The UPSC CAPF (Assistant Commandants) Examination, scheduled for (exact date TBD), is a prestigious opportunity to join India’s Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) as an Assistant Commandant in forces like BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), this exam comprises a written test, physical standards/efficiency tests, and an interview/personality test. To excel, understanding the UPSC CAPF Exam Syllabus is essential. This comprehensive, SEO-optimized guide details the syllabus for the written exam—Paper I (General Ability and Intelligence) and Paper II (General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension)—helping aspirants prepare effectively.
Last Updated: March 27, 2025
Overview of UPSC CAPF Written Examination
Page Contents
The CAPF written exam consists of two papers:
- Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence – Objective-type questions testing mental ability and general awareness.
- Paper II: General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension – Descriptive paper assessing writing skills and knowledge.
Both papers include negative markings for incorrect answers in Paper I (Page 3). Below is the detailed syllabus breakdown.
UPSC CAPF Exam Syllabus: Subject-Wise Breakdown
1. Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence Syllabus
- Purpose: Assesses logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and general knowledge (inferred from standard CAPF pattern).
- Exam Weightage: 250 marks.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Key Topics:
- General Mental Ability:
- Logical reasoning, analogies, syllogisms.
- Data interpretation, number series, coding-decoding.
- Quantitative aptitude: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration.
- General Science:
- Physics: Mechanics, electricity, magnetism, optics (10+2 level).
- Chemistry: Elements, compounds, reactions, environmental chemistry.
- Biology: Human body, diseases, nutrition, biotechnology.
- Current Events of National and International Importance:
- National: Government policies, defence updates, social issues.
- International: Global summits, conflicts, treaties.
- Indian Polity and Economy:
- Constitution, governance, Panchayati Raj, rights issues.
- Economic development, budget, five-year plans, reforms.
- History of India:
- Ancient, medieval, modern history (freedom struggle focus).
- Cultural heritage, key movements, and personalities.
- Indian and World Geography:
- Physical geography: Landforms, climate, resources.
- Indian geography: Monsoons, rivers, agriculture.
- World geography: Continents, oceans, environmental issues.
2. Paper II: General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension Syllabus
- Purpose: Tests essay writing, comprehension, and general studies knowledge (inferred from standard pattern).
- Exam Weightage: 200 marks.
- Duration: 3 hours.
- Sections:
- Part A: Essay Writing (80 marks):
- Topics: Modern Indian history, geography, polity, economy, security, human rights, current affairs.
- Candidates write essays in English or Hindi (long-form, ~800 words).
- Examples: Internal security challenges, the role of CAPF in disaster management, and economic reforms.
- Part B: Comprehension, Precis, and Language Skills (120 marks):
- Comprehension: Passage-based questions in English.
- Precis Writing: Summarizing passages accurately.
- Language Skills:
- Grammar: Sentence correction, error spotting.
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, idioms.
- Argument/Counter-Argument: Writing for/against a given topic.
- Report Writing: Structured factual reporting.
UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern
The CAPF written exam follows this structure:
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Ability and Intelligence | 250 | 2 hours | Objective (MCQs) |
| Paper II | General Studies, Essay, Comprehension | 200 | 3 hours | Descriptive |
| Total | 450 | 5 hours |
- Negative Marking: Applicable in Paper I (1/3rd mark deducted per wrong answer, Page 3).
- Medium: English and Hindi (inferred standard practice).
- Qualifying Nature: Paper II is evaluated only if Paper I is cleared.
Key Features of the CAPF Syllabus
- Paper I: Focuses on quick thinking, problem-solving, and awareness of current events—crucial for CAPF roles.
- Paper II: Emphasizes written communication and analytical skills, vital for leadership positions.
- Eligibility Link: Syllabus aligns with educational qualification (Bachelor’s degree or appearance, inferred from standard norms).
How to Access the Official Syllabus?
The syllabus is not explicitly listed in the notice but follows the standard CAPF pattern. Visit upsc.gov.in or upsconline.gov.in for the official notification (Page 1) and updates. Appendices (e.g., Appendix-IV for conventional tests, Page 3) may provide additional insights.
Physical Standards and Medical Requirements
While not part of the written syllabus, candidates must meet physical and medical standards (Appendix-V, Page 22):
- Height: Men: 165 cm, Women: 157 cm.
- Weight: Men: 50 kg, Women: 46 kg (varies by height/age, Appendix-II(B), Page 24).
- Eye Sight: 6/6 or 6/9 (better eye), 6/12 or 6/9 (worse eye).
Preparation Tips for CAPF Syllabus
- Paper I: Practice MCQs on reasoning, science, and current affairs (use newspapers, NCERTs).
- Paper II: Enhance essay writing with topics from polity, security, and economy; improve English grammar.
- Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions to manage time and accuracy.
Conclusion
The UPSC CAPF Syllabus is your blueprint to cracking this competitive exam. With Paper I (250 marks) testing aptitude and awareness, and Paper II (200 marks) focusing on writing and comprehension, a balanced preparation is key. Start early, stay updated via upsc.gov.in, and aim for a career as an Assistant Commandant in 2025. Applications close on –don’t miss out!