UPSC CAPF AC Answer Key 2026 Released, Download PDF
What's New in UPSC CAPF?
- July 22, 2026: UPSC has released CAPF AC Answer Key 2026 for the written exam held on July 19, 2026. Candidates can now download the official PDF. Download PDF
- July 22, 2026: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced 50% reservation for Ex-Agniveers in the recruitment of Constable (GD)/Rifleman posts in CAPFs and Assam Rifles, along with upper age relaxation and exemption from PST/PET. Download PDF
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducted the CAPF (Assistant Commandant) Exam 2026 on July 19, 2026, to fill 349 vacancies in the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. UPSC has released CAPF AC Answer Key 2026 on July 22, 2026, on its official website. Candidates who appeared for the exam can now download the official answer key PDF to verify their responses and estimate their probable scores before the declaration of results.
Download UPSC CAPF AC 2026 Answer Key PDF
Table of Contents
What is UPSC CAPF Recruitment?
In UPSC CAPF Recruitment 2026, CAPF is the abbreviated form of the Central Armed Police Forces. It is a national-level Assistant Commandant exam conducted to appoint Group A officers in paramilitary forces. This recruitment fills vacancies in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) such as Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). The exam includes written tests, physical and medical tests, and an interview to select officers for security duties.
UPSC CAPF 2026 Highlights
The important highlights of UPSC CAPF exam 2026 are given below:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant (AC) |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper Based) |
| UPSC CAPF 2026 Language |
|
| UPSC CAPF Vacancies 2026 | 349 |
| UPSC CAPF 2026 Selection Process |
|
| Official Website to Apply | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CAPF Exam Dates 2026
The important dates for UPSC CAPF exam 2026 are given below:
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| UPSC CAPF Notification 2026 Release Date | February 20, 2026 |
| UPSC CAPF Application Process 2026 Starts | February 20, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply for UPSC CAPF Application 2026 | March 12, 2026 |
| Last Date for fee payment of UPSC CAPF 2026 | March 12, 2026 |
| UPSC CAPF Admit Card 2026 Release Date | July 10, 2026 |
| UPSC CAPF Written Exam 2026 Date | July 19, 2026 |
| UPSC CAPF Result 2026 Release Date | TBA |
UPSC CAPF Notification 2026
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released UPSC CAPF 2026 Notification on February 20, 2026. It contains complete details about the 349 Assistant Commandants recruitment conducted by UPSC. It includes important dates such as notification release, application timeline, and written exam schedule. The notice explains eligibility criteria like age limit, educational qualification, and physical standards required for candidates. It also provides vacancy details, participating forces, and exam pattern information.
Download UPSC CAPF Notification 2026 PDF
UPSC CAPF Vacancy 2026
UPSC CAPF 2026 Vacancy has been released along with the notification on February 20, 2026. Candidates can refer to the table below for UPSC CAPF Vacancy 2026 across all forces:
| Security Forces | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| CRPF | 106 |
| BSF | 108 |
| CISF | 70 |
| ITBP | 12 |
| SSB | 53 |
| Total | 349 |
UPSC CAPF Application Process 2026
UPSC CAPF 2026 Application Process started on February 20, 2026, and will end on March 12, 2026. Aspirants meeting the minimum CAPF eligibility criteria can apply for UPSC CAPF AC 2026 by filling out UPSC CAPF Application Form 2026 till March 12, 2026. For the successful submission of UPSC CAPF Application Form 2026, candidates must follow the step-by-step process given below:
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
- Go to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) official website: upsc.gov.in
Step 2: Complete One-Time Registration (OTR)
- If you have not registered before, complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process.
- After successful registration, you will receive a system-generated login ID and password.
Step 3: Log in to Your Dashboard
- Use your login ID and password to access your UPSC dashboard.
- From the dashboard, find UPSC CAPF 2026 application link and click on it.
Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form
- Enter all the required details, including personal information, educational qualifications, and other relevant details.
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
During the application process, upload the following scanned documents:
- 10th and 12th mark sheets
- Recent passport-size photograph and signature
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Fee Exemption Certificate (if applicable)
- Valid Photo ID proof (Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport, etc.)
- Active email ID and mobile number (for communication purposes)
Step 6: Pay the Application Fee
- Submit the required application fee using the available online payment options.
Step 7: Review and Submit
- Carefully review all the entered details before final submission.
- Click on Submit to complete the application process.
Step 8: Print the Confirmation Page
- After successful submission, download and print the confirmation page for future reference.
