CAPF AC 2026: Eligibility, Syllabus & Preparation
The UPSC CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) Assistant Commandant (AC) Exam 2026 notification is expected to be released on February 18, 2026, on the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in). The application process will begin on the same day, with the last date to apply being March 10, 2026. The written examination is tentatively scheduled for July 19, 2026.
The exam comprises two papers, with Paper 1 covering subjects such as general mental ability, general science, current affairs, Indian polity and economy, history, and geography. Paper 1 will be of two hours’ duration and consist of objective multiple-choice questions. Eligibility generally requires candidates to be between 20 and 25 years of age and to meet specified physical standards.
Successful candidates are recruited as Assistant Commandants across various CAPF forces, including CRPF, CISF, BSF, ITBP, and SSB, offering an opportunity to serve in leadership roles within India’s paramilitary forces.
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CAPF AC 2026 Exam Dates
Notification Release: February 18, 2026
Application Start: February 18, 2026
Last Date to Apply: March 10, 2026
Exam Date: July 19, 2026 (tentative)
Candidates are advised to regularly visit the official UPSC website for updates on the syllabus, vacancies, and exam guidelines.
CAPF AC 2026 Application Form
The CAPF AC 2026 application form will be released by UPSC on March 11, 2026, with the last date for submission being March 31, 2026. The entire application process is conducted online and can be completed through the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) or the UPSC online application portal.
Application Process for CAPF AC 2026
Visit the official UPSC website and complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) by providing basic personal information.
Log in using the credentials received after registration to access the CAPF AC 2026 application form.
Carefully fill in all personal, academic, and contact details.
Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and educational certificates as per the prescribed formats and sizes.
Pay the application fee online via credit/debit card or net banking, or offline through bank challan if available.
Select three exam center preferences from the available options.
Submit the application form and download the confirmation page and fee receipt for future reference.
Documents and Details Required
Active email ID and mobile number for registration and OTP verification.
Scanned recent photograph (20KB to 300KB, with date and light background).
Scanned signature (20KB to 300KB, black ink on white background).
Educational certificates, including 10th and 12th marksheets.
Category certificate (if applicable).
Payment details for the application fee.
Candidates must ensure eligibility before applying and carefully follow all instructions to avoid rejection of the application form.
Eligibility Criteria for CAPF AC 2026
Before submitting the application, candidates must ensure they fulfill the required eligibility conditions. For CAPF AC 2026, the key criteria include:
Educational Qualification:
Applicants should possess a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Students in their final year who are awaiting results are also eligible to apply.
Age Limit:
Candidates must be between 20 and 25 years of age. Age relaxations are available for reserved category applicants as per government regulations.
Nationality:
Only Indian citizens can apply. However, individuals from Nepal, Bhutan, and certain Tibetan refugees may also be considered under specific government-approved conditions.
Physical Standards:
As the CAPF is part of the paramilitary forces, applicants must meet strict physical requirements, including prescribed standards for height, chest expansion, and eyesight.
CAPF AC 2026 Syllabus
The UPSC CAPF AC 2026 examination includes two written papers. Paper 1, titled General Ability and Intelligence, carries 250 marks and consists of 125 objective questions to be completed in 2 hours. Paper 2, titled General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension, is a descriptive paper of 200 marks with 6 questions, and the duration is 3 hours. Paper 1 has a one-third negative marking for incorrect answers, whereas Paper 2 has no negative marking. The syllabus generally remains unchanged each year and is officially provided in the UPSC notification.
Paper 1 Syllabus
Paper 1 focuses on assessing the candidate’s general mental ability through multiple-choice questions across various areas:
General Mental Ability: Logical reasoning, numerical ability, quantitative aptitude, and data interpretation.
General Science: Basic scientific concepts, everyday scientific applications, and recent developments in IT, biotechnology, and environmental science.
Current Events: Major national and international happenings, sports, awards, culture, literature, governance, industry, and globalization.
Indian Polity and Economy: The Indian political system, Constitution, public administration, economic development, regional security, and human rights.
History of India: Nationalist movement, freedom struggle, and key social, economic, and political developments.
Indian and World Geography: Physical, social, and economic geography, including climate, natural resources, planetary winds, and regional geography.
Paper 2 Syllabus
Paper 2 is descriptive and divided into two parts—Part A (80 marks) and Part B (120 marks).
Part A – Essay (Hindi or English): Essays on themes related to modern Indian history, the freedom movement, geography, polity, economy, security issues, human rights, and analytical topics.
Part B – Comprehension and Language (English only): Includes précis writing, comprehension passages, communication skills, counter-arguments, and basic grammar.
