Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Exam  

The Union Public Service Commission's Central Armed Police Forces (UPSC CAPF) examination is the esteemed gateway for those aiming to join India's elite paramilitary forces. Encompassing roles in forces like the CRPF, BSF, and ITBP, the CAPF exam assesses candidates on diverse fronts, from general studies to leadership aptitude. Dive into methodical preparation on our website, where precision-crafted modules meet the rigorous standards of paramilitary service, ensuring you're poised to safeguard the nation's diverse internal frontiers.

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Preparing for Defence Exams in India

In the dynamic realm of national security, India's defence forces are beacons of pride, valour, and commitment. For countless young aspirants, joining their ranks isn't just a career move but a call to serve the nation. Yet, the path is marked with challenges, with defence examinations in India renowned for their demanding nature and stiff competition. But with a potent weapon – practice – success is within reach.

Here's a look at the major defence exams held in India, and how unwavering practice can be your guide:

1. NDA (National Defence Academy) Exam

The initial milestone for youth aiming for a spot in the Army, Navy, or Air Force. Subjects covered include mathematics, English, general knowledge, and current affairs.

Why Practice? With the need for sharp mathematical skills and staying abreast with current events, consistent practice is paramount. Mock tests and previous year's papers offer a genuine exam feel.

NDA Chapterwise Questions

NDA Model Papers

NDA Previous Papers

NDA प्रीवियस साल्व्ड पेपर्स

2. CDS (Combined Defence Services) Exam

Targeted at graduates pursuing positions in the Indian Military Academy, Officers Training Academy, Naval Academy, or Air Force Academy.

Why Practice? With a syllabus that spans English, general knowledge, and elementary mathematics, a disciplined practice routine ensures thorough preparedness.

UPSC CDS Model Papers

UPSC CDS Previous Papers

UPSC CDS प्रीवियस साल्व्ड पेपर्स

UPSC CDS Chapters Wise Questions

3. AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)

For those who envision themselves amidst the clouds with the Indian Air Force. Candidates are tested on English, general awareness, numerical ability, reasoning, and military aptitude.

Why Practice? The diverse syllabus necessitates a well-rounded preparation strategy. Regular practice helps pinpoint strengths and areas for improvement.

AFCAT Previous Papers

AFCAT Model Papers

4. INET (Indian Navy Entrance Test)

For aspirants of the vast Indian coastline defence, INET recruits officers for the Indian Navy. Topics include mathematical reasoning, numerical ability, general science, and English.

Why Practice? With INET demanding clear concepts and quick problem-solving, rigorous practice refines these skills.

Indian Navy Entrance Test

5. DRDO Exam

For the thinkers and innovators aiming to contribute to India's defence technology. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducts exams encompassing technical subjects, reasoning, and general awareness.

Why Practice? Technical subjects demand in-depth understanding and application. Regular practice aids in grasping complex topics and applying them during exams.

DRDO MTS Model Papers

6. Agniveer Vayu Group X & Group Y Exams

These exams are essential for those targeting technical and non-technical roles in the Air Force. While Group X focuses on technical aspects, Group Y covers non-technical trades.

Why Practice? The diverse nature of both exams, each with its unique requirements, emphasizes the importance of practice to understand, internalize, and apply concepts effectively.

Agniveer Vayu IAF Group X Papers

Agniveer Vayu IAF Group Y Papers

Conclusion

India's defence forces stand for discipline, unwavering dedication, and tenacity. These attributes are not only vital on the battlefield but also in preparing for the pivotal defence exams. As you delve into practice sessions, you're not merely studying but conditioning your mind to think swiftly, connect dots, and develop the resilience necessary for these challenges.

So, to all future defenders of our land, engage deeply in practice. The journey to donning that cherished uniform starts with your commitment today. And remember, every challenge faced now is a step closer to your dream. Embrace it, for the end reward is unparalleled

About Exam

The Union Public Service Commission's Central Armed Police Forces (UPSC CAPF) examination is the esteemed gateway for those aiming to join India's elite paramilitary forces. Encompassing roles in forces like the CRPF, BSF, and ITBP, the CAPF exam assesses candidates on diverse fronts, from general studies to leadership aptitude. Dive into methodical preparation on our website, where precision-crafted modules meet the rigorous standards of paramilitary service, ensuring you're poised to safeguard the nation's diverse internal frontiers.

Exam Pattern

The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) refers to the uniform nomenclature of seven security forces in India under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs. They are the Assam Rifles (AR), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), National Security Guard (NSG), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).   

Recruitment is conducted mainly in three modes

Gazetted Officers: Officers in CAPFs are recruited through the Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination conducted by UPSC.

Subordinate Officers: Sub Inspectors are recruited through competitive examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission and they are referred as DASOs (Directly Appointed Subordinate Officers).

Constables: Constables are recruited through competitive examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission.  

