The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Assistant Commandant Examination 2026. This national-level examination is conducted to recruit eligible candidates for the post of Assistant Commandant (AC) in various paramilitary forces of India.
The Union Public Service Commission has officially announced the UPSC CAPF Recruitment 2026, opening the door for aspirants who wish to serve as officers in India’s central armed forces. This nationwide examination is being conducted to fill 349 Assistant Commandant (Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officer) posts across multiple paramilitary organizations.
Candidates selected through this prestigious recruitment drive will be appointed in respected forces including the Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Central Industrial Security Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and Sashastra Seema Bal. These forces play a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s borders, maintaining internal security, and protecting critical infrastructure.
The online registration process commenced on 20 February 2026, and interested applicants must complete their forms by 12 March 2026 (6:00 PM). The written examination for CAPF 2026 is scheduled to be conducted on 19 July 2026 at designated centers across the country.
Union Public Service Commission CAPF 2026 – Recruitment Overview
| Details Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Title | CAPF (Assistant Commandants) Examination 2026 |
| Position Offered | Assistant Commandant (Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officer) |
| Number of Vacancies | 349 Posts |
| Mode of Application | Online Submission |
| Registration Period | 20 February 2026 to 12 March 2026 |
| Written Examination Date | 19 July 2026 |
| Official Portal | upsc.gov.in |
Union Public Service Commission CAPF 2026 – Force-Wise Vacancy Distribution (Line-Wise)
- Border Security Force (BSF) – 108 vacancies
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) – 106 vacancies
- Central Industrial Security Force (india”] (CISF) – 70 vacancies
- Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) – 53 vacancies
- Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) – 12 vacancies
Total Vacancies: 349 Posts
Educational Qualification
- A Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university is mandatory.
- Students in their final year of graduation can apply provisionally, provided they produce proof of passing before the final selection stage.
- Candidates holding NCC ‘B’ or ‘C’ Certificates may receive additional weightage or consideration during the interview/personality test phase.
Age Limit (As on 01 August 2026)
- Minimum Age: 20 Years
- Maximum Age: 25 Years
- Eligible candidates must have been born between 02 August 2001 and 01 August 2006 (both dates inclusive).
Age Relaxation (As Per Government Rules)
- SC/ST Candidates: 5 years relaxation
- OBC Candidates: 3 years relaxation
- Central Government Employees & Ex-Servicemen: 5 years relaxation
Nationality & Gender
- Applicants must be Indian citizens.
- Candidates belonging to Nepal or Bhutan may also be eligible, subject to government approval and prescribed conditions.
- Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply for the examination.
Union Public Service Commission CAPF 2026 – Physical Standards & PET Requirements
Candidates who qualify in the written examination of the CAPF (Assistant Commandants) 2026 will be called for the Physical Standards Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET). These tests ensure that selected officers meet the physical fitness levels required for service in central armed police forces.
Minimum Physical Standards
Height Requirement
- Male Candidates: 165 cm
- Female Candidates: 157 cm
(Height relaxation may apply for certain categories as per official rules.)
Chest Measurement (For Male Candidates Only)
- Unexpanded: 81 cm
- Minimum Expansion: 5 cm
Minimum Weight
- Men: 50 kg
- Women: 46 kg
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
The PET is qualifying in nature and includes the following events:
| Event | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Metre Race | 16 seconds | 18 seconds |
| 800 Metre Race | 3 minutes 45 seconds | 4 minutes 45 seconds |
| Long Jump | 3.5 metres | 3.0 metres |
| Shot Put (7.26 kg) | 4.5 metres | Not Applicable |
Union Public Service Commission CAPF 2026 – Application Fee Details
Candidates applying for the UPSC CAPF (Assistant Commandants) Examination 2026 are required to pay the application fee as per their category.
Category-Wise Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS Candidates: ₹200
- SC / ST Candidates: No Fee (Exempted)
- Female Candidates (All Categories): Fully Exempted
Mode of Payment
The fee must be paid through online mode only, using any of the following methods:
- Net Banking
- UPI
- Credit Card
- Debit Card
Union Public Service Commission CAPF 2026 – Selection Process
The UPSC CAPF (Assistant Commandants) 2026 selection procedure is conducted in three main stages:
Written Examination (Total 450 Marks)
- Paper I: General Ability & Intelligence – 250 Marks (Objective Type)
- Paper II: General Studies, Essay & Comprehension – 200 Marks (Descriptive)
- Note: Paper I carries negative marking (1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer).
Physical & Medical Tests
Candidates who clear the written exam must undergo Physical Standards Test (PST), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), and Medical Examination. These are qualifying in nature.
Interview / Personality Test (150 Marks)
Shortlisted candidates appear for the final interview round.
Union Public Service Commission CAPF 2026 – How to Apply
Candidates must complete the application process online through the official UPSC portal. Follow the steps below:
- Go to the official website at upsconline.nic.in.
- Register through the One-Time Registration (OTR/URN) system if you are a new user.
- Log in and fill out the Common Application Form (CAF) with accurate personal and academic details.
- Choose the option “CAPF (ACs) Examination 2026” from the list of available exams.
- Upload scanned copies of your recent photograph, signature, and a valid photo ID.
- Pay the prescribed examination fee online (if applicable to your category).
- Review all details carefully, submit the form, and download the confirmation page for future reference.
| Official Notification | click here |
| Apply Online | click here |
| Home Page | click here |
Union Public Service Commission CAPF 2026 – Important Dates
| Event | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | 20 February 2026 |
| Start of Online Registration | 20 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 12 March 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Written Examination Date | 19 July 2026 |
| Admit Card Availability | Approximately one week before the exam |
The Union Public Service Commission has officially announced the UPSC CAPF Recruitment 2026, opening the door for aspirants who wish to serve as officers in India’s central armed forces. This nationwide examination is being conducted to fill 349 Assistant Commandant (Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officer) posts across multiple paramilitary organizations.
