UPSC CAPF AC Exam Pattern 2026: Check Paper 1 & Paper 2 Marking Scheme, Marks Distribution
UPSC CAPF AC Exam Pattern 2026 is structured as a single written test. As per the pattern, there are two papers- Paper 1 and Paper 2. They carry 250 marks and 200 marks, respectively. Paper 1 is objective-type while Paper 2 is descriptive. The candidates must solve UPSC CAPF previous year papers to get a better idea about the pattern and important topics. Candidates who clear the written exam will have to attend the physical tests as well as the interview round.
UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC CAPF AC 2026 |
| Conducting Body | UPSC |
| Papers | Paper 1 & Paper 2 |
| Mode of Exam | Offline |
| Total Marks | 450 |
| Paper 1 Marks | 250 |
| Paper 2 Marks | 200 |
| Interview Marks | 150 |
| Negative Marking | Yes (Paper 1 Only) |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, PET/PST, Medical Test, Interview |
UPSC CAPF Selection Process 2026
UPSC CAPF Selection Process 2026
| Stage | Marks |
|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 250 |
| Paper 2 | 200 |
| PET/PST | Qualifying |
| Medical Test | Qualifying |
| Interview/Personality Test | 150 |
| Total Marks | 600 |
UPSC CAPF PET & PST Pattern 2026
UPSC CAPF Physical Efficiency Test 2026
| Event | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Metre Race | 16 Seconds | 18 Seconds |
| 800 Metre Race | 3 Min 45 Sec | 4 Min 45 Sec |
| Long Jump | 3.5 Metres | 3 Metres |
| Shot Put | 4.5 Metres | Not Applicable |
UPSC CAPF Paper-wise Exam Pattern 2026
Paper 1 Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject | General Ability & Intelligence |
| Questions | 125 |
| Marks | 250 |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Negative Marking | Yes |
Paper 2 Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject | General Studies, Essay & Comprehension |
| Questions | 6-7 |
| Marks | 200 |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Negative Marking | No |
UPSC CAPF Qualifying Marks 2026
| Paper | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Qualifying Cut Off |
| Paper 2 | Evaluated Only If Paper 1 Qualified |
| PET/PST | Qualifying Nature |
| Medical Test | Qualifying Nature |
UPSC CAPF Negative Marking 2026
UPSC CAPF Negative Marking
- 1/3rd marks deducted for every incorrect answer.
- Applicable only to Paper 1.
- No negative marking in Paper 2.
- Multiple answers marked for one question will be treated as incorrect.
UPSC CAPF Written Exam Pattern 2026
UPSC CAPF 2026 Written Exam Pattern consists of two papers conducted in offline mode on the same day. Paper 1 includes objective-type questions, while Paper 2 is descriptive to assess writing, comprehension, and analytical abilities.
- CAPF AC 2026 written exam is the first round in CAPF AC Selection Process.
- The written examination comprises 2 papers- Paper 1 and Paper 2.
- Paper 1 will consist of multiple-choice questions on general ability and intelligence having four alternatives.
- Paper 2 is of descriptive type and questions are on General Studies, Essay and Comprehension.
| Particulars | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 200 | 7 |
| Type of Questions | MCQ | Descriptive |
| Duration | 2 hours | 3 hours |
| Total Marks | 250 marks | 200 marks |
UPSC CAPF Marking Scheme 2026
Paper 2 of UPSC CAPF is of multiple-choice questions, carrying 125 questions, the total marks of which is 250. Negative marking is applicable in Paper 1 only. The detailed marking scheme has been explained below:
- For each wrong answer, 1/3rd marks will be deducted.
- If there are two answers for a single question, it will be considered as the wrong answer and 1/3 will be deducted even if any one of the answers is correct.
- If no question is answered, no deduction is made.
- In Paper 2, which is a descriptive paper, there are 6 questions, the total marks of which is 200.
- In Paper 2, no negative marking is applicable.
- The third round, which is the interview round, carries 150 marks.
UPSC CAPF Paper 1 Syllabus 2026
The objective-type questions with multiple choices in UPSC CAPF Paper 1 2026 cover the following topics:
| Section | Key Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Mental & Analytical Ability | Logical reasoning, numerical ability, quantitative aptitude, data interpretation |
| Science & Technology Awareness | General science, scientific awareness, IT basics, biotechnology, and environmental science |
| Current Affairs | National & international events, culture, arts, sports, governance, economy, globalisation |
| Indian Polity & Governance | Constitution, political system, public administration, economic development, security issues, human rights |
| History | Indian nationalism, freedom movement, culture and civilisation, modern India |
| Geography | Earth & atmosphere, climate, world regions, Indian resources, oceans, physical geography |
UPSC CAPF Paper 2 Syllabus 2026
Only the candidates who clear Paper 1 will be eligible for Paper 2. The aspirants must know the detailed syllabus of UPSC CAPF 2026 before they start preparing.
| Section | Key Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Part A - Essay Writing | Essays on modern Indian history, polity, economy, geography, security, human rights, analytical themes |
| Part B - Comprehension & Language Skills | Comprehension passages, précis writing, communication skills, counter arguments, grammar and English language usage |
UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026 consists of two written papers followed by PET/PST, medical examination, and personality test. Candidates must understand the paper-wise structure, marking scheme, and selection stages before beginning their preparation. A clear understanding of the latest UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026 can help aspirants formulate an effective preparation strategy and improve their chances of selection as Assistant Commandants.
| Relevant Links | ||
|---|---|---|
| UPSC CAPF Syllabus | UPSC CAPF Eligibility | UPSC CAPF Admit Card |
| UPSC CAPF Previous Year Question Papers | UPSC CAPF Syllabus | UPSC CAPF Result |
UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs
Ques: What type of questions are asked in UPSC CAPF Paper 2 2026?
Ans: Paper 2 of UPSC CAPF exam consists of descriptive questions, including essay writing, comprehension passages, précis writing, communication skills, grammar usage, and analytical answers designed to evaluate candidates’ writing ability and language proficiency.
Ques: Do questions repeat in UPSC CAPF exam 2026?
Ans: Yes, there are chances of a few questions being repeated from the previous years. Additionally, the candidates can find many similar questions if they solve previous year question papers.
Ques: What subjects are covered in UPSC CAPF Paper 1 2026 syllabus?
Ans: UPSC CAPF Paper I syllabus covers general mental ability, reasoning, quantitative aptitude, general science, current affairs, Indian polity, history, geography, and topics related to national and international awareness.
Ques: Should candidates compulsorily attend UPSC CAPF interview 2026?
Ans: Yes, candidates should compulsorily attend UPSC CAPF interview. Its marks are counted for the merit list.
Ques: Does UPSC CAPF 2026 have descriptive questions?
Ans: Yes, the exam has descriptive questions. Paper 2 is descriptive in nature, while Paper 1 is objective.
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