📋 Complete Advertisement & Guidelines
UPSC Assistant Commandants (CAPF) Recruitment 2026 Overview
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the recruitment of Assistant Commandants (Group A) in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) for 2026. This is a prestigious opportunity for candidates aspiring to join the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
With a total of 349 vacancies announced, this recruitment process involves a competitive written examination followed by rigorous physical and medical tests. The online application process began on 20th February 2026 and closes on 12th March 2026.
Recruitment Type
This recruitment is strictly based on a Competitive Examination followed by Physical/Medical tests and an Interview. It is not a direct recruitment based on merit alone.
Key Highlights Table
| Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Assistant Commandants (Group A) in CAPF |
| Total Vacancies | 349 |
| Application Start Date | 20th February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 12th March 2026 (18:00 hours) |
| Written Exam Date | 19th July 2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in, upsconline.nic.in |
Vacancy Details (Force-wise)
The total of 349 vacancies is distributed among the five Central Armed Police Forces as follows:
| Force Name | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| 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 total vacancies are earmarked for Ex-servicemen. Reservation is applicable as per Government policy.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Nationality
- Candidate must be a citizen of India.
- Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan (with written consent of Central Government) are also eligible.
- Both Male and Female candidates are eligible.
2. Educational Qualification
- Requirement: Bachelor’s degree from a University incorporated by an Act of the Central/State Legislature or deemed University under UGC Act, 1956.
- Provisional Candidates: Candidates appearing for the final qualifying examination in 2026 are eligible, provided they produce proof of passing by the deadline.
- Restriction: Degrees acquired through Distance Learning/Part-time are NOT considered valid.
3. Age Limit (as on 01-08-2026)
- Minimum Age: 20 years (Born not later than 1st August 2006).
- Maximum Age: 25 years (Born not earlier than 2nd August 2001).
4. Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | Up to 5 years |
| OBC | Up to 3 years |
| Ex-Servicemen / Civilian Govt. Servants | Up to 5 years |
Selection Process
The selection involves four distinct stages:
- Written Examination (Objective + Descriptive)
- Physical Standards Tests (PST) & Physical Efficiency Tests (PET)
- Interview / Personality Test
- Medical Standards Tests (MST)
Stage 1: Written Examination Pattern (19th July 2026)
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Ability and Intelligence | 250 | 2 Hours (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM) | Objective (MCQ) |
| Paper II | General Studies, Essay & Comprehension | 200 | 3 Hours (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM) | Descriptive |
Paper I Details (Objective)
- Medium: English & Hindi
- Subjects: General Mental Ability, Current Affairs, Indian Polity & Economy, History, Geography, General Science.
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd (0.33) marks deducted for every wrong answer.
Paper II Details (Descriptive)
- Part A (80 Marks): Essay writing (Hindi/English) on topics like freedom struggle, security, human rights.
- Part B (120 Marks): Comprehension, précis writing, grammar (English only).
- Note: Paper-II is evaluated only for candidates qualifying in Paper-I.
Stage 2: Physical Standards & Efficiency Tests
Physical Standards (PST)
- Men: Height 165 cm, Chest 81 cm (unexpanded), Weight 50 kg.
- Women: Height 157 cm, Weight 46 kg.
Physical Efficiency Tests (PET)
- Men: 100m (16s), 800m (3m 45s), Long Jump (3.5m), Shot Put (4.5m).
- Women: 100m (18s), 800m (4m 45s), Long Jump (3.0m).
Stage 3 & 4: Interview & Medical Tests
- Interview: 150 Marks. NCC Certificate holders get preference.
- Medical Standards: Strict vision requirements (6/6 or 6/9 corrected), LASIK allowed under specific criteria. Unfit candidates can appeal to Review Medical Board.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Male General / OBC / EWS | Rs. 200/- |
| All Female / SC / ST Candidates | NIL (Exempted) |
Payment Mode: Online (Net Banking, Visa/Master/RuPay Debit/Credit Cards, UPI).
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Visit Official Portal: Go to upsconline.nic.in.
- Registration: Create an account (Module 1 & 2) if new user, or login for existing users. Generate URN (Universal Registration Number).
- Fill CAF: Complete the Common Application Form (Module 3) with personal, educational, and communication details.
- Select Exam: Choose "Assistant Commandants 2026" (Module 4). Select exam centers and force preferences (BSF, CRPF, etc.).
- Upload Documents:
- Scanned Photograph (20-200 KB)
- Scanned Signature (20-100 KB)
- Photo ID Proof details
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Pay Fee: Pay Rs. 200 (if applicable) via online mode.
- Final Submission: Review all details and submit before 18:00 hours on 12th March 2026. Take a printout of the final application form.
Important Dates
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 20th February 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 20th February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 12th March 2026 (18:00 hours) |
| Written Exam Date | 19th July 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 1 week before Exam |
| PST/PET Dates | To be announced after Written Result |