Introduction
The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Assistant Commandant Exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is one of the most prestigious exams for aspirants who dream of becoming officers in India’s paramilitary forces like BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.
If you are a beginner and planning to appear for the CAPF AC 2026 Exam, you may feel overwhelmed about where to start. Don’t worry—many toppers once started from scratch and achieved success with the right guidance, smart strategies, and consistent preparation.
At Victor Growth, we specialize in helping aspirants start their CAPF journey from zero and build up step by step until they achieve success. Let’s explore how you can start your CAPF preparation from scratch and turn it into a winning journey.
✅ Step 1: Understand the CAPF Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Before diving into books, you must know what the exam demands.
CAPF AC Exam Pattern
Paper I (Objective) – General Ability & Intelligence (250 Marks)
Current Affairs, History, Polity, Geography, Science, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning.
Paper II (Descriptive) – General Studies, Essay & Comprehension (200 Marks)
Essay writing on national security, governance, or social issues.
Comprehension, précis, and grammar.
Physical Standards Test (PST) & Medical Test – Height, chest, weight, vision.
Interview/Personality Test – 150 Marks.
👉 Victor Growth begins CAPF coaching with a detailed orientation on exam structure, so beginners know what exactly to prepare for.
✅ Step 2: Build a Strong Foundation (Start Small)
If you are starting from scratch:
Begin with NCERT Books (Class 6–12) for History, Geography, Polity, and Science.
Read basic newspapers (The Hindu / Indian Express) daily for current affairs.
Start practicing simple Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning questions.
👉 At Victor Growth, beginners get a foundation course that covers NCERT basics and slowly transitions to advanced UPSC-level preparation.
✅ Step 3: Subject-Wise Preparation Strategy
📘 General Studies (Paper I)
History: Modern India (freedom struggle) is most important.
Geography: Focus on Indian geography, resources, environment.
Polity: Laxmikanth’s Indian Polity is a must-read.
Economy: Basics of Indian economy and current updates.
Science: Everyday applications of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
📝 Essay & English (Paper II)
Practice writing essays (1000–1200 words).
Work on grammar, comprehension, and précis writing.
Read editorials to improve vocabulary and content depth.
🏃 Physical & Medical Standards
Daily running, push-ups, sit-ups, and stamina-building exercises.
Maintain proper BMI and overall fitness.
✅ Step 4: Make a 6–8 Month Preparation Plan
If you’re starting from zero, divide your journey into phases:
First 2 Months – NCERTs + basics of aptitude and reasoning.
Next 3 Months – Standard reference books (Polity, Economy, GK) + daily current affairs.
Final 3 Months – Mock tests, answer writing practice, revision, fitness drills.
👉 Victor Growth provides customized study plans for beginners, ensuring steady progress without burnout.
✅ Step 5: Practice Mock Tests & Answer Writing
For Paper I: Take weekly mock tests to improve speed.
For Paper II: Practice 2–3 essays per week and get them evaluated.
Revise previous year CAPF papers to understand UPSC’s style.
👉 At Victor Growth, every aspirant gets test series + performance feedback to track improvement.
✅ Step 6: Stay Consistent & Motivated
Starting from scratch may feel tough initially, but consistency is key. Small daily efforts compound into big results. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who push you forward.
👉 Victor Growth provides personal mentorship and motivational sessions, ensuring aspirants never feel lost in their journey.
🎯 Why Choose Victor Growth for CAPF Preparation?
📘 Beginner-friendly courses for those starting from scratch.
📝 Structured syllabus coverage with NCERT to advanced level.
🏆 Weekly mock tests and test series based on UPSC standards.
🪖 Fitness and personality development sessions for PST & interview.
🎯 One-on-one mentorship to guide aspirants personally.
With Victor Growth, even a beginner can confidently prepare and crack the CAPF AC exam in the first attempt.
❓ FAQs on Starting CAPF Preparation from Scratch
Q1. How many months are enough to prepare for CAPF from scratch?
6–8 months of focused preparation is sufficient if you follow a structured plan.
Q2. Which books should I start with for CAPF?
Start with NCERTs (Class 6–12) and then move to standard books like Laxmikanth for Polity, Spectrum for History, and newspapers for current affairs.
Q3. Can I clear CAPF without coaching if I start from zero?
Yes, but coaching like Victor Growth saves time, gives you structured guidance, and provides mock test practice, making your preparation more effective.
Q4. How should I prepare for the CAPF essay paper?
Practice essays on topics like national security, governance, women empowerment, environment, and defence issues. Join Victor Growth’s essay writing workshops for expert evaluation.
Q5. How important is fitness for CAPF?
Fitness is crucial. Without clearing the Physical Standards Test (PST), you cannot move to the interview stage. Daily running and stamina-building exercises are essential.
✅ If you are starting your CAPF preparation from scratch, remember: success comes with consistency, practice, and guidance. Join Victor Growth to transform your preparation journey and take the first step towards becoming a proud Assistant Commandant in CAPF.