The UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2026 is designed to test candidates aspiring to join India’s elite Central Armed Police Forces, including BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, the CAPF Assistant Commandant examination evaluates a candidate’s general awareness, analytical ability, leadership potential, and physical endurance. The syllabus is divided into two written papers—General Ability & Intelligence and General Studies, Essay & Comprehension, along with physical standards and an interview/personality test. A clear understanding of the syllabus helps aspirants plan a focused strategy, prioritize important topics, and improve their chances of success in this highly competitive examination.
UPSC CAPF Exam
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Exam is conducted annually to recruit Assistant Commandants (ACs) in various paramilitary forces like BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. Aspirants aiming for a prestigious career in India’s security forces must have a clear understanding of the UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant Syllabus 2026, which plays a crucial role in structured preparation.
The CAPF exam consists of three stages:
- Written Examination – Includes Paper 1 (General Ability & Intelligence) and Paper 2 (General Studies, Essay & Comprehension).
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Medical Standards – Evaluates physical endurance and fitness.
- Personal Interview & Personality Test – Assesses leadership, decision-making, and communication skills.
Paper 1 covers Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, General Science, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, and Current Affairs. Paper 2 evaluates essay writing, comprehension, and precise communication skills.
Aspirants must adopt a comprehensive strategy to cover static GK, current affairs, and analytical topics. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the UPSC CAPF Syllabus, helping candidates streamline their preparation effectively for UPSC CAPF 2025.
UPSC CAPF Syllabus: Overview
Three components comprise the UPSC CAPF AC selection exam: the Written Exam, the Physical Efficiency Test (PET), and the Interview/Personality Test. To effectively study for the UPSC CAPF test, candidates need to keep up with the dates, syllabus, and exam pattern. Here is a summary of the important information:
| Details | Description |
| Exam Name | Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Exam |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Written Test) |
| Stages | Written Test, PET, Interview |
| Exam Frequency | Annually |
| CAPF AC Exam Date | Notified Soon |
| Available Seats | To be notified |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
CAPF Exam Pattern 2026 for Written Test
The two exams that make up the written exam are Paper 1 (Objective) and Paper 2 (Descriptive). To move on to the next round, candidates must pass both exams.
| Paper | Subject | Total Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | General Ability and Intelligence | 125 (MCQ) | 250 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 2 | General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension | 6 (Descriptive) | 200 | 3 Hours |
UPSC CAPF Syllabus for Papers 1 and 2 in a simple way
The UPSC CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) 2026 exam consists of two papers:
Paper 1: General Ability and Intelligence
- Total Marks: 250
- Duration: 2 hours
- Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
Syllabus for Paper 1:
-
General Mental Ability:
- Logical reasoning
- Quantitative aptitude (Numerical ability, number systems, ratio & proportion, percentages, profit & loss, time & work, time & distance, averages, etc.)
- Data interpretation
-
General Science:
- General awareness of science, including physics, chemistry, and biology
- Scientific principles and technologies
- Latest developments in science and technology
-
Current Events of National and International Importance:
- Important national and international events
- Sports, culture, governance, and awards
- Environmental and ecological issues
-
Indian Polity and Economy:
- Political system and Constitution of India
- Public administration and governance
- Economic development, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development
-
History of India:
- Social, economic, and political aspects of Indian history
- Freedom movement and its leaders
-
Indian and World Geography:
- Physical, social, and economic geography of India and the world
- Climate change, natural disasters, and environmental concerns
Paper 2: General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension
- Total Marks: 200
- Duration: 3 hours
- Type: Descriptive (Essay writing, précis writing, comprehension, etc.)
Syllabus for Paper 2:
-
Essay Writing (80 Marks):
- Topics related to history, geography, politics, economy, security, human rights, and societal issues
- Contemporary themes like global warming, women empowerment, digital India, terrorism, etc.
-
Comprehension, Précis Writing & Communication (120 Marks):
- Reading comprehension and language skills
- Précis writing and report writing
- Grammar and vocabulary
This exam tests candidates’ aptitude, general knowledge, and communication skills, which are crucial for leadership roles in the CAPF forces.
