01
Overview
The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Assistant Commandant Examination is conducted by UPSC for recruitment of Group A Gazetted Officers in BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB. Assistant Commandants are frontline officers responsible for command, administration, operations and internal security duties. CAPF AC is considered one of the most prestigious officer-level defence and paramilitary examinations in India. The selection process includes a Written Examination, Physical Standards Test (PST), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Medical Examination and Interview/Personality Test.
Important: Candidates must satisfy physical and medical standards in addition to educational and age eligibility requirements.
02
Selection Process
| Stage | Type | Papers | Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Written Examination | Offline Exam | 2 Papers | 450 | Merit Based |
| 2 PST & PET | Physical Tests | - | Qualifying | |
| 3 Medical Examination | Medical Fitness | - | Qualifying | |
| 4 Interview / Personality Test | Personality Assessment | 1 | 150 | Final Merit |
Paper I consists of General Ability and Intelligence (250 Marks). Paper II consists of General Studies, Essay and Comprehension (200 Marks). Final merit is prepared from Written Examination and Interview marks.
03
Preparation Roadmap
1
Understand Exam Pattern
Study the complete syllabus, marking scheme and previous year papers.
Week 1
2
Build General Studies Foundation
Cover History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science and Current Affairs.
Month 1-3
3
Improve Writing Skills
Practice essays, précis writing and comprehension for Paper II.
Month 2-5
4
Current Affairs Preparation
Read newspapers daily and prepare short revision notes.
Daily
5
Physical Fitness Training
Prepare for running, long jump and other PET requirements.
Daily
6
Mock Tests and Revision
Attempt full-length mocks and revise notes regularly.
Final 2 Months
04
Paper-wise Syllabus
Paper I – General Ability and Intelligence
250 marks
General Mental Ability
Logical Reasoning
Numerical Ability
Current Events
Indian Polity
Indian Economy
History
Geography
Science
National and International Affairs
Paper II – General Studies, Essay and Comprehension
200 marks
Essay Writing
Security Issues
Modern Indian History
Polity and Governance
Human Rights
Social Issues
Analytical Ability
Reading Comprehension
Précis Writing
Communication Skills
Pro Tip: Focus heavily on Current Affairs, Polity, Internal Security and Essay Writing. Maintain physical fitness throughout preparation. Solve previous year papers, practice descriptive writing regularly and take mock tests for both Paper I and Paper II.
05
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Indian Citizen
Age Limit
20–25 years
Age relaxation is applicable as per UPSC and Government of India rules.
Educational Qualification
Bachelor's Degree from a recognized university
Attempts (General)
Unlimited within age limit
Attempts (OBC)
Unlimited within age limit
Attempts (SC/ST)
Unlimited within age limit
06
Recommended Books
Indian Polity
Polity
Indian Economy
Economy
A Brief History of Modern India
History
Certificate Physical and Human Geography
Geography
CAPF Assistant Commandant Guide
CAPF Preparation
Manorama Yearbook
Current Affairs
07
Key Dates & Timeline
Exam Date
22 – 26 September 2025
Result Declared
8 June 2026