UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026: 349 Assistant Commandant Vacancies in BSF, CRPF, CISF, SSB & ITBP — Full Details
Here’s an exciting opportunity for you! The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification (No. 08/2026-CAPF) for the Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination 2026. A total of 349 vacancies are available for the post of Assistant Commandant across five forces — BSF, CRPF, CISF, SSB, and ITBP. This is a prestigious Group A gazetted officer-level post under the Ministry of Home Affairs with a salary in Pay Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500).
The online application window opens on 20 February 2026 and closes on 12 March 2026. If you hold a Bachelor’s Degree from any recognised university and are between 20 to 25 years of age, this could be your path to becoming an officer in India’s paramilitary forces. Read this full article carefully on GovtJobsAlert.in so you don’t miss any important detail about eligibility, exam pattern, physical tests, and how to apply.
What Are the Key Highlights of UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the CAPF (ACs) Examination every year to recruit Assistant Commandants for India’s Central Armed Police Forces. This is a combined exam — you can be posted in any of the five forces based on your merit and preference. Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply.
- Recruiting Organisation: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
- Exam Name: CAPF (Assistant Commandants) Examination 2026
- Post Name: Assistant Commandant (Group A Gazetted)
- Total Vacancies: 349 Posts
- Salary / Pay Scale: Pay Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500)
- Job Location: All India (Various Forces)
- Application Dates: 20 February 2026 to 12 March 2026
- Written Exam Date: 19 July 2026
How Are the 349 CAPF AC Vacancies Distributed Force-Wise?
| Force Name | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Border Security Force (BSF) | 108 |
| Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) | 106 |
| Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) | 70 |
| Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) | 53 |
| Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) | 12 |
| Total | 349 |
Note: 10% of vacancies in each force are reserved for Ex-Servicemen. Reservation for SC / ST / OBC / EWS / PwBD is applicable as per government rules.
Who Is Eligible for UPSC CAPF AC 2026? Eligibility Criteria Explained
What Is the Educational Qualification?
- A candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a university recognised by the Central or State Government, or from an institution established by an Act of Parliament.
- Candidates who are appearing in their final year examination in 2026 are also eligible to apply, provided they produce the degree certificate at the time of document verification.
- Candidates with professional and technical qualifications recognised by the Government as equivalent to a degree are also eligible.
- NCC ‘B’ or ‘C’ Certificate is a desirable qualification and will be given consideration during the Interview / Personality Test.
What Is the Age Limit for UPSC CAPF AC 2026?
- Minimum Age: 20 Years
- Maximum Age: 25 Years
- Age as on: 1st August 2026 (born not earlier than 2nd August 2001 and not later than 1st August 2006)
Age Relaxation:
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen / Govt Servants | 5 Years |
Note: The total age relaxation for Government Service cannot exceed 5 years. Cumulative relaxation is available for SC / ST / OBC candidates who also qualify as Ex-Servicemen / Government Servants.
What Is the Salary and Benefits for UPSC CAPF AC 2026?
Selected candidates will be appointed as Assistant Commandant (Group A Gazetted) in the respective Central Armed Police Force. The pay structure is based on the 7th Pay Commission.
- Pay Level: Level 10 in the Pay Matrix
- Basic Pay: ₹56,100 (starting)
- Pay Range: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Currently around 53% of basic pay
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): 8% to 24% depending on city category
- Transport Allowance (TA): As applicable
With all allowances combined, the approximate in-hand salary for a freshly appointed Assistant Commandant ranges from ₹85,000 to ₹1,10,000+ per month, depending on the posting location and force.
As a CAPF officer, you also get benefits like free government accommodation (or HRA), ration allowance, medical facilities for the entire family, canteen facility, group insurance, NPS, and earned leave encashment. CAPF officers also get risk and hardship allowances for postings in border or difficult areas.
How Does the UPSC CAPF AC 2026 Selection Process Work?
The selection process has four stages. You must clear each stage to move to the next.
Stage 1: Written Examination (19 July 2026)
The written exam has two papers conducted on the same day:
Paper I — General Ability and Intelligence (250 Marks)
This is an objective (MCQ) paper held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon (2 hours). Questions are set in both English and Hindi. It covers General Mental Ability, General Science, Current Events, Indian Polity & Economy, and Indian & World Geography.
Paper II — General Studies, Essay and Comprehension (200 Marks)
This is a descriptive paper held from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (3 hours). Part-A is Essay writing (80 marks, Hindi or English). Part-B is Comprehension, Precis Writing, and other language skills (120 marks, English only).
Stage 2: Physical Standards Tests / Physical Efficiency Tests (PET)
Candidates who qualify in the written exam are called for physical tests. You must meet the prescribed Physical Standards (height, chest, weight) and pass the PET:
| PET Event | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Metre Race | 16 Seconds | 18 Seconds |
| 800 Metre Race | 3 Min 45 Sec | 4 Min 45 Sec |
| Long Jump | 3.5 Metres | 3.0 Metres |
| Shot Put (7.26 Kg) | 4.5 Metres | Not Applicable |
Stage 3: Interview / Personality Test (150 Marks)
Candidates who clear the PET are called for the Interview / Personality Test carrying 150 marks. This tests your overall personality, leadership qualities, communication skills, and suitability for a career in the armed police forces.
Stage 4: Medical Standards Tests
Final stage where medical fitness is verified as per prescribed standards under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Final Merit: Based on marks obtained in the Written Examination + Interview / Personality Test.
How to Apply Online for UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
Before applying, keep ready: passport-size photograph, signature scan, educational certificates, category certificate (if applicable), and a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Visit the UPSC online application portal (direct link in Essential Links section below).
- If you are a new user, first create your Universal Registration Number (URN) by registering with your basic details.
- Log in with your URN and fill the Common Application Form (CAF) with personal details, educational qualifications, and category information.
- Fill the Examination Specific Module — select CAPF (ACs) Exam 2026, choose exam centre, and fill force preferences.
- Upload your photograph (max 200 KB, JPG), signature (max 100 KB), and left thumb impression as per specifications.
- Pay the fee of ₹200 via Net Banking / Visa / Master / RuPay / Credit / Debit Card / UPI. No fee for Female / SC / ST candidates.
- Review all details carefully, submit the form, and take a printout for your records. No changes are allowed after submission.
What Are the Important Dates for UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026?
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 20 February 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 20 February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 12 March 2026 (6:00 PM) |
| Written Examination Date | 19 July 2026 |
| PET / PST | To be notified after Written Exam |
| Interview / Personality Test | To be notified |
What Is the Application Fee for UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026?
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | ₹200 |
| Female (All Categories) | No Fee |
| SC / ST (Male & Female) | No Fee |
Payment can be made through Net Banking, Visa / Master / RuPay / Credit / Debit Card, or UPI. Fee once paid is non-refundable.
Where to Apply Online & Download UPSC CAPF AC 2026 Notification?
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Apply Online for UPSC CAPF AC 2026
- Visit UPSC Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
This is a wonderful chance to become an officer in India’s paramilitary forces. With 349 posts across BSF, CRPF, CISF, SSB, and ITBP, the UPSC CAPF AC Exam 2026 opens the door to a respected Group A career. The last date to apply is 12 March 2026 — so don’t wait until the last moment. Start your application today and begin your preparation for the written exam on 19 July 2026. Keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in for the latest updates on UPSC CAPF AC admit cards, results, and cut-off marks. All the best!