Candidates who are preparing for UPSC CAPF must go through the UPSC CAPF Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2024. Aspirants can Download the UPSC CAPF Syllabus Subject and Exam Pattern to prepare for the written exam of CAPF.
UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2024
CAPF is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) every year to recruit Grade A Officers (Assistant Commandants) for various paramilitary forces. The forces 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 UPSC CAPF exam pattern includes written test, and Physical Efficiency Test (PET)/ Physical Standard Test (PST) and Interview.
The Central Armed Police Force UPSC CAPF Syllabus consist of Written Test comprised two papers (Paper 1 & Paper 2). The Candidate needs to clear all the stages to be selected as assistant commandant in CAPF. Candidates willing for this CAPF recruitment should start preparing, by taking into account the updated UPSC CAPF exam pattern and syllabus set by UPSC.
UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2024
The UPSC CAPF comprises multiple stages for the selection process. The first stage of CAPF is the written test consists of two papers. Applicants need to qualify in both papers to undergo the next stages. After clearing the CAPF written test, applicants will have to undergo a medical test to ensure their fitness. However, a Physical Efficiency Test (PET) is conducted to assess applicants’ physical capabilities. Considering the performance in all stages of the candidate including written test, medical test, and physical Efficiency Test the final selection will be done.
The aspiring candidate who wants to be recruited as Assistant Commandants in CAPF now speed up their preparation as UPSC CAPF exam date has been declared. They need to familiarize themselves with the updated exam pattern and UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2024 to ensure they cover all the relevant topics to excel in the examination.
UPSC CAPF Syllabus Overview
CAPF is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams nationwide. The candidate wants to join the Armed Forces, aspiring to serve as Assistant Commandant (Group A) in forces like BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. Joining as an Assistant Commandant is not only provides job security but also exciting incentives and benefits, making the CAPF Exam a dream career opportunity in the Armed Forces. Candidate check the UPSC CAPF syllabus overview here.
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
| Exam Name | UPSC CAPF 2024 |
| Post | Assistant Commandant (AC) (Group A) |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Mode of exam | Offline (CBT) |
| Exam round | Three stages (written +PFT + Interview) |
| Exam date | Written test – 4 August 2024 PFT- to be updated Interview- to be updated |
| Application Start Date | 24 April 2024 |
| Application End Date | 14 May 2024 |
| Selection Process | Written exam Physical Standard Test/Physical Efficiency Test Interview Round/Personality Test |
| Official website | upsc.gov.in |
CAPF Syllabus 2024
The central Armed Police Force syllabus consists of written exam, physical test and interview. Candidate needs to undergo through all these selection process to be selected for Assistant Commandant vacancy.
- Written examination
- Physical test
- Interview
CAPF Exam Pattern 2024
Union Public Service Commission will release the UPSC CAPF notification 2024 on the official website on 24 th April 2024. The CAPF exam is scheduled to be conducted on 4 August 2024. Candidates are advised to go through the UPSC CAPF exam pattern 2024 to prepare for UPSC CAPF 2024.
- UPSC conduct CAPF exams through offline mode. UPSC CAPF 2024 consists of two sections: Part 1 (General Ability and Intelligence) and Part 2 (General Studies, English and Comprehension).
- Part 1 of CAPF is objective type (multiple choice questions) and available in both English and Hindi language.
- The part 1 question paper consists of a total of 250 questions with a time duration of 2 hours.
- In paper 1 there is a negative marking of 1/3 marks for each incorrect answer.
- Part 2 is descriptive (written exam) and available in only English.
| Subject | Language of Paper | Total Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1: General Ability and Intelligence | English and Hindi | 250 | 2 hours |
| Paper 2: General Studies, Essay and Comprehension | Part A can be in any language, Part B will only be in English | 200 | 3 hours |
| Total | 450 Marks |
| Particulars | Paper 1 | Paper 2 |
| Name of paper | General ability and Intelligence | General Studies, essay and comprehension |
| Total marks | 250 | 200 |
| Duration of exam | Two hours | 3 hours |
| Number of question | 125 | 7 |
| Marks for each correct answer | 2 | 50 |
| Negative marking | 1/3 | – |
| Type of paper | Objective | Descriptive format |
UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2024
The Central Armed Police Force syllabus consists of written exam (paper 1 and Paper 2) Paper 1 is to check the candidate’s General Ability and Intelligence while Paper 2 is of General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension. Candidates can check the UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2024 in detail.
