The UPSC Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandant) Examination, commonly referred to as UPSC CAPF (AC) Exam, is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for the recruitment of Assistant Commandants in various Central Armed Police Forces, including 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).
Conducting Body:
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Eligibility:
Nationality: The candidate must be a citizen of India.
Age Limit: Generally, candidates must be between 20 and 25 years of age. Age relaxation is provided for reserved categories as per government norms.
Educational Qualification: A candidate must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized university.
Exam Structure:
The UPSC CAPF (AC) Exam is conducted in three stages:
Written Examination
Physical Standards/Physical Efficiency Tests and Medical Standards Tests
Interview/Personality Test
Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence
Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
Marks: 250 marks
Duration: 2 hours
Paper II: General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension
Type: Descriptive
Marks: 200 marks
Duration: 3 hours
Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence:
General Mental Ability:
Logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude including numerical ability, and data interpretation.
General Science:
General awareness, scientific temper, comprehension, and appreciation of scientific phenomena in everyday life.
Current Events of National and International Importance:
Current affairs, awareness of significant national and international issues.
Indian Polity and Economy:
Knowledge of the political system, Constitution of India, social systems and public administration, economic development in India, regional and international security issues.
Indian History:
Comprehensive understanding of Indian history including the cultural and political aspects.
Indian and World Geography:
Physical, social, and economic geography of India and the world.
Paper II: General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension:
Part A: Essay (80 marks):
Topics from current political and economic issues, cultural and social issues, and security issues. Candidates are required to write essays in either Hindi or English.
Part B: Comprehension, Precis Writing, and Communication Skills (120 marks):
Comprehension passages, précis writing, developing counter-arguments, simple grammar, and other aspects of language testing.
Physical Efficiency Tests (PET):
For Male Candidates:
100 meters race in 16 seconds
800 meters race in 3 minutes 45 seconds
Long jump: 3.5 meters (3 chances)
Shot put (7.26 kg): 4.5 meters
For Female Candidates:
100 meters race in 18 seconds
800 meters race in 4 minutes 45 seconds
Long jump: 3.0 meters (3 chances)
Medical Standards Tests:
Candidates must meet the prescribed medical standards.
Marks: 150 marks
Focus: Assess the personal suitability of the candidate for a career in the Central Armed Police Forces. The interview panel evaluates the candidate's mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgment, variety, and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, and intellectual and moral integrity.
Understand the Syllabus: Get a detailed understanding of the syllabus for both papers.
Study Plan: Create a structured study plan covering all topics with ample time for revision and practice tests.
Reference Books: Use standard textbooks and reference materials specific to the UPSC CAPF (AC) exam.
Current Affairs: Regularly read newspapers, magazines, and journals for current events and updates.
Practice Papers: Solve previous years’ question papers and take mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format and improve time management.
Physical Fitness: Maintain good physical health and fitness to meet the physical standards and efficiency tests.
Interview Preparation: Develop communication skills, confidence, and knowledge of current affairs for the interview/personality test.
General Studies Paper I:
"General Studies Paper I for UPSC and State PSC Exams" by McGraw Hill
"Manorama Yearbook" for current events
"Lucent's General Knowledge" for static GK
General Studies Paper II:
"Essay Paper for Civil Services Main Examination" by Arihant Publications
"General English for All Competitive Examinations" by S.C. Gupta
The UPSC CAPF (AC) Exam is a gateway to a prestigious and rewarding career in the Central Armed Police Forces. With thorough preparation, a clear understanding of the syllabus, and consistent practice, candidates can achieve success in this highly competitive exam.