UPSC CAPF AC Syllabus 2026 released with detailed exam pattern for Paper 1 & Paper 2. Check subject-wise syllabus, latest updates, marking scheme, and PET details. You can download the latest syllabus PDF here.
UPSC CAPF AC Syllabus 2026 – Latest Exam Pattern & Subject-Wise Topics
The Union Public Service Commission has released the detailed UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant (AC) Syllabus 2026 along with the official notification on its website upsc.gov.in. Candidates preparing for the CAPF 2026 examination must carefully understand the updated syllabus and exam pattern for Paper 1 (General Ability & Intelligence) and Paper 2 (General Studies, Essay & Comprehension).
The written examination will be followed by Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Medical Examination, and Interview/Personality Test. As per the latest notification, the selection process remains unchanged, but candidates are advised to prepare according to the official subject-wise syllabus to maximize their score.
In this article, we have provided the complete UPSC CAPF AC 2026 syllabus, detailed exam pattern, marking scheme, and important preparation insights to help aspirants plan their strategy effectively.
UPSC CAPF AC Exam Pattern 2026
UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant (AC) 2026 written examination consists of two papers. Candidates must qualify both papers to move to the next stage of the selection process.
Paper 1: General Ability & Intelligence
Paper 1 is an objective type (MCQ-based) examination conducted in offline mode.
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks | Type | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Ability & Intelligence | 2 Hours | 250 | Objective | Hindi & English |
- Total Marks: 250
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Medium: English and Hindi
- Negative Marking: Yes (1/3rd marks deducted for each wrong answer)
This paper tests candidates on General Mental Ability, General Science, Current Events of National and International Importance, Indian Polity & Economy, History of India, and Indian & World Geography.
Paper 2: General Studies, Essay & Comprehension
Paper 2 is a descriptive (conventional) type paper designed to assess writing ability and analytical skills.
| Part | Topic | Medium | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Essay (History, Polity, Economy, Security, Human Rights) | Hindi or English | 80 |
| Part B | Comprehension, Precis Writing, Grammar, Language Skills | English Only | 120 |
- Total Marks: 200
- Duration: 3 Hours
- Type of Questions: Descriptive (Essay, Precis Writing, Comprehension, etc.)
- Medium: Essay can be written in English or Hindi; comprehension and précis writing must be attempted in English only.
This paper evaluates candidates on modern Indian history, polity, economy, security issues, human rights, analytical ability, and communication skills.
UPSC CAPF AC Syllabus 2026
Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence (Objective Type – MCQs)
| Section | Topic | Detailed Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | General Mental Ability | Logical reasoning, Quantitative aptitude including numerical ability, Data interpretation |
| 2 | General Science | General awareness, Scientific temper, Comprehension and appreciation of scientific phenomena of everyday observation including important new areas like Information Technology, Biotechnology, Environmental Science |
| 3 | Current Events of National and International Importance | Current events in areas of culture, music, arts, literature, sports, governance, societal and developmental issues, industry, business, globalisation, and interplay among nations |
| 4 | Indian Polity and Economy | Political system of the country, Constitution of India, Social systems and public administration, Economic development in India, Regional and international security issues, Human rights including its indicators |
| 5 | History of India | Social, economic and political aspects of Indian history including growth of nationalism and freedom movement |
| 6 | Indian and World Geography | Physical, social and economic aspects of geography pertaining to India and the World |
Paper II: General Studies, Essay and Comprehension (Descriptive Type)
| Part | Component | Detailed Coverage | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Essay (Long Narrative Form – Hindi or English) | Modern Indian history especially freedom struggle, Geography, Polity and economy, Knowledge of security and human rights issues, Analytical ability | 80 |
| Part B | Comprehension, Précis Writing & Language Skills (English Only) | Comprehension passages, Précis writing, Developing counter arguments, Simple grammar, Other aspects of language testing | 120 |
Union Public Service Commission CAPF AC 2026 – Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
The Physical Efficiency Test (PET) is conducted after candidates qualify in the written examination. This stage evaluates a candidate’s physical fitness, stamina, and endurance. Qualifying the PET is mandatory to move forward to the Interview and Medical Examination stages.
PET Standards
| Event | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Meter Race | 16 Seconds | 18 Seconds |
| 800 Meter Race | 3 min 45 sec | 4 min 45 sec |
| Long Jump | 3.5 meters (3 attempts) | 3.0 meters (3 attempts) |
| Shot Put (7.26 Kg) | 4.5 meters (3 attempts) | Not Applicable |
- The PET is qualifying in nature (no marks are awarded).
- Candidates must meet the minimum standard in each event.
- Three attempts are allowed for Long Jump and Shot Put.
- Failure in any event may lead to disqualification.
- Candidates should maintain proper physical fitness before appearing for the test.
Union Public Service Commission CAPF AC 2026 – Physical Standards Test (PST)
The Physical Standards Test (PST) is conducted along with the PET to ensure that candidates meet the required height, chest, and weight standards prescribed for Assistant Commandant posts. Candidates who fail to meet these standards may be disqualified.
| Standard | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 165 cm | 157 cm |
| Chest | 81 cm (Unexpanded) with minimum 5 cm expansion | Not Applicable |
| Weight | 50 kg | 46 kg |
- Chest measurement is applicable only for male candidates.
- A minimum 5 cm chest expansion is mandatory.
- Relaxation in height is provided for ST candidates as per rules.
- Final medical fitness will be confirmed during the Medical Examination stage.
Important Links-
| UPSC Official Website | Click Here |
| Sarkari Syllabus | Click Here |
FAQ-
What subjects are included in Paper I of UPSC CAPF AC 2026?
Paper I includes General Mental Ability, General Science, Current Events (National & International), Indian Polity & Economy, History of India, and Indian & World Geography. The paper is objective in nature.
What topics are covered under General Mental Ability?
General Mental Ability covers logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, numerical ability, and data interpretation questions.
What is the syllabus of Paper II in UPSC CAPF AC 2026?
Paper II consists of two parts: Part A includes an Essay (80 marks), and Part B includes Comprehension, Precis Writing, and Language Skills (120 marks). The essay can be written in Hindi or English, but the comprehension section must be answered in English only.
Is there negative marking in UPSC CAPF AC 2026?
Yes, there is negative marking in Paper I (General Ability and Intelligence). For every incorrect answer, one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty. However, there is no negative marking in Paper II, as it is a descriptive paper.