The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially sounded the bugle for one of the most prestigious defence examinations in India! If you dream of leading the paramilitary forces as an Assistant Commandant, the Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Exam 2026 notification is the update you have been waiting for.
This examination is the gateway to joining forces like BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB as a Gazetted Officer. The commission has released the official schedule, and the application lines are opening soon.
Is there a change in the physical standards this year? How many vacancies are expected? We have decoded the complete notification, exam pattern, and the step-by-step process to apply below.
Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Exam 2026
| Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Exam 2026 |
| Post Name | Assistant Commandant (Group A) |
| Forces Included | BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB |
| Exam Date | August 2026 (Tentative/As per Calendar) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Exam 2026: Latest Update
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the CAPF (AC) exam annually to recruit Assistant Commandants. According to the latest UPSC calendar trends and notifications, the process for the Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Exam 2026 has been initiated.
Candidates who qualify for this written exam will proceed to the Physical Standards Test (PST)/Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Medical Standards Tests, followed by an Interview/Personality Test.
Why is this important? This is a direct entry into the armed forces at a leadership level. Aspirants must start their preparation immediately as the syllabus is vast, covering everything from General Ability to Essay writing.
Read: Engineering Services (Main) Exam 2026: Date Announced? Check Complete Schedule
Important Dates
Mark these dates in your calendar to ensure you do not miss the deadline.
- Notification Release Date: April 2026 (Expected)
- Online Application Start: April 2026
- Last Date to Apply: May 2026
- Admit Card Release: July 2026
- CAPF AC Exam Date 2026: August 2026
- Result Declaration: September/October 2026
Eligibility Criteria (Who Can Apply?)
Before applying for the Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Exam 2026, ensure you meet the strict eligibility norms set by UPSC.
1. Nationality: Candidate must be a citizen of India.
2. Age Limit:
- Minimum Age: 20 Years
- Maximum Age: 25 Years
- Relaxation: Up to 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC candidates is typically applicable.
3. Educational Qualification:
- A candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized University.
- Final year students can also apply provisionally.
4. Physical Standards: Candidates must meet the prescribed physical and medical standards (Height, Chest, Weight, and Vision) as specified in the official notification appendix.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2026
The written examination consists of two papers conducted on the same day.
Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence
- Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Marks: 250 Marks
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Language: English & Hindi
- Topics: General Mental Ability, General Science, Current Events (National/International), Indian Polity, Economy, History of India, and Geography.
Paper II: General Studies, Essay and Comprehension
- Type: Descriptive
- Marks: 200 Marks
- Duration: 3 Hours
- Topics: Essay (English/Hindi), Comprehension, Précis writing, and other communications/language skills (English only).
How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to submit your application on the UPSC OTR portal:
- Visit Official Website: Go to upsc.gov.in or upsconline.nic.in.
- OTR Registration: If you are a new user, complete the One Time Registration (OTR). If already registered, log in.
- Go to Active Exams: Click on “Online Application for Various Examinations of UPSC”.
- Select CAPF: Choose Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Exam 2026.
- Fill Part-I: Enter personal details and educational qualifications.
- Fill Part-II: Pay the fee (General/OBC Male: ₹200, Female/SC/ST: Exempt), select exam center, and upload Photo/Signature.
- Submit: Download the final confirmation page.
Direct Links Section
Use these verified links to access the official notification immediately.
| Document/Action | Direct Link |
| Apply Online (Link Active Soon) | Click Here to Apply |
| Download Official Notification PDF | Click Here to Download |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
| Check Syllabus PDF | Download Here |
FAQs Regarding UPSC CAPF AC Exam 2026
Q1: When will the Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Exam 2026 be conducted? Ans: The exam is typically scheduled for August 2026 as per the standard UPSC annual calendar.
Q2: Is there negative marking in the CAPF AC exam?
Ans: Yes, there is a penalty (negative marking) for wrong answers in Paper I (Objective Type). There is no negative marking in Paper II (Descriptive).
Q3: Can final year students apply for CAPF AC 2026?
Ans: Yes, candidates appearing in their final year degree examination are allowed to appear provisionally, but they must produce proof of passing at the time of the Detailed Application Form (DAF) submission.
Q4: What is the interview weightage?
Ans: The Personality Test/Interview carries 150 Marks.
Q5: Which forces recruit through this exam?
Ans: The exam recruits Assistant Commandants for BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on historical trends and available resources regarding the UPSC CAPF Examination. Dates and details are subject to change by the commission. Please verify all details from the official website upsc.gov.in. We are an information portal.