UPSC CAPF (Assistant Commandant)

Group 'A' Gazetted Officer Recruitment Guide

About CAPF AC

The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Assistant Commandant Examination is conducted annually by UPSC to recruit Group 'A' Gazetted Officers. Upon selection, officers lead 100–150 personnel.

Forces Recruited:

  • BSF
  • CRPF
  • CISF
  • ITBP
  • SSB

Nature of Job & Roles

Assistant Commandants serve at the forefront of national security. Their vast operational footprint includes:

  • Border Security
  • Anti-Naxal Ops
  • VIP Security
  • Admin & Discipline
  • Counter-Insurgency
  • Disaster Management
  • Election/Industrial Sec.
  • Intelligence Gathering

Eligibility Criteria

Education

Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university in any discipline. Final-year students may apply subject to notification conditions.

Age Limit

20–25 Years. Relaxations apply: SC/ST (+5 years), OBC (+3 years), Civilian Central Govt Employees & Ex-Servicemen (as per rules).

Nationality

Must be a Citizen of India. Certain categories from Nepal and Bhutan are also eligible as per UPSC official guidelines.

Exam Pattern & Selection Process

Written Exam → PST/PET → Medical Exam → Interview/Personality Test → Final Merit List

Written Exam & Interview (600 Marks Total)

Paper / Stage
Format
Marks
Duration
Paper-I: General Ability & Intelligence
Objective (MCQ)
250
2 Hours
Paper-II: General Studies, Essay & Comp.
Descriptive
200
3 Hours
Stage 3: Personality Test / Interview
Oral
150
--
Negative Marking (Paper-I): 1/3 mark deducted for every wrong answer.

Detailed Syllabus

Paper-I (General Ability & Intelligence)

  • Mental Ability: Logical reasoning, analytical ability, quant, numerical ability, data interpretation.
  • General Science: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science.
  • Current Affairs: National, international, sports, awards, defence, economy, govt. schemes.
  • Indian Polity: Constitution, Parliament, Judiciary, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles.
  • History & Geo: Ancient/Medieval/Modern, Freedom Movement. Physical/Indian/World Geography.
  • Security & Econ: Internal security, border management, cyber security, terrorism. Banking, budget, inflation, agriculture.

Paper-II (General Studies & Essay)

  • Essay Writing: National Security, Women Empowerment, Technology, Education, Environment, Social Issues, Disaster Management.
  • Comprehension & Language: Reading passages, Precis writing, Grammar, Vocabulary, Report writing.
Recommended Booklist:

Lucent's General Knowledge, NCERTs (Classes 6–12), Indian Polity (M. Laxmikanth), Spectrum Modern History, Oxford School Atlas, and Daily Current Affairs.

PST, PET & Medical Standards

PST & PET Parameters

PET is qualifying in nature. (Relaxations apply for certain categories/regions).

Male Standards
  • H: 165 cm | C: 81-86 cm
  • 100m Race: 16 Sec
  • 800m Race: 3m 45s
  • Long Jump: 3.5m (3 chances)
  • Shot Put (7.26kg): 4.5m
Female Standards
  • H: 157 cm | Weight: Prop.
  • 100m Race: 18 Sec
  • 800m Race: 4m 45s
  • Long Jump: 3.0m (3 chances)
  • Shot Put: N/A

Medical & Training

  • Medical Fitness: Good mental health, normal hearing, fit cardiovascular system, good vision, fit BMI, and no chronic diseases/deformities.
  • Training (10–12 Months): Weapon handling, drill, counter-terrorism, jungle warfare, border management, human rights, law, and leadership.
  • Academies: Selected candidates undergo rigorous training at the academy of their allotted force.

Career Pathway & Salary

Promotion Hierarchy

1. Assistant Commandant
2. Deputy Commandant
3. Second-in-Command (2IC)
4. Commandant
5. Deputy Inspector General (DIG)
6. Inspector General (IG)
7. Additional Director General (ADG)
8. Director General (DG)

Salary & Allowances

  • Pay Level: Level-10
  • Basic Pay: ₹56,100 / month
  • Gross Salary: Approx. ₹90,000 – ₹1,10,000+ depending on posting.
  • Allowances: DA, HRA, Transport, Risk/Hardship, Ration, Uniform, LTC.
  • Perks: Govt. accommodation, CSD Canteen, Medical, Deputation/Foreign Training opportunities, Pension/NPS.

Target UPSC CAPF 2026

Enroll in our specialized coaching batch. Get complete NCERT coverage, Paper-II essay writing practice, and physical efficiency training modules.

Apply For Admission Batch