CAPF Examination

Forge Your Path to National Security

Overview

The UPSC CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) Exam is an annual examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit Assistant Commandants (AC) for various paramilitary forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). The exam consists of a written test, a physical test, a medical examination, and an interview or personality test. Successful candidates become Assistant Commandants in these paramilitary forces, contributing to national security. The exam evaluates candidates on their general ability, intelligence, and knowledge in subjects like General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension. Aspirants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including Indian citizenship, educational qualifications, and age limits. The application process is conducted online, and candidates are required to pay an application fee, with exemptions for certain categories. The UPSC CAPF Exam is highly competitive, and thorough preparation is crucial for success in this recruitment process.

Exam Highlights

Exam Name

Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)

Exam Conducting Body

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Post

Assam Rifles (AR)

Border Security Force (BSF)

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)

Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)

National Security Guard (NSG)

Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

Gender & Marital Status

Open to All Genders

CAPF Age Limit

20-25 Years

CAPF Qualification

Bachelor’s Degree

CAPF Physical Test

Height, Weight, Physical Measurements

Selection Process

  • Written Examination
  • Physical/Medical Test
  • Interview  

Exam Frequency

Once a Year

CAPF Exam Pattern

Written Test (Paper 1 & Paper II)

 

Marks Allotted

 

Paper I - 250 Marks

 

Paper II - 200 Marks

Exam Duration (for written exam)

Paper I - 2 hrs

Paper II - 3 hrs

Number of Vacancies 

320-325

Eligibility

The eligibility criteria for the UPSC CAPF Exam 2025 are comprehensive and encompass various aspects to ensure that candidates possess the necessary attributes for service in the Central Armed Police Forces. The UPSC has not set a specific maximum attempt limit, but candidates must apply between the ages of 20 and 25 years. Overall, meeting these eligibility criteria is imperative for candidates seeking to participate in the UPSC CAPF Exam and contribute to national security through their service in paramilitary forces.

1. Nationality:

  • Candidates must be Indian citizens, and individuals from Bhutan and Nepal are also considered eligible.

2. Age Limit:

  • The age limit for the Assistant Commandant position is set between 20 and 25 years.
  • Relaxations are provided for specific categories: OBC (3 years), SC/ST (5 years), J&K Domiciled (5 years), and Ex-servicemen/Civil Central Government Servants (5 years).

3. Educational Qualification:

  • Candidates should hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university or institute.

4. Physical Eligibility:

  • Minimum height requirements: 165 cm for males and 157 cm for females.

5. Vision Standards:

  • Criteria for near and distant vision, including limits for refractive errors.

6. Body Tattoo:

  • Religious symbols or figures are allowed as tattoos.
  • Traditional body parts, such as the inner aspect of the forearm, are permitted for tattoo placement, with a size limitation.

7. Medical Requirements:

  • Carrying Angle:
    • For males-15 degrees.
    • For females-20 degrees.
  • Ear Conditions:
    • No deafness or chronic ear discharge is permissible.
    • The ear channel should be free from conditions like meatal atresia, exostosis, or tumors.
    • No history  of recurring earache, vertigo, or tinnitus.
  • Nose Conditions:
    • No active conditions like tuberculous ulceration, atrophic rhinitis, DNS (Deviated Nasal Septum), and chronic sinusitis.
  • Neck Health:
    • No swellings in the neck.
    • Difficulty fully extending the neck or indications of spinal or cervical vertebral disease are not allowed.
  • Teeth Condition:
    • An adequate number of healthy teeth is required for proper mastication.
    • Severe pyorrhea is not permissible.
  • Venereal Disease:
    • No history of or active venereal disease.
  • Chronic Skin Disorders:
    • No chronic skin diseases, including leprosy, chronic eczema, dermatitis, widespread Pityriasis Versicolor, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or any other skin conditions.
  • LASIK Surgery (if applicable):
    • Age requirement: Between 18 and 35 years.
    • Axial length of the eye: 21-26 mm.
    • Corneal thickness: 425 microns.
    • Pre-LASIK refractive error: Up to 6 diopters.
    • Post-operative stability: The candidates must ensure the refractive flap has maintained stability for a minimum of six months.

8. Number of Attempts:

  • The UPSC has not set a specific maximum attempt limit, but candidates must apply between the ages of 20 and 25 years.

9. Experience Requirement:

  • No specific eligibility criteria in terms of prior experience; candidates with or without experience are eligible to apply.

Meeting these eligibility criteria is essential for aspiring candidates to participate in the UPSC CAPF Exam 202

Exam Pattern

Exam Pattern For Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence

Type of Questions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Number of Questions

125

Duration

2 Hours

Total Marks

250

Language

English and Hindi

Negative Marking

One-third marks for every incorrect answer

Exam Pattern For Paper II: General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension

Type of Questions

Subjective Type Questions

Number of Questions

7

Duration

3 Hours

Total Marks

200

Language

Englis

Important Dates

The exam notification for CAPF 2025 has been released on March 5, 2025, with the application process commencing on the same day and concluding on March 25, 2025. The examination is scheduled for August 3, 2025, for the post of Assistant Commandant.

