UPSC CAPF AC Syllabus 2026 is one of the most searched topics among defence aspirants preparing for Assistant Commandant recruitment. Now that the official notification has been released, candidates can start their preparation with full clarity and confidence. The syllabus remains officially defined and includes detailed subjects, exam pattern, physical test standards, and marking scheme. This article explains the complete syllabus in simple language so candidates can understand the structure of the exam and prepare in a smart and focused way.
UPSC CAPF AC Syllabus 2026 Overview of Exam
| Exam Name | Central Armed Police Forces (AC) |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Offline |
| Papers | Paper 1 + Paper 2 |
| Selection Stages | Written → Physical → Interview → Medical |
| Job Post | Assistant Commandant |
Selection Process
The selection process for UPSC CAPF AC Syllabus 2026 based exam consists of four main stages:
- Written Examination
- Physical Standards Test
- Interview / Personality Test
- Medical Examination
Written Exam Pattern
Paper 1 – General Ability & Intelligence
- Type → Objective (MCQ)
- Marks → 250
- Duration → 2 Hours
- Negative Marking → Yes (⅓ deduction)
Paper 2 – General Studies, Essay & Comprehension
- Type → Descriptive
- Marks → 200
- Duration → 3 Hours
- Essay language → Hindi or English
- Comprehension → English only
The structure of UPSC CAPF AC Syllabus 2026 shows that Paper 1 tests knowledge and reasoning while Paper 2 checks writing and understanding ability.
Detailed Syllabus – Paper Wise Subjects
Paper 1 – General Ability & Intelligence
| Subject | Topics Covered | Important Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| General Mental Ability | Logical reasoning, numerical ability, data interpretation | Number series, coding-decoding, percentages, averages, ratio, charts |
| General Science | Basic science concepts, technology awareness | Physics basics, biology fundamentals, chemistry reactions, environment science |
| Current Events | National & international importance | Government schemes, defence exercises, awards, reports, summits |
| Indian Polity & Economy | Political system, constitution, economic development | Fundamental rights, parliament, budget, GDP, inflation, taxation |
| History of India | Social, economic and political history | Freedom movement, revolutions, reform movements, ancient civilization |
| Indian & World Geography | Physical, social and economic geography | Climate, rivers, agriculture, resources, maps, world regions |
Top Important Topics – Paper 1 Priority List
- Current affairs of last 6–12 months
- Indian Constitution articles & amendments
- Freedom struggle timeline
- Basic maths shortcuts
- Science daily life applications
- Geography maps & locations
Paper 2 – General Studies, Essay & Comprehension
Part A – Essay Writing
| Topic Area | Expected Themes | Preparation Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Modern Indian History | Freedom struggle, independence events | Prepare timelines + leaders + causes |
| Security Issues | Internal security, border issues | Read defence news regularly |
| Polity & Economy | Governance, development, reforms | Use real examples in essays |
| Analytical Topics | Social issues, technology, education | Practice structured writing |
Part B – Language & Comprehension
| Section | Skills Tested | High Scoring Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Comprehension | Understanding passages | Practice reading editorials daily |
| Precis Writing | Summarizing skills | Focus on word limit + clarity |
| Grammar | Sentence correction | Revise basic rules |
| Vocabulary | Word usage | Learn 10 words daily |
| Communication Skills | Language clarity | Practice writing answers |
Top Important Topics – Paper 2 Priority List
- Essay structure format (Intro–Body–Conclusion)
- Government schemes examples
- Current affairs based arguments
- Editorial reading practice
- Grammar rules revision
- Essay writing weekly practice
Preparation Insight: Understanding the topics in UPSC CAPF AC Syllabus 2026 helps candidates focus only on important subjects instead of wasting time on unnecessary topics. Study smart, revise regularly and practice writing to score higher.
Choosing the right books according to syllabus is the smartest strategy to crack the exam faster.
