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
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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:
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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:
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Written Examination
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Medical Test
Interview / Personality Test
Final Merit List
Only candidates who clear each stage advance to the next.
Exam Pattern
Paper I — General Ability & Intelligence
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Objective Type (MCQ)
Subjects: General Studies, Reasoning, Current Affairs
Duration: 2 Hours
Medium: English & Hindi
Paper II — General Studies, Essay & Comprehension
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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.
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Pay Level: Level 10
Basic Salary: ₹56,100 per month
Gross Salary: ₹70,000–₹80,000 approx.
Additional Benefits:
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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
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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
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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.





