The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially announced the notification for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Assistant Commandant (AC) 2025. This national-level recruitment exam will select candidates for the position of Assistant Commandant in India's paramilitary forces, which include the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

357 positions have been published for UPSC CAPF AC 2025, and individuals interested in joining these forces can now apply online through the official UPSC website. The application window is open from March 5 to March 25, 2025, and the written test is set for August 3, 2025.

This recruitment procedure has several parts, including a written exam, physical efficiency test (PET), medical examination, and personal interview. The ultimate merit list will be based on performance at all levels.

In this blog, we will go over the UPSC CAPF AC 2025 eligibility requirements, exam format, syllabus, selection process, compensation structure, and step-by-step application procedure. If you want to join India's elite paramilitary forces, read on to learn more about the CAPF AC 2025 exam.

What is the CAPF Exam?

The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are armed police organizations under the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Indian government. All CAPFs are led by DGP-rank officers. AC stands for Assistant Commandants, and it is an entry-level officer position in the BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, and SSB. There is also the possibility of joining the National Security Guard. They are administratively controlled by the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi, except the AR, which is under the Ministry of Defence. Border Guarding Forces include the AR, BSF, ITBP, and SSB, while the NSG is a commando-trained unit that conducts special operations. The CISF provides security and protection to industrial projects and critical infrastructure. The CRPF is deployed to assist civil authorities with law enforcement, internal security, and counterinsurgency. Candidates who pass this exam become Assistant Commandants (ACs). This exam is used to recruit candidates by the following forces.

1. Border Security Force (BSF)
2. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
3. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
4. Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
5. Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

An Overview: CAPF 2025 Exam

The Grade A Officer (Assistant Commandant) rank is the highest entry-level position in India's Central Armed Police Forces. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts a competitive exam every year to appoint assistant commandants in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). UPSC CAPF 2025 has released a total of 357 Assistant Commandant positions for various forces like as the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Sashastra Seema Bal.

UPSC CAPF 2025- Key Dates

The Union Public Service Commission has revealed the essential UPSC CAPF AC 2025 examination dates, as well as the UPSC Calendar 2025. UPSC CAPF Exam 2024 will be held on August 3, 2025. Check the table below for the complete UPSC CAPF 2025 Schedule.

UPSC CAPF Vacancy AC 2025

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced 357 vacancies for Assistant Commandants (Group A) in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), which include the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). The vacancy details can be seen in the table below.

Application Fee for UPSC CAPF AC 2025

The online application fee for UPSC CAPF 2025 is divided into two categories. All eligible candidates must pay the application fee prescribed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The utility fee will be deposited in any SBI branch using cash, the State Bank of India's net banking facility, or a Visa/Master/RuPay/Credit/Debit Card. The software fee for General/OBC male applicants is Rs. 200, whereas there is no application fee for female/SC/ST applicants.

Physical Eligibility Test Details for UPSC CAPF AC 2025 Notification

Candidates for UPSC CAPF AC 2025 must meet certain physical eligibility criteria, such as minimum height (165 cm for males, 157 cm for females), chest expansion (minimum 5 cm for males), and weight standards. Candidates must also pass the Physical Efficiency Test (PET), which comprises running, long jumping, and shot putting.

UPSC CAPF 2025 Eligibility Criteria

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has established particular eligibility requirements for individuals applying to the CAPF Assistant Commandant (AC) 2025 test. These restrictions include nationality, gender, and age limits, with few exceptions for reserved groups and government employees.

1. Nationality:
   1. Candidates must be citizens of India.
   2. Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan can also apply for the exam but only with the written consent of the Central Government.
2. Gender Eligibility:
   1. Both males and females can apply for the Assistant Commandant post in CAPF.
3. Age Limit:
   1. Candidates must be between the ages of 20 and 25 as of August 1, 2025.
   2. The birth date should occur between August 2, 2000, and August 1, 2005.
4. Age Relaxation: Candidates from the following groups are eligible for age relaxation.

Note: Candidates who qualify for numerous categories may claim cumulative age relaxation.

5. Ex-Servicemen Clause: Candidates serving in the Armed Forces will be eligible for civil positions only if they conclude their duty within one year of the application's deadline. Ex-servicemen must provide proper certification by the most recent recommendations from the DoPT.

Candidates who match the eligibility requirements listed above may proceed with the application process and prepare for the selection stages, which involve a written exam, physical efficiency tests, a medical examination, and an interview.

Steps to Fill the UPSC CAPF AC Online Form 2025

Candidates are suggested to follow these mentioned steps to complete and submit their application for the UPSC CAPF AC exam 2025

1. Candidates are advised to visit the official website of UPSC, which is https://upsconline.gov.in/.
2. New users must register themselves on the One-Time Registration (OTR) platform before applying.
3. Already registered candidates can directly proceed to fill out the application process.
4. OTR is a one-time process that can be completed at any time of the year.
5. Candidates are expected to log in using their credentials.
6. Navigate and select the UPSC CAPF AC 2025 application form.
7. Enter personal information, educational qualifications, and contact information as needed.
8. Provide photo ID information (Aadhaar, voter ID, PAN, etc.) and upload a scanned copy.
9. Candidates should upload the required documents, including a recent passport-size photograph, a scanned signature, and required ID proof and educational documents.
10. Candidates can only change their OTR profile once throughout their lifetime, save for their name, date of birth, and parents' information.
11. Minor changes can be made before the final submission.
12. Candidates are expected to review all details before final submission.
13. UPSC offers a rectification opportunity from March 26 to April 1, 2025, for any necessary changes.
14. Pay the necessary fee online with a debit or credit card, net banking, or UPI.
15. Submit the form when you have successfully paid.
16. Download and print the confirmation receipt for future use.