UPSC CAPF Paper 1 General Ability and Intelligence Syllabus in Detailed Form
Paper 1 evaluates candidates’ logical reasoning, quantitative skills, and awareness of national and international events. The syllabus is divided into six sections:
| UPSC CAPF Paper 1: General Ability and Intelligence Syllabus | |
| Topic | Syllabus Details |
| General Mental Ability | The questions will be designed to test logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude including numerical ability, and data interpretation. |
| General Science | The questions will be set to test general awareness, scientific temper, comprehension and appreciation of scientific phenomena of everyday observation including new areas of importance like Information Technology, Biotechnology, Environmental Science. |
| Current Events of National and International Importance | The questions will test the candidates’ awareness of current events of national and international importance in the broad areas of culture, music, arts, literature, sports, governance, societal and developmental issues, industry, business, globalisation, and interplay among nations. |
| Indian Polity & Economy | The questions shall aim to test candidates’ knowledge of the Country’s political system and the Constitution of India, social systems and public administration, economic development in India, regional and international security issues and human rights including its indicators. |
| Indian History | The questions will broadly cover the subject in its social, economic and political aspects. This shall also include the areas of growth of nationalism and the freedom movement. |
| Indian and World Geography | The questions shall cover the physical, social and economic aspects of geography pertaining to India and the World |
UPSC CAPF Syllabus Paper 2: General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension
Paper 2 is descriptive and assesses comprehension, essay writing, and language proficiency. Paper 2: Essay, Comprehension, and General Studies is worth 200 points. To effectively prepare for this exam, candidates should review the entire curriculum. The topic-by-topic CAPF Syllabus Paper 2 is available below:
| UPSC CAPF Paper 2 Syllabus | ||
| Topic | Marks | Syllabus Details |
| Essay Writing | 80 Marks | Essay questions are to be answered in long narrative form either in Hindi or English totaling 80 Marks. The indicative topics are modern Indian history especially of the freedom struggle, geography, polity and economy, knowledge of security and human rights issues, and analytical ability. |
| Comprehension & Précis | 120 Marks | The topics are Comprehension passages, précis writing, developing counter arguments, simple grammar and other aspects of language testing. |
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for CAPF 2026
Candidates must pass the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) after passing the written exam. To take the Medical Standards Test and the Physical Standards/Physical Efficiency Test, qualified applicants will be contacted. Each and every PET test is qualified. Candidates will take the physical efficiency tests listed below if they fulfill the required physical standards:
| Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for CAPF 2026 | ||
| Test | Male Standard | Female Standard |
| 100 Meters Race | 16 seconds | 18 seconds |
| 800 Meters Race | 3 minutes 45 seconds | 4 minutes 45 seconds |
| Long Jump | 3.5 meters (3 chances) | 3.0 meters (3 chances) |
| Shot Put (7.26 kg) | 4.5 meters | Not applicable |
CAPF AC Interview/Personality Test
The Union Public Service Commission will call candidates who pass the Medical Standards Tests for a personality test and interview. After appealing to the Appellate Authority, those who are deemed medically unfit but are allowed to appear before the “Review Medical Board” will receive a provisional invitation to the Interview/Personality Tests.The 150-mark interview/personality test evaluates the candidate’s general personality, leadership skills, and mental clarity. Only those who successfully complete the medical exams are invited to the interview.
