UPSC CAPF syllabus and exam pattern include two written papers covering General Ability, Intelligence, General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension. The exam carries 450 marks and is followed by physical tests, medical standards, and a 150-mark interview to select Assistant Commandants in central armed police forces.
UPSC CAPF syllabus: The Union Public Service Commission conducts the Central Armed Police Forces Assistant Commandant examination every year. This examination is an important opportunity for candidates who want to join forces such as the Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Central Industrial Security Force, and Sashastra Seema Bal as Assistant Commandants.
Understanding the UPSC CAPF syllabus is very important for candidates preparing for the examination. The syllabus explains the topics that appear in the exam and helps candidates organize their preparation in a systematic way. When students clearly understand the subjects and exam pattern, they can plan their study schedule more effectively.
The examination includes written tests, physical tests, a medical examination, and an interview round. Each stage evaluates different abilities of the candidates, including knowledge, analytical thinking, communication skills, and physical fitness.
Here, we’ll explain the syllabus, exam pattern, subjects, and structure of the CAPF Assistant Commandant examination.
The UPSC CAPF AC Syllabus 2026 is divided into two written papers. These papers assess the candidate’s knowledge in general awareness, reasoning ability, writing skills, and understanding of national and international issues.
The written examination is the first stage of the selection process. Candidates who qualify in this stage are invited for the physical efficiency test and medical examination.
The syllabus mainly focuses on topics related to history, geography, polity, economy, science, and current events. In addition, candidates are also evaluated on their writing ability through essays and comprehension questions.
The selection process has three main stages: a written exam, physical tests, and an interview. Understanding the CAPF AC Exam Pattern 2026 is the first step toward a good preparation strategy.
| CAPF AC Exam Pattern 2026 | ||
| Stage | Test Type | Marks |
| Stage I | Written Exam (Paper 1 & 2) | 450 Marks |
| Stage II | Physical & Medical Tests | Qualifying |
| Stage III | Interview/Personality Test | 150 Marks |
The written stage consists of two papers held on the same day. Here is the CAPF AC Written Exam Structure:
Paper I: This is an objective test with multiple-choice questions. It focuses on General Ability and Intelligence.
Paper II: This is a descriptive test. It focuses on General Studies, Essays, and Comprehension.
Candidates must pass Paper I first. The commission only checks Paper II if the candidate meets the qualifying marks in Paper I.
The UPSC CAPF exam syllabus is divided into two main papers. Paper 1 assesses General Ability and Intelligence. Paper 2 covers General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension.
Paper 1 focuses on General Ability and Intelligence. It includes various subjects crucial for a well-rounded understanding.
| UPSC CAPF Paper 1 Syllabus 2026 | |
| Subject Name | Topics |
| General Mental Ability | Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, Numerical Ability, and Data Interpretation. |
| Indian History | Social, economic, and political aspects. This includes the growth of nationalism and the freedom movement. |
| General Science | General Awareness, scientific temper, and understanding of scientific phenomena. Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Environmental Science are also covered. |
| Current Events | National and international importance. Broad areas include Arts & Culture, Music, Literature, Sports, Governance, Societal and developmental issues, Industry, Business, Globalisation, and relations among nations. |
| Indian and World Geography | Physical, social, and economic geography of India and the World. |
| Indian Polity and Economy | India’s political system and Constitution. Social Systems and Public Administration. Economic Development in India. Regional and international security challenges and human rights indicators. |
Paper 2 is a descriptive test. It evaluates language skills, comprehension, and general knowledge. Candidates can answer in English or Hindi.
| UPSC CAPF Paper 2 Syllabus | ||
| Part | Subject | Topics |
| Part A | Essay questions | Modern Indian History (especially the freedom struggle), Geography, Polity, Economy. Knowledge of Security and Human Rights issues. Analytical Ability. |
| Part B | Comprehension, précis writing, and language skills | Comprehension passages, Précis writing. Developing counter arguments. Simple grammar and other language testing aspects. |
Candidates clearing the written exam proceed to the Physical Efficiency Test (PET). This stage includes various physical tasks with specific time limits.
| PET Requirements | ||
| Event | Males | Females |
| 100 Meters Race | 16 Seconds | 18 seconds |
| 800 Meters Race | 3 minutes 45 seconds | 4 minutes 45 seconds |
| Long Jump (3 chances) | 3.5 Meters | 3.0 meters |
| Shot Put (7.26 Kgs) | 4.5 Meters | - |
The Physical Standard Test (PST) ensures candidates meet the required physical measurements. Specific height, chest, and weight criteria apply.
| Physical Standard Test Requirements | ||||
| Sex | Height (cm) | Chest Girth (Expanded) (cm) | Expansion (cm) | Weight (kg) |
| Male | 165 | 81 | 5 | 50 |
| Female | 157 | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | 46 |
After physical tests, candidates undergo a medical standard test. This ensures physical fitness for the CAPF AC role. Vision standards are a key component.
| Medical Standard Requirements | ||
| Medical Standard Specifications | Better Eye (Corrected Vision) | Worse Eye (Corrected Vision) |
| Specification for Near Vision | N6 | N9 |
| Specification for Distant Vision | 6/6 or 6/9 | 6/12 or 6/9 |
The final stage is the Interview/Personality Test. It carries 150 marks. Shortlisted candidates fill a Comprehensive Application Form (DAF) to indicate force preferences.
The CAPF AC Subject-wise Syllabus includes a wide range of academic and analytical topics. These subjects are selected to evaluate the candidate’s knowledge about society, governance, and global affairs.
Major subjects covered in the syllabus include:
General Ability and Reasoning
Indian History
Geography
General Science
Current Affairs
Indian Polity
Economy
Essay Writing
Comprehension and Language Skills
Preparing each subject with a clear understanding helps candidates perform better in the written examination.
Timing is critical for success in this competitive exam. Here is the breakdown of the UPSC CAPF Exam Duration & Marks:
Paper I: 2 hours duration for 250 marks.
Paper II: 3 hours duration for 200 marks.
Preparing for the CAPF Assistant Commandant examination requires a clear understanding of the syllabus and exam structure. The UPSC CAPF syllabus and UPSC CAPF Marking Scheme provide a detailed guide to the subjects and topics that candidates need to study.
The examination process includes written tests, physical tests, medical evaluation, and a personality interview. Each stage evaluates different skills and qualities required for leadership roles in the armed forces.
Candidates who follow a structured preparation strategy and regularly revise important topics can improve their performance in the examination. Understanding the exam pattern and syllabus helps students stay focused and prepare with confidence for the upcoming CAPF Assistant Commandant recruitment examination.
| UPSC CAPF Related Link | |
| UPSC CAPF Apply Online | UPSC CAPF Eligibility |
| UPSC CAPF Salary | UPSC CAPF Selection Process |