Aspirants are required to meet specific eligibility criteria, including Indian citizenship, educational qualifications, and age limits. The application process is conducted online, with an application fee for general and OBC candidates. The selection process involves a written test, physical test, medical examination, and an interview or personality test

UPSC CAPF Exam Date 2025

Particulars

Important Dates 

Release of CAPF Notification 2025

March 5, 2025

Commencement of Application Process

March 5, 2025

Deadline for Online Application Submission

March 25, 2025

UPSC CAPF Exam Date 2025 for AC Post

August 3, 2025

Official Notification

CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) Notification for the 2025 recruitment cycle has been released on March 5, 2025 on the commission’s official website upsc.gov.in. This notification is a crucial announcement, signaling the commencement of the recruitment process for the prestigious role of Assistant Commandant within paramilitary forces like BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. The Assistant Commandant position is esteemed, offering various perks and responsibilities. The UPSC CAPF Notification 2025 is a comprehensive document providing vital information such as eligibility criteria, application procedures, details about vacancies, and other essential aspects of the examination. Aspirants must carefully review and understand all the stipulated requirements to prepare effectively for the upcoming recruitment cycle.

UPSC CAPF Notification 2025 

https://upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Notif-CAPF-25-Engl-050325.pdf

Application Procedure

To partake in the CAPF recruitment for the year 2025, aspiring candidates need to mark March 25, 2025, as the deadline for submitting their applications. This timeframe is essential, and candidates are urged to adhere closely to the given deadlines to ensure the successful submission of their applications. Following are the steps to follow for a smooth application process:

Step 1: Go to the official website of UPSC CAPF, which is www.upsc.gov.in

Step 2: Click on the “Apply Online” link. A new tab will open, displaying the UPSC CAPF Exam 2025 application form.

Step 3: Provide accurate personal and educational details in the application form. 

Step 4: Upload a recent passport-size photograph and a signature image as per the specified dimensions. 

Step 5: After filling in all the required details, click on the "Submit" button to complete the UPSC CAPF Exam 2025 application form. Ensure that all information is accurate and complete.

Step 6: Pay the application fee according to your category through the available online payment methods, such as net banking, credit card, or debit card. 

Step 7: Take a printout of your application form.

Documents Required to Apply for CAPF Exam 2025

  • Matriculation Certificate
  • Senior Secondary Certificate
  • Graduation Certificate
  • Caste Certificate (if applicable)
  • Scanned Copy of Passport Size Photograph
  • Scanned Copy of Signature
  • Domicile Certificate
  • Disability Certificate (if applicable)

Syllabus

The UPSC CAPF Exam 2025 consists of two papers, each designed to assess different aspects of candidates' knowledge and skills. Aspirants must note that both papers are integral components of the UPSC CAPF Exam 2025.

Candidates must meet the CAPF Cut Off in Paper 1 to proceed to the evaluation of Paper 2, which will be descriptive in nature, carrying a weightage of 200 marks.

Candidates are recommended to do regular practice of English grammar and essay writing for effective preparation.

CAPF Syllabus for Paper I

General Mental Ability

  • Logical reasoning
  • Quantitative ability (Numerical Ability and Data Interpretation)

General Science

  • Developing a scientific temperament
  • Understanding scientific phenomena, including information technology, biotechnology, and environmental science.

Current Events of National and International Importance:

  • National and international events in culture, music, arts, literature, sports, governance, societal and developmental issues, industry, business, globalization, and international relations.

Indian Polity and Economy:

  • Understanding India’s political system, constitution, social systems, public administration, economic development, security issues, human rights, and related indicators.

Indian History:

  • Nationalism and freedom movement, focusing on the growth and historical movements for freedom.

Indian and World Geography:

  • Study of both Indian and global geography, covering physical, social, and economic aspects.

CAPF Syllabus for Paper II

Essay:

  • Topics include modern Indian history, with a specific focus on the freedom struggle, geography, politics, economy, knowledge of security and human rights issues, and analytical ability.

Comprehension, Précis Writing, and Language Skills:

  • Subjects encompass reading comprehension, précis writing, developing counter arguments, basic grammar, and other language testing aspects.

Admit Card

  1. Go to the official website of UPSC at www.upsc.gov.in.
  2. Scroll down the page and find the “Admit Cards” section.
  3. Click on the “E-Admit Cards for various Examinations of UPSC” option.
  4. Look for and click on the “Download e-Admit Card Link” specific to the Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination 2025.
  5. On the new page, click on “Click Here” next to “Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination 2025.”
  6. Open the instruction PDF that appears and take a printout of it.
  7. Choose between ‘By Registration Number’ or ‘By Roll Number.’
  8. Enter the required details, including the captcha, and click on ‘Submit.’
  9. Once submitted, the UPSC CAPF Admit Card 2025 will be displayed. Download it and take a printout for future reference.