The UPSC Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Assistant Commandants Examination is a national-level recruitment exam conducted to select suitable candidates for the post of Assistant Commandant (Group A Gazetted Officer) in the various CAPFs. These forces include the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). The AC position is the entry-level officer rank, a position of immense responsibility involving leadership, decision-making, and maintaining law and order, internal security, and border guarding duties. The path to becoming an Assistant Commandant is marked by fierce competition and a multi-stage selection process.
Who is Eligible?
To apply for the Assistant Commandant 2026 examination, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria related to nationality, age, and education.
| Feature | General Requirements | Age Relaxation (as of Aug 1, 2026) |
| Nationality | Citizen of India. Nationals of Nepal or Bhutan are also eligible. | N/A |
| Age Limit | 20 to 25 years | SC/ST: Up to 5 years |
| (Must have been born not earlier than August 2, 2001, and not later than August 1, 2006, for the general category) | OBC: Up to 3 years | |
| Educational Qualification | A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University. | Final year degree students may also apply provisionally. |
| Gender | Both Male and Female candidates are eligible. |
Exam Overview
Conducting Body & Frequency
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), India’s premier central recruiting agency, is the sole authority responsible for conducting the CAPF (Assistant Commandants) Examination. The examination is conducted once every year as per the UPSC annual calendar. This yearly cycle demands a disciplined and time-bound preparation plan from all aspiring candidates.
Stages of the Exam
The selection process for the Assistant Commandant 2026 post is conducted in three broad stages, with the Physical and Medical tests acting as critical qualifying gateways:
Written Examination: Comprising Paper I (Objective) and Paper II (Descriptive).
Physical Standards/Physical Efficiency Test (PST/PET) & Medical Standards Test (MST): A mandatory qualifying stage to assess physical and medical fitness.
Interview/Personality Test: The final stage for overall personality assessment.
Important 2026 Dates
Based on the official UPSC annual calendar, the key dates for the Assistant Commandant 2026 examination are:
| Event | Tentative Date |
| Official Notification Release | February 18, 2026 (or March 11, 2026, as per different sources, but typically February/March) |
| Application Window Closes | March 10, 2026 (or March 31, 2026) |
| Written Exam Day (Paper I & II) | Sunday, July 19, 2026 |
| Written Exam Result | Expected in September/October 2026 |
Candidates must treat the exam date of July 19, 2026 (or early August) as their ultimate target for the Assistant Commandant 2026 written examination.
Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
The written examination is the first and most crucial hurdle in the journey to become an Assistant Commandant 2026.
Written Examination: Paper Details, Duration, and Total Marks
The written exam consists of two papers conducted on the same day.
| Paper | Component | Type | Duration | Total Marks | Medium of Exam |
| Paper I | General Ability and Intelligence (GAI) | Objective (MCQs) | 2 Hours (10:00 AM to 12:00 PM) | 250 | Hindi and English |
| Paper II | General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension | Descriptive | 3 Hours (2:00 PM to 5:00 PM) | 200 | Essay in Hindi/English; Rest in English only |
| Total Marks (Written Exam) | 450 |
Negative Marking & Qualifying Marks
Negative Marking: Applicable only in Paper I. For every incorrect answer in the objective Paper I, one-third (1/3) of the marks assigned to that question are deducted. No negative marking exists for Paper II.
Qualifying Marks: The Commission sets a minimum qualifying mark for Paper I. A candidate’s Paper II is evaluated only if they score above this minimum qualifying threshold in Paper I. Furthermore, the Commission sets a minimum qualifying mark for the combined Paper I and Paper II score.
Interview/Personality Test and Medical Standards
Candidates who successfully clear the Written Examination and the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Medical Standards Test (MST) are called for the Interview/Personality Test.
Interview/Personality Test: This stage carries 150 Marks. It assesses the candidate’s personal suitability for a career in the CAPFs, evaluating attributes such as mental alertness, critical assimilation power, sound judgment, communication skills, integrity, initiative, and interest in current affairs.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Standards: This is a qualifying nature test, mandatory to pass for appearing in the Interview.
| Test | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
| 100 Metres Race | Within 16 Seconds | Within 18 Seconds |
| 800 Metres Race | Within 3 Minutes 45 Seconds | Within 4 Minutes 45 Seconds |
| Long Jump | 3.5 Metres (3 attempts) | 3.0 Metres (3 attempts) |
| Shot Put (7.26 Kgs) | 4.5 Metres | Not Applicable |
Medical Standards Test (MST): This checks for specific physical and medical parameters, including height, weight, vision (Distant Vision of 6/6 in the better eye and 6/12 or 6/9 in the worse eye, corrected), hearing, teeth, and overall freedom from chronic diseases. Candidates with a pre-existing medical condition, especially related to eyesight (like a history of LASIK), must ensure they meet the detailed official criteria.