CAPF AC Interview/Personality Test Syllabus
The UPSC CAPF (Assistant Commandant) Interview/Personality Test is the final stage of the selection process after clearing the written examination and Physical Efficiency Test (PET). It is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and carries 150 marks. The interview assesses various attributes essential for leadership and decision-making in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
CAPF AC Interview/Personality Test Syllabus
1. Personal Attributes Assessment
- Confidence & Leadership Qualities
- Mental and Physical Alertness
- Initiative and Decision-Making Ability
- Integrity, Ethics, and Honesty
- Emotional Intelligence and Stress Handling
2. General Awareness & Current Affairs
- National and International Issues
- Important Government Policies & Schemes
- Internal Security and Border Management
- Defence and Armed Forces-Related News
- Role of CAPF (CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB, CISF, AR)
3. Communication and Analytical Ability
- Clarity of Thought and Expression
- Logical Reasoning and Critical Thinking
- Ability to Present Arguments Effectively
- Interpersonal Skills and Diplomacy
4. Service-Related Questions
- Role & Functions of CAPFs in India
- Differences Between CAPFs & Other Security Forces
- Challenges in Internal Security & Law Enforcement
- Responsibilities of an Assistant Commandant
- Coordination Between CAPFs and Other Agencies
5. Situational and Ethical Questions
- Decision-Making in Crisis Situations
- Ethical Dilemmas and Moral Responsibility
- Handling Law & Order, Riots, and Terrorism
- Dealing with Corruption and Bureaucratic Challenges
6. Personality-Based and HR Questions
- Self-Introduction & Background
- Educational and Work Experience
- Strengths & Weaknesses
- Why CAPF and Not Defence Forces?
- Hobbies and Interests
Preparation Tips
- Read The Hindu/Indian Express daily for current affairs
- Follow Yojana & Kurukshetra magazines for government policies
- Practice Mock Interviews and Group Discussions
- Study about the CAPFs and their organizational structure
- Work on Body Language and Communication Skills
CAPF AC Syllabus Topic wise PDF
Get the UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant Syllabus by clicking on the below Link:
Best Books to Cover UPSC Assistant Commandant Syllabus
high-quality booklist to help you cover the UPSC Assistant Commandant (CAPF AC) syllabus effectively, both Paper-I (Objective) and Paper-II (Descriptive). These are widely recommended and updated for the latest exam pattern.
📘 1. Comprehensive Guides (Complete Syllabus Coverage)
📗 UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant (AC) – General Studies Paper-I (Arihant)
Great for structured theory + practice questions + previous years’ coverage.
• Covers entire Paper-I GS syllabus with chapter-wise practice and PYQs.
UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant (AC) – Solved Papers (Arihant)
Focuses on chapter-wise previous year questions for Paper-I & Paper-II with explanations.
• Includes 15+ years of solved questions + few mock tests.
Guide to UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant Paper I & II (Disha / Bookscape)
All-in-one book covering both papers (Objective + Descriptive) with theory, MCQs & PYQs.
2. Paper-II (Descriptive) Focused Books
UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant – Paper II (Descriptive) by Arihant
Excellent for mastering Essay Writing, Comprehensions, Precis, Language Skills — directly relevant for Paper-II.
3. Practice & Question Banks
📑 UPSC CAPF AC (Paper-1) – 1600+ Solved Questions (EduGorilla)
Good additional source of solved objective questions and mock practice aligned with the syllabus.
UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2026: FAQs
1. What is the exam pattern of the UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant Exam 2026?
The exam consists of three stages:
- Paper 1: General Ability & Intelligence (Objective) – 250 Marks
- Paper 2: General Studies, Essay & Comprehension (Descriptive) – 200 Marks
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Medical Examination
- Interview/Personality Test: 150 Marks
2. What are the key subjects covered in Paper 1?
Paper 1 covers the following topics:
- General Mental Ability (Reasoning, Logical Analysis)
- General Science
- Current Events of National & International Importance
- Indian Polity & Economy
- History of India
- Indian & World Geography
3. What are the topics covered in Paper 2?
Paper 2 includes:
- Essay Writing: Topics related to national security, polity, governance, economy, etc.
- Comprehension, Precis Writing & Language Skills: Grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills in English.
4. What are the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) requirements?
Candidates must clear the following PET:
- 100m Race: Male – 16 sec, Female – 18 sec
- 800m Race: Male – 3 min 45 sec, Female – 4 min 45 sec
- Long Jump: Male – 3.5m (3 chances), Female – 3.0m (3 chances)
- Shot Put (7.26 kg) (For Male Only): 4.5m
5. Is there negative marking in the CAPF AC exam?
Yes, there is negative marking in Paper 1. One-third (1/3rd) of the marks allotted to a question will be deducted for each incorrect answer. However, Paper 2 does not have negative marking as it is descriptive.
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