The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the CAPF (Assistant Commandants) Examination 2026 Notification. A total of 349 vacancies have been announced in BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.
If you are aiming to become a Group A Officer in Central Armed Police Forces, this is one of the most prestigious defence recruitment opportunities of 2026.
👉 Last Date to Apply: 12 March 2026 (6:00 PM)
👉 Exam Date: 19 July 2026
👉 Mode of Application: Online only
In this article, you’ll get complete details including eligibility, age limit, physical standards, exam pattern, syllabus, salary, selection process, important documents, common mistakes to avoid, and preparation strategy.
📌 CAPF AC 2026 Vacancy Details (Force-wise)
Total Vacancies: 349 Posts
| Force | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| BSF | 108 |
| CRPF | 106 |
| CISF | 70 |
| SSB | 53 |
| ITBP | 12 |
⚠ Vacancies are subject to change.
🎖 10% reserved for Ex-Servicemen.
🗓 Important Dates
- Notification Release: 20 February 2026
- Online Application Start: 20 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 12 March 2026 (6 PM)
- Written Examination: 19 July 2026
- Admit Card: One week before exam
👉 No application withdrawal allowed after submission.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
👤 Nationality
Must be an Indian citizen. (Subjects of Nepal/Bhutan allowed as per rules)
🎂 Age Limit (As on 1 August 2026)
- Minimum Age: 20 Years
- Maximum Age: 25 Years
- Born between: 02 Aug 2001 – 01 Aug 2006
Age Relaxation
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- Govt Servants/Ex-Servicemen: 5 years
⚠ Date of Birth once submitted cannot be changed later.
🎓 Educational Qualification
- Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.
- Final year students can apply (must produce proof before PST/PET stage).
💰 Application Fee
- ₹200 for General/OBC/EWS candidates
- SC/ST/Female candidates – No Fee
Payment Mode:
- Net Banking
- Debit/Credit Card
- UPI
⚠ Fee once paid is non-refundable.
📝 CAPF AC 2026 Selection Process
The selection process includes four stages:
1️⃣ Written Examination (450 Marks)
- Paper I: General Ability & Intelligence (250 Marks)
- Paper II: General Studies, Essay & Comprehension (200 Marks)
Paper I is objective type with negative marking.
Paper II includes descriptive writing.
2️⃣ Physical Standards Test (PST)
3️⃣ Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
4️⃣ Interview/Personality Test (150 Marks)
Final Merit = Written + Interview (Total 600 Marks)
Medical Test is qualifying in nature.
🏃 Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Details
For Male Candidates:
- 100m Race – 16 seconds
- 800m Race – 3 min 45 sec
- Long Jump – 3.5 meters
- Shot Put (7.26 kg) – 4.5 meters
For Female Candidates:
- 100m Race – 18 seconds
- 800m Race – 4 min 45 sec
- Long Jump – 3 meters
⚠ Start physical preparation early. 800m race eliminates many candidates.
📚 CAPF AC 2026 Exam Pattern & Syllabus
📖 Paper I – General Ability & Intelligence
- Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Aptitude
- General Science
- Current Affairs
- Polity & Economy
- History
- Geography
✍ Paper II – General Studies & Essay
- Essay (Hindi or English)
- Precis Writing (English only)
- Comprehension
- Grammar & Communication Skills
❗ Negative Marking Rule
- 1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer.
- Multiple answers = treated as wrong.
- No penalty for unanswered questions.
Smart attempt strategy is essential.
🛑 Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection
Many candidates lose opportunity due to small errors:
❌ Blurred live photo upload
❌ Incorrect OBC/EWS certificate date
❌ Wrong category selection
❌ OMR filling mistakes
❌ Multiple applications
❌ Carrying mobile phone to exam hall
❌ Not updating degree proof after written result
👉 Double-check everything before final submission.
📌 Important Documents Required
- Graduation Degree/Marksheet
- Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport etc.)
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- EWS/OBC Certificate (issued after 01 April 2025)
- Ex-Servicemen Certificate (if applicable)
📍 Exam Centres
The exam will be conducted across 57 cities including:
Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Lucknow, Jaipur, Ranchi, Pune, Chandigarh, etc.
Allocation is on “First Apply First Allot” basis.
👉 Apply early to get your preferred centre.
💼 CAPF AC Salary 2026 (Expected)
Assistant Commandant is a Group A Gazetted Officer post.
- Pay Level: Level 10
- Basic Pay: ₹56,100
- In-hand Salary: ₹75,000 – ₹85,000 (approx)
- Additional Benefits:
- DA
- HRA
- Transport Allowance
- Risk Allowance
- Pension Benefits
- Medical Facilities
🧠 Preparation Strategy for CAPF AC 2026
✔ Strengthen Polity, Economy & Current Affairs
✔ Practice 800m running daily
✔ Solve previous year papers
✔ Practice essay writing weekly
✔ Improve English comprehension
✔ Take mock tests for negative marking control
📊 Competition Level & Strategy Insight
With 349 vacancies nationwide, competition is intense.
Paper I acts as elimination stage.
Paper II decides rank.
Interview (150 marks) significantly impacts final merit.
Balanced preparation is key.
🔥 Why You Should Apply for CAPF AC 2026
✔ Direct Group A Officer Entry
✔ Central Government Job
✔ High Respect & Authority
✔ Attractive Salary & Benefits
✔ Job Security
✔ National Level Exposure
🚨 Final Advice for Applicants
- Do not wait till last date.
- Keep documents ready before applying.
- Check eligibility carefully.
- Start PET preparation immediately.
- Avoid exam hall rule violations.
📌 Direct Application Link
Apply Online at: upsconline.nic.in
Last Date: 12 March 2026 (6 PM)
🌐 Important Links
- Download Official Notification Pdf Here
- Official Website : upsc.gov.in
✅ You can also see Live & Upcoming Govt Jobs Here
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