UPSC CAPF Syllabus Paper 1
- General Mental Ability
- General Science
- Current Events of National and International Importance
- Indian Polity and Economy
- History of India
- Indian and World Geography
UPSC CAPF Syllabus Paper 2
The UPSC CAPF syllabus 2024 for paper 2 is subdivided into part A and Part B. Part A (Essay) is of 80 marks and part B (comprehension) check the details syllabus below.
Part A : Essay questions
Indian history especially of the freedom struggle, geography, polity and economy, knowledge of security and human rights issues, and analytical ability.
Part B: Comprehension, précis writing, other communications/language skills
The objective-type questions with multiple choices in this paper will broadly cover the following areas:
| CAPF Registration 2024 Related Links | |
| CAPF Notification 2024 | UPSC CAPF Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2024 |
| UPSC CAPF Eligibility 2024 | UPSC CAPF Exam Date 2024 |
Paper 1: General Ability and Intelligence
| Subject | Syllabus |
| General Mental Ability | Logical reasoning, quantitative ability including numerical ability, and interpretation of data |
| General Science | Developing a scientific temperament and comprehending and appreciating everyday observations of scientific phenomena, including emerging fields such as information technology, biotechnology, and environmental science |
| Current Events of National and International Importance | National and international events of significance in areas including culture, music, arts, literature, sports, governance, societal and developmental issues, industry, business, globalization, and international relations |
| Indian Polity and Economy | India’s political system and constitution, understanding of India’s political structure, constitution, social systems, and public administration. Knowledge of India’s economic development, security issues, human rights, and related indicators |
| History of India | Nationalism and freedom movement, topics related to the growth and historical movements for freedom |
| Indian and World Geography | The syllabus will encompass the study of both Indian and global geography, including physical, social, and economic aspects |
Paper-II: General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension
The UPSC CAPF Syllabus for paper 2 will consist of the following topics:
| Part | Type | Language | Topics |
| Part A | Essay | Hindi/English | Modern Indian history, especially of the freedom struggle, Geography, Polity and economy, Knowledge of security and human rights issues, Analytical ability. |
| Part B | Comprehension, precis writing, and other communication/language skills | English | Comprehension passages, Précis writing, Developing counterarguments, Simple grammar and other aspects of language testing. |
UPSC CAPF PET
Those candidates who successfully complete the written online exam, will proceed to the next stage of the Physical Efficiency Test (PET). Physical Efficiency Test assesses candidates based on their physical abilities, ensuring they meet the required standards for physical fitness and endurance. Such as running, long jump, shot put etc.
| Physical Efficiency Test | Male | Female |
| 800-metre race | 16 seconds | 18 seconds |
| 800 metre race | 3 minutes 45 seconds | 4 minutes 45 seconds |
| Long jump | 3.5 meters | 3.0 meters |
| Shot Put (7.26 Kgs.) | 4.5 meters | — |
FAQs on UPSC CAPF Syllabus
What is the exam pattern for UPSC CAPF AC exam ?
The UPSC CAPF consists of three main stages: written exam(Paper 1 and Paper 2), physical standard/physical efficiency and medical standard test, interview.
What subjects are cover in paper 1 (general ability and intelligence)?
Paper 1 focus on general ability and intelligence and covered topics such as: Quantitative aptitude, general science, Current Events of National and International Importance, Indian Polity and Economy, History of India
and Indian and World Geography.
What type of question will be asked in paper 2?
Paper 2 is descriptive in nature: it consist of essay writing (topics can be from Modern Indian history, geography, polity, economic, human right). Comprehension and language skills.
Is there any negative marking in UPSC CAPF exam?
Yes there is a negative marking in paper 1 (general ability and intelligence) of 1/3 for each in correct answers.
What are the physical efficiency test?
Those candidate who clear written examination will undergo to Physical Efficiency Test which include 100 m race, 800 m race, long jump, and shot put (only for male candidate).