Are you aspiring to join India’s elite paramilitary forces as an Assistant Commandant? The UPSC CAPF Exam 2026 is your gateway to prestigious roles in BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. With the official notification expected on February 18, 2026, and the written exam on July 19, 2026, now is the perfect time to master the UPSC CAPF exam pattern 2026. This comprehensive guide breaks down the structure, syllabus, marking scheme, and preparation strategies to help you ace every stage—from written papers to physical tests and interview.
Whether you’re a first-time aspirant or retaking the exam, understanding the CAPF AC exam pattern 2026 can boost your confidence and efficiency. Let’s dive in!
What is the UPSC CAPF Exam 2026?
The Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination, conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), recruits candidates for Group A posts in India’s key paramilitary wings. The UPSC CAPF 2026 aims to fill approximately 300-400 vacancies (exact numbers to be confirmed in the notification), offering a stable career with adventure, leadership, and national service.
Key Highlights of UPSC CAPF 2026:
- Notification Release: February 18, 2026
- Application Window: February 18 to March 10, 2026
- Written Exam Date: July 19, 2026
- Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree; Age 20-25 years (relaxations for reserved categories)
- Total Marks: 900 (Written: 450 + Interview: 150 + Physical/Medical: Qualifying)
The exam tests not just knowledge but also physical fitness and personality—making it a holistic selection process.
UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026: An Overview
The CAPF exam pattern 2026 remains consistent with previous years, focusing on objective and descriptive assessments followed by physical and interview stages. No major changes have been announced for 2026, but always cross-check the official notification on upsc.gov.in for updates.
The selection process includes:
- Written Examination (450 marks) – Two papers on the same day.
- Physical Standards Test (PST) / Physical Efficiency Test (PET) – Qualifying.
- Medical Standards Test – Qualifying.
- Interview/Personality Test (150 marks).
Final merit is based on written + interview scores, with physical/medical as qualifiers.
Detailed UPSC CAPF Written Exam Pattern 2026
The written exam is offline (pen-and-paper) and bilingual (English/Hindi). It comprises two papers:
| Paper | Subject | Type | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Ability & Intelligence | Objective (MCQs) | 125 | 250 | 2 Hours | 1/3rd mark per wrong answer |
| Paper II | General Studies, Essay & Comprehension | Descriptive | 6 (Essay: 4 options, 80 marks each; Precis, Grammar, etc.) | 200 | 3 Hours | No negative marking |
- Total Written Marks: 450
- Qualifying Criteria: Minimum marks decided by UPSC; Paper II evaluated only if Paper I qualifies.
- Medium: English (compulsory for Paper II).
Paper I emphasizes speed and accuracy, while Paper II tests articulation and depth.
UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Breakdown
A clear grasp of the UPSC CAPF syllabus 2026 is crucial for targeted preparation. Here’s a detailed outline:
Paper I: General Ability & Intelligence (250 Marks)
This objective paper covers broad topics at a graduate level. Key areas include:
- General Mental Ability: Logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, numerical ability, data interpretation.
- General Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (basic concepts, everyday applications).
- Current Events: National/international importance (politics, economy, sports, awards—last 12-18 months).
- Indian Polity & Economy: Constitution, governance, Panchayati Raj, public policy, economic development, planning.
- History of India: Ancient, Medieval, Modern (freedom struggle emphasis).
- Indian & World Geography: Physical, social, economic geography of India and the world.
Pro Tip: Focus on NCERT books (Class 6-12) for basics and newspapers like The Hindu for current affairs.
Paper II: General Studies, Essay & Comprehension (200 Marks)
This descriptive paper assesses writing skills:
- Essay: 4 topics (choose 1; 80 marks) – Modern Indian history, geography, polity, economy, security, human rights, analytical topics.
- Comprehension & Precis: English passage (40 marks) – Summarize and answer questions.
- Grammar & Counter-Arguments: Spotting errors, sentence correction, developing arguments (40 marks).
- Report Writing: Simple reports on security/cultural themes (40 marks).
Pro Tip: Practice 250-300 word essays weekly. Read editorials to build vocabulary and structure.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Physical Standards Test (PST) for UPSC CAPF 2026
Clearing the written exam? Gear up for PET/PST—mandatory qualifiers conducted post-written results.
Physical Standards (PST):
- Height: Male – 165 cm (relaxations: ST – 162.5 cm); Female – 157 cm (ST – 155 cm).
- Chest (Male only): 81 cm (unexpanded) to 86 cm (expanded).
- Weight: Proportionate to height/age.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET):
- For Males: 100m race (16 sec), 800m race (3 min 45 sec), Long Jump (3.5m – 3 chances), Shot Put (4.5m – 7.26 kg).
- For Females: 100m race (18 sec), 800m race (4 min 45 sec), Long Jump (3m – 3 chances), Shot Put (3m – 4 kg).
Medical Test: Vision (6/6 or 6/9 correctable), no color blindness, overall fitness.
Preparation Tip: Start jogging, strength training, and yoga 6 months in advance. Consult a coach for personalized plans.
Interview/Personality Test in UPSC CAPF 2026
The 150-mark interview evaluates leadership, communication, and situational judgment. Conducted in Delhi, it lasts 45 minutes with a panel of experts.
- Focus Areas: Current affairs, bio-data, force-specific knowledge, ethical dilemmas.
- Tips: Be confident, honest, and uniformed. Practice mock interviews.
UPSC CAPF 2026 Preparation Strategy: Tips to Score 300+ in Written Exam
Cracking UPSC CAPF 2026 requires smart planning. Here’s a 6-month roadmap:
- Month 1-2: Build Foundation
- Cover syllabus basics using NCERTs and standard books (Laxmikant for Polity, Spectrum for History).
- Daily current affairs (1 hour).
- Month 3-4: Practice & Revise
- Solve 50 MCQs daily for Paper I.
- Write 2 essays/week for Paper II.
- Analyze previous years’ papers (2018-2025).
- Month 5-6: Mock Tests & Fitness
- Take full-length mocks (aim for 180+ in Paper I).
- Physical training 5 days/week.
- Revise weak areas.
Recommended Books for UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2026:
- Paper I: Arihant CAPF Guide, RS Aggarwal (Quantitative Aptitude).
- Paper II: Wren & Martin (English Grammar), Yojana Magazine (Essays).
- Current Affairs: Pratiyogita Darpan, PIB summaries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Ignoring Paper II (many fail here due to poor writing).
- Neglecting physical prep until later.
- Over-relying on coaching—self-study is key.
UPSC CAPF Cut-Off Trends: What to Expect in 2026
Based on past years:
- Paper I Cut-Off: 90-110 (General).
- Final Cut-Off: 250-280 (including interview).
Expect slight variations due to vacancies. Aim 60%+ in written to qualify comfortably.
The UPSC CAPF exam pattern 2026 is challenging yet achievable with discipline and strategy. With the exam just months away, download the official syllabus PDF from upsc.gov.in once released, and start your journey today. Remember, consistency beats intensity—track progress weekly and stay motivated.
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