The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the much-awaited UPSC CAPF Notification 2026 for the recruitment of Assistant Commandants in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). Thousands of aspirants preparing for defence and paramilitary services now have clarity on the application schedule, exam date, eligibility criteria, and selection process.
Candidates who want to serve the nation in leadership roles within forces such as BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB can apply online through the official website, upsc.gov.in. The application window will remain open until March 10, 2026.
Here is a complete guide to UPSC CAPF 2026, including eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, salary, and more.
UPSC CAPF Notification 2026: Important Dates
Candidates must carefully note all important dates to avoid missing deadlines.
- Notification Release Date: February 18, 2026
- Application Start Date: February 18, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: March 10, 2026
- Exam Date: July 19, 2026
- Admit Card Release: Expected in July 2026
- Result Date: To be announced
The UPSC will conduct the written examination on July 19, 2026, across various centres in India.
UPSC CAPF Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements related to education, age, and nationality.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university incorporated by an Act of Parliament or State Legislature. Candidates in their final year can apply provisionally but must submit proof of graduation when required.
Candidates holding NCC certificates receive additional weightage:
- 3% of maximum marks for NCC ‘B’ certificate
- 5% of maximum marks for NCC ‘C’ certificate
UPSC CAPF Age Limit 2026
As of August 1, 2025:
- Minimum Age: 20 years
- Maximum Age: 25 years
Candidates must be born between August 2, 2000, and August 1, 2005.
Age Relaxation
- OBC: 3 years
- SC/ST: 5 years
- Ex-servicemen: 5 years
- Civilian Central Government employees: 5 years
- J&K domiciled candidates (1980–1989 period): 5 years
Nationality Criteria
- Candidates must:
- Be a citizen of India
- Citizens of Nepal or Bhutan can also apply
Other candidates require special permission from the Central Government
UPSC CAPF Vacancy 2026
The detailed force-wise vacancy list will be released in the official notification. The Assistant Commandant posts will be distributed among various Central Armed Police Forces. The exact number of vacancies will be confirmed soon.
UPSC CAPF Selection Process 2026
The selection process includes three stages. Candidates must clear each stage to qualify for final selection.
1. Written Examination
The written test consists of two papers:
- Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence (Objective – 250 marks)
- Paper II: General Studies, Essay and Comprehension (Descriptive – 200 marks)
2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Medical Examination
Candidates who qualify in the written exam must undergo physical and medical tests.
3. Interview / Personality Test
The final stage carries 150 marks. UPSC assesses leadership ability, communication skills, and overall personality.
UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026
The exam pattern follows a structured evaluation process:
- Paper I: 250 marks (Objective type)
- Paper II: 200 marks (Descriptive type)
- Interview: 150 marks
The written exam tests knowledge of General Science, Current Affairs, Polity, Economy, History, and Geography. Paper II evaluates essay writing, comprehension, and analytical skills.
UPSC CAPF Physical Standards and PET Requirements
Candidates must meet physical efficiency standards:
For Male Candidates:
- 100m race: 16 seconds
- 800m race: 3 min 45 sec
- Long jump: 3.5 metres (3 chances)
- Shot put (7.26 kg): 4.5 metres
For Female Candidates:
- 100m race: 18 seconds
- 800m race: 4 min 45 sec
- Long jump: 3.0 metres (3 chances)
Physical standards play a crucial role in the final qualification.
UPSC CAPF Salary 2026
One of the biggest attractions of the Assistant Commandant post is the salary and allowances.
- Basic Pay: ₹15,600
- Grade Pay: ₹5,400
- Dearness Allowance (DA): ₹26,250
- Gross Salary: ₹51,480
- Estimated Deductions: ₹7,345
- Net In-Hand Salary: ₹44,135
In addition to salary, officers receive benefits such as medical facilities, travel allowances, and other government perks. Assistant Commandants lead forces, manage operations, and maintain internal security.
UPSC CAPF Application Form 2026: How to Apply Online
Candidates can apply online through the UPSC official website. They must complete registration, upload required documents, and pay the application fee.
- Application Fee: ₹200 for General category candidates
- Female and reserved category candidates may receive fee exemptions as per government rules
Applicants must carefully fill in all details and verify information before final submission.
UPSC CAPF Admit Card 2026
UPSC will release the admit card a few days before the examination. Candidates must download it from the official portal. The admit card is mandatory for entry into the examination hall.
UPSC CAPF Result 2026 and Merit List
UPSC will declare the result after completing all stages of the selection process. The merit list will include the names and roll numbers of candidates who qualify for final appointment.
Why UPSC CAPF 2026 Is Important
The UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant exam offers a prestigious opportunity to join India’s paramilitary forces as a Group A officer. The role involves leadership, operational management, and national security responsibilities.
Candidates aiming for a career in uniformed services should begin their preparation early and carefully review the syllabus, exam pattern, and physical standards.
The application window closes on March 10, 2026, so aspirants must act quickly and submit their forms on time.
