The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially published the notification for the Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination, 2026. This prestigious recruitment drive aims to fill 349 Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officer vacancies across India’s premier paramilitary forces: Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
The online registration process commenced on 20 February 2026 and will conclude on 12 March 2026 (18:00 Hours). Eligible and enthusiastic candidates (both male and female) holding a Bachelor’s degree can apply online through the official UPSC portal. The written examination is scheduled to be conducted nationwide on 19 July 2026. Read on for comprehensive details regarding eligibility, physical standards, the selection process, and application instructions.
💡 Recruitment Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | CAPF (Assistant Commandants) Examination, 2026 |
| Post Name | Assistant Commandant (Group A) |
| Total Vacancies | 349 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Dates | 20 February 2026 to 12 March 2026 |
| Written Exam Date | 19 July 2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
📢 Vacancy Details
The 349 vacancies are distributed among the participating forces as follows:
| Force Name | Total Posts |
|---|---|
| Border Security Force (BSF) | 108 |
| Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) | 106 |
| Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) | 70 |
| Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) | 53 |
| Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) | 12 |
| Total | 349 |
(Note: 10% of the total vacancies are earmarked for Ex-servicemen.)
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
1. Nationality & Sex
- Candidates must be a citizen of India (subjects of Nepal or Bhutan are also eligible).
- Both Male and Female candidates are eligible to apply.
2. Educational Qualification
- A candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized University.
- Candidates appearing in their final year degree examination are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of passing the exam when appearing for the Physical Standards/Physical Efficiency Tests.
- Desirable: Possession of an NCC ‘B’ or ‘C’ Certificate (considered during the Interview/Personality Test).
3. Age Limit (As on 01.08.2026)
- Minimum Age: 20 Years.
- Maximum Age: 25 Years.
- Candidates must have been born not earlier than 2nd August 2001 and not later than 1st August 2006.
- Age Relaxation:
- SC/ST Category: Up to 5 years.
- OBC Category: Up to 3 years.
- Civilian Central Government Servants & Ex-Servicemen: Up to 5 years.
🏃 Physical Standards & Efficiency Tests (PET)
Candidates who qualify the written exam will be called for Physical Standards Tests (PST) and Physical Efficiency Tests (PET).
Minimum Physical Standards
- Height: Men – 165 cm | Women – 157 cm
- Chest (Men only): 81 cm (unexpanded) with a 5 cm minimum expansion.
- Weight: Men – 50 kg | Women – 46 kg (subject to age and height proportionality).
Physical Efficiency Tests (PET)
| Event | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Meter Race | In 16 Seconds | In 18 Seconds |
| 800 Meter Race | In 3 Min 45 Sec | In 4 Min 45 Sec |
| Long Jump | 3.5 Meters (3 Chances) | 3.0 Meters (3 Chances) |
| Shot Put (7.26 Kg) | 4.5 Meters (3 Chances) | Not Applicable |
💰 Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS Candidates: ₹ 200/-
- SC / ST / Female Candidates: Exempted (Nil).
- Payment Mode: Online via Net Banking, Visa/Master/RuPay Credit/Debit Card, or UPI Payment.
📝 Selection Process
The recruitment process consists of three major stages:
- Written Examination (450 Marks): Scheduled on 19 July 2026.
- Paper-I: General Ability and Intelligence (250 Marks) – Objective Type.
- Paper-II: General Studies, Essay and Comprehension (200 Marks) – Descriptive Type.
- Physical Standards/Physical Efficiency Tests (PET) & Medical Standards Tests: Qualifying in nature.
- Interview / Personality Test: Carries 150 Marks.
Final Merit List will be drawn based on the marks obtained in the Written Exam and the Interview.
🚀 How to Apply
- Visit the UPSC Online Application portal: upsconline.nic.in.
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) / Universal Registration Number (URN) process if you haven’t done so already.
- Log in using your credentials and go to the “Common Application Form (CAF)”.
- Fill out the Examination Specific Module for “CAPF (ACs) Exam 2026”.
- Upload a recent passport-size photograph, a live captured photo, and three signatures vertically on a white paper using black ink.
- Upload a valid Photo ID proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, Passport, etc.).
- Pay the examination fee (if applicable) and select your preferred exam center.
- Submit the application before 12 March 2026 (18:00 Hours) and download the confirmation page for future reference.
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20 February 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 February 2026 |
| Last Date for Submission of Application | 12 March 2026 (Till 18:00 Hours) |
| Written Examination Date | 19 July 2026 |
| e-Admit Card Availability | One week before the exam |
🔗 Important Links
| Link Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online (UPSC Portal) | Click Here |
| Download Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
| Join Telegram Channel | Click Here |
❓ FAQs
Q1. How many vacancies are there in the UPSC CAPF (AC) Exam 2026?
Ans. A total of 349 vacancies are available across BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.
Q2. What is the age limit for UPSC CAPF 2026?
Ans. The candidate must be between 20 and 25 years of age as of 1st August 2026. Age relaxations apply for reserved categories.
Q3. Can final year graduation students apply for CAPF Assistant Commandant?
Ans. Yes, candidates in their final year can apply, provided they submit proof of passing the degree examination at the time of the PST/PET stage.
Q4. Is there negative marking in the UPSC CAPF written exam?
Ans. Yes, there is a penalty (negative marking) of one-third (0.33) marks for wrong answers marked in Paper-I (Objective Type).
💡 Final Thoughts
The UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant Examination is one of the most prestigious opportunities for graduates to serve the nation as Group ‘A’ Officers. Candidates are advised to apply well before the closing date to secure an examination center of their choice, as allotment is on a “first-apply-first-allot” basis. Begin preparing strictly according to the syllabus, and start building your physical endurance simultaneously for the PET phase. Good luck!
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