The Union Public Service Commission will conduct the UPSC CAPF (Assistant Commandants) Examination 2026 in three stages – a written exam with two papers ( Paper I: General Ability & Intelligence and Paper II: General Studies, Essay & Comprehension) for a total of 450 marks, followed by Physical Standards/Physical Efficiency Tests (PET) & Medical Tests and a 150‑mark Interview/Personality Test, as per the latest official scheme.

Paper I is an objective‑type test of 250 marks and Paper II is a descriptive paper of 200 marks, so aspirants should carefully go through the UPSC CAPF AC Notification 2026 and start preparing section‑wise using the detailed CAPF syllabus for both papers provided on your site.

UPSC CAPF AC Syllabus 2026 – Overview

Before diving into the detailed syllabus, candidates should understand the basic exam structure. The table below provides essential information about the UPSC CAPF AC recruitment exam 2026.

Download UPSC CAPF AC Syllabus 2026 PDF

The official UPSC CAPF AC Syllabus PDF 2026 is available for download. Candidates can access the complete syllabus with all subject-wise topics, weightage, and exam pattern details.

Click Here to Download UPSC CAPF AC Syllabus PDF 2026 

Note: This is the official link from UPSC website. The PDF includes the complete and updated syllabus for 2026 exam.

UPSC CAPF AC Exam Pattern 2026

UPSC’s official scheme for CAPF (AC) 2026 consists of three stages.

Stage I – Written Examination

Two papers held on the same day:

Key points:

• Paper I is evaluated first; Paper II is checked only for those who secure the minimum qualifying marks in Paper I as fixed by UPSC.
• UPSC may prescribe separate minimum qualifying marks for each paper.

Stage II – Physical Standards, PET & Medical Tests

Candidates who qualify the written exam are called for Physical Standards/Physical Efficiency Tests (PET) and Detailed Medical Examination as per standards in the official notification.

Physical Efficiency Test (PET) standards (indicative):

• 100 m race:
  1. Males – 16 seconds
  2. Females – 18 seconds
• 800 m race:
  1. Males – 3 min 45 s
  2. Females – 4 min 45 s
• Long jump (3 chances):
  1. Males – 3.5 m
  2. Females – 3.0 m
• Shot put (7.26 kg, 3 chances):
  1. Males – 4.5 m
  2. Females – Not applicable

Only those meeting physical standards are put through PET; medical standards are checked as per the detailed appendix in the UPSC notification.

Stage III – Interview/Personality Test

• Marks: 150
• Conducted by UPSC for candidates declared fit in medical tests (including those provisionally allowed after Review Medical Board).

Final Merit

Final merit is prepared on the basis of marks obtained in:

• Written Examination (450 marks) + Interview/Personality Test (150 marks) = 600 marks total.

UPSC CAPF AC Syllabus 2026 – Paper I

Paper I (General Ability and Intelligence) is objective and tests reasoning, general awareness and basic knowledge of  science, polity, history and geography.

1. General Mental Ability

• Logical reasoning
• Quantitative aptitude and numerical ability
• Data interpretation

Questions are designed to assess logical thinking, analytical skills and ability to interpret data.

2. General  Science

• General awareness and  scientific temper
• Everyday science and technology in daily life
• Basic concepts and developments in areas like Information Technology, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, etc.
  Science

3. Current Events of National & International Importance

• Culture, music, arts, literature
• Sports
• Governance and public policy
• Societal and developmental issues
• Industry, business, globalisation
• Interplay among nations and major international events

4. Indian Polity & Economy

• Political system and Constitution of India
• Social systems and public administration
• Economic development and planning
• Regional and international security issues
• Human rights and their indicators

5. History of India

• Social, economic and political aspects of Indian history
• Growth of nationalism
• Indian freedom movement (major events, leaders and phases)

6. Indian & World Geography

• Physical, social and economic geography of India
• Important aspects of world geography related to these themes

UPSC CAPF AC Syllabus 2026 – Paper II

Paper II is descriptive and checks deeper understanding, analytical ability and language skills.

Part A – General Studies & Essay (80 Marks)

Essay questions to be answered in long narrative form, either in English or Hindi.

Indicative areas:

• Modern Indian history, particularly the freedom struggle
• Geography (India/world)
• Polity and economy
• Knowledge of security and human rights issues
• Analytical and critical ability on contemporary issues

Part B – Comprehension & Language Skills (120 Marks)

To be attempted in English only.

Typical components include:

• Comprehension passages
• Precis writing
• Developing counter‑arguments
• Simple grammar and vocabulary
• Other written communication skills

UPSC clearly instructs candidates to use only the permitted medium for each component; answers written in any other medium are not given credit.

UPSC CAPF AC Exam Preparation Tips 2026

Preparing for the UPSC CAPF AC exam requires a strategic approach. Follow these expert-recommended preparation tips to maximize your chances of success:

1. Understand the Complete Syllabus & Exam Pattern – Download the official PDF and analyze weightage.
2. Create a Realistic Study Timetable – Allocate more time to high-weightage topics like Current Affairs, History, and Geography.
3. Refer to Best Study Materials & Books – Use standard books and NCERTs for basics.
4. Practice Previous Year Question Papers – Solve last 8-10 years’ papers.
5. Take Regular Mock Tests – Improve speed and accuracy.
6. Focus on Current Affairs Daily – Read The Hindu/Indian Express and maintain notes.
7. Master Time Management Skills – Especially for Paper 2 descriptive answers.
8. Make Short Notes for Quick Revision.
9. Stay Updated with Official Notifications – Regularly visit upsc.gov.in.
10. Maintain Physical Fitness – Prepare for Physical Efficiency Test (PET) alongside studies.

Best Books for UPSC CAPF AC Preparation 2026