UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2026: Complete Guide to Exam Pattern, Topics, and Preparation Tips

Are you gearing up for the UPSC CAPF 2026 exam and wondering where to start? The UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2026 is your roadmap to cracking the Assistant Commandant (AC) recruitment for elite forces like BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. With the official notification set to drop on February 18, 2026, and the written exam on July 19, 2026, now’s the time to master every topic. This comprehensive guide breaks down the CAPF syllabus 2026, exam pattern, marking scheme, and smart strategies to ace it. Whether you’re a first-timer or a repeat aspirant, we’ve got you covered—let’s turn your preparation into success!

What is UPSC CAPF Exam 2026?

The Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Exam by UPSC recruits dynamic leaders for India’s paramilitary wings. It’s a prestigious opportunity to serve the nation in high-stakes roles. The UPSC CAPF 2026 follows a multi-stage process: Written Exam, Physical Efficiency Test (PET)/Medical Standards Test (MST), and Interview. Expect around 300-400 vacancies, based on past trends.

Key UPSC CAPF 2026 dates (as per the official calendar):

• Notification Release: February 18, 2026
• Application Window: February 18 to March 10, 2026
• Written Exam: July 19, 2026

Eligibility? Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, age 20-25 years (relaxations apply), and physical fitness. Dive into the CAPF syllabus 2026 to build a solid foundation.

UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026: A Quick Overview

The written exam is the gateway—total 450 marks, bilingual (English/Hindi). It’s divided into two papers, with Paper 1 qualifying for Paper 2 evaluation. Here’s the breakdown:

Paper	Subjects	Type	Marks	Duration	Negative Marking
Paper 1	General Ability & Intelligence	Objective (MCQs)	250	2 Hours	1/3rd marks deducted for wrong answers
Paper 2	General Studies, Essay & Comprehension	Descriptive	200	3 Hours	No negative marking

Post-written, qualify PET (running, long jump, etc.) and MST, followed by a 150-mark interview. Total selection: 600 marks (written) + 150 (interview) + fitness.

Pro Tip: Paper 1 tests speed and accuracy; Paper 2 hones expression. Align your prep with this CAPF exam pattern 2026 for balanced scoring.

Detailed UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2026: Paper-Wise Breakdown

The UPSC CAPF syllabus 2026 mirrors previous years—no major changes expected. Focus on NCERTs for basics and current affairs for edge. Let’s dissect it.

Paper 1: General Ability & Intelligence (250 Marks, Objective)

This paper emphasizes analytical skills and GK. Questions are drawn from six core areas—aim for 150+ to qualify comfortably.

1. General Mental Ability (Logical Reasoning & Quantitative Aptitude)
   • Logical: Series, analogies, coding-decoding, blood relations, syllogisms, puzzles.
   • Quantitative: Number systems, percentages, ratios, averages, time-speed-distance, profit-loss, data interpretation.
   • Weightage: 20-30 questions. Practice 50 puzzles daily.
2. General Science
   • Physics: Motion, energy, electricity, magnetism.
   • Chemistry: Elements, compounds, acids-bases, everyday applications.
   • Biology: Human body, diseases, nutrition, environment.
   • Weightage: 15-20 questions. Stick to Class 10-level concepts.
3. Current Events of National & International Importance
   • Polity/Economy: Government schemes, budgets, international summits (G20, UN).
   • Sports, Awards, Science/Tech breakthroughs.
   • Weightage: 25-30 questions. Read The Hindu/Indian Express daily; track PIB for 6 months pre-exam.
4. Indian Polity & Economy
   • Polity: Constitution, Parliament, judiciary, federalism, rights.
   • Economy: Planning, GDP, inflation, banking, agriculture reforms.
   • Weightage: 20-25 questions. Use Laxmikanth for Polity; Ramesh Singh for Economy.
5. History of India
   • Ancient: Indus Valley, Vedic age.
   • Medieval: Mughals, Delhi Sultanate.
   • Modern: Freedom struggle, Gandhi era, post-1947.
   • Weightage: 15-20 questions. Focus on Spectrum’s Modern India.
6. Indian & World Geography
   • Physical: Rivers, mountains, climate.
   • Human: Population, urbanization, resources.
   • World: Continents, oceans, global issues.
   • Weightage: 20-25 questions. NCERT Class 6-12 + GC Leong.

Paper 2: General Studies, Essay & Comprehension (200 Marks, Descriptive)

Shift to writing prowess here. Answer in English or Hindi—clarity over verbosity.

1. Essay (80 Marks)
   • Topics: Modern issues (women empowerment, climate change), security challenges, socio-economic reforms.
   • Tip: 4 essays (800-1000 words each). Structure: Intro-Body-Conclusion. Practice 1 weekly.
2. Comprehension & Precis (40 Marks)
   • Read passages, answer inferences/questions.
   • Precis: Summarize 300-word text to 100 words.
   • Tip: Enhance vocab; solve 5 passages daily.
3. Grammar & Language Usage (80 Marks)
   • Counter-arguments, report writing, simple/compound sentences.
   • Tip: Wren & Martin for basics; focus on error-free expression.

The CAPF syllabus PDF 2026 will be in the notification—download it from upsc.gov.in for exact wording.

How to Prepare for UPSC CAPF 2026: Proven Strategies

Cracking UPSC CAPF 2026 demands 6-8 months of smart prep. Here’s your action plan:

1. Build Basics: Cover static syllabus first (NCERTs + standard books). Dedicate 4 hours/day.
2. Current Affairs Mastery: Use apps like Vision IAS monthly compilations. Link events to polity/history.
3. Practice Rigorously:
   • Paper 1: 2 full mocks/week; analyze errors.
   • Paper 2: Write essays; get feedback from mentors.
4. Physical Prep: Start running (1.6 km in 7 min for males) and jumps now—don’t cram.
5. Time Management: Revise weekly; focus weak areas. Join test series for simulation.
6. Resources:
   • Books: Arihant CAPF Guide, RS Aggarwal (Quant), Lucent GK.
   • Online: Unacademy/Byju’s for videos; Telegram channels for updates.

Common Pitfall: Ignoring Paper 2—it’s the differentiator. Aim for 120+ aggregate in written.

UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2026 FAQs

Q: Is the CAPF 2026 syllabus changed? A: No major updates; it’s consistent with 2025. Check official notification for tweaks.

Q: How many papers in CAPF written exam? A: Two—objective (Paper 1) and descriptive (Paper 2).

Q: What is the CAPF cut-off for 2026? A: Expected 250-280 (General); varies by category. Past trends: 2025 was ~260.

Q: Can I choose Hindi for Paper 2? A: Yes, but consistency matters.

Final Thoughts: Your Path to CAPF Success Starts Now

The UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2026 is vast but conquerable with discipline and strategy. With the exam on July 19, 2026, kickstart your prep today—consistency beats intensity. Stay updated via upsc.gov.in, join study groups, and believe in your potential. Ready to wear the uniform? Share your prep tips in the comments below!