CAPF Exam Pattern 2026 - Check Written Exam, PET & Medical Standards

CAPF Exam Pattern 2026 - Check Written Exam, PET & Medical Standards

Meghana Mohana KrishnanUpdated on 08 Jan 2026, 03:17 PM IST

CAPF Exam Pattern 2026 - UPSC will prescribe the CAPF 2026 exam pattern in the official notification which will be released at upsc.gov.in. The UPSC CAPF exam pattern 2026 consists of the subjects on which the question paper is based, the marking scheme, stages, mode of the exam etc. Candidates planning to participate in the CAPF exam, must refer to the paper pattern to know all the aspects related to the examination.

This Story also Contains

  1. UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026 - Overview
  2. CAPF exam pattern 2026 - Stages
  3. CAPF Marking Scheme 2026
  4. CAPF syllabus 2026
  5. CAPF preparation tips 2026
  6. CAPF question papers 2026
  7. CAPF answer key 2026
  8. CAPF books 2026
CAPF Exam Pattern 2026 - Check Written Exam, PET & Medical Standards
UPSC CAPF exam pattern

Along with the exam pattern, aspirants are also advised to check the CAPF syllabus, and to plan and streamline the preparation strategy. In this article on CAPF 2026 paper pattern, candidates can check the detailed exam pattern, preparation tips and more details to prepare for the CAPF 2026 efficiently.

UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2026 - Overview

Candidates can check some basic highlights of UPSC CAPF exam here.

Selection

  • Written test - Paper 1 based on General Ability and Intelligence (Objective) and Paper 2 based on General Studies, Essay and Comprehension (descriptive)

  • Physical Ability Test

  • Interview/Personality Test

Negative Marking

Only for Paper 1 of first-round; (0.33) marks deducted for each wrong answer

CAPF exam pattern 2026 - Stages

  • CAPF written test

  • CAPF PET & Medical Standards Tests

CAPF Exam Pattern 2026: Written Test

The first stage of the CAPF exam consists of two papers. The CAPF paper 1 has multiple choice questions while paper 2 has descriptive type questions. From the following table, aspirants can check the CAPF 2026 exam pattern for written tests.

Exam pattern of CAPF 2026 - Paper 1

Particulars

Details

Number of Questions

200

Type of Questions

MCQ

Duration

2 hours

Total Marks

250 marks

Exam pattern of CAPF 2026 - Paper 2

Particulars

Details

Number of Questions

6

Type of Questions

Descriptive

Duration

3 hours

Total Marks

200 marks

CAPF Marking Scheme 2026

As per the CAPF marking scheme, paper 1 is held for a total of 250 marks while paper 2 200 marks. In the CAPF paper 1 marking scheme, there is a CAPF negative marking for paper 1 only. According to the CAPF negative marking, 1/3rd of marks are deducted for wrong answers.

CAPF Exam Pattern 2026: PET & Medical Standards Tests

Aspirants who qualify in the first stage are eligible to appear in the second stage. The second stage of the CAPF exam consists of the physical tests. The physical test has a race, long jump and various other physical activities. From the following table, aspirants can check the CAPF 2026 exam pattern for the physical tests.

CAPF 2026 exam pattern - Physical tests

Particulars

Male

Female

100 Meters Race

In 16 seconds

In 18 seconds

800 Meters Race

In 3 minutes 45 seconds

In 4 minutes 45 seconds

Long Jump

3.5 Meters (3 Chances)

3.0 meters (3 chances)

Shot Put (7.26 Kgs.)

4.5 Meters

-

CAPF syllabus 2026

The Commission prescribes the latest CAPF 2026 syllabus in its official notification. The syllabus of CAPF 2026 consists of the subject, topics and sub topics on which the exam is based. Aspirants preparing for the exam can go through the detailed CAPF syllabus. The CAPF paper 1 accordingly consists of General Ability and Intelligence, while the paper 2 as consists of General Studies, Essay and Comprehension.

