UPSC CAPF 2026: Notification Date, Age Limit and Eligibility

Are you dreaming of putting on the uniform and leading India’s paramilitary forces from the front? Then the UPSC CAPF examination is your gateway to joining the prestigious paramilitary forces. Every year, UPSC recruits Assistant Commandant (AC) officers to serve the nation. 

Many aspirants have questions regarding the UPSC CAPF 2026 notification, eligibility criteria, and exam details. In this guide, you’ll know current, verified details about UPSC CAPF eligibility, important dates, notification schedule, and a step-by-step exam process. 

At Trishul Defence Academy, we guide aspirants to crack the CAPF through expert mentorship, exclusive training, and strategic preparation that ensures real results. 

What is UPSC CAPF?

The CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) is a group of five paramilitary forces. Including: 

• Border Security Force (BSF)
• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
• Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
• Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
• Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

These forces are responsible for internal security, border control, counter-insurgency, and anti-terror operations. The UPSC CAPF offers two major career paths: 

Officer Grade: This path begins with the Assistant Commandant rank, and recruitment is done through the UPSC CAPF examination. 

Jawan Grade: This path is for aspirants willing to serve as constables or soldiers in CAPF units. The recruitment is done by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) or through direct rallies. 

UPSC CAPF 2026 Notification Overview

Feature	Important Dates
CAPF 2026 Notification Release Date	February 18, 2026
Online Application Start Date	February 18, 2026
CAPF Last Date to Apply	March 10, 2026
Admit Card Release	July 2026 (Tentative)
UPSC CAPF Exam Date	July 19, 2026
Result Declaration (Written Exam)	50 to 75 days after the exam
Interview and Final Selection	To Be Announced

Note: The dates may change; always refer to the official UPSC portal for CAPF 2026 form notification and key dates. 

UPSC CAPF Eligibility Criteria

1. UPSC CAPF Age Limit: The minimum age to apply is 20 years, and the maximum age limit is 25 years. Age relaxation is +3 years (OBC), +5 years (SC/ST). 

2. Education Qualification: You must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institute in any stream. 

3. Gender: Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply. 

4. Nationality: You must be an Indian citizen to appear in the UPSC CAPF exam. Under certain conditions, candidates from Nepal and Bhutan are also eligible for this examination.  

5. Number of Attempts: There is no set number of attempts; you must meet the physical and medical requirements. 

6. Marital Status: There are no set criteria for marital status under the UPSC CAPF 2026 notification. 

UPSC CAPF Physical Eligibility

Explore the UPSC CAPF physical requirements set by the UPSC: 

1. UPSC CAPF PET (Physical Efficiency Test)

Tests	Female	Male
100-meter Race	18 seconds	16 seconds
800-meter race	4 minutes, 45 seconds	3 minutes, 45 seconds
Shot Put (7.26 Kg)	Not Applicable	4.5 meters
Long Jump (3 Chances)	3 meters	3.5 meters

2. Standard UPSC CAPF Height Requirement & Average Body Weights

Category	Weight	Height	Vision
Male	50 kg	165 cm	6/6 or 6/9 distant vision
Female	46 kg	157 cm	6/6 or 6/9 distant vision

The proportional weight standards vary with height and age. Check out the official UPSC chart for detailed height and weight requirements for all age groups. Experience TDA’s expert training! Watch a free demo class and join our coaching today to crack the CAPF with confidence.  

UPSC CAPF Examination Details

The CAPF exam notification 2026 expected date has been released. So, here are the complete exam details for your CAPF 2026 preparation: 

1. UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026

Paper 1: Includes General Ability & Intelligence (Objective type). Exam duration is 2 hours. 

Paper 2: Includes General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension (Descriptive). Exam duration is 3 hours. 

Next Phases: After clearing the written exam, you’ll appear for the physical efficiency test (PET), medical examination, and then appear in the final Interview/ personality test. 

Important: Refer to the official UPSC CAPF notification 2026 for cut-offs and negative marking rules.  

2. UPSC CAPF Exam Syllabus

Paper I: General Mental Ability, Current Events, Indian Polity & Economy, Geography, History, Science.

