UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2026
Central Armed Police Forces Assistant Commandant
Conducted By
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Eligibility
Graduate from a recognized University; Age 20-25 years
Age Limit
20-25 years (varies by category)
Exam Pattern
Paper I (GS & Essay), Paper II (General Studies, Essay & Comprehension), Physical Standards, Medical
If you want to lead forces like BSF, CRPF, and CISF as a gazetted officer, the CAPF Assistant Commandant exam is your entry point. Conducted by UPSC, this selection process has a written test, physical standards check, and an interview. The written part has two papers. Paper I consists of multiple-choice questions on general ability and science. Paper II is a descriptive test for essays, précis writing, and comprehension. Apart from studying, you must maintain your physical fitness to clear the running and jumping tests. Preparing for this role takes around one year of balanced effort. You need to read newspapers daily for descriptive essays. Our checklist below breaks down all Paper I and Paper II topics to help you track your daily study milestones easily.
Detailed Topic-wise Syllabus (34 topics)
Paper I - General Ability and Intelligence
125 MCQs | 250 marks | 2 hours | 1/3 negative marking
General Mental Ability 50 Marks
- Logical Reasoning - Deduction, Induction
- Mathematical Aptitude - Number Series, Equations
- Data Interpretation - Tables, Graphs, Charts
- Analytical Reasoning and Decision Making
General Science 40 Marks
- Physics in Everyday Life - Light, Sound, Heat, Electricity
- Chemistry - Acids, Bases, Chemical Reactions, Polymers
- Biology - Genetics, Evolution, Ecology, Human Health
- Space Technology and Defence Technology
Current Events and National/International Importance 30 Marks
- National Current Affairs - Governance, Economy, Society
- International Events - Geopolitics, Summits, Treaties
- Defence and Security News
Indian Polity and Economy 30 Marks
- Indian Constitution - Preamble, Fundamental Rights, DPSP
- Government Structure - Legislature, Executive, Judiciary
- Indian Economy - Planning, Agricultural Policy, Poverty
- Social Welfare and Security Schemes
History and Geography of India and World 50 Marks
- Ancient India - Harappan, Vedic, Maurya, Gupta
- Medieval India - Delhi Sultanate, Mughal, Bhakti
- Modern India - British Conquest, Reform Movements
- Indian Freedom Struggle - Key Events and Leaders
- World History - Colonialism, World Wars, Cold War
- Physical Geography - Mountains, Rivers, Climate Zones
- Human Geography - Population, Migration, Settlements
- India's Geography - Soils, Agriculture, Minerals
Paper II - General Studies, Essay and Comprehension
Descriptive | 200 marks | 3 hours | Essay + Précis + Comprehension + Letter
Essay 80 Marks
- Essay on Social, Political, Economic Topics
- Essay on Internal Security and Defence Themes
Comprehension 120 Marks
- English Comprehension - Passage Reading and Questions
- Hindi Comprehension - Passage in Hindi
- Précis Writing
- Official Letter and Report Writing
Physical Standards / Physical Efficiency Test
Qualifying - Height, Weight, Chest, Running, Long Jump, High Jump
Physical Fitness Standards
- Height and Weight Norms - As per category
- 100m Running - 16 seconds (Male); 18 seconds (Female)
- Long Jump - 3.5m (Male); 3.0m (Female)
- High Jump - 1.2m (Male); 0.9m (Female)
- Shot Put - 4.5m (7.26 kg ball, Male)
Recommended Reference Books
| Subject | Book Title | Author / Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies | Lucent's General Knowledge | Lucent |
| History & Polity | Indian Polity | M. Laxmikanth |
| Essay | 151 Essays | S.C. Gupta |
| Current Affairs | Monthly Current Affairs | Vision IAS |
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