A Complete Step-by-Step Preparation Plan for UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant Exam

The UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant (AC) exam is one of the most competitive paramilitary officer entry exams in India. Thousands apply each year, but only a small percentage make it to the final merit list. Clearing it in the first attempt is absolutely possible—with the right strategy, discipline, and smart guidance.

This guide provides the most effective, practical, and result-oriented strategy to crack the CAPF AC exam on your first attempt.

✅ Understanding the CAPF AC Exam Structure

Before starting preparation, know the exam pattern clearly:

1. Paper 1 – General Ability & Intelligence (Objective, 250 Marks)

Includes:

• General Science

• Geography

• Polity

• Economy

• History

• Current Affairs

• Reasoning / Mental Ability

• Quantitative Aptitude

2. Paper 2 – General Studies, Essay & Comprehension (Descriptive, 200 Marks)

Includes:

• Essays (National Security, Policing, Governance, Social issues)

• Reading Comprehension

• Precis Writing

• Report Writing

• Grammar & Language skills

3. Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

• 100m race

• 800m race

• Long Jump

• Shot Put

4. Interview / Personality Test – 150 Marks

⭐ Best Strategy to Crack CAPF AC Exam in First Attempt

1. Build a Strong Foundation in GS (The Real Game-Changer)

A major portion of Paper 1 is static + current affairs. Preparation must include:

Recommended Books

• NCERTs (6–12) – History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science

• M. Laxmikanth – Polity

• Spectrum – Modern History

• Lucent / NCERT Geography – Geography basics

• Economic Survey & Budget (Summary)

Smart Strategy

• Cover NCERTs in 8–10 weeks.

• Make short notes for revision.

• Solve 20 MCQs daily.

2. Master Reasoning & Quant – High Accuracy Zone

These areas guarantee marks if practiced well.

Focus Areas

• Analogy, Classification

• Number Series, Syllogism

• Data Interpretation

• Basic Arithmetic (Profit-loss, Time-distance, Ratio)

How to Prepare

• Practice 50 questions daily

• Use previous years’ papers to understand UPSC trend

• Attempt mock tests weekly

3. Current Affairs – 40% Weightage in CAPF AC

Current affairs are heavily tested in Paper 1 + Essay.

Sources

• The Hindu / Indian Express

• PIB

• Monthly current affairs magazine (VictorGrowth recommended)

• Yojana + Kurukshetra summaries

What to Study

• Defence & Security issues

• IR and National Affairs

• Environment & Disaster management

• Government schemes

• Economy basics

4. Essay Writing Strategy for Paper 2

Essay is a scoring section—but only with structured writing.

Follow the IBC Format

• Introduction – Define the theme + Latest data

• Body

  • Causes

  • Impacts

  • Measures

  • Government initiatives

• Conclusion – Way Forward + Vision

Practice Essays On

• Internal Security

• Role of CAPF in Policing

• Women empowerment

• Disaster management

• Naxalism / Terrorism

Write 1 essay every week.

5. Practice Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs)

UPSC repeats concepts often.
Solve last 10 years PYQs—both Paper 1 and Paper 2.

Benefits:
✅ Understand UPSC pattern
✅ Improve answer accuracy
❌ Avoid unnecessary topics

6. Attempt Full-Length Mock Tests

Mock tests simulate the real exam environment.

How Many Mocks?

• Paper 1: 20–25 mock tests

• Paper 2: 10 descriptive tests

Why Mocks Matter

• Improve speed

• Identify weak areas

• Boost confidence

7. Physical Fitness Training for PET

Start physical training 3 months before the PET.

Daily Routine (45–60 mins)

• 800m stamina run

• Sprint practice (100m)

• Long jump drills

• Strength training for shot-put

Tip: Don’t ignore fitness—the PET eliminates a lot of candidates.

8. Build Officer-Like Personality for Interview

UPSC board tests leadership qualities such as:

• Communication skills

• Confidence

• Decision-making

• Awareness about CAPFs

• Positive body language

How to prepare

• Practice mock interviews

• Read about CAPF roles (BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB)

• Follow national security issues

9. Follow a Timetable (Highly Result-Oriented)

Daily Study Plan (For Working / Students)

10. Stay Consistent – The Most Important Factor

Consistency > Intelligence.

• Study 4–5 hours daily

• Revise weekly

• Practice MCQs daily

• Stay disciplined

• Avoid too many materials

Conclusion

Cracking the UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant exam in the first attempt is achievable with a smart preparation strategy. Focus equally on Paper 1, Paper 2, fitness, and interview. Stay disciplined, practice PYQs, and revise regularly.

With the right strategy and guidance, your first attempt can be your last attempt—and your journey to becoming a CAPF officer starts now.

FAQs on CAPF AC Preparation

1. Can I crack CAPF AC in the first attempt?

Yes. With a structured plan, consistent study, and mock test practice, it is absolutely possible.

2. How many months are required for CAPF preparation?

Generally, 4–6 months of focused preparation is sufficient.

3. Which book is best for CAPF AC Paper 1?

Use NCERTs, Laxmikanth, Spectrum, and any good monthly current affairs magazine.

4. Is coaching necessary for CAPF AC?

Coaching is helpful but not mandatory. Self-study + PYQs is enough.

5. How do I prepare the essay for Paper 2?

Practice weekly, use structured format (Intro–Body–Conclusion), and read on internal security issues.

6. How important is physical fitness for CAPF AC?

PET is qualifying but mandatory. Start training 2–3 months early.