Paper II: Essay on national security topics, Comprehension, and Grammar.

You can check out the official UPSC portal for the detailed syllabus for the CAPF 2026 examination. 

How to Apply for UPSC CAPF 2026?

Take a look at the step-by-step process to apply for the UPSC CAPF examination 2026: 

• The first step is to register yourself on the official UPSC portal: upsc.gov.in

• Look for the ‘CAPF AC Recruitment’ option and fill out your application form carefully. 

• Keep the photo, signature, category certificate, and degree handy. Then, upload your documents to proceed. 

• Pay the required application fees and complete your payment process. 

• Verify your application details thoroughly before clicking on the ‘Submit’ button. 

Note: UPSC sometimes opens a correction window for all the aspirants. If you feel the requirement, check the official notification. 

UPSC CAPF Examination Process

The mode of the exam is offline, and there are four phases for selection. The description of all the phases is as follows:  

Selection Phases	Test
Phase 1	Written Exam (Paper 1 + 2)
Phase 2	CAPF PET & Medical Test
Phase 3	Interview & Personality Test
Phase 4	Final Merit List (Written + Interview)

UPSC CAPF Exam Preparation Tips

1. Start Preparation Early: Start your preparation right after the UPSC CAPF 2026 notifications have been released to stay competitive.

2. Follow the Syllabus: Read the UPSC CAPF exam syllabus carefully. First, start preparing for the topics you struggle with.

3. Try the Mock Tests: Mock tests are the ideal way to experience the exam environment. Attend the mock test to understand the pattern and time management. With this, you will know your area of improvement and prepare accordingly. 

4. Exercise Regularly: You should start exercising and stamina training to stay fit.  

5. Interview preparation: Start working on your communication skills, read the newspaper daily, and stay updated with current affairs.  

6. Revision Plan: Complete all your topics 1-2 months before the final exam. Allocate your last few months for revision and mock tests. 

You can check out Trishul Defence Academy for comprehensive courses, mock exams, personal feedback sessions, and interview preparation tailored to UPSC CAPF exam preparation. 

Why Choose Trishul Defence Academy for CAPF 2026 Prep?

Trishul Defence Academy provides the best comprehensive offline coaching for the UPSC CAPF. Here is why aspirants trust us: 

• You receive guidance from a team of experienced mentors who ensure you get quality mentorship in your preparation. 

• Our course includes the UPSC CAPF exam syllabus, holistic training for the written exam, SSB Interview, and physical fitness. 

• Your comfort is our priority. We offer the best facilities with a smart classroom and hostel services. 

TDA is renowned for producing worthy candidates for the CAPF exam. Start your dream journey today with our CAPF coaching!  

Conclusion

The journey of CAPF is not only prestigious but also challenging. You can achieve success with the right preparation and discipline. Bookmark the UPSC CAPF 2026 notification details and start your preparation. Make sure you meet the UPSC CAPF eligibility criteria to qualify for the exam.   

For expert guidance, written exam prep, mock tests, physical training, & interview preparation, contact Trishul Defence Academy and mark 2026 your success year!     

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is UPSC CAPF tough?

Yes, the UPSC CAPF is a tough exam. But you can crack the exam with discipline, right, preparation, and expert guidance. You can check the CAPF Assistant Commandant notification 2026 on 18 February 2026. 

2. How many attempts for UPSC CAPF?

The UPSC doesn’t announce any fixed number of attempts. However, you have to clear the UPSC CAPF eligibility criteria to qualify for the exam. 

3. Which CAPF is best?

There is no specific best CAPF position. Every post has different responsibilities and features. You can select the career path based on your preferences. 

4. How many times CAPF exam is conducted in a year?

The UPSC CAPF examination is held once a year. 

5. Why should I choose Trishul Defence Academy for CAPF coaching?

Trishul Defence Academy offers the best offline coaching for the CAPF exam. You get holistic training for the written exam, SSB Interview, and fitness with smart classrooms and hostel comfort.  

6. Can I join offline CAPF coaching at Trishul Defence Academy?

Yes! You can join our offline CAPF coaching for experienced mentorship, training for the written exam, SSB Interview, and physical fitness. Contact us today for more details!