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Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) | 2026
UPSC Assistant Commandant Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 349 Vacancies
Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination, 2026
Total Posts: 349
Category: All India Govt Jobs, Graduation Jobs
Job Type: Full-Time / Regular
Location: All India
⚡ Last Date to Apply: | Advt No: CAPF (ACs) Examination 2026 | Apply Mode: Online
- Recruiting Authority: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the CAPF AC Examination 2026.
- Post Name: Assistant Commandant (AC) across Central Armed Police Forces.
- Total Vacancies: 349 posts available across various armed police forces.
- Exam Date: Written examination successfully held on 19th July 2026.
- Answer Key Status: Provisional Answer Key for Paper 1 (General Ability and Intelligence) released on 22nd July 2026.
- Paper 1 Structure: Consisted of 125 objective-type questions carrying a total of 250 marks.
- Question Adjustment: 1 question dropped; 124 questions considered for final scoring.
- Negative Marking: One-third (1/3rd) mark deducted for each incorrect answer in Paper 1.
- Objection Facility: Candidates can raise representations/objections against the provisional answer key via the official UPSC portal.
- Selection Stages: Written Exam (Paper 1 & Paper 2), Physical Standards/Efficiency Test (PST/PET), Medical Test, and Interview/Personality Test.
- Official Portal: Answer keys, notices, and updates can be accessed at upsc.gov.in.
Important Dates
Apply Start
Last Date
Fee Last Date
Admit Card
Exam Date
19-07-2026
Result
Salary & Pay Scale
Starting Salary per Month
Allowances: DA, HRA, Transport Allowance, Hardship Allowance, and other central government benefits as applicable.
Documents Required for Application
- Graduation Degree Certificate / Marksheets
- Class 10th Certificate (Proof of Date of Birth)
- Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Passport, PAN Card)
- Category / Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Ex-Servicemen Discharge Certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size Photographs
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized University or equivalent institution.
Vacancy Details – Post Wise
| Post Name | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Assistant Commandant (AC) | 349 |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | |
| SC / ST | |
| PH / PWD | |
| Female | |
| Ex-Servicemen | |
| Payment Mode |
Age Limit
Minimum Age
20 Years
Maximum Age
25 Years
Age Cutoff Date
Age Relaxation: As per UPSC rules for SC/ST/OBC/Ex-Servicemen
Selection & Exam Process
Phase I: Written Examination
- Paper 1: General Ability and Intelligence (Objective, 250 Marks)
- Paper 2: General Studies, Essay and Comprehension (Descriptive, 200 Marks)
Phase II: Physical Standards Test (PST) & Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Qualifying in nature (100m race, 800m race, Long Jump, Shot Put).
Phase III: Medical Standards Test (MST)
- Qualifying medical examination conducted by designated medical officers.
Phase IV: Interview / Personality Test
- Carries 150 Marks; evaluated by UPSC Board.
Phase V: Final Merit List & Document Verification
- Based on aggregate marks obtained in Written Examination and Interview.
UPSC CAPF AC Written Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject Type | Duration | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | General Ability and Intelligence (Objective) | 2 Hours | 250 Marks |
| Paper 2 | General Studies, Essay & Comprehension (Descriptive) | 3 Hours | 200 Marks |
Note: Paper 1 has a 1/3rd negative marking penalty per incorrect answer. Paper 2 is evaluated only if minimum qualifying marks are secured in Paper 1.
How to Apply – Step by Step
- Visit the official portal of Union Public Service Commission at upsc.gov.in.
- Navigate to the ‘Examinations’ tab on the homepage and select ‘Answer Keys’.
- Click on the link for ‘Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2026’.
- Open and download the Paper 1 (General Ability and Intelligence) provisional answer key PDF.
- Identify your Question Booklet Series (Set A, Set B, Set C, or Set D) and cross-check your responses.
- In case of discrepancies, submit objections with valid proof through the official UPSC representation portal within the prescribed timeframe.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Has the UPSC CAPF AC Answer Key 2026 been released?
A: Yes, UPSC released the provisional answer key for Paper 1 (General Ability and Intelligence) on 22 July 2026.
Q: Where can I download the UPSC CAPF AC Answer Key 2026 PDF?
A: The answer key PDF is available on the official UPSC website, upsc.gov.in, under the Examinations and Answer Keys section.
