UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026 Notification Out – Apply Online for 349 Posts

Introduction:-

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the official notification for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Assistant Commandants (AC) Recruitment 2026. This is a golden opportunity for young graduates who wish to serve the nation as Group A officers in prestigious forces like BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. A total of 349 vacancies are available, and the online application process is now open.

As per official information, the UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026 aims to select capable and dedicated candidates through a rigorous selection process. Students are advised to check the official notification carefully before applying to ensure they meet all eligibility criteria and understand the application timeline.

This article provides a complete guide on the UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026, including important dates, eligibility, application steps, selection process, and helpful tips. All details are based on the official notification released on 20th February 2026.

Overview of the Notification / Result / Job :-

Detail	Information
Organization	Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Post Name	Assistant Commandants (Group A) in CAPF – BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB
Total Vacancies	349 Posts
Advertisement Number	Examination Notice No. 08/2026-CAPF
Exam Conducting Body	UPSC
Mode of Application	Online
Official Website	https://upsc.gov.in | https://upsconline.nic.in

Important Dates & Timeline:-

Event	Date
Notification Release Date	20th February 2026
Online Application Start Date	20th February 2026
Last Date to Apply Online	12th March 2026 (up to 18:00 hours)
Written Examination Date	19th July 2026
Admit Card Release Date	To be announced (likely 2–3 weeks before exam)
Result Declaration	To be announced (as per UPSC schedule)

Note: All dates are based on the official UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026 notification. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website for any updates or changes.

Eligibility Criteria:-

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Must be a citizen of India. Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan may also apply with Central Government consent.
Age Limit (as on 01-08-2026)	20 to 25 years (born not earlier than 02-08-2001 and not later than 01-08-2006)
Age Relaxation	SC/ST: 5 years OBC: 3 years Civilian Central Govt Servants/Ex-Servicemen: Up to 5 years (total relaxation limited to 5 years) SC/ST & OBC candidates with Central Govt service: Cumulative relaxation
Educational Qualification	Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent. Final-year students can apply but must produce proof of passing before the deadline.
Sex	Both male and female candidates are eligible.
Physical Standards	Must meet the prescribed physical and medical standards (details available in official notification).

Note: Distance learning, part-time, or correspondence degrees are not accepted. All qualifications must be from UGC-recognized institutions.

Application / Checking Process (Step-by-Step):-

Applying for the UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026 is a simple online process. Follow these steps carefully to avoid mistakes:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Go to https://upsconline.nic.in. This is the only authorized portal for UPSC online applications.

Step 2: Register (One-Time Registration – OTR)

If you are a first-time user, complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) by providing basic details like name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number. You will receive a registration ID and password.

Step 3: Log In to Your Account

Use your registration ID and password to log in. Select the “UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026” link.

Step 4: Fill the Application Form

Enter personal details, educational qualifications, force preference (BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB), and other required information. Double-check all entries for accuracy.

Step 5: Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and any other required documents. Ensure the files meet the specified size and format (usually JPEG, 20–300 KB).

Step 6: Pay the Application Fee

The application fee is ₹200 for General and OBC candidates. SC, ST, and female candidates are exempted from the fee. Payment can be made online via debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.

Step 7: Submit the Application

Review the entire form before final submission. Once submitted, no changes can be made. Take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.

Step 8: Save Application Number

Note down your application number and keep it safe. You will need it to download the admit card and check results.

Note: The last date to apply is 12th March 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted.

Selection Process / Evaluation Method:-

The UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026 selection process is designed to assess candidates’ physical fitness, mental ability, and leadership qualities. It consists of the following stages:

Stage 1: Written Examination

The written exam is conducted in two papers:

• Paper I (Objective Type): General Ability and Intelligence (250 marks, 2 hours). This paper tests logical reasoning, general knowledge, and current affairs.
• Paper II (Descriptive Type): General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension (200 marks, 3 hours). This paper evaluates writing skills, analytical ability, and understanding of social issues.

