UPSC CAPF (AC): papers, duration, marks and negative marking
The UPSC CAPF (Assistant Commandants) written examination has two papers: Paper I, General Ability and Intelligence (250 marks, 2 hours, objective), and Paper II, General Studies, Essay and Comprehension (200 marks, 3 hours), per the CAPF (ACs) 2026 notice.
Scheme of the written examination
| Paper | Type | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence | Objective (multiple-choice), set in English and Hindi | 2 hours | 250 |
| Paper II: General Studies, Essay and Comprehension | Essay, précis writing and comprehension; the essay may be written in English or Hindi, the other components in English only | 3 hours | 200 |
Marking and qualifying rules
- Penalty for wrong answers in the objective paper: 1/3 of the marks assigned to the question is deducted for each wrong answer.
- There are minimum qualifying marks separately in each paper, fixed by the Commission at its discretion.
- Paper I is evaluated first; Paper II is evaluated only for candidates who obtain the minimum qualifying marks in Paper I.
- Candidates who qualify in the written examination are called for Physical Standards Tests and Physical Efficiency Tests.
- Figures are from UPSC Examination Notice No. 08/2026-CAPF; check the notice for the year you sit.
Frequently asked questions
- How many papers are there in the UPSC CAPF AC written exam?
- Two: Paper I (250 marks, 2 hours, objective) and Paper II (200 marks, 3 hours).
- Is there negative marking in CAPF AC Paper I?
- Yes. For each wrong answer in the objective paper, 1/3 of the marks assigned to that question is deducted.
- Is Paper II evaluated for every candidate?
- No. Paper I is evaluated first, and Paper II is evaluated only for candidates who obtain the minimum qualifying marks in Paper I.