CAPF Recruitment 2026: Latest Vacancies, Syllabus & Exam Pattern

CAPF Recruitment 2026: Overview

The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) is a collective term for the paramilitary forces of India tasked with various internal security duties. These forces include the Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Security Guard (NSG), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). Recruitment for various posts within these forces happens regularly, and aspiring candidates can look forward to significant opportunities in 2026.

Job Profile & Responsibilities

The specific duties within CAPFs vary depending on the force and the role. Generally, personnel are responsible for:

• Border Security: Guarding India's land borders.
• Internal Security Duties: Countering terrorism, insurgency, and maintaining law and order, often in challenging environments.
• VIP Security: Providing protection to high-profile individuals and sensitive installations (especially CISF).
• Disaster Management: Assisting in rescue and relief operations during natural calamities.
• Training and Operations: Maintaining high levels of physical and tactical readiness, participating in various security operations.

Eligibility Criteria (Detailed) for CAPF 2026

Candidates must meet the following criteria to be eligible for CAPF recruitment:

• Educational Qualification: Varies significantly by post. For Assistant Commandants (ACs) through UPSC, a Bachelor's degree is mandatory. For Constable/Head Constable/Sub-Inspector posts through SSC or individual forces, 10th Pass or 12th Pass qualifications are usually required, sometimes with specific streams.
• Age Limit: Typically between 18 to 25 years for entry-level posts (Constable/GD), with relaxations applicable for SC/ST (5 years) and OBC (3 years) candidates as per government norms. Officer posts (ACs) usually have an age limit of up to 25 or 27 years, also with relaxations.
• Physical Standards: Strict physical requirements including minimum height, chest (unexpanded and expanded), and weight standards, which can vary slightly between forces and genders. Candidates must also meet specific vision standards.
• Nationality: Must be a citizen of India.

Selection Process & Exam Pattern for CAPF 2026

The selection process is rigorous and generally involves multiple stages:

1. Phase I: Written Examination: This usually comprises Paper-I (General Intelligence, Reasoning, General Knowledge, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension) and Paper-II (General Studies, Essay, Comprehension - for officer posts) or specific subject papers depending on the recruitment.
2. Phase II: Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Tests running, long jump, high jump, shot put, etc., to assess physical fitness.
3. Phase III: Physical Standard Test (PST): Medical examination to ensure candidates meet the required physical standards.
4. Phase IV: Interview/Personality Test: For officer-level posts, assessing candidates' suitability for leadership roles.
5. Document Verification: Verification of all original documents.

Key Topics to Focus On: General Awareness, Current Affairs, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, English Comprehension, and specific subjects related to the role (e.g., Physics, Chemistry for technical posts).

Salary Structure & Allowances

CAPF personnel receive competitive salaries as per the 7th Pay Commission. The salary structure is based on the Pay Commission's levels:

• Basic Pay: Ranges from Pay Level-3 (around Rs. 21,700 - Rs. 69,100) for Constables to Pay Level-10 (around Rs. 56,100 - Rs. 1,77,500) and higher for officers.
• Allowances: In addition to basic pay, CAPF employees receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), risk and hardship allowances, and other special duty allowances based on their posting and nature of work.
• Grade Pay: Applicable for certain posts, contributing to the overall salary.

How to Apply for CAPF Vacancies 2026

Application procedures depend on the recruiting authority:

• UPSC: For Assistant Commandants (ACs) in CAPFs (BSF, CRPF, ITBP, BSF, SSB), notifications are released on the UPSC official website (upsc.gov.in). Candidates must register and apply online through the UPSC portal.
• Staff Selection Commission (SSC): For Constable (General Duty) posts in various CAPFs, notifications are released on the SSC website (ssc.nic.in). Applications are submitted online via the SSC portal.
• Individual Forces: Some specialized roles or direct recruitment for NCO/SO ranks might be announced through individual CAPF websites (e.g., crpf.gov.in, bsf.nic.in, etc.). Candidates should regularly check these specific force portals.

Always refer to the official notification for exact dates, eligibility, and application links.