Also read:

CAPF preparation tips 2026

UPSC CAPF exam is one of the most toughest and prestigious exams in India as more than 3 lac candidates appear for the UPSC CAPF exam for the Assistant Commandant post. From this article, candidates can check the CAPF preparation tips 2026 -

  • Plan the CAPF preparations around the exam pattern and the syllabus.

  • Refer to the previous year CAPF question papers and solve them on a regular basis.

  • Give mock tests to know preparation level and work on strong and weak sections.

  • Refer to the best books of CAPF and don't shift books and study materials randomly.

  • Focus on time management skills as there is a specific time duration for the exam.

  • Follow a healthy routine.

  • Eat healthy food, meditate and take short breaks to rejuvenate.

  • Read topper interviews to get an idea about their preparation levels and study materials.

CAPF question papers 2026

UPSC releases the official CAPF question papers 2026 for both papers a few days after the exam is conducted at upsc.gov.in. Candidates can download the question papers to prepare for the future attempts of the exam. With the help of the question papers they can know the important questions and topics on which the question paper is based.

CAPF answer key 2026

UPSC releases the answer key in online mode however, various coaching institutes release the offline answer key on the same day of the exam. Union Public Service Commission releases the official UPSC CAPF 2026 answer key after the exam is over on the official website upsc.gov.in. Candidates appearing in the exam can download the answer key to check the correct and incorrect responses. Based on the correct and incorrect answers candidates can calculate their probable score.

Also read:

CAPF books 2026

Candidates preparing for the exam must refer to the best books of CAPF to enrich their knowledge and preparation. Before selecting the best books, they must also know the subject wise books, best authors and publishers.

CAPF best books 2026

CAPF Books

Authors/ Publishers

UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant Exam Practice Workbook

Kiran Prakashan

CAPF Assistant Commandant (AC) Exam

Arihant Books

UPSC CAPF (AC) Examination

Lucent Publication

Sachchidananda Books

UPSC Portal

CAPF Commandants (AC) Examination

Ramesh Publishing House

History

Spectrum

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do questions repeat in the CAPF exam 2026?
A:

Yes, it can repeat but the chances are very less.

Q: How many parts are there in Paper II of CAPF 2026 syllabus?
A:

There are two parts in the paper 2 of CAPF syllabus - General Ability and Intelligence.

Q: What type of questions are asked in the CAPF interview 2026?
A:

There are various questions asked in the CAPF interview like - personal details, current events etc.

Q: Is the CAPF 2026 exam tough?
A:

Yes, it is a bit tough, but if aspirants have prepared for the exam efficiently, they can qualify the exam easily.

Q: Is Ncert enough for CAPF?
A:

Yes, but aspirants also require some supplementary books as well.

Q: How many stages are there in the CAPF exam 2026?
A:

There are three stages in the CAPF exam - written test, physical test and interview.

Q: Is there negative marking in the CAPF exam?
A:

Yes, there is negative marking in the CAPF 2026 exam, written test.

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Questions related to UPSC CAPF

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to UPSC CAPF ?

Hello there!

Yes , final year students are eligible to apply for UPSC Civil Services examination, but kindly make sure to submit your passing proof before Mains examination.

Following is the link attached from the official website of Careers360 about the detailed explanation for the eligibility criteria of UPSC Civil

Hello aspirant,

UPSC CAPF 2024 eligibility criteria is given below.

Candidates must be between the age group of 20 to 25 years. They must complete their Graduation. The candidates must be Indian Citizens.

Age relaxation is given to reservation categories. So, you are eligible for UPSC CAPF 2024 because you'll

Hello,

Human body needs adequate amount of rest to keep it functioning well for  a longer period of time. It requires high maintenance.
When we exhaust it more than its capacity we are damaging it and studying for 18 hours out of 24 hrs is exhausting our body. But there

Dear Student ,

Age criteria for UPSC CAPF AC 2022 exam is between 20-25 years and as per your DOB you'll be nearly 25 years of age at the time of openings of application forms which is mostly in April, 2022(Tentative) .

But , be aware to check the age