Syllabus (Paper-wise)
A thorough understanding of the syllabus is the foundation for cracking the Assistant Commandant 2026 examination.
Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence Syllabus
Paper I is objective in nature and covers a broad spectrum of general knowledge and analytical skills. It is designed to test a candidate’s mental ability, awareness of current events, and basic understanding of core academic subjects.
| Subject Area | Key Topics |
| General Mental Ability | Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude (Numerical Ability), Data Interpretation, Coding-Decoding, Series, etc. |
| General Science | Comprehension and appreciation of scientific phenomena of everyday observation, Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Environmental Science. |
| Current Events | National and International Importance, including culture, music, arts, literature, sports, governance, societal and developmental issues, and international relations. |
| Indian Polity and Economy | Political System, Constitution of India, Social Systems, Public Administration, India’s Economic Development, Security Issues, and Human Rights. |
| History of India | Socio-economic and political aspects, growth of Nationalism, and the Freedom Movement. |
| Indian and World Geography | Physical, Social, and Economic aspects of India and the World. |
Paper II: General Studies, Essay & Comprehension Syllabus
Paper II is descriptive, testing the candidate’s writing skills, language proficiency, and depth of understanding of key national issues. The paper is divided into two parts:
| Part / Component | Topics / What’s Tested |
|---|---|
| Part A — Essay Writing | • Modern Indian History (especially Freedom Struggle / contemporary history) • Geography (India and world — physical, social, economic aspects) • Polity (Indian polity, Constitution, governance, public administration) • Economy (Indian economy, economic policies, development issues) • Security & Human Rights issues (internal security, human rights challenges, national security) • Analytical Ability / Social Issues / Governance / Societal Challenges • Contemporary national / international issues — may involve environment, development, social justice, security etc. |
| Part B — Comprehension & Language Skills | • Reading Comprehension: passages followed by questions • Précis writing (summarising passages) • Writing skills: grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, correct usage of language • Communication / argumentation skills: forming counter-arguments, balanced reasoning, clarity of expression • Other language-based tasks (report, analysis, summary, opinions) |
Topics Often Emphasized
The UPSC frequently emphasizes topics critical to the role of an Assistant Commandant. These dynamic areas require continuous preparation:
Law & Order and Internal Security: Topics like border management, terrorism, insurgency, organized crime, Naxalism, cyber security, and policing reforms.
General Science and Technology: Focus on space, defence, IT, and environmental science (including climate change and conservation).
Current Events: In-depth knowledge of national political, economic, and international relations developments over the last 6-12 months.
How to Prepare — Strategy & Study Plan
6-Month Plan (The Foundational Approach)
| Time Period | Focus Area (Paper I) | Focus Area (Paper II) | Auxiliary Activity |
| Months 6 to 4 | Foundation Building: NCERTs (Class 9-12) for History, Geography, Science. Focus on Indian Polity (Laxmikanth). Start with basic Logical Reasoning/Quant. | Conceptual Clarity: Reading editorials/newspapers. Grasping Essay/Précis formats. Writing 1 Essay/Précis every two weeks. | Daily Current Affairs (Newspaper & Monthly Magazine). Start PET training (running, endurance). |
| Months 3 to 2 | Subject Deep Dive & Current Affairs Integration: Advanced books (Economy, Modern History). Linking static knowledge with current events. Focused practice on tricky Quant/Reasoning. | Intensive Writing Practice: Writing 2 Essays/Week, 3 Précis/Week. Focused on Structure and Content. Practicing Grammar (Part B). | Weekly Mock Test (Paper I) analysis. Focus on weak areas. Maintain physical fitness. |
| Last 1 Month | Revision & Consolidation: Quick revision of notes and highlighted sections. Solving Previous Year Papers (PYPs). Focus on high-yield topics (Polity, Current Affairs, Science). | Timed Mock Tests: Solving full-length Paper II mock tests under timed conditions. Revision of key security and social issues notes. | Daily 1-2 Full-Length Mock Tests (Paper I & II). Interview preparation (DAF analysis, current events discussion). |
Subject-wise Approach and Weightage (What to Prioritise)
| Subject | Weightage (High/Medium) | Core Strategy |
| Current Events | High | Read a daily national newspaper. Supplement with a monthly current affairs compilation for the past 12 months. Integration with static subjects is key. |
| Indian Polity | High | The Constitution is non-negotiable. Focus on fundamental rights, duties, DPSP, Parliament, and local governance. Use one standard reference book. |
| General Science | Medium to High | NCERTs (9th & 10th) are vital. Focus on Biology, Physics, and the latest developments in S&T (Defence, Space, IT, Environment). |
| History (Modern India) | Medium | Concentrate on the Freedom Struggle (1857 to 1947). The timeline of events and the roles of key personalities are important. |
| General Mental Ability | Medium | Practice is the only way to improve. Solve one section daily (Reasoning or Quant). Focus on accuracy, as this section has negative marking. |
| Essay & Communication | High (Paper II) | Develop clear, structured writing. Focus on internal security, human rights, and social issues. Practice Précis and Grammar religiously, as Part B is purely English. |
Best Books & Resources
Selecting the right resources is crucial for the Assistant Commandant 2026 aspirant.
