Question 1

What is the CAPF AC Exam and who conducts it?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What is the selection process for CAPF AC Exam?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What are the physical standards required for CAPF AC Exam?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What is the syllabus for CAPF AC Paper I and Paper II?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What is the career progression for CAPF AC officers?

Accepted Answer

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.

Year	Questions	Duration	Key Changes
2027	250	150 min	Latest pattern
2026	250	150 min	No major changes
2025	250	150 min	No major changes
2024	250	150 min	No major changes
2023	250	150 min	No major changes
2022	250	150 min	No major changes
2021	250	150 min	No major changes
2020	250	150 min	No major changes

Previous Year Papers & Mock Tests — CAPF AC Exam 2017–2027

Available Papers

2027 Mock Test

2026 Mock Test

2025 Mock Test

2024 Mock Test

2023 Mock Test

2022 Mock Test

2021 Mock Test

2020 Mock Test

Paper Pattern Over the Years

How to Use Previous Year Papers Effectively

Subject-wise Coverage Across Papers

Frequently Asked Questions

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