The Assistant Commandant is a Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officer in India’s Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). An AC leads a company or platoon, plans operations, maintains discipline, and ensures the safety of people and infrastructure. The role demands calm judgment under pressure. Operations can shift from routine patrols to high-stakes engagements within minutes, requiring quick decisions with limited information, followed by clear reporting for legal and administrative follow-up.
About the Assistant Commandant (AC)
Conducting body & participating forces (BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB)
The CAPF Assistant Commandant 2026 is conducted by UPSC. Successful candidates join one of the forces: Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), or Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Training is conducted at respective force academies, covering field craft, leadership, law, and administration. Cadre allocation depends on merit, medical fitness, vacancy, and preference indicated during the selection process.
Job profile, training & career growth
Training at force academies builds field craft, law, leadership, weapons, and administration. Career growth progresses from AC to senior ranks based on performance and vacancies. Training also includes attachments with units in different terrains, live exercises, and modules on human rights and disaster response. Promotions typically follow AC → Deputy Commandant → Second-in-Command → Commandant → DIG/IG, based on performance, exams/boards, and vacancies.
Pay scale, perks & allowances
Pay generally aligns with Pay Level 10 (7th CPC) with allowances like DA, HRA/quarters, transport, ration, leave travel, and medical cover. Exact benefits are notified by the Government and forces each year. Additional risk/field allowances (e.g., hard area, high-altitude, island/special duty) may apply based on posting, which can significantly enhance in-hand earnings.
Eligibility Criteria
| Aspect | Basic Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality & Gender | Indian nationals; both men and women can apply |
| Age Limit | Typically 20–25 years on the cut-off date (category relaxations as per rules) |
| Educational Qualification | Graduate degree from a recognised university |
| Physical Standards | Height, chest (for males), and weight as per force norms |
| Medical Standards | Good mental/physical health; vision within prescribed limits |
Keep digital copies of all documents ready—photo, signature, caste/EWS certificate (if applicable), and degree proof. Early readiness ensures a smooth CAPF Assistant Commandant 2026 application experience without last-minute stress.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
| Paper | Type | Key Areas | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Objective (MCQ) | General Ability & Intelligence | 250 | 2 hours | Yes |
| Paper II | Descriptive | Essay, Precis, Comprehension, Language Skills | 200 | 3 hours | No |
- Paper I (Objective): Focus on reasoning, general knowledge, current affairs, science, geography, polity, economy, environment, and security issues.
- Paper II (Descriptive): Expect essays on internal security, governance, ethics, social and economic issues; plus comprehension, précis writing, and grammar/usage tasks.
Syllabus for CAPF Assistant Commandant 2026
General Ability & Intelligence: Analogy, coding–decoding, data interpretation, basic science, Indian geography, Indian polity and economy, environment & ecology, national/international current affairs.
Essay/Comprehension/Precis: Internal security, border management, police reforms, disaster response, technology and society, women and youth issues, ethics in public life, social justice, federalism & governance.
Selection Process Stages
The selection process for CAPF Assistant Commandant 2026 is multi-stage.
Stage I: Written Examination
Qualify Paper I and Paper II to be shortlisted for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standards Test (PST).
Stage II: PET & PST
Typical PET events and indicative standards are shown below. Exact standards will be in the notification.
| Event | Male (Indicative) | Female (Indicative) |
|---|---|---|
| 100 m Race | 16–17 sec | 18–19 sec |
| 800 m / 1600 m Race | 3 min 45 sec (800 m) or ~7 min (1600 m) | 4 min 45 sec (800 m) |
| Long Jump | 3.5–4.0 m | 3.0–3.5 m |
| Shot Put (7.26 kg/4 kg) | 5–7 m | 4–6 m |
Stage III: Medical Standards
(A )Eyesight – Distant vision (with correction):
Option 1: Better eye 6/6, Worse eye 6/12
Option 2: Better eye 6/9, Worse eye 6/9
(B) General Health Standards
Candidates should be in sound mental and physical health, free from conditions that impede duties in diverse terrains and climates. Typical disqualifiers listed in official documents include:
Knock knees, flat feet, varicose veins.
Evidence of chronic disease or constitutional disorder; certain genitourinary conditions; (for males) both testicles in scrotum and normal; absence of hernia, etc., as detailed in the appendix.
Stage IV: Interview/Personality Test
The Interview/Personality Test checks if the candidate can lead, stay calm, and work in a team; questions cover studies/work, reason for joining CAPFs, and news and security topics.
The board looks for clear thinking, honesty, simple and respectful talk, steady body language, and fair decisions under pressure.
Final merit list & joining
Merit usually considers written exam and interview scores, subject to qualifying PET/PST and medical standards. Post verification of documents and training allotment, candidates join their allotted force. If two candidates get the same total, tie-breaking is done as per the rules in the official notice (for example, by paper-wise marks or other criteria). Cadre/force is finally allotted based on rank, preferences, and vacancies, after which probation starts at the training academy and seniority follows the rules of the force.
