The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the much-awaited Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination, 2026 for recruitment of Group A officers in India’s premier paramilitary forces. The Commission has invited online applications for 349 vacancies of Assistant Commandants in the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). The online application portal is activated from 20th February 2026 and will remain open until 12th March 2026 (till 6:00 PM).
UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026 Overview
UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026 is being conducted by the Union Public Service Commission in accordance with the Rules published by the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Gazette of India dated 20th February 2026. The examination seeks to recruit Assistant Commandants (Group A) in five Central Armed Police Forces. The selection process comprises a Written Examination, Physical Standards Tests (PST), Physical Efficiency Tests (PET), Interview/Personality Test, and Medical Standards Tests. Employment through UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment provides exceptional career growth prospects, the opportunity to lead troops, and the honour of serving the nation in challenging environments.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination Name | CAPF (ACs) Examination, 2026 |
| Total Openings | 349 |
| Post Level | Group A (Gazetted Officer) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | upsconline.nic.in |
UPSC CAPF AC Notification 2026 PDF
The UPSC CAPF AC notification 2026 has been released on the official website and provides comprehensive information about available vacancies, force-wise distribution, eligibility criteria, age limit requirements, physical standards, medical standards, and the complete selection procedure. Candidates must carefully read the notification before proceeding with their application.
The UPSC CAPF AC notification 2026 PDF also contains crucial details about the examination scheme, syllabus, physical efficiency tests, and document specifications. Downloading and thoroughly studying the UPSC CAPF AC notification 2026 PDF helps candidates understand the entire recruitment process clearly and ensures error-free application submission.
Download UPSC CAPF AC Notification 2026 PDF
UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
Candidates planning to apply for UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026 must strictly adhere to the official schedule. The application portal will be activated on the specified start date and applications submitted after the deadline will not be entertained under any circumstances. All dates have been finalised by UPSC.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20th February 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20th February 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application | 12th March 2026 (Till 6:00 PM) |
| Cut-off Date for Eligibility (Age) | 1st August 2026 |
| Date of Written Examination | 19th July 2026 |
| Paper I Timing | 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon |
| Paper II Timing | 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM |
| Window for Question Paper Representations | 3rd day to 7th day after examination (till 6:00 PM) |
UPSC CAPF AC Vacancy 2026
The UPSC CAPF AC vacancy 2026 includes 349 positions distributed across five Central Armed Police Forces. The number of vacancies mentioned is tentative and liable to alteration by the Government. Reservation will be given effect to as per Government policy, with 10% of the total vacancies earmarked for Ex-servicemen.
| Force Name | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Border Security Force (BSF) | 108 |
| Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) | 106 |
| Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) | 12 |
| Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) | 53 |
| Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) | 70 |
| Total | 349 |
Note: Both Male and Female candidates are eligible for appointment to the post of Assistant Commandants in all the above forces.
UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must meet nationality, age, educational qualification, and physical standards conditions to apply for UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026. The UPSC CAPF AC Eligibility Criteria 2026 defines the requirements for the post of Assistant Commandant. Candidates must meet all rules on the cut-off date (1st August 2026 for age) to apply successfully.
Nationality
- Must be a citizen of India
- Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan may also be eligible with the consent of the Central Government
Sex
Both Male and Female candidates are eligible for appointment to the post of Assistant Commandants.
Age Limit
| Category | Age Requirements |
|---|---|
| General | Must have attained 20 years and not have attained 25 years as on 1st August 2026 |
| Date of Birth | Born not earlier than 2nd August 2001 and not later than 1st August 2006 |
Age Relaxation
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) | Up to 5 years |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | Up to 3 years |
| Civilian Central Government Servants | Up to 5 years (as per existing instructions) |
| Ex-servicemen | Up to 5 years |
Important Notes:
- Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC who are also covered under Civilian Central Government Servants/Ex-servicemen category are eligible for cumulative age relaxation under both categories
- The term “Ex-servicemen” applies as per Ex-servicemen (Re-employment in Civil Service and Posts) Rules, 1979
- The date of birth accepted by the Commission is that entered in the Matriculation or Secondary School Leaving Certificate only
- Once Date of Birth has been submitted in the Online Application Form, no change will be allowed subsequently on any grounds
Minimum Educational Qualifications
| Qualification Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Essential | Bachelor’s degree of a University incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 or possess an equivalent qualification |
Physical Standards
Minimum Physical Requirements for Male Candidates:
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Height | 165 cm |
| Chest (Unexpanded) | 81 cm |
| Chest Expansion | 5 cm minimum expansion |
| Weight | 50 kg |
Minimum Physical Requirements for Female Candidates:
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Height | 157 cm |
| Weight | 46 kg |
Note: Height and chest measurement will be measured correct to one decimal in centimeter (e.g., 165.2 cm). Any candidate having height or chest measurement less than the prescribed minimum criteria will be disqualified.
