The CAPF Assistant Commandant (AC) Exam is conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit Group A Gazetted Officers for the five Central Armed Police Forces: BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. It is one of the most prestigious paramilitary officer exams in India, equivalent to IPS in terms of pay scale and benefits. Successful candidates are appointed as Assistant Commandants at Level 10 of the pay matrix, starting at Rs. 56,100 per month. Officers command over 1,000 personnel in their career trajectory.

The CAPF AC selection process has three stages: Paper I (MCQ-based General Studies & Mental Ability, 250 marks), Paper II (Descriptive General Studies, Essay & Comprehension, 200 marks), and Physical Standards/Physical Efficiency Test (PET) followed by a Medical Examination. Paper I has negative marking of 1/3 for wrong answers. Candidates shortlisted from Papers I and II appear for the physical and medical tests. There is no interview/personality test for CAPF AC unlike civil services.

Male candidates must have a minimum height of 165 cm (170 cm for certain categories), chest measurement of 81-86 cm with minimum 5 cm expansion, and weight proportionate to height. Female candidates must have a minimum height of 157 cm. The Physical Efficiency Test includes a 100-metre race (16 seconds for men, 18 seconds for women) and a 800-metre race (3 minutes 45 seconds for men, 4 minutes 45 seconds for women). Candidates must also pass a long jump and shot put test. Medical fitness for service in high-altitude areas is also assessed.

Paper I covers General Mental Ability, General Science, Current Events, Indian Polity, Indian Economy, History of India, Indian & World Geography, and Elementary Mathematics. Paper II is a descriptive paper covering Essay writing, English Comprehension & Precis writing, and General Studies topics related to defence, security, and governance. Paper I is 250 marks with 2.5 hours duration (MCQ format), while Paper II is 200 marks with 3 hours duration (descriptive). Both papers are held on the same day.

CAPF AC officers start as Assistant Commandant (Level 10, Rs. 56,100+) and progress to Deputy Commandant (Level 11), Commandant (Level 12), Deputy Inspector General (Level 13), Inspector General (Level 14), and Additional Director General/Director General (Level 15-17). The career is comparable to IPS in pay and benefits including accommodation, medical, transport allowance, and risk & hardship allowances. Officers may be posted across border areas, internal security operations, VIP protection, and industrial security duties.