The CAPF stands for Central Armed Police Forces. The CAPF Exam is organized by UPSC once a year in online mode. This examination comprises multiple phases, such as a written examination, a physical efficiency test (PFT), and a personal interview. To navigate the challenging syllabus and demanding selection process, many candidates seek assistance from specialized coaching centers like Target Defence Academy. Here, we have given complete information about the CAPF Exam.
All About the CAPF Exam
Overview
Here, we have a complete guide for the candidates looking for a career in CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB as an Assistant Commandant. It’s an essential pathway for aspirants after completing their graduation.
| Name of the Exam | Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Assistant Commandant |
| Frequency of Exam | Once a Year |
| Selection Process | Written Examination Physical Eligibility Test (PET) and Medical Test Personal Interview |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Mode of exam | Offline |
| Papers | Paper I (Objective): General Ability and Intelligence Paper II (Subjective): General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension |
| Language of Question Papers | English & Hindi (Except English Section) |
| Marks Segregation | Paper I: 250 Marks Paper II: 200 Marks |
| Total No. of Questions | Paper I: 125 (MCQs) Paper II: 6 (Descriptive) |
| Negative Marking | Paper I: One-third Paper II: No negative marking (Examiner Assesses the Answers) |
| Exam Duration | Paper I: 2 Hours Paper II: 3 Hours |
Important Links for the CAPF Exam
| Notification | Eligibility |
| Syllabus | Previous Year Question Paper |
| Result | Admit Card |
Who can apply for the CAPF Exam?
To apply for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) exam, candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria in terms of age, education, gender, and marital status. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Eligibility Criteria:
Marital Status: There are no particular marital criteria to apply for the UPSC CAPF exam.
Age: The minimum age limit to apply for the UPSC CAPF exam is 20 years and the maximum age limit is 25 years.
Height & Weight: The required height for males is 165 cm while 157 cm for females. And minimum required weight of male candidates should be 50 kg while female candidates 46 kg.
Educational Qualification:
Candidates must hold at least a graduate degree from an accredited university. Those in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply for the exam, as long as they submit their final year marksheet when completing the detailed application form (DAF) for shortlisted candidates.
Gender: Both male and female candidates can apply, but physical standards must be met.
Selection Process of CAPF Exam
Written Exam (Stage 1) :
- Paper 1 – General Ability and Intelligence (250 marks): Objective-type questions that test candidates’ skills in areas like General Mental Ability, General Science, Current Events of National and International Importance, Indian Polity and Economy, History of India, and Indian and World Geography.
- Paper 2 – General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension (200 marks): There are 6 Subjective-type questions that are based on:
- Part A (Essay Writing): Modern Indian history especially of the freedom struggle, geography, polity, and economy, knowledge of security and human rights issues, and analytical ability.
- Part B: Includes topics like Comprehension, précis writing, and other communications/language skills – to be attempted in English only.
Physical Efficiency Test and Medical Test (Stage 2):
| Male | Female | |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Meters race | In 16 seconds | In 18 seconds |
| 800 Meters race | In 3 minutes 45 seconds | In 4 minutes 45 seconds |
| Long Jump | 3.5 Meters (3 Chances) | 3.0 Meters (3 Chances) |
| Shot Put (7.26 Kgs.) | 4.5 Meters (3 chances) | – |
Medical Test: Medical Standards Tests will be conducted only in respect of candidates who are declared qualified in the Physical Efficiency Test (PET).
Interview/Personality Test (Stage 3):
- After qualifying for the written exam, candidates undergo an Interview/Personality Test.
- A CAPF interview typically lasts around 30 minutes; however, the entire interview process, including waiting time and other formalities, can span over a few days depending on the number of candidates appearing for the interview on a given day.
- A panel of interviewers evaluates the leadership, communication skills, teamwork, and decision-making abilities of the candidate.
Marking Scheme of CAPF Exam:
- Paper I: 250 marks
- Paper II: 200 marks
- Total Written Exam Marks: 450 marks
- SSB Interview: 150 marks
- The merit list will be drawn based on marks obtained by the candidates in the Written Examination and Interview/Personality Test.
Summary:
- Exam Mode: Offline (Pen and Paper)
- Age Limit: 20–25 years
- Exam Frequency: Once a year
- Training Duration: The training duration for an Assistant Commandant (AC) in the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) spans 52 weeks. This training is conducted at various CAPF academies, including the BSF Academy, CRPF Academy, and ITBP Academy.