CAPF - AC Examination Pattern

Central Armed Police Forces Examination Recruitment for Assistant Commandant takes place after a selection procedure that includes:

Scheme of Exam: The examination shall be conducted according to the following plan;

(i) Written Examination

  • Paper 1 : General Ability and Intelligence
  • Paper 2: General Studies, Essay and Comprehension

(ii) Physical Standards/Physically Efficiency Test and Medical Standard Tests

(iii) Interview / Personality Test 

(i) Written Examination:

The written examination will comprise two papers, i.e. Paper-I and Paper-II and the structure as follows:

Paper-I:

General Ability and Intelligence - 250 Marks The questions in this paper will be of objective (multiple answers) type in which the questions will be set in English as well as Hindi.

Paper-II:

General Studies, Essay and Comprehension - 200 Marks The candidates will be allowed the option of writing the Essay Component in English or Hindi for this paper, but the medium of Precis Writing, Comprehension Components, and other communications/language skills will be English only.

Note:

  • In Paper II, candidates should have to ensure that they should have to write the answers only in the medium allowed by the Commission for the different Components as mentioned.
  • Other than the allowed medium, no credit will be given for answers written other than the selected language. So, candidates will be required to indicate the medium of Essay Component in the Attendance Lists and on the Answer Book.
  • No credit will be given for the Essay Component if the candidate indicates a medium on the Attendance List and on the Answer Book other than the one in which he/she has written the Essay.
  • In each paper, there will be minimum qualifying marks separately as fixed by the Commission in their discretion. Firstly, Paper-I will be evaluated and the evaluation of Paper-II will be done only for those candidates who obtain the minimum qualifying marks in Paper-I.

Physical Standards/Physically Efficiency Test and Medical Standard Tests:

For those candidates who meet the prescribed Physical Standards will be put through the Physical Efficiency Tests as mentioned below

Type of TestMales TimeFemales Time
100 Meters RaceIn 16 SecondsIn 18 Seconds
800 Meters RaceIn 3 Minutes 45 SecondsIn 4 Mins 45 Seconds
Long Jump3.5 Meters3 Meters
Shot Put (7.26 Kgs)4.5 Meters-

Note:

At the time of PET, Pregnant female candidates will be a disqualified and the candidates will be rejected.

(iii) Interview/Personality Test:

The candidates who are declared qualified in the Medical Standards Tests will be called for Interview/Personality Test to be conducted by UPSC. The candidates who are declared medically unfit but allowed to appear before the “Review Medical Board” on their appeal by the Appellate Authority will be called for Interview/Personality Tests provisionally.

The Interview/Personality Test will carry 150 Marks. The candidates who are short-listed for Interview/Personality Test, including those shortlisted for Interview/Personality Test provisionally will be issued a Detailed Application Form (DAF) in which among other things, they will be required to indicate their preference of Forces.

Eligibility

Nationality:

No person who is not a citizen of India shall, except with the consent of the Central Government signified in writing be appointed or employed under these Rules. Provided that nothing contained in these rules shall debar the appointment, enrollment or employment of a subject of Nepal or Bhutan under these Rules.

Sex

Both Male and Female candidates are eligible for appointment to the post of Assistant Commandants.  

Educational Qualification

Here are the certain educational qualifications that the applicants must possess to be eligible for CAPF:

  • As part of UPSC CAPF Eligibility Criteria, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a government recognised university. The University should be incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India
  • Other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University under Section-3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 are also acceptable
  • Those candidates, who have appeared in the qualifying examination and have yet not got their results, can also apply for CAPF Exam. But, it must be kept in mind that the admission would be provisional until the candidate produces proof of passing the examination after qualifying the entrance test of CAPF

Age Limit 

  • The candidate must have acquired a minimum age of 20 years. The upper age limit of the candidate must be 25 years. However, the upper age limit up to a maximum of five years can be relaxed for candidates belonging to SC/ST category
  • Up to a maximum of three years for the candidates belonging to Other Backward Classes can be relaxed The candidate who wishes to apply for CAPF must be an Indian national. Both female and male candidates can apply for the CAPF exam. There are different medical standards set by UPSC to apply for the desired post through UPSC CAPF 
  • The candidates who have already been once selected on the basis of the CAPF exam earlier cannot apply for the exam   

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 test the logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude including
numerical ability, 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, Environmental Science.

3. Current Events of National and International Importance:
The questions will test the candidates' awareness of current events of national and international
importance in the board ares of culture, music, arts, literature, sports, governance, societal and
developmental issues, industry, business, globalization, and interplay among nations,.

4. Indian Polity and Economy:
The questions shall aim to test candidates' knowledge of the Country's political system and the
Constitution of India, Social systems and public administration, economic development in India,
regional and international security issues and human rights including its indicators.

5. History of India:
The questions will broadly cover the subject in its social and economic aspects of geography
pertaining to India and the World.

6. Indian and World Geography:
The questions shall cover the physical, social and economic aspects of geography pertaining to
India and the World

Paper II: General Studies, Essay and Comprehension

Part A – Essay questions which are to be answered in long narrative form either in Hindi or English
totaling 80 Marks. The indicative topics are modern Indian history especially of the freedom
struggle, geography, polity and economy, knowledge of security and human rights issues, and
analytical ability.

Part B – Comprehension, Precis writing, other communications / language skills – to be attempted
in English only (Marks 120) – The topics are Comprehension passages, precis writing, developing
counter arguments, simple grammar and other aspects of language testing