Notification Date: 15 March 2025
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released Examination Notice No. 09/2025-CAPF, inviting applications for the Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination 2025. This examination offers an opportunity to serve as Assistant Commandants (Group A) in esteemed forces such as the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Below is a comprehensive overview of the recruitment process.
Important Dates
Application Period: March 5, 2025, to March 25, 2025 (until 6:00 PM)
Correction Window: March 26, 2025, to April 1, 2025
Written Examination: August 3, 2025
Applications must be submitted online via the official portal: https://upsconline.gov.in. No other mode of submission will be accepted.
Vacancy Details
A total of 357 tentative vacancies are to be filled, distributed as follows:
BSF: 24
CRPF: 204
CISF: 92
ITBP: 4
SSB: 33
These figures are provisional and subject to revision. Additionally, 10% of vacancies are reserved for ex-servicemen, with unfilled positions reallocated to non-ex-servicemen candidates.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following conditions:
Nationality: Must be a citizen of India. Exceptions for subjects of Nepal or Bhutan require written consent from the Central Government.
Age Limit: Between 20 and 25 years as of August 1, 2025 (born between August 2, 2000, and August 1, 2005). Relaxations include:
Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes: Up to 5 years
Other Backward Classes: Up to 3 years
Civilian Central Government Servants/Ex-Servicemen: Up to 5 years
Educational Qualification: A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent. Candidates appearing for their final examination in 2025 may apply, subject to submitting proof of qualification later.
Physical Standards:
Men: Minimum height 165 cm, chest 81 cm (with 5 cm expansion), weight 50 kg.
Women: Minimum height 157 cm, weight 46 kg.
Detailed medical standards are outlined in Appendix-V of the notice.
Application Process
Registration: Candidates must first register on the One-Time Registration (OTR) platform at https://upsconline.gov.in, a one-time requirement valid for all future UPSC examinations.
Submission: Complete the online application, upload a Photo ID (e.g., Aadhaar Card, Voter Card), and a recent photograph (taken no earlier than 10 days prior to March 5, 2025, with name and date visible).
Fee: Rs. 200 for General/OBC/EWS candidates, payable via SBI cash, Visa/Master/RuPay cards, UPI, or net banking. Female candidates and those from SC/ST categories are exempt.
Corrections to the application are permitted only during the designated window from March 26 to April 1, 2025.
Examination Structure
The selection process comprises:
Written Examination (August 3, 2025):
Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence (250 marks, objective type, with negative marking).
Paper II: General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension (200 marks, descriptive).
Physical Standards/Physical Efficiency Tests: Qualifying stage.
Interview/Personality Test: 150 marks.
Medical Standards Test: Conducted for candidates clearing the interview stage.
Final merit will be determined by aggregating scores from the written examination and interview.
Examination Centers
The examination will be conducted across 47 centers in India, including Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and others. Allocation follows a “first-apply, first-allot” policy, with a cap on candidates per center (except Chennai, Dispur, Kolkata, and Nagpur). Early application is advised to secure a preferred location.
Additional Information
Fee Exemption: Applicable to Female, SC, and ST candidates only.
NCC Advantage: Possession of NCC ‘B’ or ‘C’ certificates is a desirable qualification, considered during the interview.
Support: For assistance, contact the UPSC Helpline at 011-24041001 (10:00 AM–5:30 PM, working days).
Conclusion
The CAPF 2025 examination is a prestigious opportunity to join India’s premier internal security forces. Aspiring candidates are encouraged to review the detailed notice on https://www.upsc.gov.in, ensure eligibility, and submit applications promptly. The Government of India emphasizes gender diversity, and women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.
Prepare diligently, adhere to deadlines, and take the first step toward a distinguished career in service of the nation.
Below are 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) based on the UPSC CAPF 2025 Examination notice. These are designed to address common queries aspirants might have, written in a formal yet accessible tone for a website audience.
10 FAQs About UPSC CAPF 2025 Examination
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the notification for the Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandants) Examination 2025. To assist aspirants, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions regarding this prestigious recruitment process.
1. What is the last date to apply for the CAPF 2025 Exam?
The deadline for submitting online applications is March 25, 2025, until 6:00 PM. Applications must be filed through https://upsconline.gov.in, and no other mode is accepted.
2. When and where will the written examination be held?
The written examination is scheduled for August 3, 2025, and will be conducted across 47 centers in India, including Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. Center allocation is based on a “first-apply, first-allot” basis, subject to capacity limits.
3. Who is eligible to apply for the CAPF 2025 Exam?
Candidates must:
- Be Indian citizens (exceptions for Nepal/Bhutan subjects with Central Government approval).
- Be aged 20–25 years as of August 1, 2025 (born between August 2, 2000, and August 1, 2005), with relaxations for reserved categories.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree or be in the final year of obtaining one by 2025.
- Meet physical standards (e.g., men: 165 cm height; women: 157 cm height).
4. How many vacancies are available in CAPF 2025?
A tentative total of 357 vacancies will be filled:
- BSF: 24
- CRPF: 204
- CISF: 92
- ITBP: 4
- SSB: 33
These numbers may be revised, and 10% are reserved for ex-servicemen.
5. What is the application fee, and who is exempt?
The fee is Rs. 200, payable via cash at SBI, Visa/Master/RuPay cards, UPI, or net banking. Female candidates and those from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) are exempt. OBC and EWS candidates must pay the full amount.
6. Can I edit my application after submission?
Yes, corrections are allowed during the correction window from March 26, 2025, to April 1, 2025. Changes to the One-Time Registration (OTR) profile are permitted only once in a lifetime, within 7 days after the application window closes for your first exam.
7. What is the exam pattern for CAPF 2025?
The selection process includes:
- Written Exam: Paper I (General Ability and Intelligence, 250 marks, objective) and Paper II (General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension, 200 marks, descriptive).
- Physical Standards/Physical Efficiency Tests: Qualifying stage.
- Interview/Personality Test: 150 marks.
- Medical Standards Test: Final eligibility check.
Merit is based on written and interview scores combined.
8. What documents do I need to apply?
You’ll need:
- A valid Photo ID (e.g., Aadhaar, Voter Card, PAN, Passport).
- A recent photograph (taken within 10 days of March 5, 2025, with name and date visible).
- Educational qualification proof (or proof of appearing, if in final year).
- For OTR changes (if applicable): Matriculation certificate, ID proof, photo, and undertaking.
9. Are there any physical or medical standards I should know about?
Yes, candidates must meet:
- Physical Standards: Men: 165 cm height, 81 cm chest (with 5 cm expansion), 50 kg weight; Women: 157 cm height, 46 kg weight.
- Medical Standards: Eye sight (e.g., 6/6 or 6/9 better eye), no chronic diseases, sound hearing, etc. (see Appendix-V for details).
LASIK surgery is allowed with specific criteria (e.g., 6-month post-operative stability).
10. What happens if I lose access to my registered mobile number or email ID?
If you lose access to both your registered mobile number and email ID, email a request to otr-upsc@gov.in with:
- Matriculation Certificate
- Aadhaar/PAN/Passport/Driving License
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Undertaking (Appendix-VII format)
For single access loss (e.g., mobile only), an OTP will be sent to the remaining registered contact.
For further details, refer to the official notice on https://www.upsc.gov.in or contact the UPSC Helpline at 011-24041001 (10:00 AM–5:30 PM, weekdays). Prepare thoroughly and apply early to secure your chance to serve the nation!