Medical Standards
Eye Sight Requirements:
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Better Eye (corrected vision) | 6/6 or 6/9 |
| Worse Eye (corrected vision) | 6/12 or 6/9 |
| Near Vision | N6 (corrected) / N9 (corrected) |
| Limits of Refractive Errors | -4.00 D (including cylinder) Myopia, +4.00 D (including cylinder) Hypermetropia |
| Colour Perception | CP-III by ISIHARA plates |
LASIK Surgery:
LASIK surgery correction is permitted subject to prescribed criteria including age 18-35 years, axial-length 21-26 mm, corneal-thickness 425 micron, pre-LASIK error 6 D, and mandatory 06 months post-operative period before recruitment.
Other Medical Standards
- Carrying angle should not be more than 15° for male and 20° for female
- No degree of deafness or persistent ear discharge
- No DNS, atrophic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis
- Sufficient number of sound teeth for efficient mastication
- No chronic skin diseases like Leprosy, chronic dermatitis, psoriasis
- Speech without impediment (no stammering)
- No chronic disease like TB, arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, bronchial asthma, heart disease
- Limbs, hands and feet well formed with perfect motion of all joints
- No knock knees, flat foot, varicose veins
- No hernia, hemorrhoids
Tattoo Clause
| Aspect | Permissible Criteria |
|---|---|
| Content | Tattoos depicting religious symbols or figures and name are permitted |
| Location | Traditional sites like inner aspect of left forearm (non-saluting limb) or dorsum of hands |
| Size | Less than ¼ of the particular part (Elbow or Hand) of the body |
UPSC CAPF AC Apply Online Link 2026
The UPSC CAPF AC apply online link is available on the official UPSC website at https://upsconline.nic.in. Candidates are required to apply online by using the Commission’s website. Candidates must first obtain a Universal Registration Number (URN) by registering on the portal. They then need to fill the Common Application Form (CAF) and the fourth module i.e., Examination Specific Module (including fees and centres).
The UPSC CAPF AC apply online process requires candidates to have a valid email ID, mobile number, scanned photograph and signature, and details of a Photo ID Card (Aadhaar Card/Voter Card/PAN Card/Passport/Driving License). The UPSC CAPF AC apply online facility will remain operational only until 12th March 2026 till 6:00 PM. No application through any other mode will be accepted.
UPSC CAPF AC Apply Online Link
How to Apply
Candidates must submit their application online exclusively through the official UPSC website. The application process involves registration, profile creation, form filling, document upload, fee payment, and final submission. No offline applications or applications through any other mode will be accepted.
Step 1: Visit the official website of UPSC at https://upsconline.nic.in
Step 2: Register on the portal to obtain a Universal Registration Number (URN) if not already registered
Step 3: Login using the URN and password
Step 4: Fill the Common Application Form (CAF) with personal details, educational qualifications, and category information
Step 5: Proceed to the fourth module i.e., Examination Specific Module for CAPF (ACs) Exam, 2026
Step 6: Upload scanned photograph (20-200 KB in jpg format) and signature (20-100 KB in jpg format)
Step 7: Capture live photograph while filling the form as per instructions
Step 8: Provide details of Photo ID Card (Aadhaar/Voter ID/PAN/Passport/Driving License)
Step 9: Select Examination Centre preference (first-apply-first-allot basis)
Step 10: Pay the application fee online (if applicable) through Net Banking/Credit Card/Debit Card/UPI
Step 11: Verify all details carefully before final submission
Step 12: Submit the application form and note the Application Number for future reference
Step 13: Keep a printout or soft copy of the online application for future references
Application Fees
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹ 200/- (Rupees Two Hundred only) |
| Female Candidates | Exempted |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | Exempted |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | Exempted |
Also Read: GAIL Executive Trainee Through GATE-2026 Notification Out, Apply Online for 70 Openings
UPSC CAPF AC Selection Process 2026
The selection process for UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026 comprises multiple stages designed to identify the most suitable candidates for the prestigious post of Assistant Commandant.
Stage 1: Written Examination (19th July 2026)
The written examination will be conducted by UPSC and comprises two papers:
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Ability and Intelligence | 250 | 2 Hours (10 AM – 12 Noon) | Objective Type (MCQs) |
| Paper II | General Studies, Essay and Comprehension | 200 | 3 Hours (2 PM – 5 PM) | Conventional (Essay/Comprehension) |
Minimum Qualifying Marks: There will be minimum qualifying marks separately in each Paper as may be fixed by the Commission. Paper I will be evaluated first, and evaluation of Paper II will be done only for candidates who obtain minimum qualifying marks in Paper I.
