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CAPF Full Form, History, Exam, Eligibility, Selection Process

CAPF constitutes various paramilitary forces in Indian responsible for maintaining internal security, safeguarding borders, and assisting in disaster management. Check CAPF Full Form, History, Motto, CAPF Exam and more
authorImageNigam Sharma24 Mar, 2025
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CAPF Full Form

CAPF Full Form: CAPF constitutes the Paramilitary Forces of India. Established on December 27, 1949, the history of CAPF is deeply intertwined with the nation's post-independence era. Originally established to ensure internal security and safeguard the country against various threats, CAPF has evolved over the years to become a cornerstone of defence system of India.

The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) annually throughout the nation. The CAPF Selection Process consists of three stages: the Preliminary test, Physical Efficiency Test, Medical test, and Personality test/Interview. Candidates successfully clearing all these stages are eligible for final recruitment to vacant CAPF positions. The primary objective of this examination is to select qualified individuals for the esteemed role of Assistant Commandant in the Central Armed Police Forces—a position of significance within the Indian armed forces.

CAPF Full Form Overview

The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) is a collective term for India's paramilitary forces that function under the Ministry of Home Affairs. CAPF includes forces like BSF, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, and Assam Rifles, playing a crucial role in internal security, border protection, and disaster response. These forces assist in maintaining law and order, counter-insurgency operations, and anti-terrorism efforts. Their disciplined structure and rigorous training make them a vital pillar of national security. Let us know about CAPF quickly with the help of this Overview table:-

CAPF Full Form Overview

Organisation CAPF
Full Form Central Armed Police Force
Year of Establishment 1939 (Originally as the Crown Representative Police)
Purpose Internal security, countering insurgency, disaster response, border security
Forces Under CAPF 1. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) 2. Border Security Force (BSF) 3. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) 4. Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) 5. Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
Role Safeguarding critical installations, maintaining public order, disaster management, border security
Operational Control Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
Main Exam CAPF AC Exam
Headquarters New Delhi
Leadership Director-General (DG) oversees each CAPF
Motto "Shanti, Seva, and Nishtha" (Peace, Service, and Loyalty)
Significance Integral part of Internal Security System of India
Recruitment Through competitive exams like CAPF Examination conducted by UPSC
Training Institutes Counter Insurgency and Anti-Terrorism School, Central Training College, etc.

CAPF Full Form

The full form of CAPF is the Central Armed Police Forces. The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) refer to a collective term for various paramilitary forces in India that operate under the Ministry of Home Affairs. These forces play a critical role in maintaining internal security, safeguarding borders, and assisting in disaster management. The major CAPF units include the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). CAPF personnel are highly trained and equipped to handle a range of security challenges, including counter-terrorism, insurgency, and border protection. They often collaborate with state police forces and other agencies to ensure the overall security and integrity of the nation. The CAPF is an integral part of India's security apparatus and contributes significantly to the country's internal and border security.

CAPF History

The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) was established in 1939 as the Crown Representative Police during the time of British rule. After India gained independence, these forces were reorganized to meet the country's security needs. Over the years, CAPF has played a pivotal role in safeguarding India's internal security, countering insurgency, responding to disasters, and ensuring border security. The constituent Paramilitary forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), collectively contribute to the force's integral role within the country's security apparatus. The history of CAPF is characterized by its adaptation to changing circumstances, commitment to peacekeeping, and steadfast service to the nation.

CAPF Motto

The motto of CAPF, "Commitment, Courage, and Compassion," tells about the values and ethos that guide the force in its mission to uphold peace and protect the citizens of the nation. These principles underscore the dedication, bravery, and empathy exhibited by CAPF personnel in their service to the nation.

CAPF Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for the CAPF Assistant Commandant Examination are decided by the UPSC. Both men and women can fill out the CAPF Assistant Commandant Examination Application Form. However, you must first check your Eligibility, as failing to do so may result in disqualification. Therefore, to apply for the Assistant Commandant Exam, candidates must fulfill the UPSC CAPF Eligibility Criteria listed below to move ahead in the CAPF Recruitment Process without any difficulties.

CAPF Eligibility 
Nationality Candidates of Indian nationality are only eligible to apply.
Age limit The lower and upper age limits of the candidates are 20 and 25 years, respectively, as on 1st August 2023.
Qualification, A bachelor’s degree in any specialisation from a recognised university is required.
Other Those in the final year of their bachelor’s degree program who will achieve the required qualification before selection can also apply.

CAPF Exam Pattern

CAPF AC Exam is conducted offline. The duration of the examination is 5 hours. The examination consists of two sections: Part I and Part II.
  • The first examination is of the objective type and is available in both English and Hindi.
  • The second exam is descriptive and only accepts answers in English. There will be 450 questions in all.
  • In the first part of the examination, applicants will be penalised for every wrong answer.
  • Each incorrect answer will result in a loss of one-third of the marks.
The table below details the number of questions on each paper and other relevant details.
Particulars Details
Exam Pattern For Paper I
Paper I General Ability and Intelligence
Type of Questions Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Number of Questions 125
Duration 2 Hours
Total Marks 250
Language English and Hindi
Negative Marking One-third marks for every incorrect answer
Exam Pattern For Paper II
Paper II General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension
Type of Questions Subjective Type Questions
Number of Questions 7
Duration 3 Hours
Total Marks 200
Language English

CAPF Salary

Applicants selected for the UPSC CAPF AC 2025 will be paid very well. The UPSC CAPF Salary 2025 is expected to range between INR 56,100/- and INR 1,77,500/. In addition to the standard UPSC CAPF Salary, applicants will receive additional perks and benefits such as Transport Allowance, dearness allowance, House Rent Allowance, Clinical Allowance, and Unique Duty Allowance, among many others.

CAPF Full Form Related Links
NDA Full Form ITBP Full Form
CISF Full Form SSB Full Form
BSF Full Form CDS Full Form

CAPF Full Form FAQs

Q1. What is the full form of CAPF?

Ans. CAPF stands for Central Armed Police Forces.

Q2. When was CAPF established?

Ans. CAPF was originally established in 1939 as the Crown Representative Police during the British colonial era.

Q3. How is CAPF structured, and what are its constituent forces?

Ans. APF is comprised of various paramilitary forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

Q4. What is the role and significance of CAPF?

Ans. CAPF plays a pivotal role in maintaining internal security, countering insurgency, responding to disasters, and ensuring border security.

Q5. How is CAPF personnel recruited, and what is the selection process like?

Ans. CAPF AC personnel are recruited through competitive exams like the CAPF Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
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