UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026: Stages, Papers, Marking Scheme, Selection Process

The UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026 is crucial for candidates preparing for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Assistant Commandant (AC) Exam. It outlines the structure, marking scheme, and subjects covered in the exam, providing a roadmap for effective preparation. The CAPF exam is conducted annually and comprises multiple stages, each assessing the different skills and capabilities of the candidates.

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UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026 Overview

The UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026 is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It consists of a three-stage process: a written examination, a Physical Efficiency Test (PET), and an Interview/Personality Test.

Central Government Exams (Preparation-Batch)

Candidates must clear each stage to move to the next, with final merit determined by the written exam and interview.

Also Read: UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2026

How Many Papers are there in CAPF Exam?

The written exam for the CAPF AC Exam consists of two papers: Paper I and Paper II. The written examination is the first and most crucial stage in the CAPF selection process. It tests the candidate’s intellectual, analytical, and language skills.

Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence

• Objective-type questions.
• Assesses logical reasoning, general awareness, and aptitude.
• Duration: 2 hours.
• Marks: 250.
• Timings of Exam: 10 AM -12 PM.

Paper II: General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension

• Descriptive-type questions.
• Includes essay writing, comprehension, and grammar.
• Duration: 3 hours.
• Marks: 200.
  
• Timings of Exam: 2 PM-5 PM.

Check out the complete UPSC CAPF Eligibility Criteria Here! 

UPSC CAPF Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

The prelims examination is the first and most important stage in the UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026. It is designed to assess candidates’ intellectual skills, analytical abilities, and language proficiency. The prelims exam is an objective-type paper:

• Paper I – General Ability and Intelligence (Objective Type)
• Paper II – General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension (Descriptive Type)

Key Points:

• Paper I is conducted in English and Hindi.
• Paper II is evaluated only for candidates who qualify for Paper I.

UPSC CAPF Mains Exam Pattern 2026

The UPSC CAPF Mains Exam Pattern 2026 is identical to the descriptive Paper II. This stage tests a candidate’s essay-writing skills, comprehension, and grammar proficiency. Paper II comprises essay topics, précis writing, report writing, and language-related questions.

Key Topics for Paper II:

• Modern Indian History (especially freedom struggle)
• Geography
• Polity
• Economy
• Human rights and security issues
• Analytical and communication skills

UPSC CAPF Interview Exam Pattern 2026

The UPSC CAPF Interview Exam Pattern 2026 is the final stage of the selection process. Candidates who qualify for the written exam and meet the physical/medical standards are called for the personality test.

• The interview carries 150 marks.
• Candidates are assessed based on their leadership skills, decision-making ability, and overall personality.

The final merit list is prepared by combining marks from the written examination (450 marks) and the interview (150 marks), totalling 600 marks.

UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026 Marking Scheme

Understanding the marking scheme is important to strategizing your approach. The CAPF written exam carries a total of 450 marks, and the marking scheme varies for each paper. Here is the UPSC CAPF 2026 Marking Scheme:

Central Government Exams (Preparation-Batch)

UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026 Negative Marking

The CAPF exam implements a negative marking system in Paper I, penalizing incorrect answers to ensure accuracy and precision.

1. Negative Marking in Paper I:
   • Each wrong answer deducts 1/3rd of the marks assigned to the question.
   • Unanswered questions do not incur negative markings.
2. No Negative Marking in Paper II:
   • Descriptive questions are evaluated based on content quality, language proficiency, and analytical ability.

UPSC CAPF 2026 Preparation Tips

To qualify for the UPSC CAPF Exam 2026, in the first attempt candidates must adopt a strategic preparation approach:

1. Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the structure, marking scheme, and important topics for both papers.
2. Time Management: Practice answering objective questions quickly and accurately in Paper I while allocating ample time for descriptive writing in Paper II.
3. Focus on Current Affairs: Read newspapers, magazines, and follow major national and international developments.
4. Practice Essay Writing: Improve your writing skills by preparing essays on diverse topics such as security issues, social justice, and governance.
5. Solve Previous Year Papers: Analyzing past papers will provide insights into question patterns and help improve accuracy.
6. Physical Fitness: Start preparing for the PET early by incorporating running, push-ups, and endurance training into your routine.
7. Mock Tests: Attempt mock tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses for better performance.

Ready to boost your UPSC CAPF preparation? Join PW’s UPSC CAPF online course today!

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