Stage 2: Physical Standards Tests (PST) / Physical Efficiency Tests (PET)
Candidates declared qualified in the written examination will be summoned for Physical Standards Tests and Physical Efficiency Tests. These tests will be conducted under the supervision of a Nodal Authority appointed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Physical Efficiency Tests (PET):
| Event | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Meter Race | In 16 Seconds | In 18 Seconds |
| 800 Meter Race | In 3 Minutes 45 Seconds | In 4 Minutes 45 Seconds |
| Long Jump* | 3.5 Meters (3 chances) | 3.0 Meters (3 chances) |
| Shot Put (7.26 Kg) | 4.5 Meters (3 chances) | ———- |
*Note: During long jump, if any part of the body touches the starting or finishing line, it would be deemed as disqualification.
Stage 3: Interview/Personality Test
Candidates declared qualified in PST/PET will be called for Interview/Personality Test conducted by UPSC. The Interview/Personality Test carries 150 Marks.
Stage 4: Medical Standards Tests
Medical Standards Tests will be conducted only for candidates who have appeared in the Interview/Personality Test. These tests will check the standards specified in Appendix-V of the notification. Appeals against Medical Standards Tests can be made to the Appellate Authority designated by MHA within 24 hours after declaration of DME results.
Stage 5: Final Selection/Merit List
The merit list will be drawn on the basis of marks obtained by candidates in the Written Examination and Interview/Personality Test. Candidates who do not satisfy medical standards will not be appointed.
Tie Breaking Principles
| Priority | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 1st | Candidate securing more marks in Written Total |
| 2nd | Candidate securing more marks in Paper I (General Ability & Intelligence) |
| 3rd | Candidate senior in age |
| 4th | At the discretion of the Commission |
UPSC CAPF AC Examination Centres 2026
The examination will be held at the following 57 centres across India. Allotment of Centres will be on “first-apply-first-allot” basis. Once the capacity of a particular Centre is attained, the centre will no longer be available as an option. Candidates are advised to apply early to get a centre of their choice.
| S. No. | Centre | S. No. | Centre | S. No. | Centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AGARTALA | 20 | GHAZIABAD | 39 | MEERUT |
| 2 | AHMEDABAD | 21 | GURUGRAM | 40 | MUMBAI |
| 3 | AIZAWL | 22 | HYDERABAD | 41 | NAGPUR |
| 4 | ALMORA | 23 | IMPHAL | 42 | PANAJI (GOA) |
| 5 | BENGALURU | 24 | INDORE | 43 | PATNA |
| 6 | BAREILLY | 25 | ITANAGAR | 44 | PORT BLAIR |
| 7 | BHOPAL | 26 | JAIPUR | 45 | PRAYAGRAJ |
| 8 | BHUBANESWAR | 27 | JAMMU | 46 | PUNE |
| 9 | CHANDIGARH | 28 | JODHPUR | 47 | RAIPUR |
| 10 | CHENNAI | 29 | JORHAT | 48 | RANCHI |
| 11 | CUTTACK | 30 | KANPUR | 49 | SAMBALPUR |
| 12 | DEHRADUN | 31 | KARGIL | 50 | SHILLONG |
| 13 | DELHI | 32 | KOCHI | 51 | SHIMLA |
| 14 | DHARAMSHALA | 33 | KOHIMA | 52 | SRINAGAR |
| 15 | DHARWAR | 34 | KOLKATA | 53 | SRINAGAR (UTTARAKHAND) |
| 16 | DISPUR | 35 | LEH | 54 | THIRUVANANTHAPURAM |
| 17 | FARIDABAD | 36 | LUCKNOW | 55 | TIRUPATI |
| 18 | GANGTOK | 37 | MADURAI | 56 | UDAIPUR |
| 19 | GAUTAM BUDDHA NAGAR | 38 | MANDI | 57 | VISAKHAPATNAM |
Note: The Centres and date of examination are liable to be changed at the discretion of the Commission. No request for change of Centre will be entertained.
UPSC CAPF AC Salary and Benefits
Assistant Commandants in Central Armed Police Forces are Group A Gazetted Officers with an attractive salary structure and numerous benefits.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Scale | Level 10 (₹ 56,100 – ₹ 1,77,500) as per 7th CPC |
| Grade Pay | ₹ 5,400 (Pre-revised) |
| Military Service Pay | ₹ 15,600 per month |
| Dearness Allowance | As applicable |
| House Rent Allowance | As applicable |
| Transport Allowance | As applicable |
| Other Benefits | Medical facilities, Leave Travel Concession, Pension, Gratuity, Provident Fund, Canteen facilities, Accommodation, Insurance |
