The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the CAPF (Assistant Commandants) Examination 2026. This recruitment is for the post of Assistant Commandant, which is a Group A Gazetted Officer post. It is a well-known examination because selected candidates get a chance to serve in India’s major paramilitary forces like BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB. The job location can be across India, depending on posting.
UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026
The online application process has started from 20 February 2026. Candidates can fill and submit the online form up to 12 March 2026 (till 6:00 PM). Before applying, candidates should read all eligibility rules like age, education qualification, physical standards, fee details and selection process. This is important because if any requirement is not matched, the candidature can be cancelled at any stage.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Examination | CAPF (Assistant Commandants) Examination, 2026 |
| Post | Assistant Commandant (Group A Gazetted Officer) |
| Total Vacancies | 349 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Pay Level | Level 10 (7th CPC) |
| Pay Scale | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Official Website | upsconline.nic.in |
Important Dates
Candidates should follow the dates carefully. Missing the last date can lead to rejection, and it is also important to remember the exam schedule.
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 20 February 2026 |
| Online Form Start | 20 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 12 March 2026 (Till 6:00 PM) |
| Age Cut-off Date | 01 August 2026 |
| Written Exam Date | 19 July 2026 |
| Paper I Timing | 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon |
| Paper II Timing | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Question Paper Representation Window | 3rd to 7th day after exam (Till 6:00 PM) |
Application Fee (Category Wise)
UPSC has kept the fee system simple. Some categories need to pay the fee, and some are fully exempted.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹200 |
| Female Candidates | No fee |
| SC | No fee |
| ST | No fee |
Payment Methods: Net Banking / Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI Candidates should note that the fee should be paid only through the allowed online payment options.
UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026 Eligibility
Candidate should have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university in India. Equivalent qualification accepted under UGC Act, 1956 (Section 3) is also allowed as given in details.
For this exam, the candidate’s age must be within the given range.
- Minimum age: 20 years
- Maximum age: 25 years
- DOB should be between: 02 August 2001 and 01 August 2006
| Category | Extra Years |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| Civilian Central Govt Employees | up to 5 years (rules apply) |
| Ex-Servicemen | up to 5 years |
Nationality is an important condition.
- Candidate must be a Citizen of India.
- Candidates who are subjects of Nepal or Bhutan can be eligible only if Central Government consent is given.
Physical Standards
This recruitment includes physical standards, so candidates should check their measurements before applying. If the physical standards are not met, candidates can be stopped in later stages.
Physical Standards for Male Candidates
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Height | 165 cm |
| Chest (Unexpanded) | 81 cm |
| Chest Expansion | Minimum 5 cm |
| Weight | 50 kg |
Physical Standards for Female Candidates
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Height | 157 cm |
| Weight | 46 kg |
Medical Standards
After physical tests, candidates also have to meet medical standards. The notification includes some important points.
- Better Eye: 6/6 or 6/9 (corrected vision)
- Worse Eye: 6/12 or 6/9 (corrected vision)
- Colour Vision: CP-III (ISIHARA plates)
- LASIK: allowed as per prescribed conditions
Other medical requirements are also applicable as per the official notification.
Vacancy List
UPSC has shared the vacancy split across five forces.
| Force | Seats |
|---|---|
| BSF | 108 |
| CRPF | 106 |
| CISF | 70 |
| SSB | 53 |
| ITBP | 12 |
| Total | 349 |
Reservation is as per government policy. 10% posts are marked for ex-servicemen as mentioned.
Selection Process
The selection is completed in steps:
- Written Exam
- Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence (Objective)
- Paper II: General Studies, Essay and Comprehension (Descriptive)
- Physical Standards Test (PST)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Interview / Personality Test
- Medical Test
Final merit is prepared mainly using Written + Interview marks.
Salary and Allowances
- Pay Level: Level 10 (7th CPC)
- Salary range: ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500
- Military Service Pay: ₹15,600 per month
Other benefits mentioned include DA, HRA, transport, medical, pension, LTC, accommodation, insurance, PF and gratuity.
Documents to Keep Ready
- Photo ID proof (Aadhaar or valid ID)
- Class 10 certificate (DOB proof)
- Graduation mark sheet / details
- Passport size photo
- Scanned signature
- Category certificate (if needed)
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
How to Apply Online for UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026
- Go to upsconline.nic.in
- Register and create your profile to get URN
- Login using URN and password
- Fill the Common Application Form
- Choose CAPF (AC) Exam 2026 in exam module
- Upload photo and signature in the required size
- Do live photo capture as asked
- Enter your photo ID details
- Choose exam centre
- Pay fee (if your category requires)
- Check all details
- Submit the form and save the application number
- Download the final submitted page for future use
UPSC CAPF AC 2026 is an officer-level recruitment, so candidates should not treat it like a simple form filling process. They must check their age, degree eligibility and physical standards before applying, and they should submit the online form before the last date. Since the selection includes written exam, physical tests, interview and medical test, candidates should start preparing for studies and fitness together from the beginning.