Selection Procedure,
Scheme & Syllabus
The UPSC follows a structured multi-stage selection process to recruit Assistant Commandants into BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB — ensuring only the most capable and physically fit individuals are inducted.
The CAPF (AC) Examination is conducted in five successive stages as described below.
Written Examination
450 MarksThis is the first stage of the selection process, conducted by UPSC. It consists of two papers held on the same day.
| Paper | Subject | Type | Time | Marks | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Ability and Intelligence | Objective (MCQs) | 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon | 250 | English and Hindi |
| Paper II | General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension | Descriptive | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | 200 | Essay: Hindi or English; Rest: English only |
Key Instructions — Paper II Language Rules
- The Essay in Paper II can be written in either Hindi or English as per candidate preference
- Precis writing, comprehension, and other language skills must be answered in English only
- The chosen language of the essay must be clearly indicated on both the attendance sheet and the answer booklet
- No credit will be awarded if the answer is written in a language different from the one specified
Minimum Qualifying Marks
- UPSC will fix separate minimum qualifying marks for Paper I and Paper II
- Evaluation of Paper II will be done only for those candidates who secure the minimum qualifying marks in Paper I
- Candidates not meeting the Paper I cutoff will not have their Paper II evaluated
Physical Standards Test (PST) & Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Candidates qualifying the written exam will be invited for PST and PET. These tests assess basic physical fitness and adherence to prescribed physical standards as laid out in Appendix-V.
| Test | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Metres Race | In 16 seconds | In 18 seconds |
| 800 Metres Race | In 3 minutes 45 seconds | In 4 minutes 45 seconds |
| Long Jump | 3.5 metres (3 attempts) | 3.0 metres (3 attempts) |
| Shot Put (7.26 kg) | 4.5 metres (3 attempts) | Not Applicable |
Interview / Personality Test
150 MarksCandidates who qualify the PET will be called for an Interview/Personality Test conducted by the UPSC.
What is Assessed?
- Leadership potential
- Social traits and interpersonal skills
- Communication skills
- Presence of mind required for the officer cadre
Key Conditions
- Only candidates who qualify the PET are eligible for this stage
- Candidates declared unfit in PET will not proceed to the interview
- Marks from this stage are included in the final merit list
Medical Standards Test (MST)
Candidates appearing for the Interview/Personality Test will also undergo a Medical Standards Test, conducted under the supervision of the MHA.
Final Selection and Merit List
600 Marks TotalThe final merit list will be prepared based on combined marks obtained in the following two stages:
Components of Final Score
Paper I (250) + Paper II (200)
The written examination consists of two papers testing different competencies — objective reasoning in Paper I and descriptive analytical skills in Paper II.
Paper I — General Ability & Intelligence
250 Marks · ObjectiveTests mental alertness, reasoning ability, and awareness of current and general knowledge.
- General Mental Ability: Logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, number series, puzzles, data interpretation
- General Science: Basic science, scientific temper, everyday applications, IT, biotechnology, environment
- Current Events: National and international news on culture, art, music, literature, sports, governance, economy, geopolitics
- Indian Polity and Economy: Constitution, public administration, governance structures, economic growth, security issues, human rights
- History of India: Socio-political and economic developments, Indian nationalism, freedom movement
- Indian and World Geography: Physical and social geography, economic geography of India and the world
Paper II — General Studies, Essay & Comprehension
200 Marks · DescriptiveWrite two long-form essays in English or Hindi. Indicative topics include:
- Freedom struggle
- Indian geography, polity, and economy
- Security issues
- Human rights
- Analytical and critical reasoning
Attempted only in English. Includes:
- Comprehension passages
- Precis writing
- Counter-arguments
- Grammar and sentence formation
- Language usage and vocabulary
- The CAPF Written Examination includes Objective-Type Questions with negative marking mandated by UPSC
- For every question answered incorrectly, a penalty will be deducted from the total score
- The scheme is designed to discourage random guessing and ensure accuracy in responses
- Candidates are advised to mark answers only when reasonably sure of correctness
- Careless guessing may lead to significant loss in scores
The written examination uses Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) answer sheets. Strict compliance with the following guidelines is mandatory.
Use Black Ballpoint Pen Only
Candidates must use only black ballpoint pens for both writing and marking answers on the OMR sheet.
Prohibited Instruments
Use of pens with blue ink, gel ink, ink pens, or pencils is strictly prohibited. Any other color or instrument leads to disqualification of the response.
Encode Roll Number Carefully
Any mistake or discrepancy in encoding the Roll Number may result in automatic rejection of the answer sheet.
Encode Test Booklet Series
Any mistake in encoding the Test Booklet Series Code may also result in automatic rejection, even if the rest of the exam performance is satisfactory.
Candidates who qualify for the written part involving conventional descriptive papers must adhere to a separate set of rules regarding handwriting, paper format, and response structuring.
Instructions Cover:
- Language guidelines for answering
- Margin and pagination formats
- Restrictions on the use of abbreviations
- Disciplinary rules regarding misconduct during the written test
Where to Find These Instructions:
- Refer to "Special Instructions to the Candidates for Conventional Type Tests" provided in Appendix-IV of the official examination notice
- Understanding and adhering to these instructions is essential to avoid rejection or disqualification during evaluation
The UPSC strictly prohibits the possession or use of mobile phones and other electronic or programmable devices at the examination venue. This ban applies even when such devices are switched off.
(switched on or off)
(pen drives etc.)
Spy Devices
- Cancellation of candidature from the current examination
- Debarment from appearing in future UPSC examinations
- Legal action under the Examination Act
Candidates must strictly follow the arrival protocol on the day of the written examination.
Arrive 30 Minutes Early
Candidates must reach the designated exam venue at least 30 minutes prior to the commencement of each session of the examination.
No Late Entry Permitted
Late entry to the examination venue shall not be permitted under any circumstances, irrespective of the reason or justification presented by the candidate.
Plan Your Journey
Candidates are advised to factor in travel time, traffic conditions, and unforeseen delays to ensure timely arrival at their respective centres.
The UPSC has established a structured and time-bound mechanism for candidates to raise objections or submit representations regarding the content of question papers.
QPRep — Official Objection Portal
Accessible exclusively at the official URL:
🌐 upsconline.gov.in/miscellaneous/QPRep/Key Exam Day & Process Checklist
Ensure full compliance with all examination procedures, rules, and protocols for UPSC CAPF (AC).