UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 349 Vacancies
Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination 2026
- Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the answer key for the CAPF AC Examination 2026.
- Exam Name: Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination, 2026.
- Post Name: Assistant Commandant (AC) in various armed forces.
- Total Vacancies: 349 posts across Central Armed Police Forces.
- Exam Date: The written examination was successfully conducted on 19 July 2026.
- Answer Key Date: The provisional answer key was published on 22 July 2026.
- Paper Covered: Paper 1 (General Ability and Intelligence) objective paper.
- Question Sets: Released set-wise for Booklet Series Set A, Set B, Set C, and Set D.
- Marking Scheme: Paper 1 carries 250 marks across 125 questions (1 question dropped, 124 considered for final scoring).
- Negative Marking: One-third (1/3) mark is deducted for every incorrect response in Paper 1.
- Objection Window: Candidates can submit representations against provisional keys via the official UPSC portal within the prescribed timeline.
- Next Stages: Selection process involves Written Exam, PST/PET, Medical Test, Interview/Personality Test, and Document Verification.
Important Dates
Salary & Pay Scale
Documents Required for Application
- Valid Photo ID Card (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License)
- 10th / Matriculation Certificate for Age Proof
- Graduation Degree Certificate / Mark Sheets
- Category / Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Disability Certificate (if applicable)
- Discharge Certificate for Ex-Servicemen (if applicable)
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized University or Institution.
- Candidates appearing in the final year of their qualifying degree are also eligible provisionally.
Vacancy Details – Post Wise
| Post Name | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Assistant Commandant (AC) | 349 |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Not Specified |
| SC / ST | Nil / Exempted |
| PH / PWD | Nil / Exempted |
| Female | Nil / Exempted |
| Ex-Servicemen | Nil / Exempted |
| Payment Mode | Online |
Age Limit
Selection & Exam Process
Phase I: Written Examination
- Paper 1: General Ability and Intelligence (Objective Type – 250 Marks)
- Paper 2: General Studies, Essay and Comprehension (Descriptive Type – 200 Marks)
Phase II: Physical Standards Test (PST) & Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Physical fitness assessment (Qualifying in nature)
Phase III: Medical Standards Test (MST)
- Detailed medical evaluation (Qualifying in nature)
Phase IV: Interview / Personality Test
- Carries 150 Marks, conducted for candidates qualifying MST
Phase V: Final Merit List & Document Verification
- Final selection based on aggregate marks obtained in Written Examination and Interview.
UPSC CAPF AC Exam Pattern 2026
| Paper | Subject Type | Duration | Marks | Questions / Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | General Ability and Intelligence (Objective) | 2 Hours | 250 Marks | 125 Questions (1/3rd Negative Marking) |
| Paper 2 | General Studies, Essay & Comprehension (Descriptive) | 3 Hours | 200 Marks | Descriptive Essay, Precis, Reading Comprehension |
How to Apply – Step by Step
- Visit the official portal of Union Public Service Commission at upsc.gov.in.
- Navigate to the Examinations section and select Answer Keys.
- Click on the link for Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2026.
- Download the Paper 1 Answer Key PDF for your specific booklet series (Set A, B, C, or D).
- Cross-check your marked answers against the official key to estimate your raw score.
- If any discrepancies are found, submit your objection via the official UPSC Online Objection Portal before the published deadline.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
UPSC CAPF AC Examination Strategy and Preparation Insights
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination is one of the most prestigious exams for candidates aspiring to serve as Gazetted Officers in Indian Security Forces including BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. Achieving success requires a clear understanding of the exam pattern, structured preparation, and precise execution.
Understanding the Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The selection process begins with a competitive written examination comprising two mandatory papers:
- Paper 1 (General Ability and Intelligence): This objective-type paper includes 125 questions carrying 250 marks. Topics cover General Mental Ability, General Science, Current Events of National and International Importance, Indian Polity and Economy, History of India, and World Geography. Candidates must note that 1/3rd negative marking applies for wrong answers.
- Paper 2 (General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension): This descriptive paper carries 200 marks. It tests candidates’ analytical skills, essay writing capability (in English or Hindi), precis writing, reading comprehension, and argument writing (strictly in English).
Score Calculation & Answer Key Analysis
With the release of the provisional answer key for Paper 1, candidates should meticulously evaluate their performance. When calculating expected scores, keep in mind that dropped questions (e.g., 1 question dropped out of 125 in the 2026 exam) are excluded from evaluation, meaning the remaining 124 questions are evaluated out of total marks. Multiply total correct responses by 2 marks and subtract 0.66 marks for every incorrect answer.
Key Preparation Tips for Subsequent Selection Stages
Qualifying the written exam is only the first step. Candidates who clear the written cutoff must prepare comprehensively for the physical and medical rounds:
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Regular endurance training is essential for events like the 100m sprint, 800m race, long jump, and shot put. Consistency in physical workouts prevents sudden injuries during testing.
- Medical Standards Test (MST): Maintain overall health, proper vision standards, and correct physical posture as per official guidelines to clear the medical evaluation smoothly.
- Interview / Personality Test (150 Marks): Focus on current affairs, internal security issues, foreign policy, personal background details, and situational decision-making skills to excel in the interview board interaction.
All information is compiled from official notifications for informational purposes only. Applicants must verify all details from the official notification PDF and official website before applying. We are not responsible for any error or inconvenience caused.