UPSC CAPF Application Fee 2026
UPSC CAPF 2026 application fee can be paid via cash by depositing a pay-in slip at any branch of SBI or through SBI net banking, any bank credit card/ debit card, or UPI Payment.
| Category | Application Fee (in Rs.) |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male Candidates) | 200 |
| SC / ST / Female candidates | Nil |
| Refund | No refund applicable |
| Payment | Online mode |
UPSC CAPF Eligibility Criteria 2026
UPSC CAPF AC 2026 eligibility criteria are based on Nationality, educational qualification, age limit, etc. If the aspirants pass the final round, the Interview Round, all of their original documents will be reviewed during the Document Verification stage. To be considered for the desired job description, candidates must meet all of the criteria listed. UPSC CAPF Eligibility Criteria 2026 are divided into the following categories:
- CAPF Age Restrictions
- Qualifications in Education
- Nationality
- Physical Qualification
- Eligibility for Medical Treatment
- Relationship Status
UPSC CAPF Age Limit 2026
A candidate must have attained the age of 20 years and must not have attained the age of 25 years. This means that candidates must have been born not earlier than August 2, 2001, and not later than August 1, 2006.
| Particulars | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Lower age limit | 20 years |
| Upper age limit | 25 years |
UPSC CAPF Age Relaxation 2026
UPSC has provided age relaxations for reserved category candidates for UPSC CAPF exam 2026, which are mentioned below:
| Categories | Age relaxation | Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| OBC | 3 years | 28 years |
| SC / ST | 5 years | 30 years |
| Civilian Central Government Servants | 5 years | 30 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 5 year | 30 years |
UPSC CAPF Educational Qualification 2026
- You must hold a Bachelor's degree from a university established by an Act of the Central or State Legislatures in India, or from another educational institution established by an Act of Parliament and declared to be deemed as a university under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956, or an equivalent qualification.
- If a candidate is awaiting results, he or she may apply for UPSC CAPF test. The application, however, would be deemed provisional till the individual submits the official results to UPSC.
- An NCC 'B' or 'C' Certificate will be advantageous. These qualifications will be considered only during the interview/personality test.
UPSC CAPF Nationality 2026
According to UPSC CAPF eligibility, only candidates of specific nationalities are permitted to take the exam. If the candidate does not have an eligible nationality, they will need the Central Government's formal permission to apply for CAPF Exam. Here are UPSC CAPF nationality criteria 2026 in detail:
| Nationality | Allowed or Not |
|---|---|
| Indian | Allowed to appear for the exam |
| Nepal or Bhutan | Allowed to appear for the exam |
Note:
- UPSC hasn't outlined a defined limit on the number of attempts a candidate can make. Nevertheless, there is an age constraint imposed by UPSC, requiring candidates to fall within the age range of 20 to 25.
- Candidates with or without experience can apply for this exam if they meet the other eligibility requirements.
- If the candidates are planning to appear for UPSC CAPF AC recruitment 2026, having the National Cadet Corps Certificate can give them an edge. The Central Government has announced that candidates possessing the NCC 'B' or 'C' certificate will be eligible for bonus marks. Those with the NCC 'B' certificate will receive 3% of the maximum marks as a bonus, while those with the NCC 'C' certificate will receive 5% of the maximum marks as a bonus.
UPSC CAPF Physical Standards 2026
The candidate must meet the physical requirements set by UPSC to be eligible for this exam. Here are the minimum requirements of UPSC CAPF AC Physical Standards candidates need to have before this exam:
| Specifications | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 165 cm | 157 cm |
| Chest (without expansion) | 81 cm | NA |
| Chest (with expansion) | 5 cm | NA |
| Weight | 50 kg | 46 kg |
UPSC CAPF Medical Standards 2026
In the details given below, candidates can find all the details related to UPSC CAPF AC Medical test 2026:
| Aspects | Better Eye (Corrected Vision) | Worse Eye (Corrected Vision) |
|---|---|---|
| Distant Vision | 6/6 | 6/12 |
| 6/9 | 6/9 | |
| Near Vision | N6 (corrected) | N9 (corrected) |
| With Glasses/LASIK Surgery | ||
| Limits of Refractive errors permitted | -4.00 D (including cylinder) Myopia +4.00 D (including cylinder) Hypermetropia |
|
It should be emphasized that if an applicant has had LASIK surgery, it must have been done following the mentioned criteria:
- Age range: 18 to 35 years
- Axial length ranges from 21 to 26 mm.
- 425-micron corneal thickness
- 6 D pre-LASIK mistake
- Post-operatively, the periodontal flap should remain stable.
- Interval - 6 months (a postoperative period is required).
- When applying for UPSC CAPF AC position, candidates must have completed 06 months after LASIK surgery.
