Are you aspiring to join the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) as an Assistant Commandant? The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the CAPF Assistant Commandants (AC) examination annually to recruit officers for forces like BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. If you’re preparing for the UPSC CAPF 2026 exam, understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial to ensure your application isn’t rejected. This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about UPSC CAPF eligibility 2026, including nationality, age limits, educational qualifications, physical and medical standards, and more. Based on the patterns from previous years (such as 2025), the criteria are expected to remain consistent, though always check the official notification when released.
Whether you’re searching for “UPSC CAPF age limit 2026,” “CAPF physical standards for females,” or “CAPF AC eligibility details,” we’ve got you covered with full information, tables for easy reference, and an FAQ section at the end.
Nationality Requirements for UPSC CAPF 2026
To be eligible for the UPSC CAPF exam, candidates must meet specific nationality criteria:
- Indian Citizenship: The primary requirement is that candidates must be citizens of India.
- Subjects of Nepal or Bhutan: Individuals who are subjects of Nepal or Bhutan are also eligible, provided they meet other criteria.
- Other Nationalities: Candidates from other countries are not eligible unless they obtain written consent from the Central Government of India.
Note: No person who is not an Indian citizen shall be appointed or employed under these rules without explicit government approval.
Age Limit for UPSC CAPF 2026
The age eligibility for UPSC CAPF 2026 is calculated as of August 1, 2026. Candidates must be at least 20 years old and not more than 25 years old on this date. This means:
- Born not earlier than August 2, 2001.
- Born not later than August 1, 2006.
Age relaxations are provided for reserved categories to promote inclusivity. Here’s a detailed table of age relaxations:
| Category | Relaxation in Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 5 years |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 3 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (including Commissioned Officers and ECOs/SSCOs who have rendered at least 5 years of military service) | 5 years |
| Civilian Central Government Servants (with at least 3 years of service) | 5 years |
| Domiciled in Jammu & Kashmir (from January 1, 1980, to December 31, 1989) | 5 years |
| Children and dependents of victims of 1984 riots or communal riots of 2002 in Gujarat (Unreserved) | 5 years |
| Children and dependents of victims of 1984 riots or communal riots of 2002 in Gujarat (OBC) | 8 years |
| Children and dependents of victims of 1984 riots or communal riots of 2002 in Gujarat (SC/ST) | 10 years |
These relaxations are cumulative in some cases, but candidates must provide valid certificates during verification. Always calculate your eligibility based on your birth date and category.
Educational Qualifications for UPSC CAPF 2026
To apply for the CAPF AC exam, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution. Key points include:
- The degree can be in any discipline (e.g., BA, B.Sc., B.Tech, etc.).
- Degrees from universities established by an Act of Parliament or deemed universities under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, are accepted.
- Technical or professional qualifications recognized by the government as equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree are also valid.
- Final-year students can apply provisionally but must submit proof of passing the degree examination along with the Detailed Application Form (DAF) for the Personality Test/Interview.
There is no minimum percentage requirement in the qualifying degree. Possession of NCC ‘B’ or ‘C’ certificates is desirable and considered during the interview.
Physical Standards for UPSC CAPF 2026
Physical fitness is paramount for CAPF roles. Candidates must meet the minimum physical standards during the Physical Standards Test (PST). Measurements are taken without shoes or clothing that could alter results. Here’s a breakdown:
Height and Weight Standards
| Gender | Minimum Height | Minimum Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 165 cm | 50 kg |
| Female | 157 cm | 46 kg |
- Relaxations in Height: Candidates from hill tribes (e.g., Garhwalis, Kumaonis, Gorkhas, Dogras, Marathas) and certain Northeastern states get a 5 cm relaxation. ST candidates get further relaxations.
- Weight must correspond to height and age. For every additional cm in height beyond the tabled values, add/subtract 0.71 kg.
Chest Measurements (Males Only)
- Unexpanded: 81 cm
- Expanded: 86 cm (minimum expansion of 5 cm required)
Failure to meet these standards leads to disqualification.
Medical Standards for UPSC CAPF 2026
Candidates must be in sound health, free from any defects or diseases. Key medical requirements include:
Vision Standards
| Parameter | Better Eye (Corrected Vision) | Worse Eye (Corrected Vision) |
|---|---|---|
| Distant Vision | 6/6 | 6/12 or 6/9 |
| Near Vision | N6 | N9 |
| Refractive Errors | -4.00 D Myopia to +4.00 D Hypermetropia (including cylinder) |