UPSC CAPF AC 2025: Selection Process

The UPSC CAPF AC 2025 exam selection procedure consists of the following stages:

1. Written Examination

• The exam is conducted every year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
• This year, the exam is to be scheduled for August 3, 2025.
• Two papers:
  • Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence (Objective Type, 250 Marks)
    • Held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.
    • The questions will be in both English and Hindi.
  • Paper II: General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension (200 Marks)
    • Held from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
    • The essay component can be written in either English or Hindi.
    • Precis Writing, Comprehension, and Communication Skills must be tested only in English. 
• The essay component may be written in English or Hindi.
• Precise writing, comprehension, and communication skills must be tested in English exclusively.

2. Physical Standards Test (PST) & Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

• Candidates who pass the written examination will be invited to the PST/PET.
• Physical Efficiency Tests (PET) include:
  • 100 meters race:
    • Males – Within 16 seconds
    • Females – Within 18 seconds
  • 800 meters race:
    • Males – Within 3 minutes and 45 seconds
    • Females – Within 4 minutes and 45 seconds
  • Long Jump:
    • Males – 3.5 meters (3 chances)
    • Females – 3.0 meters (3 chances)
  • Shot Put (7.26 kg) (Males only):
    • 4.5 meters (3 chances)

3. Interview/Personality Test

• Candidates who qualify for the PST/PET will be called for an Interview/Personality Test.
• Total Marks: 150.
• Conducted by UPSC to assess leadership skills, mental alertness, and suitability for the post.

4. Medical Standards Test

• Only candidates who appear for the Interview/Personality Test will undergo a Medical Standards Test.
  • Conducted under the supervision of a Nodal Authority appointed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • Appeals against Medical Standards Tests can be submitted within 24 hours of the result declaration.

5. Final Selection & Merit List

• The final merit list will be based on:
  • Written Examination Marks.
  • Interview/Personality Test Marks.
• Candidates who do not meet medical requirements will not be appointed. 

UPSC CAPF AC 2025 Syllabus 

Syllabi of the Written Papers:- 

Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence

The objective-type questions with multiple choices in this paper will broadly cover the following areas:

1. General Mental Ability: The questions will be designed to assess logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude (including arithmetic skills), and data interpretation.
2. General Science: The questions will be set to test general awareness, scientific temper, comprehension, and appreciation of scientific phenomena of everyday observation, including new areas of importance like Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Environmental Science.
3. Current Events of National and International Importance: The questions will assess applicants' knowledge of current events of national and international importance in the fields of culture, music, arts, literature, sports, governance, societal and developmental challenges, industry, business, globalization, and international relations.
4. Indian Polity and Economy: The questions will assess candidates' understanding of the country's political system and the Indian Constitution, social systems and public administration, economic development in India, regional and international security challenges, and human rights, including its indicators.
5. History of India: The questions will address the subject's social, economic, and political dimensions. This will also feature the expansion of nationalism and the liberation movement.
6. Indian and World Geography: The questions will focus on the physical, social, and economic elements of geography in India and the world.

Paper II: General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension

Part A – Essay questions worth 80 marks must be answered in extended narrative form in Hindi or English. Indicative topics include modern Indian history, particularly the freedom fight, geography, politics, and economics, awareness of security and human rights issues, and analytical skills.

Part-B – Comprehension, precis writing, and other communication/language abilities - to be attempted in English only (Marks 120) The topics covered include comprehension passages, précis writing, constructing counterarguments, elementary grammar, and other components of language testing.

UPSC CAPF AC Salary

The CAPF announcement also includes the pay structure, which is separated into post-based salaries. Assistant Commandant (AC) salaries in Indian paramilitary forces range between Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500. Other perks are available in addition to the basic pay of Assistant Commandant in the Central Armed Police Force of UPSC. Check the chart below for the approximate compensation of each rank:

CAPF ACs Exam Centres for 2025

The above-mentioned examination sites and dates are subject to change at the discretion of the Commission. Applicants should keep in mind that the number of applicants assigned to each Centre, except Chennai, Dispur, Kolkata, and Nagpur, would be limited. Allotment of Centres will be on a "first-apply-first-allot" basis, and once a Centre's capacity has been reached, it will be frozen. Applicants who are unable to obtain their preferred Centre due to the ceiling will be compelled to select one from the remaining options. As a result, applicants are recommended to apply early to secure a Centre of their preference. 

Below is the table of all the cities around the country chosen as the exam cities for the UPSC CAPF AC Exam:

UPSC CAPF AC 2025 Result

The UPSC CAPF 2025 examination results will be released 20-30 days after each phase's exam. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will reveal the results, which will be updated here.

UPSC CAPF Cut-Off 2025

UPSC publishes UPSC CAPF cut-off marks for each paper once the recruiting process is complete. Refer to the table below for the UPSC CAPF 2021 and 2020 cut-off marks.