UPSC CAPF AC Selection Process includes four stages: written exam (Paper I and Paper II), Physical Standards Test and Physical Efficiency Test, medical examination, and interview. Final selection is based on written exam and interview marks, while physical and medical tests are qualifying in nature.
UPSC CAPF AC Selection Process: Written Exam, PST/PET, Medical Test, Interview
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Central Armed Police Forces Assistant Commandant examination every year. This examination offers an opportunity for candidates who want to serve in forces such as the Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Central Industrial Security Force, and Sashastra Seema Bal.
Understanding the UPSC CAPF AC Selection Process is important for every candidate preparing for this examination. The recruitment procedure includes multiple stages that check a candidate’s knowledge, physical fitness, and overall personality. Each stage plays an important role in determining whether a candidate is suitable for the role of Assistant Commandant.
Here, we’ll explain the UPSC CAPF AC Selection Process. It outlines all stages of the examination, including the written test, physical tests, medical examination, and interview.
UPSC CAPF AC Selection Process 2026
The UPSC CAPF AC Selection Process is conducted in different stages. Each stage evaluates candidates on different parameters. Only candidates who qualify in one stage can move to the next stage.
The UPSC CAPF Selection Stages generally include:
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Written Examination
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Physical Standards Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
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Medical Examination
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Interview / Personality Test
Candidates must qualify in every stage to move forward in the recruitment procedure. The final selection depends on performance in the written exam and the interview.
Stage 1: Written Examination
The first stage of the UPSC CAPF AC Selection Process is the written examination. This stage checks the candidate’s academic knowledge and analytical ability.
The CAPF AC Written Exam Process includes two papers:
Paper I – General Ability and Intelligence
Paper I is an objective-type paper. It mainly evaluates general awareness and reasoning ability. The questions test a candidate’s understanding of subjects such as current affairs, history, geography, polity, and general science.
Key details of Paper I:
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Type of questions: Objective
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Total marks: 250
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Duration: 2 hours
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Languages: English and Hindi
Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks in this paper. Only then will their Paper II answer sheet be evaluated.
Paper II – General Studies, Essay and Comprehension
Paper II is descriptive. It checks a candidate’s ability to express ideas clearly in writing.
This paper includes essay writing, comprehension passages, and short descriptive answers related to national and international issues.
Key details of Paper II:
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Type of questions: Descriptive
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Total marks: 200
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Duration: 3 hours
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Language: English
The written examination carries a total of 450 marks. Performance in this stage is important because it decides whether the candidate will move forward in the UPSC CAPF AC Selection Process.
Stage 2: Physical Standards Test and Physical Efficiency Test
Candidates who qualify in the written exam move to the second stage of the UPSC CAPF AC Selection Process. This stage evaluates the physical fitness and body measurements of candidates.
This stage includes the CAPF AC PST & PET Details.
Physical Standards Test (PST)
The Physical Standards Test checks whether candidates meet the required physical measurements, such as height, chest, and weight.
Typical physical standards include:
| Feature | Men | Women |
| Height | 165 cm | 157 cm |
| Chest (unexpanded) | 81 cm | Not applicable |
| Weight | 50 kg | 46 kg |
Candidates who do not meet these physical requirements may not continue further in the recruitment procedure.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
After the PST, candidates must complete certain physical tasks. These tasks measure stamina, speed, and physical strength.
The UPSC CAPF Physical Efficiency Test includes the following activities:
| Test | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
| 100-meter race | Within 16 seconds | Within 18 seconds |
| 800-meter race | Within 3 minutes and 45 seconds | Within 4 minutes and 45 seconds |
| Long jump | 3.5 meters (3 attempts) | 3 meters (3 attempts) |
| Shot put | 4.5 meters | Not applicable |
Candidates must complete these tasks within the required standards. This stage is qualifying in nature. It means candidates only need to meet the required standards to move forward in the UPSC CAPF AC Selection Process.
Stage 3: Medical Examination
Candidates who clear the physical tests must appear for the CAPF AC Medical Examination. This stage ensures that candidates are medically fit for service in the armed police forces.
The medical test checks both physical and mental fitness. Doctors examine different body parts to confirm that the candidate does not have any medical condition that may affect performance in the field.
General Medical Standards
During the medical examination, doctors check several conditions, such as:
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Hearing ability
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Dental health
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Skin conditions
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Nose and throat health
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Neck movement and spine condition
Candidates should not have serious diseases or chronic medical problems.
Vision Standards
Vision is also an important part of the medical examination. The required vision standards generally include:
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Better eye: 6/6 or 6/9
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Worse eye: 6/12 or 6/9
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Near vision: N6 or N9
Refractive error limits are also defined for candidates. Medical authorities carefully check these conditions before allowing candidates to continue in the UPSC CAPF AC Selection Process.
Special Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions may lead to disqualification. These may include:
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Severe dental problems
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Chronic skin diseases
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Hearing issues
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Structural problems in bones or joints
Candidates must maintain good physical health to pass this stage of the UPSC CAPF AC Selection Process.
Stage 4: Interview / Personality Test
Candidates who qualify in the written exam, physical tests, and medical examination are invited for the interview stage.
The UPSC CAPF Interview Process is designed to evaluate the personality, confidence, and decision-making ability of candidates.
The interview usually carries 150 marks.
A panel of experienced members conducts the interview. The panel may ask questions related to:
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Personal background
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Education and interests
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Current affairs
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Situational judgement
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Leadership qualities
Candidates must answer questions clearly and confidently. The interview also checks communication skills and presence of mind. Performance in this stage plays a role in determining the final selection.
CAPF AC Final Merit List
After all stages are completed, the commission prepares the CAPF AC Final Merit List. This list is based on the combined marks of:
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Written Examination
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Interview / Personality Test
The physical tests and medical examination are qualifying stages. They do not add marks to the final score.
Candidates who secure higher marks in the written exam and interview are placed higher in the merit list. Based on this list, candidates are selected for appointment as Assistant Commandants in the respective forces.
The UPSC CAPF AC Selection Process is structured to evaluate candidates in different areas. It checks academic knowledge, physical ability, medical fitness, and personality traits. Each stage plays an important role in identifying suitable candidates for leadership roles in the Central Armed Police Forces.
To succeed in the UPSC CAPF AC Selection Process, candidates should focus on preparation for the written exam while also maintaining physical fitness. Regular practice, good health, and awareness of current affairs can help candidates perform well in every stage.
Understanding the UPSC CAPF AC Selection Process clearly helps aspirants prepare in a planned way. When candidates know what each stage requires, they can improve their preparation strategy and approach the examination with confidence.
| UPSC CAPF Related Link | |
| UPSC CAPF Apply Online | UPSC CAPF Eligibility |
| UPSC CAPF Salary | UPSC CAPF Selection Process |
UPSC CAPF AC Selection Process FAQs
What are the stages in the UPSC CAPF AC Selection Process?
The selection process includes a written exam, PST/PET, medical examination, and interview.
How many papers are there in the CAPF AC written exam?
The written exam has two papers: General Ability & Intelligence and General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension.
Is the Physical Efficiency Test qualifying in nature?
Yes, the Physical Efficiency Test is qualifying and does not add marks to the final score.
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