CAPF AC 2026 physical standards
Physical Standards Test (PST)
To qualify for CAPF AC, candidates must meet the prescribed height, weight, and (for males) chest measurements. These standards are based on age and height.
| Category | Height | Chest (Unexpanded) | Expansion | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 165 cm | 81 cm | 5 cm | Minimum 50 kg (proportionate) |
| Female | 157 cm | — | — | Minimum 46 kg (proportionate) |
Weight requirements differ across age groups (18–22, 23–27, 28–32, 33–37 years). Complete charts are provided in the official UPSC notification.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
After clearing PST, candidates must pass the following performance-based tasks:
100m Sprint: Male ≤ 16 sec; Female ≤ 18 sec
800m Run: Male ≤ 3 min 45 sec; Female ≤ 4 min 45 sec
Long Jump: Male 3.5 m (5 attempts); Female 3 m
Shot Put: Male 4.5 m (7.26 kg); Female 3 m (4 kg)
Medical Standards
Candidates must be physically and mentally fit, with acceptable vision standards:
Better eye: 6/6 or 6/9
Worse eye: 6/9 or 6/12 (with correction)
Conditions such as flat feet, knock knees, varicose veins, hernia, and other chronic issues can lead to disqualification. Complete medical guidelines and category-specific relaxations are available in the official UPSC notification.
CAPF AC 2026 Expected Vacancy
The CAPF Assistant Commandant (AC) 2026 recruitment is expected to offer around 350–360 vacancies. This estimate is slightly lower than the 357 posts announced for the 2025 cycle, indicating that the vacancy range has remained fairly consistent in recent years. The exact number of openings will be confirmed once UPSC issues the official CAPF AC 2026 notification, which is likely to be released on February 18, 2026.
Vacancy Trends and Expected Numbers
In 2025, UPSC announced 357 vacancies across CAPF forces such as BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.
For the 2026 cycle, projections continue to hover above 350 posts, driven by organizational expansion and ongoing manpower requirements.
The precise vacancy distribution for each force will be published in the official UPSC notification in early 2026.
Important Dates for CAPF AC 2026
Notification Release: Expected on February 18, 2026
Application Window: Will open shortly after the notification
Exam Date: Scheduled for July 19, 2026
Aspirants targeting CAPF AC 2026 should keep an eye on UPSC’s official website and plan their preparation considering the anticipated vacancy range of 350 positions.
CAPF AC FAQs
The CAPF Assistant Commandant (AC) salary in India starts with a basic pay of ₹56,100 under Level 10 of the 7th CPC pay matrix. Including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and other allowances, the total monthly salary ranges from ₹70,000 to ₹80,000 for new recruits. With experience and promotions, the salary can increase significantly, along with additional benefits like medical facilities, pension, and travel concessions.
Yes, generally CAPF AC (Central Armed Police Forces Assistant Commandant) is considered slightly tougher than CDS (Combined Defence Services) in terms of selection because of the nature of the exam and the candidate pool. CAPF AC focuses more on reasoning, general knowledge, and law/administrative awareness along with physical and psychological tests, and the competition includes candidates with specialized knowledge in law, policing, or security services. CDS is broader and caters mainly to graduates aiming for the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force, with a heavier emphasis on mathematics and English. However, both exams are competitive, and toughness can vary depending on an individual’s strengths—CDS favors strong academics, while CAPF AC demands a combination of intellect, awareness, and physical/mental fitness.
Yes, the CAPF Assistant Commandant (AC) position is a permanent government job under the central armed police forces in India. Once selected through the UPSC-conducted CAPF AC exam and completing training, officers are appointed on a regular basis with a pension and other government benefits. It offers job security, career growth, and opportunities for promotions within the force, making it a stable long-term career option in law enforcement.
Yes, CAPF Assistant Commandants (ACs) can join the Indian Army, but not directly into regular Army commissions. They may be eligible for lateral entry into certain branches of the Army, such as the Territorial Army or through deputation, depending on the rules and vacancies at the time. However, joining the regular Army as an officer usually requires clearing the relevant Army entrance exams like the Combined Defence Services (CDS) or being commissioned through other official Army recruitment channels. Essentially, while CAPF AC experience is valuable, direct permanent commission into the Army is not automatic.
Yes, CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) Assistant Commandants (ACs) can join RAW, but not directly. CAPF officers can apply for deputation or absorption into intelligence agencies like RAW or IB after meeting certain eligibility criteria, usually including service experience, performance record, and clearance from their parent cadre. The selection process involves screening, interviews, and security clearances, and only a limited number of officers are selected for such postings. So while CAPF ACs are eligible, joining RAW requires additional selection steps and approvals.