Q: How many sets are there in the UPSC CAPF AC Answer Key 2026?
A: The answer key has been released for four sets: Set A, Set B, Set C, and Set D. Candidates must match their booklet series with the correct set.
Q: Is there negative marking in the UPSC CAPF Paper 1 exam?
A: Yes, one-third of a mark is deducted for every wrong answer in Paper 1.
Q: How many questions were there in UPSC CAPF Paper 1 2026?
A: Paper 1 had 125 questions carrying 250 marks. One question was dropped, so 124 questions will be considered for scoring.
Q: Can candidates challenge the UPSC CAPF provisional answer key 2026?
A: Yes, candidates who find discrepancies can raise objections through the official UPSC portal within the timeline specified in the official notice.
Q: Does the UPSC CAPF Answer Key 2026 include Paper 2 answers?
A: No. The released answer key covers only Paper 1 (General Ability and Intelligence), which is objective in nature. Paper 2 is descriptive and evaluated directly by examiners.
Q: What is the total number of vacancies in UPSC CAPF AC 2026?
A: UPSC CAPF AC 2026 recruitment is being conducted for 349 Assistant Commandant vacancies.
Preparation Strategy
Comprehensive Preparation Guide for UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant Examination
The Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandant) Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is one of the most prestigious competitive examinations in India. Securing the rank of Assistant Commandant (Group A officer) in BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, or SSB requires a structured strategy blending academic rigorousness, descriptive writing expertise, and robust physical stamina.
Understanding the Selection Architecture
The UPSC CAPF AC examination is multi-phased. Aspirants must clear all stages systematically:
- Paper 1 (General Ability and Intelligence): An objective paper testing general mental ability, general science, current events, Indian polity, economy, history, and geography.
- Paper 2 (General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension): A descriptive test assessing English comprehension, essay writing, precis writing, counter-arguments, and report writing.
- Physical Standards / Efficiency Tests (PST/PET): Rigorous physical fitness tests including 100m/800m sprints, long jump, and shot put.
- Medical Examination: Strict adherence to UPSC visual and physiological medical standards.
- Interview / Personality Test: A 150-mark comprehensive interview testing leadership qualities, general awareness, decision-making, and suitability for command roles.
Paper 1 Preparation Strategy & Analysis
Paper 1 tests direct conceptual clarity and speed. Candidates need to target a score well above 130+ out of 250 marks to stay comfortably in the merit list.
- Polity & Economy: Focus heavily on M. Laxmikanth for Indian Polity and basic NCERTs (Class 11 & 12) for Macroeconomics. Ensure thorough understanding of fundamental rights, parliamentary procedures, and constitutional bodies.
- History & Geography: Refer to Spectrum’s Modern India for History and NCERT Class 11-12 Geography textbooks. Physical geography principles and map-based locations (national parks, rivers, international hotspots) carry significant weightage.
- Science & Technology: Science accounts for a substantial chunk of objective questions. Thoroughly revise NCERT Science textbooks from Class 8 to Class 10, alongside basic general science developments.
- Current Affairs: Cover national security issues, defence exercises, international organizations, government schemes, and awards over the past 12 months.
Paper 2 Writing Skills Enhancement
Paper 2 requires speed, clarity, and well-structured arguments. Since candidates have only 3 hours to attempt essays, arguments, reports, precis, and comprehension, consistent answer-writing practice is imperative.
- Essay Writing: Practice writing balanced essays on contemporary security issues, socio-economic challenges, and international relations. Cite relevant data, reports, and constitutional provisions.
- Argument Writing: Clearly divide your response into ‘For the Motion’ and ‘Against the Motion’ with distinct, logical bullet points before presenting a coherent conclusion.
- Report Writing: Follow standard report formats including headline, place, date, and factual, unbiased reporting.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Interview Preparation
Physical fitness cannot be achieved overnight. Candidates should dedicate at least 45 to 60 minutes daily to running, sprinting, and long jump practice alongside written preparation. For the Interview/Personality Test, maintain thorough knowledge of your Detailed Application Form (DAF), home state, educational background, force preferences, and internal security challenges facing India.
Disclaimer: jobchecks.in is not affiliated with any Government organization or official recruitment authority.
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.
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.