Exam Rules, Conduct & OMR
Instructions for CAPF (AC)
Every CAPF aspirant must be fully aware of the rules governing examination conduct, the consequences of malpractice, and the correct procedure for filling the OMR Answer Sheet. Non-compliance may result in immediate disqualification.
Admission is provisional — candidature can be cancelled at any stage if eligibility conditions are not met.
Mobile phones & gadgets are banned — even possession (not just use) on exam premises attracts strict action.
Negative marking applies — 1/3rd mark deducted per wrong answer in Paper I. Do not guess randomly.
Black ball pen only — all OMR markings must be made with a black ballpoint pen. Pencil/ink pen is not permitted.
All candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility conditions as prescribed in the official notification. Admission to each stage is purely provisional.
All Examination Stages Are Provisional
Admission to the following stages of the examination is considered purely provisional — valid only if the candidate satisfies all eligibility conditions at every step:
- Written Examination
- Physical Standards Test (PST)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Interview / Personality Test
- Medical Standards Test
According to Rule 14, a candidate shall be disqualified and may face further legal and administrative penalties if found guilty of any of the following offences.
Unethical or Fraudulent Support
Offering bribes, applying pressure or coercion on exam officials, or threatening/blackmailing any person connected with the examination process.
Impersonation or Forgery
Impersonating another individual, arranging for a proxy to appear, submitting forged or tampered documents, or uploading false photographs or signatures.
Suppression of Facts
Making false statements, suppressing crucial material information, or submitting incorrect/deceptive academic, personal, or service records.
Question Paper Malpractice
Illegally obtaining question paper copies, attempting to identify examination personnel, or trying to influence or bribe examiners and evaluation officials.
Possession of Banned Devices
Using or even possessing prohibited electronic devices — mobile phones (even switched off), pagers, pen drives, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, or any programmable accessory.
Misconduct in Exam Hall
Tearing answer scripts, provoking fellow candidates, causing disturbances, or harassing and threatening exam staff deployed for duty.
Violation of Instructions
Disregarding instructions mentioned in the e-Admit Card or communicated at the exam centre, or committing / abetting any of the above misconducts.
Collusion & Aiding Malpractice
Any individual found colluding or abetting a candidate in committing any of the above acts faces the same penalties — including criminal prosecution and debarment.
Candidates found guilty of any offence under Rule 14 will face one or more of the following penalties depending on the severity of the misconduct.
| Violation Type | Penalty Imposed | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Fraud, impersonation, or document forgery | Disqualification + legal action + future exam debarment | Severe |
| Use / possession of banned electronic devices | Expulsion from exam + blacklisting + possible FIR | Severe |
| False information or category misrepresentation | Cancellation of candidature + disciplinary proceedings | Severe |
| Misconduct or violence in exam centre | Immediate disqualification + potential ban from future exams | High |
| Collusion or abetting malpractice | Criminal prosecution + disqualification + debarment from employment | Severe |
| Already a Government employee found guilty | Disciplinary action under applicable conduct rules | High |
Before imposing any penalty under Rule 14, the Commission will ensure due process is followed. No candidate will be penalised without an opportunity to respond.
Step 1 — Show-Cause Notice Issued
The Commission will issue a formal show-cause notice to the candidate specifying the grounds on which action is proposed.
Step 2 — Written Representation Invited
The candidate is given an opportunity to submit a written representation explaining their position within the prescribed time frame.
Step 3 — Representation Reviewed
The Commission carefully considers the representation submitted by the candidate before taking any final decision.
Step 4 — Final Decision on Penalty
Only after reviewing the representation will a decision on disqualification or debarment be finalized by the Commission. This decision is binding.
Immediate Action at Centres
If caught using unfair means, exam authorities may immediately debar the candidate from that session and prevent them from appearing in subsequent papers of that cycle.
Report to UPSC
All incidents of malpractice at exam centres will be reported to UPSC, which may initiate further disciplinary or legal action independent of the centre's action.
Govt. Employee Consequences
Candidates already employed in government service found guilty of malpractice will face disciplinary action under the appropriate conduct rules in addition to UPSC penalties.
These instructions apply to Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence (250 Marks). Candidates must read and comply strictly with these guidelines.
- Clip board or hard board (clean, no writing or printed material)
- Good quality black ballpoint pen
- Official OMR Answer Sheet (provided by invigilator)
- Separate rough work sheet (provided by invigilator)
- Valid e-Admit Card
- Original Government-issued Photo ID
- Books, notes, loose sheets, or written/printed material
- Mobile phones (even switched off)
- Smartwatches or fitness bands
- Calculators (electronic or manual)
- Pagers, Bluetooth devices, or communication equipment
- Mathematical / drawing instruments or log tables
- Stencils or printed maps
- Test Booklets or rough sheets from earlier sessions
Paper I (General Ability and Intelligence) is subject to negative marking for incorrect answers. Candidates must plan their attempt strategy accordingly.
Incorrect handling of the OMR Answer Sheet can lead to invalidation of your paper. Follow these instructions precisely throughout the examination.
Filling in Your Details (What to Write)
Use only a black ballpoint pen to fill in the following details in the boxes at the top of the OMR sheet:
- Name of Centre
- Subject
- Test Booklet Series (A / B / C / D)
- Subject Code
- Roll Number
Encoding Details (What to Darken)
After writing the above details, candidates must darken the appropriate circles below each entry using the black ball pen.
Method of Marking Answers
Each question has four options: (a), (b), (c), and (d). Choose the best correct answer and darken the corresponding circle completely and neatly. Example — correct answer is option (b):
Q. Sample Question:
What NOT to Do on the Answer Sheet
- Do not write your name or any identification mark anywhere on the sheet
- Do not fold, tear, or mutilate the sheet in any way
- Do not write anything on the reverse side of the sheet
- Do not use pencil or ink pen — only black ball pen is allowed
- Avoid stray marks or smudges — the sheet is scanned by machines
Test Booklet Condition Check
Immediately after receiving the Test Booklet, check for:
- Missing pages, printing errors, or torn sheets
- Presence and correctness of the Booklet Code and Serial Number
Scannable Attendance Sheet
During the examination, fill out the Scannable Attendance List with the following details:
- Presence — darken the circle 'P' for present
- Test Booklet Series — darken the appropriate circle (A / B / C / D)
- Test Booklet Serial Number
- Answer Sheet Serial Number — fill in and darken the relevant digits
- Signature — sign in the space provided
Read the Test Booklet Cover Page
Before you begin the exam, carefully read all instructions printed on the cover page of your Test Booklet. These include rules regarding time, answer marking, booklet series, and other examination-specific directions. Failure to follow these instructions may result in disqualification.
Candidates must maintain discipline and decorum throughout the examination. Misbehaviour with invigilators or exam staff will be treated seriously.
Maintain Discipline
All candidates must maintain discipline and decorum. Do not argue or misbehave with invigilators or staff on duty. Serious misbehaviour leads to disqualification and further penalties.
Zero Tolerance for Malpractice
Do not copy from another candidate's paper or allow yours to be copied. Do not seek or offer help from/to another candidate in any form during or between papers.
No Early Departure
Candidates are not permitted to leave the examination hall before the full prescribed time. Stay seated quietly until instructed. Submit your OMR and Test Booklet only when directed by the invigilator.
Unfair Means Prohibited
Do not use unauthorized notes or material even during breaks. Violation leads to cancellation of candidature, banning from future exams, and legal consequences if required.
Exam Day Compliance Checklist
Ensure you have reviewed each of the following before and during your UPSC CAPF examination.