Best Books for UPSC CAPF AC Preparation
| Subject | Book Name | Author | Why This Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Mental Ability | Quantitative Aptitude | R.S. Aggarwal | Best for basics + practice questions |
| Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | Strong reasoning concepts |
| General Science | General Science | Lucent Publication | Compact + exam focused content |
| Current Affairs | Yearly Current Affairs Book | Arihant Experts | Covers full year important events |
| Polity | Indian Polity | M. Laxmikanth | Standard book for polity |
| History | History of Modern India | Bipan Chandra | Best for freedom struggle topics |
| Geography | Certificate Physical & Human Geography | G.C. Leong | Concept clarity + maps |
| Essay Writing | 151 Essays | S.C. Gupta | Improves writing structure |
| English | Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi | Grammar + comprehension practice |
| Practice Papers | CAPF Previous Year Papers | Kiran Institute | Real exam level questions |
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
For Male Candidates
- 100 meter race → 16 seconds
- 800 meter race → 3 min 45 sec
- Long jump → 3.5 m
- Shot put → 4.5 m
For Female Candidates
- 100 meter race → 18 seconds
- 800 meter race → 4 min 45 sec
- Long jump → 3.0 m
Physical Standards
| Category | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 165 cm | 157 cm |
| Chest | 81 cm + expansion | Not applicable |
| Weight | 50 kg | 46 kg |
Interview Stage
Candidates who clear written and physical tests are called for interview. The interview carries 150 marks and checks personality, leadership, confidence and decision-making ability. The final merit is prepared using written marks plus interview marks as per UPSC CAPF AC Syllabus 2026 recruitment process.
Medical Standards
- Good vision standards required
- No major disease
- No hearing issues
- No bone deformities
- Physically fit body
Important Preparation Advice
To crack UPSC CAPF AC Syllabus 2026 based exam, follow these smart tips:
- Focus more on current affairs daily
- Practice reasoning questions regularly
- Write essays weekly
- Solve previous papers
- Improve physical fitness from day one
UPSC CAPF AC SYLLABUS 2026 Important Links
| Resource | Access Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification & Syllabus PDF | Click Here |
| Official Website | Visit Website |
Final Words
The complete UPSC CAPF AC Syllabus 2026 is designed to test both mental strength and physical fitness. If you prepare with a clear strategy, consistent study plan and regular practice, cracking this exam becomes much easier. Save this page and use it as your syllabus checklist during preparation.
UPSC CAPF AC Syllabus 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is the UPSC CAPF AC Syllabus 2026 officially released?
Yes. The syllabus has been officially released along with the notification. Candidates can now prepare according to the confirmed exam pattern and subjects.
Q2. Is there negative marking in the CAPF AC exam?
Yes. Paper 1 has negative marking. One-third of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for every wrong answer.
Q3. Are Paper 2 marks counted in final merit?
Yes. Paper 2 is a descriptive paper and its marks are added to Paper 1 and Interview marks for preparing the final merit list.
Q4. What is the total marks of the written examination?
The written exam carries a total of 450 marks (Paper 1 = 250 marks and Paper 2 = 200 marks).
Q5. In which language can candidates write Paper 2 answers?
Essay questions can be answered in Hindi or English. However, comprehension, précis writing, and language sections must be answered in English only.
Q6. Is physical fitness important for preparation?
Yes. Along with written exam preparation, candidates must also prepare for Physical Efficiency Test because it is compulsory to qualify for final selection.
Q7. Does UPSC change the CAPF syllabus every year?
Usually the syllabus remains the same. If any change occurs, UPSC clearly mentions it in the official notification.
Q8. What subjects should candidates focus on first?
Candidates should first focus on General Ability, Current Affairs, Polity, History, Geography, and essay writing practice.
Q9. Is there sectional cutoff in CAPF exam?
UPSC may set minimum qualifying marks for each paper. Candidates must qualify both papers to proceed to the next stage.
Q10. When should candidates start preparation for CAPF 2026?
Candidates should start preparation immediately because the syllabus is wide and includes both academic and physical preparation.
Also check latest updates on UPSC CSE 2026 Notification, UPSC IES ISS Recruitment 2026 and OPSC OCS Recruitment 2025-26 here.
Nimain Charan Juanga is a Government Job Analyst and career content specialist focused on delivering accurate recruitment notifications, exam updates, results, and official career alerts across India. He specializes in tracking announcements from SSC, UPSC, Railway, Banking, and State recruitment boards, ensuring all information is verified from official sources before publication.