UPSC CAPF 2026 Answer Key Released: Download Provisional Key for Assistant Commandants Exam Now

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the provisional answer key for the Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination 2026, one of the most keenly awaited recruitment exams for officer-level posts in India's paramilitary forces. Candidates who sat for the UPSC CAPF AC 2026 exam on July 19, 2026, can now log on to the official UPSC website, upsc.gov.in, to download the key and check their probable scores before the next stage of the selection process begins.

The provisional answer key has been made available for every question paper booklet series, giving candidates a full window to match their responses and estimate their likely marks ahead of the release of the official CAPF result and cutoff.

How to Download UPSC CAPF 2026 Answer Key: Step-by-Step

Candidates can follow this simple process to access and download the UPSC CAPF answer key PDF:

1. Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.

2. Click on the "Examinations" tab on the homepage.

3. Select "Answer Keys" from the drop-down menu.

4. Open the link titled "Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination, 2026 – Provisional Answer Key."

5. Choose and download the PDF matching your question paper booklet series (A, B, C, or D).

6. Cross-check each response against the official key to calculate your expected marks.

7. Save or print the PDF for future reference and for raising objections, if applicable.

Since booklet series vary by exam centre and seating arrangement, candidates must download only the answer key that corresponds to their own booklet code to get an accurate score estimate.

UPSC CAPF AC 2026 Exam Details: Dates, Shifts and Pattern

The UPSC CAPF 2026 written examination was conducted on July 19, 2026, across designated centres nationwide, in two shifts:

• Paper I – General Ability and Intelligence: 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon

• Paper II – General Studies, Essay and Comprehension: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

This recruitment cycle is aimed at filling 349 Assistant Commandant vacancies across the Central Armed Police Forces, making it one of the largest CAPF officer-recruitment drives in recent years.

What Is the UPSC CAPF Examination?

The Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination, commonly known as UPSC CAPF, is conducted annually by the UPSC to recruit Assistant Commandants — Group A Gazetted Officers — into India's Central Armed Police Forces. Officers selected through this exam are commissioned into:

• Border Security Force (BSF)

• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

• Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)

• Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)

• Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

Beyond the written paper, shortlisted candidates must clear the Physical Standards Test (PST), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), a detailed medical examination, and a personality/interview round before final selection. This multi-stage process is designed to evaluate not just academic knowledge but also leadership potential, decision-making ability and physical fitness required for officer-rank roles in the CAPFs.

Why This Matters for Candidates

With the provisional answer key now live, candidates have a limited window to raise objections, if the process allows, before UPSC finalises the answer key and proceeds to declare results. Aspirants are advised to:

• Download the correct booklet series answer key only.

• Recalculate scores using the official marking scheme.

• Track the UPSC website regularly for result and PST/PET schedule updates.

• Begin preparing early for the Physical Standards Test given the physically demanding nature of CAPF roles.