UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026 — Notification, Eligibility, Exam Date & Apply Online

UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026: Notification, Eligibility, Exam Date, Salary & Apply Online

The Union Public Service Commission has released the much-awaited notification for CAPF Assistant Commandant recruitment. This examination offers a prestigious opportunity to serve the nation as a Group A officer in India’s Central Armed Police Forces. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, the CAPF AC exam recruits officers for forces like the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

If you are planning to apply for UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026, this WordPress-ready article covers eligibility, important dates, selection process, exam pattern, salary, FAQs, and SEO format.

 UPSC CAPF AC 2026 Overview

• Exam Name: CAPF Assistant Commandant Examination 2026

• Conducting Authority: Union Public Service Commission

• Post: Assistant Commandant (Group A)

• Forces: BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB

• Application Mode: Online

• Exam Mode: Offline (Pen & Paper)

• Job Location: Across India

This recruitment is one of the most respected defense-related examinations for graduates.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the official notification for the Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination 2026 yesterday, February 20, 2026. This recruitment drive is for 349 vacancies across India’s premier paramilitary forces.

Below are the complete details regarding the 2026 recruitment cycle:

 Important Dates

Event	Date / Deadline
Notification Release	February 20, 2026
Online Application Start	February 20, 2026
Last Date to Apply Online	March 12, 2026 (06:00 PM)
Written Exam Date	July 19, 2026
Admit Card Release	July 2026 (Tentative)

 Vacancy Details

Vacancies are distributed among different forces. The exact number is announced in the official notification. Historically, several hundred posts are filled each year across CAPF units.

The vacancies are distributed among the five major forces as follows:

• BSF: 108

• CRPF: 106

• CISF: 70

• SSB: 53

• ITBP: 12

 Eligibility Criteria (As of August 1, 2026)

To be eligible, candidates must fulfill the following stringent requirements:

• Educational Qualification: A Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized university. Final-year students are eligible to apply provisionally.
• Age Limit: Must be between 20 and 25 years.
• Born between: August 2, 2001, and August 1, 2006.
• Relaxation: OBC (+3 years), SC/ST (+5 years), and Central Govt. Servants/Ex-Servicemen (+5 years).
• Nationality: Must be a citizen of India. Subjects of Nepal and Bhutan are also eligible.

 Selection Process

The selection process consists of multiple rigorous stages:

1. Written Examination

2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Medical Test

3. Interview / Personality Test

4. Final Merit List

Only candidates who clear each stage advance to the next.

 Exam Pattern

Paper I — General Ability & Intelligence

• Objective Type (MCQ)

• Subjects: General Studies, Reasoning, Current Affairs

• Duration: 2 Hours

• Medium: English & Hindi

Paper II — General Studies, Essay & Comprehension

• Descriptive Type

• Essay Writing

• Precis Writing

• Comprehension

Paper II evaluates communication and analytical skills.

 Physical Standards (PST/PET)

Candidates must meet these minimum physical requirements to proceed past the written stage:

Parameter	Male	Female
Height	165 cm	157 cm
Chest (Unexpanded)	81 cm (+5 cm expansion)	N/A
Weight	50 kg	46 kg
100m Race	16 seconds	18 seconds
800m Race	3 mins 45 seconds	4 mins 45 seconds
Long Jump	3.5 meters (3 attempts)	3.0 meters (3 attempts)
Shot Put (7.26kg)	4.5 meters	N/A

 Salary & Benefits

CAPF Assistant Commandants receive attractive pay under the 7th Pay Commission.

• Pay Level: Level 10

• Basic Salary: ₹56,100 per month

• Gross Salary: ₹70,000–₹80,000 approx.

Additional Benefits:

• Dearness Allowance

• House Rent Allowance

• Medical Facilities

• Leave Benefits

• Pension / NPS

• Risk & Hardship Allowance

The role also offers leadership responsibility and career growth.

How to Apply

• OTR (One Time Registration): Visit upsconline.nic.in and complete your OTR if not already done.

• Fill Application: Log in using your URN/Email and complete the Part-I and Part-II registration.

• Application Fee: ₹200 (General/OBC/EWS). SC, ST, and all Female candidates are exempted from the fee.

• Documents: Upload a recent photograph, signature, and a valid Photo ID card.

 Documents Required

• Graduation Certificate
• Identity Proof
• Category Certificate (if applicable)
• Passport-size Photograph
• Signature

 Preparation Tips

• Study NCERT and standard GS books

• Focus on current affairs and internal security topics

• Practice essay writing regularly

• Maintain physical fitness for PET

• Attempt mock tests for time management

Consistency and discipline are key to success.

 FAQs — UPSC CAPF AC 2026

Q1. Who conducts the CAPF AC exam?

The exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Q2. What is the qualification required?

A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.

Q3. Is there an interview stage?

Yes, candidates must clear the Personality Test after written and physical stages.

Q4. Can female candidates apply?

Yes, both male and female candidates are eligible.

Q5. What is the salary of CAPF Assistant Commandant?

The starting gross salary is approximately ₹70,000–₹80,000 per month.

Conclusion

UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026 offers a prestigious opportunity to become a Group A officer in India’s paramilitary forces. With excellent salary, authority, and service to the nation, this career is ideal for candidates seeking leadership roles in uniformed services. Aspirants should begin preparation early, stay updated with official notifications, and maintain physical fitness to clear all stages of selection.