UPSC CAPF Admit Card 2026
UPSC CAPF 2026 admit card has been released on July 10, 2026 for the written exam on July 19, 2026. It is a vital document that serves as identification and allows candidates to sit for CAPF (Central Reserve Police Force) exam. It is usually issued by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Candidates can download their UPSC CAPF Admit Card 2026 by following the methods outlined below.
- Visit UPSC's official website at www.upsc.gov.in.
- Click on the Link - ‘E-Admit Card: Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2024.
- Enter login information, such as registration ID/roll number and date of birth.
- Print the CAPF admit card after downloading it.
UPSC CAPF Exam Centre 2026
UPSC CAPF AC 2026 Exam Centres can be selected by the candidates according to their preferences. Below is the list of UPSC CAPF Exam Centres given for the reference of the candidates:
| S. No. | Centres |
|---|---|
| 1 | Agartala |
| 2 | Ahmedabad |
| 3 | Aizwal |
| 4 | Almora (Uttarakhand) |
| 5 | Bengaluru |
| 6 | Bareilly |
| 7 | Bhopal |
| 8 | Chandigarh |
| 9 | Chennai |
| 10 | Cuttack |
| 11 | Dehradun |
| 12 | Delhi |
| 13 | Dharamshala (H.P.) |
| 14 | Dharwar |
| 15 | Dispur |
| 16 | Gangtok |
| 17 | Hyderabad |
| 18 | Imphal |
| 19 | Itanagar |
| 20 | Jaipur |
| 21 | Jammu |
| 22 | Jorhat |
| 23 | Kargil |
| 24 | Kochi |
| 25 | Kohima |
| 26 | Kolkatta |
| 27 | Leh |
| 28 | Lucknow |
| 29 | Madurai |
| 30 | Mandi (H.P.) |
| 31 | Mumbai |
| 32 | Nagpur |
| 33 | Panaji (GOA) |
| 34 | Patna |
| 35 | Port Blair |
| 36 | Prayagraj (Allahabad) |
| 37 | Raipur |
| 38 | Ranchi |
| 39 | Sambalpur |
| 40 | Shillong |
| 41 | Shimla |
| 42 | Srinagar |
| 43 | Srinagar (Uttarakhand) |
| 44 | Thiruvananthapuram |
| 45 | Tirupati |
| 46 | Udaipur |
| 47 | Vishakahapatnam |
UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026
UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026 includes two papers conducted on the same day in offline mode. Paper 1 covers General Ability and Intelligence with objective-type questions, while Paper 2 includes General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension with descriptive answers. UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026 is given below:
| Paper | Subject | Number of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | General Ability and Intelligence | 125 | 250 | 2 hours |
| Paper 2 | General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension | 07 | 200 | 3 hours |
| Interview | 150 | - | ||
Note:
- Paper 1 Marking Scheme:
- Correct: 2 Marks
- Incorrect: -1/3 mark
- Paper 1 is objective-type, but Paper 2 is descriptive in nature.
UPSC CAPF PET 2026
Candidates qualifying for the written exam are eligible to appear for UPSC CAPF PET/ PST 2026 round and so on.
| Physical Efficiency Test | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 100-metre race | 16 seconds | 18 seconds |
| 800-meter race | 3 minutes 45 seconds | 4 minutes 45 seconds |
| Long jump | 3.5 meters (3 Chances) | 3.0 meters (3 Chances) |
| Shot Put (7.26 Kgs.) | 4.5 meters | - |
UPSC CAPF 2026 Syllabus
UPSC CAPF 2026 Syllabus is set by UPSC. The subjects and topics asked in UPSC CAPF exam 2026 are mentioned below for aspirants' preparation:
UPSC CAPF Paper 1 Syllabus 2026
UPSC CAPF 2026 Paper 1 syllabus includes objective-type questions with multiple choices. The subjects include General Mental Ability, General Science, Indian Polity and Economy, History of India, Current Events of National and International Importance, and India & World Geography. The topics of these subjects are:
| 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, globalization |
| Indian Polity & Governance | Constitution, political system, public administration, economic development, security issues, human rights |
| History | Indian nationalism, freedom movement, culture and civilization, modern India |
| Geography | Earth & atmosphere, climate, world regions, Indian resources, oceans, physical geography |
UPSC CAPF Paper 2 Syllabus 2026
Only those who pass Paper 1 will be eligible for Paper 2. Before beginning their preparation, candidates should familiarise themselves with UPSC CAPF AC Paper 2 2026 as mentioned below:
| Section | Marks | Question Format & Medium | Key Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A - Essay | 80 Marks | Long descriptive essays. Answers can be written in Hindi or English | Modern Indian history and freedom struggle, geography, polity, economy, security and human rights issues, analytical ability |
| Part B - Comprehension & Language Skills | 120 Marks | Descriptive questions. English language only | Comprehension passages, précis writing, communication skills, counter-arguments, simple grammar and language testing |
Candidates must check UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2026 to know more about it.