PET Mindset: Treat fitness like a subject. Scheduled runs, mobility, and rest will protect you from injury and help you hit the timings required for CAPF Assistant Commandant 2026 PET standards. Track your progress in a simple logbook.
Application Process & Key Dates
Keep an eye on the UPSC website for the CAPF Assistant Commandant 2026 notification. Read the eligibility, documents list, dates, and instructions twice.
Registration steps
- One-Time Registration (OTR)
- Fill the CAPF AC 2026 Application Form
- Upload Photo/Signature/Documents
- Pay Fee
- Submit & Save
After Submission
- Track admit card release on UPSC site.
- Keep your email/SMS active for updates.
Exam centres
Pick a centre that you can reach comfortably. Early application gives you better chance of getting your preferred city.
Important dates (tentative)
| Activity | Expected Window |
|---|---|
| Notification release | Early 2026 |
| Application window | 3–4 weeks from notification |
| Admit card | 2–3 weeks before exam |
| Written exam | Mid-2026 |
| PET/PST & Medical | After written result |
| Interview | After PET/Medical |
| Final result | Post interview |
Doon Defence Dreamer Preparation Strategy & Resources
Doon Defence Dreamers which is currently the best nda coaching academy in dehradun provides structured coaching for defence and CAPF exams. The program combines classroom/online teaching, daily practice, fitness guidance, and mentor support. The aim is to build strong basics, disciplined habits, and real exam confidence. This course is designed to help candidates clear the CAPF Assistant Commandant 2026 exam with a complete plan—study, practice, fitness, and interview. It covers Paper I (objective), Paper II (descriptive), PET/PST, medical awareness, and interview skills. The focus is on simple notes, regular tests, and steady improvement.
Course Details
Modes: Classroom (Offline) and Live Online (recordings available).
Coverage:
Paper I (General Ability & Intelligence): Polity, economy, geography, history, science, environment, current affairs, reasoning, data interpretation.
Paper II (Descriptive): Essay, comprehension, précis, grammar, vocabulary, answer structure.
PET Readiness: Running plan, strength & mobility drills, injury prevention, weekly fitness targets.
Interview Prep: Mock interviews, personality development, situational questions, body language.
Study Material: Weekly handouts, simple summary notes, PYQ booklets (topic-wise), current affairs digests, essay frameworks.
Testing:
Unit tests after each topic
Sectional tests every 2–3 weeks
Full-length mocks (Paper I & Paper II) with detailed analysis
Doubt Clearing: Daily doubt room + mentor helpline; extra support for weak topics.
Language Options: English and Hindi-friendly classes/notes (as available).
Progress Tracking: Score cards, error logs, and monthly mentor review.
Extras: Time-management sessions, exam-day strategy, document-checklist support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)?
Q.1 What is the exact eligibility for CAPF Assistant Commandant 2026 in terms of age limit, educational qualification, nationality, and whether both male and female candidates can apply?
Age is usually 20–25 years on the cut-off date (category relaxations as per rules). A graduate degree from a recognised university is required, and Indian nationals of any gender can apply. Check the year’s notification for final numbers and special clauses. Keep documents ready before applying.
Q.2 What are the physical standards (height, chest, weight) and PET events/timings for male and female CAPF Assistant Commandant candidates, and how should one prepare?
Height, chest (males), and proportionate weight must meet the PST table; PET usually includes 100 m, 800/1600 m, long jump, and shot put. Train 5–6 days/week with a mix of running, strength, and mobility. Track times every two weeks and avoid sudden jumps in workload.
Q.3 How is the final merit list for CAPF Assistant Commandant made, how much weight do written and interview carry, and what happens in case of a tie in total marks?
Merit is based on written + interview, subject to qualifying PET/PST and medical. Tie-breaking follows the official notice (e.g., paper-wise marks). After document checks and training allotment, force/cadre is given by rank, preference, and vacancies.
Q.4 How does Doon Defence Dreamers help in clearing CAPF Assistant Commandant through classes, tests, fitness plans, and interview guidance, and what does a typical course include?
The program offers classroom/online sessions, topic handouts, PYQs, sectional and full mocks, and mentor feedback. A weekly fitness plan supports PET targets, and mock interviews build speaking confidence. Progress is tracked via scorecards, error logs, and monthly reviews.
Q.5 When will the CAPF Assistant Commandant 2026 notification come, how long is the application window, and what timeline should candidates follow till the final result?
Expect the notification in early 2026, with a 3–4 week application window. Admit cards usually come 2–3 weeks before the written exam, followed by PET/Medical, interview, and then the final result. Always follow the official UPSC schedule once released.
