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Complete Guide to UPSC CAPF Exam: Notification, Exam Pattern, and Preparation Tips

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The notification for UPSC CAPF ACs 2023 has been released on April 26, 2023, for a total of 322 vacancies. The application link has been provided and candidates can apply now. The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Assistant Commandants (Group A) recruitment is conducted by UPSC every year for vacancies in Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

Candidates can fill out the application form online, and it is recommended to not wait for the last day to apply. Centers will be allotted on a “first-apply-first-allot” basis.

The CAPF ACs Exam comprises three stages: Written Examination, Physical Fitness Test, and Interview round. To clear the CAPF 2023 Exam, candidates should be aware of the latest updates, selection procedure, exam pattern, syllabus, eligibility criteria, previous year cut-off, etc. Candidates should read the complete article to get complete details about the CAPF ACs 2023 exam notification.

CAPF 2023 Notification26th April 2023
Last Date to Apply16th May 2023
Exam Date         6th August 2023

How to apply?

To apply for UPSC CAPF 2023, follow the steps below:

  1. Go to the official website of UPSC.
  2. Look for the “News Events” tab on the homepage.
  3. Click on the “CAPF AC 2023” Notification.
  4. Click on the “Apply Online” button.
  5. You will be redirected to a new page. Click on the “New Registration” button.
  6. Fill in all the basic details on the registration form.
  7. The application form has two parts: Part I and Part II. Fill in all the details in Part I and pay the fee in Part II.
  8. Once the application form is filled out and payment is made, the application process for the CAPF exam is complete.
  9. Save the application form for future updates.

What is UPSC CAPF?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the UPSC CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) exam to hire candidates for multiple posts in the Central Armed Police Forces, such as the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

Exam Summary

Conducting Body                UPSC
Periodicity                Annually
Exam Level                National
Mode of Application                Online
Mode of Exam                Online (CBT)
Exam Rounds                3 Stages (Written + PFT + Interview

UPSC CAPF Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the UPSC CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) exam are outlined below:

Nationality Candidates must be citizens of India or subjects of Nepal or Bhutan. Tibetan refugees who arrived in India before January 1, 1962, with the intent to settle in India permanently, are also eligible. Persons of Indian origin who have migrated from certain countries, as specified by the Indian government, are also eligible.
Age Limit The minimum age limit is 20 years, and the maximum age limit is 25 years as of August 1 of the exam year.
Educational Qualifications Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or possess an equivalent qualification. Final-year students are also eligible to apply,
Physical Standards Candidates must meet the prescribed physical standards set by the UPSC. The standards include parameters such as height, weight, and chest measurements.

CAPF ACs Application Fees

Candidates, except for female, SC, and ST candidates who are exempt from paying the fee, are obligated to pay a fee of Rs. 200.

UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern

Paper   Paper I(General Ability and Intelligence) Paper II(General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension)
TotalQuestions 125 (MCQ)6 (Descriptive)
Marks                250        200
Duration       2 Hours  3 Hours

The UPSC CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) exam comprises several stages, including a written examination, a physical standards/physical efficiency test (PST/PET), medical standards test, and an interview/personality test.

  • The written examination consists of two papers: Paper-I evaluates the candidate’s general mental ability, logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and general awareness through objective-type questions. Paper II is a descriptive type that includes essay writing, comprehension, précis writing, and questions on general studies topics.
  • Candidates who qualify in the written examination are called for the physical standards/physical efficiency test, which evaluates their physical fitness and endurance. This test includes parameters such as height, weight, chest measurements, and tasks such as running, long jump, shot put, etc.
  • Candidates who clear the physical standards/physical efficiency test then undergo a medical examination to assess their medical fitness as per the prescribed standards.
  • Finally, candidates who pass the written examination, physical standards/physical efficiency test, and medical standards test are called for an interview/personality test. This stage assesses the candidate’s overall personality, communication skills, leadership qualities, and suitability for the position.

UPSC CAPF Syllabus

The syllabus for the UPSC CAPF examination, which is designed for the Central Armed Police Forces, is composed of a diverse range of topics that candidates must prepare for. A broad overview of the syllabus is presented below:

Paper-I: General Ability and Intelligence

General Mental Ability: This covers skills such as logical reasoning, analytical ability, numerical ability, and basic arithmetic.

General Science: Candidates must possess general knowledge of scientific phenomena, everyday observations, and experience that is expected of a well-educated individual.

Current Events of National and International Importance: The exam includes questions that evaluate a candidate’s understanding of current events and their significance.

Indian Polity and Economy: Candidates must possess knowledge of the Constitution of India, the political system, Panchayati Raj, public policy, economic development, and issues.

History of India: The exam covers social, economic, and political aspects of Indian history, the freedom struggle, and post-independence consolidation.

Indian and World Geography: Candidates must be familiar with the physical, social, and economic aspects of geography relating to India and the world.

General Intelligence and Reasoning: This part of the exam includes questions on analogies, similarities, differences, space visualization, spatial orientation, problem-solving, analysis, judgment, decision-making, visual memory, and other related topics.

Paper-II: General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension

Essay Writing: Candidates are required to write essays on topics of national and international relevance. Comprehension: Candidates must demonstrate their understanding of the given passages by answering questions.

Precis Writing: Candidates must summarize a given passage in an organized and concise manner.

Counter-Argument/Argument Writing: Candidates are expected to present a counter-argument or argument based on a given topic.

General Studies: The exam includes questions on governance, the constitution, politics, social justice, international relations, security, and other related topics.

UPSC CAPF Jobs and Salary

The UPSC CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) exam offers candidates various opportunities to pursue a career in the central armed police forces. The scope and job profiles available through the UPSC CAPF exam are outlined below:

Border Security Force (BSF): The BSF is responsible for guarding India’s land borders during peacetime and preventing transnational crimes. Job profiles include Assistant Commandant and Deputy Commandant.

Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF): The CRPF is deployed for internal security duties and to assist state and union territories in maintaining law and order. Job profiles include Assistant Commandant and Deputy Commandant.

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF): The CISF is responsible for providing security to major critical infrastructure, including airports, seaports, and public sector undertakings. Job profiles include Assistant Commandant and Deputy Commandant.

Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB): The SSB is deployed along India’s borders with Nepal and Bhutan to prevent cross-border crimes and ensure border security. Job profiles include Assistant Commandant and Deputy Commandant.

The selected candidates are appointed as Assistant Commandants (Group A Gazetted Officers) in the respective forces. They undergo rigorous training at the training academies of the Central Armed Police Forces before being deployed in various operational and administrative roles.

Career progression in these forces is generally through promotions based on experience, performance, and qualifying departmental exams. Higher ranks include Deputy Commandant, Commandant, Deputy Inspector General, Inspector General, Additional Director General, and Director General.

Job profiles in the CAPFs involve a combination of fieldwork, administrative responsibilities, and leadership roles. Duties can include maintaining law and order, conducting anti-insurgency operations, border security, disaster management, VIP security, and more.

The CAPFs provide a challenging and rewarding career path with opportunities for professional growth, training, and development. The job offers stability, a chance to serve the nation, and a platform to contribute to maintaining peace and security within the country.

Candidates who clear the UPSC CAPF exam and secure a position in any of the forces can look forward to a fulfilling and dynamic career in the field of law enforcement and national security.