UPSC Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination
Your complete guide to the CAPF Assistant Commandants examination. Get detailed information on eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, preparation strategy, and expert assistance for form filling.
Graduation
Minimum Educational Qualification
20-25 Years
Age Limit (with relaxations)
3 Stages
Written, Physical, Interview
7 Forces
BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, AR, NSG
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the UPSC CAPF (ACs) Examination, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Nationality
A candidate must be a citizen of India.
Age Limit
A candidate must have attained the age of 20 years and must not have attained the age of 25 years as on 1st August of the examination year.
Age Relaxation
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | Up to 5 years |
| OBC | Up to 3 years |
| Ex-servicemen | Up to 5 years |
| Domiciles of J&K | Up to 5 years |
Educational Qualification
A candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
Candidates appearing in the final year of their degree course may also apply, provided they submit proof of passing along with the detailed application form.
Physical Standards
Candidates must meet the following physical standards:
For Male Candidates
| Parameter | Height | Chest | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/OBC | 165 cm | 81-86 cm | Proportional to height |
| ST/Hillmen | 163 cm | 79-84 cm | Proportional to height |
For Female Candidates
| Parameter | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| General/OBC | 157 cm | Proportional to height |
| ST/Hillmen | 155 cm | Proportional to height |
Exam Pattern
The UPSC CAPF (ACs) Examination consists of three stages:
Stage 1: Written Examination
Consists of two papers – Paper I and Paper II
- Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence (250 marks)
- Paper II: General Studies, Essay and Comprehension (200 marks)
- Both papers are objective type with multiple choice questions
- Negative marking of 1/3rd marks for wrong answers
Stage 2: Physical Efficiency Test
Qualifying in nature
- 100 meters race
- 800 meters race
- Long Jump
- Shot Put
Stage 3: Interview/Personality Test
150 marks
- Assesses candidate’s suitability for a career in police forces
- Tests mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition
- Evaluates balance of judgment, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership
Note: The final selection is based on the combined marks of Written Examination and Interview/Personality Test. The Physical Efficiency Test is only qualifying in nature.
Detailed Syllabus
The syllabus for UPSC CAPF (ACs) Examination covers a wide range of topics. Here’s the detailed breakdown:
Part A: General Mental Ability
- Logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude including numerical ability
- Data interpretation
- General mental ability
Part B: General Science
- General awareness, scientific temper, comprehension and appreciation of scientific phenomena
- Everyday observations and experience
Part C: Current Events of National and International Importance
- Significant events, personalities, issues
- Current affairs
Part D: Indian Polity and Economy
- Political system and Constitution of India
- Social systems and public administration
- Economic development in India
- Regional and international security issues
Part E: History of India
- Indian National Movement
- History of India
Part F: Indian and World Geography
- Physical, social, economic geography of India and the world
Part A: Essay
- Topics of contemporary relevance
- Candidates need to write two essays
Part B: Comprehension, Precise Writing, Other Communications Skills
- Reading comprehension
- Precise writing
- Other communications/language skills
Part C: General Studies
- Indian polity including political system, Constitution, Administration
- Economic and social development
- General science and technology
- Security and human rights issues
- Environmental issues
Preparation Strategy & Tips
Effective preparation is key to success in the UPSC CAPF (ACs) Examination. Here are some proven strategies:
Study Plan
Create a structured study plan covering all subjects with dedicated time slots:
- Months 1-2: Build foundation with NCERT books (Class 6-12)
- Months 3-4: Standard reference books and current affairs
- Months 5-6: Revision and practice tests
- Final Month: Full-length mock tests and weak area improvement
Recommended Books
| Subject | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| History | India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra, History of Modern India by Spectrum |
| Geography | Certificate Physical and Human Geography by G.C. Leong, Oxford School Atlas |
| Polity | Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth |
| Economics | Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh, Economic Survey |
| General Science | NCERT Science books (Class 6-10) |
| Current Affairs | The Hindu, Yojana, Kurukshetra, Press Information Bureau Releases |
Online Resources
- UPSC Official Website: https://upsc.gov.in
- Press Information Bureau: https://pib.gov.in
- PRS Legislative Research: https://prsindia.org
- Yojana and Kurukshetra magazines
- Online test series from reputable institutes
Cut-off Trends
While cut-off marks vary each year based on difficulty level and number of vacancies, here are the general trends:
| Category | Approximate Cut-off Range (out of 450) |
|---|---|
| General | 160-180 |
| OBC | 150-170 |
| SC | 140-160 |
| ST | 130-150 |
Pro Tip: Focus on current affairs of the last 12-18 months, practice previous years’ question papers, and take regular mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
Physical Efficiency Test & Medical Standards
Candidates who qualify the written examination are called for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Medical Standards Test.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
The PET is qualifying in nature. Candidates must complete:
For Male Candidates
| Test | Standard |
|---|---|
| 100 meters race | In 16 seconds |
| 800 meters race | In 3 minutes 45 seconds |
| Long Jump | 3.5 meters (3 chances) |
| Shot Put (7.26 Kgs) | 4.5 meters |
For Female Candidates
| Test | Standard |
|---|---|
| 100 meters race | In 18 seconds |
| 800 meters race | In 4 minutes 45 seconds |
| Long Jump | 3.0 meters (3 chances) |
Medical Standards
Candidates must meet the medical standards prescribed for the examination:
- Good mental and bodily health
- Free from any physical defect likely to interfere with the efficient performance of duties
- Visual Standards: Distant vision 6/6 or 6/9 (corrected vision permitted)
- No history of mental illness, epilepsy, or cardiac issues
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