objective (MCQ) | 250 | 2 hours |
| Paper II — General Studies, Essay & Comprehension | Descriptive | 200 | 3 hours |
Paper II is evaluated only for candidates who score the minimum qualifying marks in Paper I.
Stage 2
Interview
Marks150
| Stage | Type | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personality Test | Interview | 150 | — |
Key rules at a glance
Negative marking
One-third of the marks of a question deducted for each wrong answer in Paper I.
Language
Paper I is bilingual; Paper II can be answered in English or Hindi (comprehension and précis in English only).
Total marks
600 (250 + 200 + 150).
Attempts
No attempt limit within the age limit.
What to study
UPSC CAPF (AC) syllabus
General Mental Ability
Logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, numerical ability and data interpretation.
General Science
Everyday science, awareness of scientific and technological developments.
Current Events
National and international eventsCultureMusicArtsLiteratureSports
Indian Polity & Economy
ConstitutionPolitical systemPublic administrationEconomic developmentSecurity issues and human rights
History & Geography
Indian history including the freedom struggle; physical, social and economic geography of India and the world.
Paper II
Essays (on freedom struggle, geography, polity, economy, security and human rights), comprehension, précis, counter-arguments and basic grammar.
Pay, perks & work
UPSC CAPF (AC) salary, designation & job profile
Assistant Commandants are Group A gazetted officers on Pay Level 10.
Basic pay₹56,100/month
Pay Level 10 (₹56,100–1,77,500).
Indicative in-hand₹80,000 – ₹95,000/month
With DA, House Rent Allowance (HRA) and allowances, before deductions; higher in hardship areas.
PerksOfficial accommodation, medical, canteen
Plus risk/hardship allowances, leave travel concession and pension benefits under rules.
Job role & responsibilities
Command a company
Lead roughly 100+ personnel in operations, training and administration.
Operations
Border guarding, counter-insurgency, anti-Naxal and internal security tasks.
Administration
Manage welfare, discipline, logistics and resources of your unit.
Deputation
Opportunities for UN peacekeeping missions and deputation to central agencies.
Career ladder
1Entry
Assistant Commandant
Entry rank after training.
2Step 2
Deputy Commandant
Promotion after several years of service.
3Step 3
Second-in-Command → Commandant
Commandant leads a full battalion.
4Step 4
DIG, IG and above
Senior ranks through selection and seniority.
Preparation strategy
How to prepare for UPSC CAPF (AC)
A practical, phase-by-phase plan. Adjust the timeline to when the next notification is expected.
1Weeks 1–2
Understand the process
- Read the notification — eligibility, branch choices and medical standards.
- Attempt a previous paper to find your level.
2Months 1–3
Written preparation
- Daily aptitude practice and general awareness reading.
- Weekly essay or descriptive answer writing where applicable.
3Months 3–4
Fitness and personality
- Running and strength training for physical tests.
- Practise group discussions, self-introduction and picture-story writing.
4Final 6 weeks
Mocks and medical check
- Full mocks with negative marking discipline.
- Get a basic medical check (eyes, weight) to fix issues early.
UPSC CAPF (AC)-specific tips
Prepare for both papers together
Paper I overlaps with UPSC Prelims GS; Paper II needs regular essay writing.
Practise essays weekly
Write on security, polity and current issues within time limits.
Train for PET
Build 800 m speed and long jump technique months in advance.
Trusted resources
Where to study from
- Official notification and syllabus on the recruiting body's portal
- National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) books (Class 6–12) for general studies basics
- Previous-year question papers
- A daily newspaper and PIB for current affairs and defence news
- SSB/AFSB or personality-test guides and peer practice groups
Keep exploring
Related government exams
Student doubts
Frequently asked questions
Yes. A bachelor's degree in any discipline is enough.
There is no attempt limit; you can appear as long as you are within the age limit.
Not necessarily. Many candidates use UPSC Prelims GS material for Paper I and practise essays on their own for Paper II.
Force allocation depends on your final rank and the preferences you give.
No. Indian Police Service (IPS) is recruited through the Civil Services Exam and leads state police. CAPF AC officers serve in CAPF.
Height: men 165 cm, women 157 cm. Men's chest 81 cm + 5 cm. PET: 100 m, 800 m, long jump and (men) shot put.
Battalion headquarters, borders, internal-security areas and (CISF) airports and industrial units; UN peacekeeping deputations are possible.
Assistant Commandant → Deputy Commandant → Second-in-Command → Commandant → DIG → IG.
*Eligibility, age limits, exam pattern and pay figures are based on recent official notifications and the 7th Central Pay Commission structure as of 2026. In-hand salary estimates are indicative and vary with city (HRA) and the current Dearness Allowance rate. Every recruitment cycle can change the details — always confirm in the latest official notification before applying.
Official source: Union Public Service Commission (upsc.gov.in)