Indian Polity: M. Laxmikanth’s Indian Polity.
Modern History: Bipan Chandra’s India’s Struggle for Independence or Spectrum’s A Brief History of Modern India.
Geography: NCERTs (Class XI & XII) and G.C. Leong’s Certificate Physical and Human Geography.
General Science: NCERTs (Class IX & X) or a General Science book for competitive exams.
Quantitative Aptitude/Reasoning: R.S. Aggarwal’s A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Current Affairs: A reputed national daily newspaper (e.g., The Hindu or The Indian Express) and a monthly current affairs magazine.
Paper II (Essay/Comprehension): Refer to a good English Grammar and Composition book.
Practice: Mock Tests, Previous Year Papers, Answer Writing
Previous Year Papers (PYPs): Solve all PYPs for the last 5-7 years for both Paper I and Paper II. This helps understand the question pattern, difficulty level, and important topics emphasized for the Assistant Commandant 2026 exam.
Mock Tests: Take at least 15-20 full-length mock tests under actual exam conditions. Analyze the results to identify weak areas and improve time management.
Answer Writing: Regular descriptive answer writing for Paper II is non-negotiable. Focus on clear arguments, relevant examples (from current events), and precise structuring.
Number of Questions, Marks & Cutoffs
Understanding the scoring dynamics is crucial for setting realistic targets for the Assistant Commandant 2026 attempt.
Exact Number of Questions Per Paper and Marks Per Question
| Paper | Total Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Negative Marking per Wrong Answer |
| Paper I (Objective) | 125 (MCQs) | 2 Marks | 250 | 0.66 Marks (1/3 of 2 Marks) |
| Paper II (Descriptive) | 6 (Descriptive) | Varies (Essay: 80, Others: 120) | 200 | None |
Total Marks for the Complete Selection Process
The final merit list is based on the performance in the Written Examination and the Interview/Personality Test.
Expected Cutoffs and Factors that Influence Cutoffs
Cutoffs are a crucial metric for the Assistant Commandant 2026 aspirant. They act as a benchmark for preparation. The final cutoffs vary each year based on factors like the total number of vacancies, the difficulty level of the examination, and the performance of the candidates.
Previous Years’ Final Cutoff (Out of 600 Marks – Written + Interview)
| Category | Cutoff Range (Written Total: Paper I + II) | Final Cutoff Range (Out of 600) |
| General | 200-210 | 315-330 |
| OBC | 195-205 | 310-325 |
| SC | 180-190 | 280-300 |
| ST | 175-185 | 275-290 |
Note: These ranges are based on recent trends and serve as a target. Candidates aiming for the Assistant Commandant 2026 should aim for a significantly higher score to ensure a comfortable margin for selection.
How Doon Defence Dreamers Helps to Crack Assistant Commandant 2026?
To achieve success in the Assistant Commandant 2026 examination, targeted guidance and expert mentorship are invaluable. Doon Defence Dreamers (best CDS Coaching in Dehradun) offers a specialized and structured coaching program designed to navigate the complexities of the UPSC CAPF AC exam.
The institute provides comprehensive coaching that covers all three stages of the selection process:
In-Depth Subject Coverage: Focused lectures and study material on all Paper I subjects (General Mental Ability, Polity, History, Science, and Geography) and the critically important security and human rights issues relevant to Paper II.
Descriptive Answer Writing Mastery: Dedicated sessions and rigorous practice for Paper II, including essay writing, précis writing, and comprehension, ensuring that candidates develop the necessary skills for a high-scoring descriptive performance. The emphasis is on structuring arguments and maintaining clarity of expression, which are crucial for the Assistant Commandant 2026 Paper II.
Strategic Mock Test Series: Regular full-length mock tests, meticulously designed to mirror the actual UPSC exam pattern and difficulty level, help candidates assess their preparation and manage time effectively, especially for the high-pressure Paper I.
Physical and Personality Guidance: Beyond the written test, the program includes training for the Physical Efficiency Test and expert-led mock interviews/personality test sessions to build the confidence and officer-like qualities required for the final stage of selection.
Doon Defence Dreamers ensures that every Assistant Commandant 2026 aspirant is equipped with the knowledge, skill, and confidence needed to not just pass the exam but to top the merit list and fulfill the dream of serving the nation as an Assistant Commandant.