UPSC CAPF Selection Process 2026
UPSC CAPF 2026 Selection Process is divided into three stages. Candidates who pass all the levels of UPSC CAPF exam 2026 are eligible to be recruited for the rank of Assistant Commandant. UPSC CAPF selection process has three stages:
- Written Exam
- PET/ PST/ Medical Exam
- Personality Evaluation/Interview
UPSC CAPF Answer Key 2026
UPSC CAPF AC Answer Key 2026 has been released on July 22, 2026, on the official UPSC website following the written exam held on July 19, 2026. Candidates can download the answer key PDF by following the steps given below.
- Visit the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
- On the homepage, go to the “Examinations” or “What’s New” section.
- Look for the link titled UPSC CAPF Answer Key 2026 and click on it.
- The answer key PDF will open on the screen for Paper I and Paper II.
- Download and save the file, then match your responses to estimate your score.
UPSC CAPF Result 2026
UPSC CAPF Written Exam Result 2026 will be released online on the official UPSC website for the written exam to be held on July 19, 2026. The result will be declared in three phases: Written Exam, PET/PST/ Medical Test, and the final CAPF result. Candidates can check their UPSC CAPF result 2026 by following the processes outlined below:
- Visit UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
- On the home page, look for the Final Results section.
- Click on the PDF link for CAPF AC Exam
- CAPF AC results will be shown in PDF format.
- The roll number and name of the selected candidates are included in this PDF file.
- Candidates are urged to print their results for future reference.
UPSC CAPF AC Previous Year Question Paper
UPSC has uploaded past years' papers of UPSC CAPF annually on its official website. To prepare for the next CAPF exam, applicants can access the paper standard, the level of difficulty of questions asked, the exam pattern, and the syllabus. UPSC CAPF Previous Year Papers are given below:
| Year | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Download Here | Download Here |
| 2021 | Download Here | Download Here |
| 2020 | Download Here | Download Here |
| 2019 | Download Here | Download Here |
| 2018 | Download Here | Download Here |
| 2017 | Download Here | Download Here |
UPSC CAPF Salary 2026
UPSC CAPF AC 2026 Salary is determined based on the 7th Annual Salary Committee. According to the 7th Salary Committee, UPSC CAPF AC salary structure includes basic salary and other benefits such as Travel, Medical, and Expense Allowances.
| Particulars | Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | INR 15,600 |
| Grade Pay | INR 5,400 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | INR 26,250 |
| In-hand Salary | INR 44,135 |
| Total | INR 51,480 |
The commission will hold UPSC CAPF exam 2026 to select candidates for the position of Assistant Commandant in the Central Armed Police Forces. The application form is available from February 20, 2026. Candidates who are interested and qualified will be able to fill out and submit their applications online. Candidates will be chosen based on a written exam, a PET/PST, and an Interview/ Personality Test.
UPSC CAPF 2026 FAQs
Ques: Is UPSC CAPF exam 2026 conducted online or offline?
Ans: UPSC CAPF exam 2026 is conducted in an offline mode using pen and paper. Candidates must answer objective-type questions on an Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheet for the written tests.
Ques: What educational qualification is required to be eligible for UPSC CAPF exam 2026?
Ans: Candidates must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification to fulfill the eligibility requirements for UPSC CAPF exam.
Ques: Can only Indian citizens apply for UPSC CAPF exam 2026?
Ans: Yes, only Indian citizens are eligible to apply for UPSC CAPF exam 2026. Certain provisions exist for candidates who are subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, as specified in UPSC guidelines.
Ques: Can final-year graduation students apply for UPSC CAPF exam 2026?
Ans: Yes, candidates in their final year of graduation can apply for UPSC CAPF exam, provided they can produce proof of passing the degree exami at the time of the selection process.
Ques: Is there any relaxation in physical standards for candidates belonging to specific categories in UPSC CAPF exam 2026?
Ans: Yes, certain relaxations in physical standards are provided to candidates belonging to reserved categories such as SC/ST/OBC, as per UPSC CAPF rules and regulations.
Ques: What are the steps involved in UPSC CAPF selection process 2026?
Ans: The selection process for UPSC CAPF 2026 includes a written exam, a Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standards Test (PST), a Personality/Interview test, and a medical exam.
Download the PREPP App and attempt FREE UPSC CAPF Mock Tests and get complete study material!
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