{"id":26741,"date":"2025-12-22T17:15:50","date_gmt":"2025-12-22T11:45:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trishuldefenceacademy.in\/blog\/?p=26741"},"modified":"2025-12-22T17:16:22","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T11:46:22","slug":"what-is-capf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trishuldefenceacademy.in\/blog\/what-is-capf","title":{"rendered":"What is CAPF and CAPF Eligibility Criteria"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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 <\/span>what CAPF is<\/b> and also provide an easy-to-read description detailing the <\/span>UPSC CAPF eligibility criteria<\/b> for taking the CAPF exam.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is CAPF?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

CAPFs are the Backbone of Internal Security in India.<\/span><\/p>\n

Each year, through the UPSC CAPF Exam, Officers will be recruited at the Rank of Assistant Commandant (Group A Gazetted Officer).<\/span><\/p>\n

CAPF AC Full Form<\/h2>\n

The Full Form of “CAPF AC” is <\/span>Central Armed Police Forces Assistant Commandant<\/b>. The Assistant Commandant is a Leadership Position that Commands Troops, Manages Operations, & is Responsible for making Decisions in High Pressure Situations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Less “Desk Work” & More Action!<\/span><\/p>\n

History of Central Armed Police Forces<\/h2>\n

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 <\/span>CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP & SSB <\/b>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.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Many Central Armed Forces in India?<\/h2>\n

Currently, there are <\/span>five major CAPFs in India<\/b> recruited through the UPSC CAPF exam.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Force<\/b><\/td>\nFull Form<\/b><\/td>\nPrimary Role<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
BSF<\/span><\/td>\nBorder Security Force<\/span><\/td>\nBorder guarding<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
CRPF<\/span><\/td>\nCentral Reserve Police Force<\/span><\/td>\nInternal security<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
CISF<\/span><\/td>\nCentral Industrial Security Force<\/span><\/td>\nInfrastructure security<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ITBP<\/span><\/td>\nIndo-Tibetan Border Police<\/span><\/td>\nHimalayan borders<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SSB<\/span><\/td>\nSashastra Seema Bal<\/span><\/td>\nNepal & Bhutan borders<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

So, if you\u2019re wondering <\/span>how many CAPFs are in India<\/i><\/b>? – The answer is <\/span>five<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

UPSC CAPF Eligibility Criteria<\/h2>\n

To begin your preparation, it’s important to know the required <\/span>UPSC CAPF eligibility criteria.<\/b><\/p>\n