UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026 – Complete Notification, Eligibility & How to Apply
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the CAPF (Assistant Commandant) Recruitment 2026 notification on its official website upsc.gov.in. This year, 349 vacancies are available for various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
The online application process started on 20 February 2026 and will continue until 12 March 2026. If you are aiming for a prestigious officer role in India’s CAPF units, here’s everything you need to know.
What is the CAPF AC Exam?
The CAPF AC exam recruits candidates as Assistant Commandants in India’s paramilitary forces, including:
- Border Security Force (BSF)
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
- Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
- Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
As an Assistant Commandant, you will serve in a leadership role with excellent career growth, an attractive salary, and a chance to contribute to national security.
CAPF AC 2026 – Short Details
|
Parameter |
Details |
|
Exam Name |
UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant (AC) 2026 |
|
Total Posts |
349 |
|
Conducting Body |
UPSC |
|
Application Mode |
Online |
|
Minimum Age |
20 Years (as on 01 August 2026) |
|
Maximum Age |
25 Years (as on 01 August 2026) |
|
Exam Stages |
Written Exam, Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Interview, Final Merit List |
|
Application Fee |
₹200 (General/OBC), ₹0 (SC/ST/PH/Female) |
|
Pay Scale |
Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 approx.) + allowances |
Important Dates
|
Event |
Date |
|
Online Application Start |
20 February 2026 |
|
Online Application Last Date |
12 March 2026 |
|
Last Date for Fee Payment |
12 March 2026 |
|
Exam Date |
To Be Notified |
|
Admit Card |
Released Before Exam |
|
Result Date |
To Be Updated |
Always confirm these dates on the UPSC official website before planning your application.
Application Fee & Payment Mode
- General / OBC: ₹200
- SC / ST / PH / All Female Candidates: ₹0
Payment Options: Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, IMPS, Cash Card / Mobile Wallet
Eligibility Criteria
1. Age Limit (as on 01 August 2026)
- Minimum: 20 years
- Maximum: 25 years
- Age relaxations apply for reserved categories as per UPSC rules.
2. Educational Qualification
- A Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognised university in India.
3. Physical Standards
|
Criteria |
Male |
Female |
|
Height |
165 cm |
157 cm |
|
Chest |
81-86 cm |
N/A |
|
100m Race |
16 sec |
18 sec |
|
800m Race |
3 min 45 sec |
4 min 45 sec |
|
Long Jump |
3.5 m (3 chances) |
3 m (3 chances) |
|
Shot Put |
7.26 kg, 4.5 m |
N/A |
Candidates must meet both educational and physical eligibility requirements to apply.
Vacancy Distribution
|
Department |
No. of Posts |
Eligibility |
|
BSF |
108 |
Bachelor’s degree & physical eligibility |
|
CRPF |
106 |
Bachelor’s degree & physical eligibility |
|
CISF |
70 |
Bachelor’s degree & physical eligibility |
|
ITBP |
12 |
Bachelor’s degree & physical eligibility |
|
SSB |
53 |
Bachelor’s degree & physical eligibility |
How to Apply
- Visit the UPSC official website: upsc.gov.in
- Go to “Online Application for Various Exams”.
- Fill in all required personal, educational, and contact details.
- Upload scanned documents as instructed.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Submit and take a printout of your application for future reference.
Selection Process
The CAPF AC 2026 selection will include:
- Written Examination: Tests General Ability and Intelligence.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Includes running, long jump, high jump, and shot put.
- Interview/Personality Test: Conducted by UPSC to assess leadership, decision-making, and overall personality.
- Final Merit List: Based on performance in all stages.
The CAPF AC exam tests not just knowledge, but also physical fitness, mental strength, and leadership qualities.
Conclusion
The UPSC CAPF AC 2026 exam is an incredible opportunity for young aspirants looking for a challenging and respected career in India’s paramilitary forces. With proper preparation, attention to physical fitness, and focus on written and interview performance, this could be your chance to serve the nation as an Assistant Commandant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When will the CAPF AC written exam be conducted?
The exam date will be notified later by UPSC. Candidates should keep checking the official UPSC website for updates.
Q2. Can candidates from Nepal or Bhutan apply?
Yes, candidates from Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees meeting UPSC guidelines are eligible.
Q3. Is the CAPF AC exam only for males?
No. Both male and female candidates can apply, provided they meet the physical and educational eligibility criteria.
Q4. What is the pay scale for a CAPF Assistant Commandant?
The post comes under Level 10 of the pay matrix, which is approximately ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 plus allowances like Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, and other perks.
Q5. How many attempts can a candidate take for CAPF AC 2026?
There is no fixed limit on attempts as long as you meet the age eligibility criteria.
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