Candidates who are preparing for UPSC CAPF 2025 must go through the UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2025 and Exam Pattern. Aspirants can Download the UPSC CAPF Syllabus and Exam Pattern to prepare for the written exam of CAPF.
UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2025
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 2025 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 2025
The UPSC CAPF 2025 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 2025 to ensure they cover all the relevant topics to excel in the examination.
UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2025 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. Candidate check the UPSC CAPF syllabus overview here.
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
| Exam Name | UPSC CAPF 2025 |
| 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 – 3 August 2025 PFT- to be updated Interview- to be updated |
| Application Start Date | 5 March 2025 |
| Application End Date | 25 March 2025 |
| Selection Process | Written exam Physical Standard Test/Physical Efficiency Test Interview Round/Personality Test |
| Official website | upsc.gov.in |
CAPF Syllabus 2025
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 2025
Union Public Service Commission will release the UPSC CAPF notification 2025 on the official website on 5 March 2025. The CAPF exam is scheduled to be conducted on 3 August 2025. For paper 1 and Paper 2 are conducted on same day. Candidates are advised to go through the UPSC CAPF exam pattern 2025 to prepare for UPSC CAPF 2025.
- UPSC conduct CAPF exams through offline mode. UPSC CAPF 2025 consists of two sections: Paper 1 (General Ability and Intelligence) and Paper 2 (General Studies, English and Comprehension).
- Paper 1 of CAPF is objective type (multiple choice questions) and available in both English and Hindi language.
- The paper 1 question paper consists of a total of 250 questions with a time duration of 2 hours in the time slot of 10:00 a.m. To 12:00 p.m.
- In paper 1 there is a negative marking of 1/3 marks for each incorrect answer.
- Paper 2 is descriptive (written exam) and available in only English.
- Paper 2 is conducted for 200 marks for 3 hours in the times lot of 2:00 p.m. To 5:00 p.m.
| Paper | Subject | Total Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | General Ability and Intelligence | 125 (MCQ) | 250 | 2 Hours |
| Paper 2 | General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension | 6 (Descriptive) | 200 | 3 Hours |
| 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 2025
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 2025 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:
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 2025
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 CAPF 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 CAPF 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 UPSC CAPF 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).