UPSC CAPF (AC): Exam Date, Notification & Latest Update
Last Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Current stage (2027): Final result out
The UPSC has released the final result for the Central Armed Police Forces (AC) examination, recommending 350 candidates for appointment.
UPSC CAPF (AC) — Key Dates
| Stage | 2027 |
|---|---|
| Notification | ~Feb 2027 (exact date TBA) |
| Apply by | Mar-Apr 2027 (tent.) |
| Prelims | 4 Jul 2027 (written, tent.) |
| Mains | — |
| Interview / Final | Physical + Interview after result |
| Fee | Rs 200 (Gen); SC/ST/Women exempt |
Official website: https://upsc.gov.in
UPSC CAPF (AC) 2027: Who Should Apply, What It Offers, and How It Compares
The UPSC CAPF (AC) 2027 is one of the most distinctive entry points into India’s uniformed services. Unlike the Civil Services Examination, which opens doors to the IAS, IPS, and IFS, the CAPF (AC) exam recruits Assistant Commandants directly into the Central Armed Police Forces—BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. With the final result recommending 350 candidates for appointment, the exam remains highly competitive, but its niche appeal lies in offering a clear career path for those who prefer field command over bureaucratic roles.
Who Runs the Exam and What Does It Recruit For?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the CAPF (AC) examination annually. The exam is designed to select Assistant Commandants (Group A Gazetted Officers) who will lead paramilitary units in counter-insurgency, border management, disaster response, and internal security operations. Successful candidates are posted across five forces, each with distinct operational mandates:
- Border Security Force (BSF): Primary responsibility for guarding India’s international borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF): Engaged in internal security, counter-Naxal operations, and UN peacekeeping missions.
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF): Provides security to critical infrastructure such as airports, power plants, and public sector undertakings.
- Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP): Responsible for guarding the India-China border in high-altitude regions.
- Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB): Focuses on border security and counter-insurgency in sensitive areas like Jammu & Kashmir and the Northeast.
Each force offers opportunities for rapid career progression, specialised training, and leadership roles in challenging environments. The CAPF (AC) route is ideal for candidates who seek a career combining operational command with nation-building, rather than a desk-bound administrative role.
Stages of the Exam: What Happens and When
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary stage is a written screening test held in early July. It consists of two objective-type papers, each of 200 marks and 2 hours duration:
- Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence – Tests quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, data interpretation, and general mental ability.
- Paper II: General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension – Includes comprehension passages, précis writing, essay writing, and general awareness questions.
Only candidates who qualify in both papers are eligible to appear for the Mains stage. There is no negative marking in Paper II, but candidates must manage time carefully to complete both sections within the allotted time.
Stage 2: Mains Examination
The Mains stage is a descriptive examination conducted after the Preliminary results. It typically includes:
- Paper III: General Studies – Covers Indian polity, governance, social justice, international relations, and internal security.
- Paper IV: Essay and Comprehension – Requires writing two essays and answering comprehension passages.
The Mains stage tests a candidate’s ability to articulate ideas clearly, structure arguments, and demonstrate analytical depth under time constraints. The descriptive format differentiates this exam from purely objective tests like the CSE Prelims.
Stage 3: Physical Standards and Medical Examination
Stage 4: Interview / Personality Test
Vacancies and Competition: What the Numbers Tell Us
The final result is declared after the Interview stage, and recommended candidates are allocated to their respective forces based on merit and preference. The selection process is rigorous, ensuring that only the most capable candidates are appointed as Assistant Commandants.
Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
The eligibility criteria for UPSC CAPF (AC) 2027 are clearly outlined in the official notification. Candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Nationality: Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply.
- Age Limit: The age criteria are specified in the notification and may include relaxations for reserved categories.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.
- Physical Standards: Candidates must meet the prescribed physical standards, including height, chest expansion, and vision.
Candidates are strongly advised to review the official notification for detailed eligibility criteria, as these may vary slightly from year to year. The application fee is Rs 200 for General category candidates, while SC, ST, and women candidates are exempt from payment.
Syllabus Overview: What You Need to Know
The syllabus for UPSC CAPF (AC) 2027 is structured to test a candidate’s readiness for paramilitary command roles. The Preliminary stage focuses on general ability and intelligence, including quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and general mental ability. The Mains stage covers general studies, with an emphasis on Indian polity, governance, soci
Last updated 15 August 2026. Dates change — always confirm on the official commission website before acting on them.
Discover more from Our Education | Best Coaching Institutes Colleges Rank
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
« UPSC NDA & NA (I): Exam Date, Notification & Latest Update
Tell us Your Queries, Suggestions and Feedback