UPSC CAPF (Assistant Commandants) 2026 Syllabus – Prelims & Mains

🔔 Exam Overview

The Union Public Service Commission conducts the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Examination to recruit Assistant Commandants (Group ‘A’) for BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.
The exam consists of two written papers, followed by physical tests, interview, and medical examination.

📝 Written Examination Structure

UPSC-CAPF Recruitment 2026 – NOTIFICATION

📚 Paper I – General Ability & Intelligence (Objective)

• Marks: 250

• Duration: 2 Hours

• Language: English & Hindi

• Negative Marking: ⅓ mark deducted for each wrong answer

📌 Detailed Syllabus

1. General Mental Ability

• Logical reasoning

• Analytical ability

• Numerical ability

• Data interpretation

• Decision making

2. General Science

• General awareness

• Scientific temper

• Everyday science concepts

3. Current Events

• National & international importance

• Government schemes

• Defence and security-related developments

4. Indian Polity & Economy

• Constitution of India

• Panchayati Raj

• Public administration

• Economic development

• Social systems

5. History of India

• Ancient, Medieval & Modern history

• Indian National Movement

6. Indian & World Geography

• Physical geography

• Social & economic geography

• Environmental ecology & biodiversity

📚 Paper II – General Studies, Essay & Comprehension (Descriptive)

• Marks: 200

• Duration: 3 Hours

• Medium:

  • Essay: Hindi or English

  • Comprehension & Precis: English only

📌 Paper II Sections

Part A – Essay (80 Marks)

• Modern Indian history

• Geography

• Polity

• Economy

• Internal security

• Human rights

• International relations

• Current affairs

Part B – Comprehension & Language Skills (120 Marks)

• Reading comprehension

• Precis writing

• Counter-argument

• Grammar & vocabulary

• Simple report writing

🎯 Minimum Qualifying Standards

• Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks in Paper II to have Paper I evaluated.

• Final written merit is based on Paper I + Paper II combined marks.

✅ Key Preparation Tip

• Paper I tests breadth + speed

• Paper II tests depth + expression

• Essay writing and comprehension are rank-deciding areas