CAPF Assistant Commandant (AC) Exam Guide

What the CAPF AC Examination is

The Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit Group A officers — Assistant Commandants — for five central armed police forces: 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).

It is a written examination followed by a physical efficiency test, medical examination, and interview.

• Border Security Force (BSF)
• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
• Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
• Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
• Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

Selection stages

The broad selection process involves a written examination (conducted by UPSC) with two papers, a physical standards test and physical efficiency test, a medical examination, and an interview or personality test. The exact pattern, marks, and physical standards are set in the official UPSC CAPF notification each cycle.

• Written examination — two papers (conducted by UPSC)
• Physical standards test and physical efficiency test
• Medical examination
• Interview / personality test

Broad eligibility

The examination is broadly open to graduates, within an age range set officially. Physical fitness requirements form an integral part of the selection process. Exact age limits, category relaxations, and subject requirements are set by UPSC each cycle and should be confirmed in the official notification.

No preparation can guarantee selection — the examination is competitive and multi-stage.

How to approach preparation

The written examination typically covers general ability, intelligence, general studies, and essay and comprehension. Preparation that builds general awareness, analytical thinking, and clear writing is broadly relevant.

Physical fitness is central to the later stages — developing stamina and strength alongside academic preparation is advisable.

Use official information

Vacancy counts, age limits, cut-offs, physical standards, and detailed exam patterns are set by UPSC each cycle and can change. This guide does not quote those figures. Confirm all current details in the official UPSC CAPF AC notification on upsc.gov.in before applying.