Only candidates who qualify in Paper I are eligible to appear for Paper II.

Stage 2: Physical Standards/Physical Efficiency Tests (PET) and Medical Standards Tests

Candidates who clear the written exam are called for PET and medical tests. These include:

• 100-meter race (in 16 seconds for males, 18 seconds for females)
• 800-meter race (in 3 minutes 45 seconds for males, 4 minutes 45 seconds for females)
• Long jump (3.5 meters for males, 3 meters for females)
• Shot put (7.26 kg, 4.5 meters for males)

Medical standards include vision, hearing, and overall physical fitness as per CAPF guidelines.

Stage 3: Interview/Personality Test

Candidates who qualify the PET and medical tests are called for an interview (150 marks). This stage assesses leadership potential, communication skills, and suitability for a career in the armed forces.

Stage 4: Final Merit List

The final selection is based on the combined marks of the written exam (450 marks) and interview (150 marks). The merit list is prepared category-wise, and candidates are allotted forces based on their rank and preference.

Note: The UPSC reserves the right to change the selection process as per official guidelines. Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification for detailed information.

Documents Required:-

Document	Purpose
Matriculation/10th Certificate	Proof of date of birth
Bachelor’s Degree Certificate/Provisional Certificate	Proof of educational qualification
Mark Sheets of All Semesters/Years	To verify academic performance
Caste Certificate (if applicable)	For SC/ST/OBC candidates claiming reservation
Disability Certificate (if applicable)	For candidates claiming disability benefits
Ex-Servicemen Certificate (if applicable)	For candidates claiming age relaxation
Domicile Certificate (if applicable)	For candidates claiming state-specific benefits
Passport-sized Photograph	For application form and admit card
Scanned Signature	For application form verification
Aadhaar Card/Voter ID/PAN Card	For identity verification

Note: All documents must be uploaded in the prescribed format and size. Original documents will be required during the interview and medical examination stages.

Salary / Benefits / Career Scope:-

The UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026 offers a prestigious career in the Central Armed Police Forces. Selected candidates are appointed as Assistant Commandants (Group A officers) and enjoy the following benefits:

Salary Structure:

As per the 7th Pay Commission, the starting salary for Assistant Commandants is approximately ₹56,100 per month (Level 10 of the pay matrix). This includes basic pay, dearness allowance, house rent allowance, and other allowances.

Benefits:

• Job Security: Permanent government job with pension benefits.
• Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, and more.
• Medical Facilities: Free medical care for self and family at government hospitals.
• Leave Benefits: Earned leave, casual leave, medical leave, and maternity/paternity leave.
• Promotion Opportunities: Fast-track promotions based on performance and seniority.
• Training: Rigorous training at prestigious academies like the National Industrial Security Academy (NISA) or Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA).
• Social Status: Respect and recognition as a Group A officer in the Indian government.

Career Scope:

Assistant Commandants can rise to higher ranks such as Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Inspector General (IG), and even Director General (DG) in their respective forces. They also have opportunities for deputation to other central government departments and international assignments.

Important Rules & Guidelines:-

Rule/Guideline	Details
Application Fee	₹200 for General/OBC candidates. SC/ST/female candidates are exempted.
Multiple Applications	Only one application per candidate is allowed. Duplicate applications will be rejected.
Document Verification	Original documents must be produced during the interview and medical examination.
Admit Card	Admit cards will be available online. No physical admit cards will be sent by post.
Exam Center	Candidates must choose their exam center carefully. Changes are not allowed after submission.
Negative Marking	Paper I has negative marking (1/3rd mark deducted for each wrong answer).
Force Preference	Candidates must indicate their force preference in the application form. Allotment is based on merit and preference.
Physical Standards	Candidates must meet the prescribed physical and medical standards. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
Final Year Students	Final-year students can apply but must submit proof of passing before the deadline.
Disqualification	Candidates found guilty of misconduct, providing false information, or violating rules will be disqualified.

