What is CAPF and CAPF Eligibility Criteria

If you’re interested in the idea of being in charge of leading other people in the military, wearing a military uniform, and answering to a higher authority than just a desk job, you may want to consider the possibility of joining the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) consist of elite police-like troops whose main duty is to maintain law and order throughout the country by providing continual support to the armed forces in times of emergency.

To join the Central Armed Police Forces, prospective candidates will have to take the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) CAPF exam. Passing this examination will allow one to join the Central Armed Police Forces as an Assistant Commandant (AC). The UPSC CAPF exam not only tests your factual knowledge but also evaluates a candidate’s ability to demonstrate exemplary leadership and discipline, as well as good decision-making skills in a high-pressure situation.

Trishul Defence Academy is dedicated to making the entire Defence Examination preparation process less confusing and more understandable for aspirants, helping them to become better prepared for all events leading up to their appearance for the exam. In this guide, we will explain what CAPF is and also provide an easy-to-read description detailing the UPSC CAPF eligibility criteria for taking the CAPF exam.

What is CAPF?

The CAPF is a group of paramilitary forces that operate under the Ministry of Home Affairs and provide support to state police agencies in maintaining law & order, conducting border security (preventing illegal immigration and trafficking), counter-terrorism, and responding to natural disasters.

CAPFs are the Backbone of Internal Security in India.

Each year, through the UPSC CAPF Exam, Officers will be recruited at the Rank of Assistant Commandant (Group A Gazetted Officer).

CAPF AC Full Form

The Full Form of “CAPF AC” is Central Armed Police Forces Assistant Commandant. The Assistant Commandant is a Leadership Position that Commands Troops, Manages Operations, & is Responsible for making Decisions in High Pressure Situations. 

Less “Desk Work” & More Action!

History of Central Armed Police Forces

Stretching back to the British Era, CAPF’s Origins Came As A Result of Establishing Paramilitary Forces to control the Borders and Internal Disturbances. After Independence, the Government of India Reorganized These Forces To Serve National Security Interests. Over time, the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP & SSB Will Develop From Within CAPF To Carry Out Their Own Assigned Missions. Today, CAPFs participate in Counter Insurgency, Border Guarding Operations, and Internal Security Operations as part of an Evolution of National Security Strategy from World War II to the present day.

How Many Central Armed Forces in India?

Currently, there are five major CAPFs in India recruited through the UPSC CAPF exam.

Force	Full Form	Primary Role
BSF	Border Security Force	Border guarding
CRPF	Central Reserve Police Force	Internal security
CISF	Central Industrial Security Force	Infrastructure security
ITBP	Indo-Tibetan Border Police	Himalayan borders
SSB	Sashastra Seema Bal	Nepal & Bhutan borders

So, if you’re wondering how many CAPFs are in India? – The answer is five.

UPSC CAPF Eligibility Criteria

To begin your preparation, it’s important to know the required UPSC CAPF eligibility criteria.

• Nationality: You must be a citizen of India

• Age Limit: The minimum age requirement is 20 years, and the maximum is 25 years (with age relaxation according to rules)

• Educational Qualifications: You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university

UPSC CAPF Physical Eligibility

Since the CAPF is primarily a combat-oriented role, the  UPSC CAPF physical eligibility standards are very stringent, and thus, the following are defined: 

Criteria	Male	Female
Height	165 cm	157 cm
Chest	81–86 cm	Not applicable
100m race	16 sec	18 sec
800m race	3 min 45 sec	4 min 45 sec

All of the preceding are qualifying as well and equal in weightage.

CAPF Selection Process

The CAPF Selection Process has a multi-stage process as follows:

• Written Exam
• Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
• Medical Test
• Interview / Personality Test
• Final Merit List

All of the preceding are qualifying as well and equal in weightage.

CAPF Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The CAPF examination pattern consists of two papers to be completed on the same day.

CAPF Paper Pattern

Paper	Type	Marks	Duration
Paper I	Objective (MCQ)	250	2 Hours
Paper II	Descriptive	250	3 Hours

The CAPF Exam Pattern and Syllabus evaluate both your knowledge and ability to articulate the ideas that you possess.

CAPF Exam Syllabus

The CAPF Exam Syllabus  covers the following Subjects:

• General Mental Ability,
• General Studies,
• Indian Polity,
• History and Geography,
• Economy and Environment, and
• Essay, Precis Writing & Comprehension (Paper 2)

The Key to success is a balanced approach to preparation. You shouldn’t neglect one area while concentrating too much time/effort on others.

UPSC CAPF Salary

The UPSC CAPF offers an excellent salary for Assistant Commandants.

• Pay Level – Level 10 (as per the 7th Pay Commission),
• Basic Salary – ₹56,100/-
• Total Salary by Hand – approx. ₹70,000 – 80,000 (includes allowances). 

These salaries come with additional benefits such as free accommodation and Health Services to Officers, plus a lot of respect (which you earn through your service).

Why Choose Trishul Defence Academy for CAPF?

We are dedicated to the following at Trishul Defence Academy:

• Highly qualified faculty with backgrounds in Defence
• Fitness training designed specifically to meet the requirements for UPSC CAPF Physical Eligibility.
• Study materials that have been updated to align with current exam trends within CAPF.
• Training for Interviews.

We not only prepare you for your examination, but we also prepare you for your uniform.

Prepare for CAPF online from the comfort of your home with our comprehensive courses. Learn at your own pace while accessing expert guidance and study materials anytime, anywhere.

Final Thoughts: Is CAPF the Right Career for You?

The UPSC CAPF examination has more to offer than simply getting a Government position, but provides the opportunity for a professional life filled with Leadership, Responsibility and Service to the Country. As an A.C, it is your responsibility to lead other members of the force into some of the nation’ss most risky challenges; from securing borders, to maintaining law and order within your own Country.

A Career within the CAPFs requires a Physically Fit Individual, Mentally Strong, with integrity and who can Make Decisions During Times of Stress. In return, the CAPF provides an Honour, Stability, Growth and Sense of Purpose Beyond Many Other Career Choices.

If you hold strong beliefs within Discipline and Honour, and wish to serve your Country while developing a Successful Career, then the CAPF is worth all of your Preparation Efforts.

Take the first step toward your CAPF dream today. Contact Trishul Defence Academy and let our experts guide you from preparation to proudly serving your country.

FAQs

Q1. How many times CAPF exam conducted in a year?

Once a year, Every year UPSC conducts this exam.

The notification is generally in the April/May period of each year.

Q2. Can a CAPF AC join Para SF?

No. Para SF are part of the Indian Army and therefore are not possible for a CAPF Assistant Commandant. However, they have some elite units where the CP officers can serve, including CoBRA, NSG, and special commando forces.

Q3. How many CAPF in India?

In India, there are seven Central Armed Police Forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The CAPF exam consists of five of those forces: CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.

Q4. Does CAPF AC get pension?

Yes. CAPF Assistant Commandant personnel qualify for pension per government rules, and are also entitled to gratuity, leave encashment, and benefits post retirement.

Q5. How many Central Armed Forces are there in India?

Yes. India has seven Central Armed Police Forces responsible for securing the internal security, borders and saving lives during disasters and events. These Central Forces have an active part to play in the nation’s Security during election time and during other Emergency situation.