UPSC CAPF Exam 2026: Eligibility, Syllabus, Answer Key & Result Updates

The UPSC CAPF (Assistant Commandant) Exam 2026 notification was officially released on February 20, 2026, announcing 349 vacancies across major forces like BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. Aspiring candidates aged between 20 and 25 years with a bachelor’s degree must complete their online applications by the deadline of March 12, 2026. The selection process remains a rigorous three-stage journey, starting with the written examination scheduled for July 19, 2026, followed by Physical Efficiency Tests (PET) and a Personal Interview. Staying updated on the syllabus and result timelines is essential for securing a position in India’s prestigious paramilitary forces.

UPSC CAPF Exam 2026 Overview

UPSC CAPF Exam 2026 recruits Assistant Commandants for paramilitary forces like BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB through a multi-stage process conducted annually by UPSC.​ Notification releases February 20, 2026, with applications until March 12 and written exam on July 19, 2026.​

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Also Read: UPSC CAPF Cut Off

UPSC CAPF Exam Time Table 2026

UPSC CAPF Exam 2026 follows the official schedule outlined in the UPSC Calendar, with notification on February 20, 2026, applications until March 12, and written exam on July 19, 2026.​
Admit cards release 2-3 weeks prior, with subsequent stages like PET, interview, and results spanning late 2026 to mid-2027.​

• The exam will be  conducted in Indian Standard Time (IST).

• Paper I is an objective-type paper to test General Ability and Intelligence.

• Paper II is a descriptive paper to assess candidates’ essay writing, comprehension, and general studies knowledge.

• Candidates must appear in both papers to be eligible for further stages of the selection process.

• It is advisable to carry black ballpoint pens for marking answers in the OMR sheet for Paper I.

• Use only the language medium opted by the candidate in the application for writing Paper II.

UPSC CAPF Exam 2026 Notification 

The official UPSC CAPF 2026 Notification was released on February 20, 2026, marking the beginning of the recruitment for 349 Assistant Commandant (Group A) positions. Published under advertisement number 08/2026-CPF, the notification provides a detailed breakdown of vacancies across elite forces, including 108 for BSF, 106 for CRPF, 70 for CISF, 53 for SSB, and 12 for ITBP. Aspirants can submit their online applications via the official portal, upsc.gov.in, starting from the release date until the closing deadline of March 12, 2026 (6:00 PM). This comprehensive document outlines the updated eligibility criteria, the two-paper written exam structure, and the rigorous physical standards required for the upcoming examination on July 19, 2026.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books From PW Store

UPSC CAPF Exam 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the UPSC CAPF Exam 2026 include specific requirements related to nationality, age, education, and physical standards. Meeting these criteria is essential for candidates to apply and proceed with the selection process. Here is an overview of UPSC CAPF Exam 2026 Eligibility Criteria:

UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026

The written exam consists of two papers: Paper 1 (Objective) and Paper 2 (Descriptive). Candidates must pass both papers to advance to the next stage. Here is an overview of the UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026 for written exams:

UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2026

The complete UPSC CAPF Exam 2026 syllabus has been made available for download in PDF format on the official website. The UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2026 outlines the topics to be covered in the written examination, including Paper 1 (General Ability and Intelligence) and Paper 2 (General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension). A clear understanding of the syllabus is vital for focused preparation and success in the exam.

Paper 1: General Ability and Intelligence

1. General Mental Ability: Logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, data interpretation.
2. General Science: Basic concepts, latest scientific developments.
3. Current Events: National and international issues, sports, awards, and honors.
4. Indian Polity and Economy: Constitution, governance, economic development.
5. History and Geography: India’s history and geography, general world geography.

Paper 2: General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension

1. Essay Writing: Topics on modern Indian history, politics, economy, social issues, etc.
2. Comprehension: Grammar, vocabulary, and precise writing.
3. General Studies: Indian polity, human rights issues, security challenges.

UPSC CAPF 2026 Application Process

UPSC CAPF 2026 Application Process has begun along with the release of the UPSC CAPF notification. Candidates can apply online for the exam through the official website. However, they must ensure that they fulfill the required criteria to avoid cancellation of their candidacy:

1. Visit Official Website: www.upsc.gov.in
2. Fill Online Application: Provide personal and educational details.
3. Upload Documents: Upload scanned photo and signature.
4. Pay Application Fee: Fee for General/OBC: ₹200; SC/ST/Female candidates are exempted.

Check Out UPSC NCERT Textbooks From PW Store

UPSC CAPF Application Fee 2026

After submitting the application form, candidates are required to pay a fee online through net banking, credit/debit card, or any other accepted method. The application fee is waived for female candidates and those from the SC/ST categories.  Check out the UPSC CAPF Application Fee 2026 from below:

UPSC CAPF 2026 Admit Card

UPSC CAPF 2026 admit cards for the written exam will be available for download from upsc.gov.in approximately 2-3 weeks before the July 19, 2026 exam date, typically in early July.​
Candidates must log in using their registration ID and date of birth to access the hall ticket, which contains exam center details, reporting time, and required documents like photo ID proof.​
No physical admit cards will be sent; print multiple copies and carry originals of photo ID (Aadhaar/Voter ID) to avoid entry denial at exam venues.

UPSC CAPF 2026 Result

UPSC CAPF 2026 written exam results will be declared tentatively in September-October 2026 on upsc.gov.in as a merit list of roll numbers qualified for PET, PST, and medical standards.​

Candidates must download the PDF result, verify their status, and prepare documents for physical tests scheduled November 2026 onwards, with separate cut-off marks released category-wise.​

Final results combining written (450 marks), interview (150 marks), and medical fitness appear around June-July 2027, determining Assistant Commandant appointments across CAPF forces.

UPSC CAPF 2026 Selection Process

The selection process for UPSC CAPF 2026 consists of three stages:

1. Written Examination: Paper 1 (Objective) and Paper 2 (Descriptive).
2. Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Includes physical tasks like running, long jump, and shot put.
3. Interview/Personality Test: Evaluate the candidate’s leadership and communication skills.

Candidates must clear all stages to be considered for the final merit list.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

UPSC CAPF Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Practicing PYQs helps understand the exam pattern and question trends. PYQs for CAPF exams are available on the UPSC website and in various preparation guides. Here we have provided UPSC CAPF Previous Year Questions (PYQs) from 2023 to 2012:

Ready to boost your UPSC CAPF 2026 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC CAPF online course today!

DOWNLOAD PDF