The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Assistant Commandant (AC) exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is one of India’s most prestigious paramilitary leadership recruitment examinations. It offers a direct entry into Group-A Gazetted Officer roles in forces such as BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.
If you aspire to join India’s elite uniformed leadership, this guide explains everything you need to know — eligibility, exam pattern, selection process, syllabus, salary, career growth, and more.
What is CAPF Assistant Commandant?
A CAPF Assistant Commandant is a commissioned officer responsible for leading platoons/companies, maintaining law & order, counter-insurgency operations, border management, and internal security duties.
This post offers:
High status as a Group-A Gazetted Officer
Excellent pay & allowances
Career growth comparable to other Central Government armed services
Opportunity to serve the nation in challenging operational roles
Eligibility Criteria for CAPF Assistant Commandant
To apply for the UPSC CAPF AC exam, candidates must meet the following eligibility norms:
1. Nationality
Must be a citizen of India
Certain categories of Nepal/Bhutan citizens may apply under specific rules
2. Educational Qualification
Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university
Candidates awaiting final-year results may apply but must produce proof before final selection
3. Age Limit
20 to 25 years
Age is calculated as of 1st August of the exam year
Age Relaxation
| Category | Upper Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC | +3 years |
| SC/ST | +5 years |
| Civilian Central Govt. employees | +5 years |
| Ex-servicemen | As per rules |
4. Physical Standards
To qualify, candidates must meet UPSC-prescribed physical requirements.
For Male Candidates
Height: 165 cm
Chest: 81 cm (with 5 cm expansion)
Weight: 50 kg
For Female Candidates
Height: 157 cm
Weight: 46 kg
5. Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
| Test | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 100m Race | 16 sec | 18 sec |
| 800m Race | 3 min 45 sec | 4 min 45 sec |
| Long Jump | 3.5 m | 3.0 m |
| Shot Put (7.26 kg) | 4.5 m | — |
Note: PET is qualifying in nature.
CAPF Assistant Commandant Selection Process
The CAPF exam is conducted in four stages:
1. Written Examination (Paper I + Paper II)
Conducted by UPSC
2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Medical Standards
Conducted by CAPF forces
3. Interview / Personality Test
Conducted by UPSC
4. Final Merit List
Based on:
Paper I Marks
Paper II Marks
Interview Marks
CAPF Assistant Commandant Exam Pattern
The exam consists of two papers conducted on the same day.
Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence
Objective type
250 marks
Negative marking: Yes
Covers:
Reasoning ability
Quantitative aptitude
General knowledge
Current affairs
Geography, Polity, Economy, Science
Paper II: General Studies, Essay & Comprehension
Descriptive paper
200 marks
Includes:
Essays on national security, modern India, governance, etc.
Comprehension
Report writing
Grammar & language skills
Total Marks (Written + Interview)
| Stage | Marks |
|---|---|
| Written Exam | 450 |
| Interview | 150 |
| Total | 600 |
Detailed Syllabus for CAPF AC Exam
Paper I
Current events of national & international importance
History of India
Indian Polity & Constitution
Indian Economy
Geography
Reasoning & mental ability
Numerical aptitude
General science
Paper II
Essays: Security issues, nation-building, governance, women empowerment, disaster management
Précis writing
Comprehension
Report writing
Grammar & vocabulary
Medical Standards
Candidates must be free from:
Color blindness
Knock-knee
Flat foot
Vision defects beyond prescribed limits
Eyesight Requirement
6/6 or 6/9 (distant vision)
Refraction limits apply
CAPF Assistant Commandant Salary & Benefits
Starting Salary (7th CPC)
Pay Band: INR 56,100 – 1,77,500
Grade: Group-A Gazetted
Allowances
Dearness allowance
House rent allowance
Uniform allowance
Ration allowance
Hard area allowance
Special duty allowance
Medical facilities
CSD canteen benefits
Career Growth of CAPF Assistant Commandant
| Rank | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Assistant Commandant | Entry |
| Deputy Commandant | ~5–6 years |
| Second-in-Command | ~10–12 years |
| Commandant | ~15–18 years |
| DIG | ~20+ years |
| IG | ~25+ years |
| ADG | Senior rank |
| DG | Top-most rank |
How to Apply for CAPF Assistant Commandant Exam
Visit UPSC official website
Register in One Time Registration (OTR)
Fill CAPF AC application form
Upload photo, signature, ID proof
Pay fee (₹200 for General/OBC, exempt for SC/ST/Female)
Download application PDF
Effective Preparation Strategy
Start with NCERTs for basics
Read newspapers daily for current affairs
Practice answer-writing for Paper II
Attempt regular mock tests
Maintain physical fitness for PET
Follow a structured timetable
FAQs on CAPF Assistant Commandant
1. Who conducts the CAPF Assistant Commandant exam?
UPSC conducts the exam annually.
2. How many attempts are allowed?
There is no official attempt limit, only age limit applies.
3. Can women apply for CAPF AC?
Yes, women can apply for all forces except certain combat roles per force guidelines.
4. Is the CAPF AC exam tough?
It is moderately tough and competitive, similar to other UPSC exams.
5. Can final-year students apply?
Yes, but they must submit proof of graduation before the final selection.
6. What is the training period after selection?
Training generally lasts 1 year at CAPF academies.
7. Is there negative marking in Paper I?
Yes, UPSC applies negative marking for wrong answers
