CAPF AC
Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination
The CAPF (ACs) Examination is conducted by UPSC to recruit Assistant Commandants (Group A) for the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Selection has four stages: a written examination of two papers (Paper II is evaluated only for candidates who reach the minimum qualifying marks in Paper I), Physical Standards and Physical Efficiency Tests, an Interview/Personality Test, and Medical Standards Tests. The final merit list is drawn from the written and interview marks. Vacancies, dates and eligibility are set in each year's UPSC notice.
Frequency
Once a year — the 2026 written examination was held on 19 July 2026, and UPSC's programme of examinations for 2027 already lists the 2027 examination (confirm dates on upsc.gov.in)
Duration
Written examination on one day: Paper I 2 hours (10 AM–12 noon) and Paper II 3 hours (2–5 PM)
Format
Paper-based
Score range
Paper I (General Ability and Intelligence, objective, with negative marking) 250; Paper II (General Studies, Essay and Comprehension) 200; Interview/Personality Test 150 — the final merit list uses the written and interview marks
Eligibility
Indian citizenship (the Rules also do not debar subjects of Nepal or Bhutan); men and women are both eligible; aged 20 to 25 on 1 August 2026 (born between 2 August 2001 and 1 August 2006), with upper-age relaxation of up to 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC candidates, among others; a Bachelor's degree or equivalent (candidates appearing in the qualifying exam in 2026 may apply); the prescribed physical and medical standards apply. Confirm in the current UPSC notice.
Conducting body
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Registration fee
₹200 (CAPF (ACs) Examination 2026); female, SC and ST candidates are exempt; OBC and EWS candidates pay the full fee
Source: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Details here are for guidance only — fees, dates and eligibility change each cycle, so confirm on the official site before applying.
Verified against: UPSC — CAPF (ACs) Examination 2026 notice (No. 08/2026-CAPF, 20 Feb 2026); UPSC — CAPF (ACs) Examination 2026 written result press note (25 Aug 2026); UPSC — Programme of Examinations 2027 (as on 20 May 2026); Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) — official site.
Last verified: 30 September 2026.
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