The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Assistant Commandants (AC) Exam is conducted to recruit officers for various paramilitary forces like BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the exam scheme:
1. Stages of the Exam:
The CAPF (AC) examination consists of three stages:
- Written Examination
- Physical Standards/Physical Efficiency Tests (PET) and Medical Standards Tests
- Personality Test/Interview
2. Written Examination:
It comprises two papers, both conducted on the same day:
Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence
- Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Total Marks: 250
- Duration: 2 hours (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
- Medium: English and Hindi
Syllabus Overview:
- General Mental Ability (logical reasoning, numerical ability)
- General Science (physics, chemistry, biology, environmental science)
- Current Events (national, international, economic, sports, etc.)
- Indian Polity and Economy
- History of India
- Indian and World Geography
Negative Marking: 1/3rd of the marks for each wrong answer.
Paper II: General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension
- Type: Descriptive
- Total Marks: 200
- Duration: 3 hours (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
- Medium: English and Hindi (for Essay section only)
Syllabus Overview:
- Part A: Essay writing (80 marks)
Topics: National security, Indian history, politics, economy, and geography. - Part B: Comprehension, précis writing, and other communication skills (120 marks)
Topics: English grammar, vocabulary, précis writing, comprehension, and report writing.
Note: Part B is in English only.
3. Physical Efficiency Tests (PET) and Medical Standards Tests:
Candidates who clear the written exam are called for the PET and medical examination.
Physical Efficiency Test:
| Event | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Meters Race | 16 seconds | 18 seconds |
| 800 Meters Race | 3 minutes 45 seconds | 4 minutes 45 seconds |
| Long Jump | 3.5 meters (3 chances) | 3.0 meters (3 chances) |
| Shot Put (7.26 kg) | 4.5 meters | Not applicable |
Medical Standards:
- Vision standards (without glasses): 6/6 or 6/9 in one eye, 6/12 in the other.
- Physical deformities and diseases are checked.
- Candidates must be physically fit and healthy.
4. Personality Test/Interview:
- Total Marks: 150
- Candidates who qualify for the PET and Medical Tests are called for an interview.
- The interview assesses the candidate’s leadership, intelligence, character, and overall personality.
5. Final Merit List:
- The final merit list is prepared based on the total marks obtained in the Written Exam (Paper I + Paper II) and the Interview/Personality Test.
- Candidates’ performances in PET and Medical Tests are of qualifying nature and do not contribute to the final merit.
Key Points to Remember:
- Language Choice: The essay section in Paper II can be written in either English or Hindi, but comprehension and précis writing must be in English.
- Preparation: Focus on a balanced approach between current affairs, conceptual clarity in general studies, and improving physical fitness.
This scheme ensures a comprehensive evaluation of candidates’ intellectual abilities, physical fitness, and personality traits essential for a career in the CAPFs.
Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence
| Subject | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| General Mental Ability | 1. A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal 2. Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal |
| General Science | 1. General Science by Lucent’s 2. NCERT Science Books (Class 6-10) |
| Current Affairs | 1. Manorama Yearbook 2. Daily Newspaper (The Hindu/Indian Express) 3. Yojana and Kurukshetra Magazines |
| Indian Polity and Economy | 1. Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth 2. Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh |
| History of India | 1. India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra 2. NCERT History Books (Class 6-12) |
| Indian and World Geography | 1. Certificate Physical and Human Geography by G.C. Leong 2. NCERT Geography Books (Class 6-12) |
Paper II: General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension
| Section | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| Essay Writing | 1. Essays for Civil Services and Other Competitive Examinations by Pulkit Khare 2. Contemporary Issues (Any reliable monthly magazine) |
| Comprehension & Précis | 1. Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi 2. Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis |
| English Grammar & Writing | 1. High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren & Martin |
Additional Resources:
| Resource Type | Recommended Sources |
|---|---|
| Current Affairs Updates | 1. The Hindu, Indian Express (daily) 2. Monthly Current Affairs magazines (like Vision IAS or Insights) |
| Practice Tests | 1. Previous Year Question Papers (UPSC CAPF AC) 2. Online mock tests (Test series from institutes like BYJU’S, Vision IAS) |
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) Preparation:
| Preparation Area | Recommended Activities |
|---|---|
| Running and Endurance | Daily jogging, interval training, and sprint practice |
| Strength Training | Gym workouts, bodyweight exercises (push-ups, squats) |
| Flexibility | Stretching exercises, yoga |
These resources comprehensively cover the CAPF AC syllabus and help in both academic preparation and physical training. Regular practice with mock tests and staying updated with current affairs are crucial for success.