UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant Recruitment 2026: Notification Out for 349 Group A Posts
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the recruitment notification for the Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination, 2026. This examination serves as the gateway for young, dynamic graduates to join India’s elite paramilitary forces as Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers. If you aspire to a career that combines administrative authority with field-based internal security duties, this is one of the most prestigious opportunities in the country.
Candidates can begin their application process from February 20, 2026, through the official UPSC portal. Below is a comprehensive guide covering every detail you need to know to stay ahead in the competition.
Detailed Vacancy Breakdown
For the 2026 cycle, UPSC has announced a total of 349 vacancies. These positions are distributed across five primary paramilitary forces, each having its own unique operational role:
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Border Security Force (BSF): 108 Posts
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Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF): 106 Posts
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Central Industrial Security Force (CISF): 70 Posts
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Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB): 53 Posts
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Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP): 12 Posts
Out of the total vacancies, 10% are reserved specifically for Ex-servicemen, providing a secondary career path for those who have served in the armed forces.
Eligibility Criteria: Are You Eligible?
To ensure high standards of leadership, the UPSC has set specific eligibility parameters:
1. Educational Qualifications
A candidate must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a university incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India. Even if you are in your final year of graduation and awaiting results, you are eligible to apply provisionally, provided you can produce proof of passing at the time of the interview.
2. Age Limits (As of August 1, 2026)
The age criteria are strict. A candidate must have attained the age of 20 years and must not have exceeded 25 years.
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Crucial Dates: The candidate must have been born not earlier than August 2, 2001, and not later than August 1, 2006.
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Relaxations: Age relaxation is applicable as per government norms—5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC, and up to 5 years for Central Government Servants and Ex-Servicemen.
3. Physical and Medical Standards
Since this is a uniformed service, candidates must meet specific physical standards regarding height, weight, and chest girth (for men). Visual standards and general medical fitness are also scrutinized rigorously in the later stages.
UPSC CAPF 2026 Selection Process
The selection process is designed to test both the intellectual and physical capabilities of the aspirants:
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Written Examination (July 19, 2026): This consists of two papers. Paper I (General Ability and Intelligence) is objective, while Paper II (General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension) is descriptive.
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Physical Efficiency Test (PET) & Medical Standards: Candidates qualifying the written exam undergo physical tests like the 100m race, 800m race, long jump, and shot put.
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Interview/Personality Test: Candidates who clear the physical and medical rounds are invited for an interview at the UPSC office in New Delhi, carrying 150 marks.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process is entirely online via the One-Time Registration (OTR) platform.
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Step 1: Visit upsconline.nic.in and complete your Universal Registration Number (URN) profile.
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Step 2: Fill out the “Examination Specific Form” for CAPF (AC) 2026.
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Step 3: Upload your photograph, signature, and photo ID proof. Note that a live photo capture is now a mandatory part of the process.
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Step 4: Pay the application fee of Rs. 200. (All female candidates and SC/ST candidates are exempted from payment).
Important Dates to Remember
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Notification Release: February 20, 2026
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Last Date for Online Application: March 12, 2026 (6:00 PM)
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Date of Written Exam: July 19, 2026
Important Links
Apply Online: Click here
Official Notification: Click here
Official Website: Click here
Prepare diligently, as the CAPF AC exam is known for its competitive nature. Ensure your applications are submitted well before the deadline to avoid last-minute server issues. Good luck!