UPSC CAPF AC Eligibility Criteria 2026
UPSC CAPF AC Eligibility Criteria 2026 – Candidates must be Indian citizens aged between 20 and 25 years (as on 1st August 2026) with a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. They also need to meet the prescribed physical and medical standards for Assistant Commandant posts in BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.
UPSC CAPF AC Eligibility Criteria 2026 is the first and most important step for aspirants aiming to become Assistant Commandants in Central Armed Police Forces. Only candidates who meet the age, educational, physical, and medical requirements can successfully apply for the 349+ vacancies announced in the UPSC CAPF 2026 notification.
The eligibility ensures that selected officers are physically fit, academically qualified, and capable of handling the demanding responsibilities in BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. This comprehensive guide covers everything from age limit and relaxation to educational qualification, physical standards, medical requirements, and number of attempts so you can check your eligibility accurately and prepare accordingly for the UPSC CAPF AC 2026 exam.
UPSC CAPF AC Eligibility Criteria 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Assistant Commandant (Group A) |
| Vacancies | 349 (approx.) |
| Nationality | Indian Citizens (Nepal & Bhutan with consent) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Written + PET + Medical) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CAPF AC Age Limit 2026
Candidates applying for UPSC CAPF AC 2026 must satisfy the prescribed age criteria. The age is calculated as on 1st August 2026. A candidate must have attained the age of 20 years and must not have attained the age of 25 years. This means candidates must have been born not earlier than 2nd August 2001 and not later than 1st August 2006.
Meeting the age limit is mandatory; applications of ineligible candidates are rejected at any stage. This age range ensures candidates are mature enough yet physically fit for the rigorous training and field duties of Assistant Commandants in paramilitary forces.
UPSC CAPF AC Age Relaxation 2026
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| Civilian Central Government Servants | 5 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 5 years |
| Domicile of Jammu & Kashmir (1980-1989) | 5 years |
The upper age limit is relaxable as per Government of India rules. Candidates claiming relaxation must provide valid category certificates. This relaxation policy promotes equal opportunity for reserved categories while maintaining the standards required for CAPF Assistant Commandant roles. Always verify your eligibility with the official notification before applying.
UPSC CAPF AC Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a University incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 or possess an equivalent qualification.
Final-year students appearing for their degree examination can also apply provisionally. Technical and professional qualifications recognized by the Government are also accepted. There is no minimum percentage required. This flexible qualification allows graduates from any stream to apply and serve the nation in paramilitary forces.
UPSC CAPF AC Physical Eligibility 2026
| Physical Parameter | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 165 cm | 157 cm |
| Chest (Unexpanded) | 81 cm | Not Applicable |
| Weight | 50 kg | 46 kg |
Candidates must meet these minimum physical standards during the Physical Standards Test (PST). Chest expansion of 5 cm is required for male candidates. These standards ensure candidates possess the physical fitness needed for operational duties.
UPSC CAPF AC Medical Standards 2026
| Category | Standards |
|---|---|
| Distant Vision (Better Eye) | 6/6 or 6/9 |
| Distant Vision (Worse Eye) | 6/12 or 6/9 |
| Near Vision | N6 (Better), N9 (Worse) |
| Refractive Error Limit | ±4.00 D (Myopia/Hypermetropia) |
| LASIK | Allowed under specific conditions |
Candidates must be in good mental and bodily health, free from any physical defect likely to interfere with discharge of duties. Detailed medical tests cover eyes, ears, nose, teeth, skin, carrying angle, etc.
Number of Attempts in UPSC CAPF AC
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for UPSC CAPF AC examination. Candidates can apply as many times as they want till they attain the upper age limit (including relaxation). This gives aspirants multiple opportunities to improve and clear the highly competitive exam.

