UPSC CAPF AC Answer Key 2026 Out: Download Set-Wise Paper 1 PDF, Objection Process
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the UPSC CAPF AC Answer Key 2026 on 22 July 2026 for the Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination 2026. The provisional answer key covers Paper 1 (General Ability and Intelligence) and is available set-wise for Set A, Set B, Set C, and Set D on the official website, upsc.gov.in. Candidates who appeared for the written exam on 19 July 2026 can now match their responses, estimate their marks, and raise objections within the prescribed timeline before the final key is issued.
UPSC CAPF Answer Key 2026: Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination, 2026 |
| Post Name | Assistant Commandant (AC) |
| Total Vacancies | 349 |
| Exam Date | 19 July 2026 |
| Answer Key Release Date | 22 July 2026 |
| Answer Key Status | Provisional (Released) |
| Paper Covered by This Key | Paper 1 (General Ability and Intelligence) – Objective Type |
| Total Questions in Paper 1 | 125 (1 question dropped; 124 considered for scoring) |
| Paper 1 Marks | 250 Marks |
| Paper 2 Marks | 200 Marks (Descriptive) |
| Negative Marking | Yes, 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer in Paper 1 |
| Number of Sets | 4 (Set A, Set B, Set C, Set D) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CAPF AC Answer Key 2026: Important Dates
- CAPF AC Written Exam Date: 19 July 2026
- Provisional Answer Key Release Date: 22 July 2026
- Objection Window: Open for a limited period as specified in the official notice (candidates should check the exact closing date on the official answer key page, as UPSC has not published a separate date for this on the answer key PDF itself)
- Final Answer Key: To be released after examination of objections; exact date not yet announced
Note: UPSC has not specified the objection deadline within the Paper 1 answer key document referenced for this article. Candidates should confirm the exact last date to raise objections from the official notice accompanying the answer key on upsc.gov.in.
UPSC CAPF AC Answer Key 2026 PDF Download
The UPSC CAPF AC Answer Key 2026 PDF for Paper 1 (General Ability and Intelligence) has been released set-wise. Candidates must match their booklet series with the correct set before comparing answers.
- Set A – Answer Key PDF (available on official website)
- Set B – Answer Key PDF (available on official website)
- Set C – Answer Key PDF (available on official website)
- Set D – Answer Key PDF (available on official website)
Direct Link: UPSC CAPF AC Answer Key 2026 PDF (Official)
How to Download UPSC CAPF AC Answer Key 2026?
- Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
- Click on the “Examinations” tab on the homepage and select “Answer Keys.”
- Locate and click the link for “Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2026.”
- Open the Paper 1 (General Ability and Intelligence) answer key PDF link.
- Identify your question booklet set (A, B, C, or D) and match it with the corresponding key.
- Download and save the PDF for future reference and score calculation.
UPSC CAPF Marking Scheme 2026: How to Calculate Your Score
Paper 1 of the CAPF AC exam carries 250 marks across 125 objective-type questions, with 1 question dropped and 124 questions considered for final scoring. A negative marking scheme of one-third mark applies for every wrong answer, so candidates should calculate their expected scores carefully rather than simply counting correct responses.
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Questions (Paper 1) | 125 (124 considered for scoring after 1 question dropped) |
| Marks for Correct Answer | As per official marking scheme in the exam notification |
| Penalty for Wrong Answer | 1/3 mark deducted |
| Unattempted Questions | No penalty |
How to Raise Objections Against the UPSC CAPF Answer Key 2026
If candidates find a discrepancy in the provisional answer key, UPSC allows them to submit a representation with valid justification before the objection window closes. The exact process typically involves:
- Visiting the official UPSC representation/objection portal linked from the answer key page.
- Logging in with the required exam credentials (such as registration/roll number and date of birth, as specified by UPSC).
- Selecting the specific question(s) being challenged.
- Providing supporting reference material or justification, if required by UPSC.
- Submitting the objection before the deadline mentioned in the official notice.
UPSC reviews all objections and issues the final answer key only after this process is complete. The final answer key is the one used for preparing results and cannot be challenged further.
What Happens After the UPSC CAPF Answer Key 2026?
Once the objection window closes, UPSC evaluates all valid representations and releases the final answer key. This is followed by the declaration of the Paper 1 result. Candidates who qualify Paper 1 will have their Paper 2 (descriptive) evaluated, and the further CAPF AC 2026 selection process includes:
- Physical Standards Test (PST)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Medical Standards Test (MST)
- Interview/Personality Test
- Document Verification
UPSC CAPF AC 2026 Selection Process at a Glance
| Stage | Nature |
|---|---|
| Paper 1 – General Ability and Intelligence | Objective, 250 Marks |
| Paper 2 – General Studies, Essay and Comprehension | Descriptive, 200 Marks |
| Physical Standards Test / Physical Efficiency Test | Qualifying |
| Medical Standards Test | Qualifying |
| Interview / Personality Test | Merit-based |
| Document Verification | Final stage |
Important Links
UPSC CAPF AC Answer Key 2026 – FAQs
Q1. Has the UPSC CAPF AC Answer Key 2026 been released?
Yes, UPSC released the provisional answer key for Paper 1 (General Ability and Intelligence) on 22 July 2026.
Q2. Where can I download the UPSC CAPF AC Answer Key 2026 PDF?
The answer key PDF is available on the official UPSC website, upsc.gov.in, under the Examinations and Answer Keys section.
Q3. How many sets are there in the UPSC CAPF AC Answer Key 2026?
The answer key has been released for four sets: Set A, Set B, Set C, and Set D. Candidates must match their booklet series with the correct set.
Q4. Is there negative marking in the UPSC CAPF Paper 1 exam?
Yes, one-third of a mark is deducted for every wrong answer in Paper 1.
Q5. How many questions were there in UPSC CAPF Paper 1 2026?
Paper 1 had 125 questions carrying 250 marks. One question was dropped, so 124 questions will be considered for scoring.
Q6. Can candidates challenge the UPSC CAPF provisional answer key 2026?
Yes, candidates who find discrepancies can raise objections through the official UPSC portal within the timeline specified in the official notice.
Q7. Does the UPSC CAPF Answer Key 2026 include Paper 2 answers?
No. The released answer key covers only Paper 1 (General Ability and Intelligence), which is objective in nature. Paper 2 is a descriptive paper evaluated by examiners, so no answer key is issued for it.
Q8. When will the UPSC CAPF Final Answer Key 2026 be released?
The final answer key will be released after UPSC reviews all objections submitted against the provisional key. An exact date has not yet been announced.
Q9. What is the total number of vacancies in UPSC CAPF AC 2026?
UPSC CAPF AC 2026 recruitment is being conducted for 349 Assistant Commandant vacancies.
Q10. What is the next step after checking the UPSC CAPF Answer Key 2026?
Candidates should calculate their expected Paper 1 score, watch for the final answer key and result, and prepare for the subsequent stages: PST/PET, Medical Standards Test, and Interview/Personality Test.
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