Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination Question Papers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - UPSC CAPF AC Exam
1. What is the UPSC CAPF (AC) Exam?
The CAPF (Assistant Commandants) exam is a national-level competitive exam conducted by UPSC to recruit officers for India's Paramilitary forces like BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.
2. How many papers are there in the CAPF AC Written Exam?
The written exam consists of two papers: Paper I (General Ability and Intelligence) and Paper II (General Studies, Essay and Comprehension).
3. Is there negative marking in CAPF AC Paper I?
Yes, there is a penalty of 1/3rd (0.33) marks for every incorrect objective answer in Paper I. There is no negative marking in Paper II as it is descriptive.
4. Can I write the CAPF AC Essay in Hindi?
In Paper II, candidates have the option to write the Essay component in either Hindi or English. However, Precis, Comprehension, and Language components must be written in English only.
5. What is the age limit for UPSC CAPF (AC) Exam?
Generally, candidates must be between 20 to 25 years of age. Age relaxations apply for SC, ST, OBC, and certain other categories as per Government rules.
6. What are the qualifying marks for CAPF AC?
UPSC determines minimum qualifying marks (cut-offs) for Paper I and Paper II separately every year. Note that Paper II is only evaluated if the candidate clears the Paper I cut-off.
7. Are previous year question papers sufficient for CAPF preparation?
While PYQs are essential to understand the exam pattern and high-yield topics, they should be supplemented with standard textbooks, current affairs, and regular mock tests for complete preparation.
8. How many times is the CAPF AC exam conducted in a year?
The UPSC CAPF (AC) examination is typically conducted once a year, usually in the month of August.
9. Which forces are covered under the CAPF AC recruitment?
Successful candidates are appointed as Assistant Commandants (Group A officers) in BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.
10. What is the syllabus for CAPF AC Paper I?
Paper I syllabus includes General Mental Ability, General Science, Current Events of National/International Importance, Indian Polity, Economy, and History/Geography of India.
11. What is the selection process for CAPF AC?
The process involves three stages: 1. Written Examination, 2. Physical Standards/Physical Efficiency Tests (PET) & Medical Standards Tests, and 3. Personality Test/Interview.
12. Can final year students apply for UPSC CAPF AC?
Yes, candidates appearing in their final year of degree can apply, provided they can produce proof of passing at the time of the Detailed Application Form (DAF) submission.
13. Is there an interview in CAPF AC recruitment?
Yes, the final stage of the selection process is a Personality Test/Interview conducted by UPSC, which carries 150 marks.
14. What is the duration of CAPF AC Paper I and Paper II?
Paper I (250 Marks) is 2 hours long, and Paper II (200 Marks) is 3 hours long. Both are usually held on the same day in two different sessions.
15. Where can I download CAPF AC previous year papers?
You can download year-wise PDF question papers and official answer keys for both Paper I and Paper II from this page or the official UPSC website.