Note: All rules are as per the official UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026 notification. Candidates are advised to read the notification carefully before applying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:-(Table Prefered)

Mistake	How to Avoid
Incorrect Personal Details	Double-check your name, date of birth, and other details before submitting the form.
Uploading Wrong Documents	Ensure you upload the correct documents in the prescribed format and size.
Missing the Deadline	Submit your application well before the last date to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Not Reading the Notification	Read the official notification thoroughly to understand eligibility, selection process, and rules.
Choosing the Wrong Exam Center	Select an exam center that is convenient and accessible for you.
Ignoring Physical Standards	Start preparing for the physical tests early. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are essential.
Not Saving Application Number	Save your application number and registration details for future reference.
Using Incorrect Photo/Signature	Use a recent passport-sized photograph and clear signature as per the guidelines.
Not Checking Email/SMS Alerts	Regularly check your email and mobile for updates from UPSC.
Applying Without Meeting Eligibility	Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria before applying to avoid rejection.

Who Should Apply / Check This?:-

The UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026 is ideal for:

• Young Graduates: Candidates who have completed their bachelor’s degree and are looking for a challenging and rewarding career in the armed forces.
• Defense Aspirants: Individuals passionate about serving the nation and protecting its borders.
• Government Job Seekers: Those who want a secure and prestigious government job with excellent growth opportunities.
• Physical Fitness Enthusiasts: Candidates who enjoy physical activities and are willing to maintain high fitness standards.
• Leadership-Oriented Individuals: Those who possess leadership qualities and wish to lead teams in high-pressure situations.
• Final-Year Students: Students in their final year of graduation who can produce proof of passing before the deadline.

This recruitment is not suitable for:

• Candidates who do not meet the age or educational criteria.
• Those unwilling to relocate or serve in challenging environments.
• Individuals who do not meet the physical and medical standards.

How to Use the Official Website :-

Task	Steps to Follow
Check Notification	Visit https://upsc.gov.in. Click on “Examinations” in the top menu. Select “Active Examinations.” Find “CAPF (ACs) Examination 2026” and click on the notification link. Download and read the notification carefully.
Apply Online	Go to https://upsconline.nic.in. Click on “One-Time Registration (OTR)” if you are a new user. Log in using your registration ID and password. Select “CAPF (ACs) Examination 2026” and fill the application form. Upload documents, pay the fee, and submit the form.
Download Admit Card	Visit https://upsconline.nic.in. Log in using your registration ID and password. Click on “Download Admit Card” for CAPF (ACs) Examination 2026. Print the admit card and keep it safe.
Check Results	Go to https://upsc.gov.in. Click on “Examinations” and select “Results.” Find the link for “CAPF (ACs) Examination 2026 Results.” Enter your roll number and download the result.
Contact UPSC	Visit https://upsc.gov.in. Click on “Contact Us” in the footer. Find the helpline number or email ID for CAPF-related queries. Reach out for assistance regarding your application or exam.

Official Links & Verification:-

To ensure you are accessing the correct and official information, use the following links:

• Official UPSC Website: https://upsc.gov.in
• Online Application Portal: https://upsconline.nic.in
• Official Notification (CAPF AC 2026): Download Here (link for reference; check official site for updated version)
• Admit Card Download: Available on https://upsconline.nic.in (as per schedule)
• Result Declaration: Available on https://upsc.gov.in

Note: Always verify the authenticity of any website or link before entering personal details or making payments. UPSC does not charge any fee for downloading notifications or admit cards.

FAQS:-

Disclaimer:-

This article is for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the details provided are based on the official UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026 notification released on 20th February 2026. However, students are advised to cross-check all information with the official UPSC website (https://upsc.gov.in) before applying or making any decisions.

The UPSC reserves the right to modify the recruitment process, eligibility criteria, important dates, or any other aspect of the examination. The author and publisher of this article are not responsible for any discrepancies, changes, or outcomes related to the UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026.

For the most accurate and updated information, always refer to the official UPSC notification and website.