Job Description

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the Combined Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) Assistant Commandant Examination 2026, offering a prestigious opportunity to serve in India's premier central armed police forces. This is a highly sought-after central government job that provides a dynamic career in national security, law enforcement, and public service.

Aspiring candidates can apply for approximately 349 vacancies across four major forces: Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Selected officers will be responsible for critical duties including border guarding, counter-insurgency operations, VIP security, and industrial security, making it a role of immense responsibility and pride.

This recruitment drive is ideal for graduates who are physically fit, mentally resilient, and dedicated to the nation's service. The position offers an attractive salary as per the 7th Central Pay Commission, along with numerous perks, allowances, and opportunities for career advancement within the hierarchical structure of the CAPFs.

The selection process is comprehensive, designed to identify the most capable leaders. It includes a written examination to test knowledge and aptitude, followed by rigorous physical and medical standards. Candidates who clear these stages will face a personality test/interview to assess their suitability for command roles.

Key benefits of this job include a structured career progression, respect and authority, excellent training at premier institutions, and the unparalleled satisfaction of contributing to India's internal security. The role demands leadership, courage, and an unwavering commitment to duty, offering a rewarding and challenging professional life.

Important Dates

Event	Date	Details
Application Begin	20/02/2026	Online registration and application starts
Last Date for Apply Online	12/03/2026	Upto 06:00 PM Only
Last Date for Fee Payment	12/03/2026
Exam Date	19/07/2026
Admit Card Available	Before Exam	Date will be announced on official website

Exam Fee

Category	Fee
General / OBC / EWS	200 INR
SC / ST	0 INR (Nil)
All Category Female	0 INR (Exempted)
Persons with Disabilities (PwD)	0 INR (Nil)

Age Limit

The specific age limit (minimum and maximum) and applicable relaxations for different categories (SC, ST, OBC, Ex-Servicemen, etc.) are detailed in the official UPSC CAPF 2026 Notification. Candidates must carefully read the notification for precise age criteria as on the specified date.

Vacancy Details

The total of 349 vacancies are tentatively distributed among the four forces as follows. Physical standards (height, chest, race, etc.) are also prerequisites and are mentioned below.

Force / Parameter	Total Vacancies / Standard	Eligibility / Notes
CRPF	106
CISF	70
ITBP	12
SSB	53
Height (Male)	165 CM
Height (Female)	157 CM
Chest (Male)	81-86 CM (with minimum expansion of 5 CM)
100 Meters Race	16 Seconds (Male) <br> 18 Seconds (Female)
800 Meters Race	3 Min 45 Sec (Male) <br> 4 Min 45 Sec (Female)
Long Jump	3.5 Meters (Male) <br> 3.0 Meters (Female)
Shot Put (7.26 Kg)	4.5 Meters	For Male Candidates only

Note: Final vacancy numbers and physical standards are subject to change. Please refer to the official notification for absolute details.

Important Links

Description	Link
Official UPSC Website	https://upsc.gov.in/whats-new
Apply Online Portal	https://upsconline.nic.in/
Download Official Notification	PDF Link
Download Admit Card	Will be updated on UPSC website
Download Result	Will be updated on UPSC website
Download Interview Schedule	Will be updated on UPSC website

How to Apply?

1. Read the Notification: Carefully download and read the official UPSC CAPF (AC) Examination 2026 Notification PDF to understand all eligibility criteria, required documents, and instructions.
2. One Time Registration (OTR): If you are a new user, complete the mandatory One Time Registration (OTR) on the UPSC online portal (https://upsconline.nic.in/). Keep your registration ID and password safe.
3. Fill Application Form: Log in using your OTR credentials. Select the "CAPF (AC) Examination 2026" and fill in the detailed application form with accurate personal, educational, and contact details.
4. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph, signature, and required supporting documents (like age proof, educational certificates) as per the specifications given in the notification.
5. Pay Application Fee: Pay the requisite application fee online through the available payment gateways. Ensure successful payment and save the receipt.
6. Submit and Print: Review the entire application form thoroughly. Submit the application and take a printout of the filled application form and confirmation page for your future reference and records.
7. Adhere to Deadline: Complete all steps before the last date, i.e., 12/03/2026 (06:00 PM). Applications received after the deadline will not be entertained.

Selection Process

The selection for UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant is based on a multi-stage process designed to evaluate candidates holistically:

1. Written Examination: This is the first stage, typically comprising two papers:

   • Paper I: General Studies and Reasoning (Objective Type).
   • Paper II: General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension (Descriptive Type). Candidates must qualify in both papers separately.

2. Physical Standards / Physical Efficiency Tests (PST/PET): Candidates who clear the written exam are called for Physical Standards Test (measurement of height, chest, etc.) and Physical Efficiency Tests (100m race, 800m race, long jump, shot put). These are qualifying in nature. The standards differ for male and female candidates as outlined in the vacancy details.

3. Medical Examination: Candidates who pass the PET undergo a detailed medical examination to ensure they meet the medical fitness standards required for service in the CAPFs.

4. Interview / Personality Test: Finally, medically fit candidates are summoned for an Interview/Personality Test conducted by the UPSC. This assesses the candidate's leadership qualities, intelligence, communication skills, and overall suitability for an Assistant Commandant role.

The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the Written Examination and the Interview. Appointment is subject to availability of vacancies, successful completion of training, and verification of all original documents.