UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2025 | Complete Exam Pattern, Detailed Subject-wise Topics, Preparation Tips & PDF
Get the detailed UPSC CAPF syllabus 2025 with complete exam overview, subject-wise topics, marks distribution, PDF download, preparation strategy, and recommended books. Prepare effectively for UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant exam with our comprehensive guide.
The UPSC CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) Assistant Commandant exam is a prestigious recruitment process for paramilitary forces like CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, and SSB. To crack this competitive exam, candidates need a deep understanding of the detailed syllabus, exam pattern, and strategic preparation. In this article, we provide the complete UPSC CAPF syllabus 2025, exam overview, subject-wise topics, marks distribution, syllabus PDF download link, recommended books, preparation tips, and career specialization opportunities.
UPSC CAPF 2025: Exam Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | CAPF Assistant Commandant Exam |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Exam Stages | Written Test, Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Interview |
| Total Marks (Written) | 250 Marks |
| Duration | 2 hours per paper |
| Medium | English |
| Negative Marking | 1/3rd marks for incorrect answers |
| Final Merit | Written Exam + Interview |
UPSC CAPF Exam Pattern 2025
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Ability & Intelligence | 125 | 2 Hours | Objective (MCQ) |
| Paper II | General Studies, Essay & Comprehension | 125 | 2 Hours | Descriptive |
Detailed UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2025
Paper I – General Ability & Intelligence
| Section | Topics | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Mental Ability | Reasoning, Numerical Aptitude, Series, Puzzle, Coding | 25 |
| General Science | Physics, Chemistry, Biology (basic) | 15 |
| Current Events | National and International Affairs, Awards, Sports, Science | 20 |
| History of India | Ancient, Medieval, Modern, Freedom Struggle | 15 |
| Indian Polity & Governance | Constitution, Parliament, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy | 15 |
| Geography | Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic | 15 |
| Indian Economy | Growth, Development, Budgeting, Agriculture | 10 |
| General Knowledge | Facts, Current Affairs, Government Schemes | 10 |
Paper II – General Studies, Essay & Comprehension
| Section | Description | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Essay Writing | Essay on national, social, and global issues | 50 |
| General Studies | Indian Polity, History, Geography, Economy | 50 |
| Comprehension | Passages, précis, grammar, vocabulary | 25 |
Download UPSC CAPF Syllabus PDF
Click below to download the official syllabus PDF for UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant 2025:
Download UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2025 PDF
Recommended Books for UPSC CAPF 2025
| Subject | Book Name | Author / Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| General Science | NCERT Science Books (Class 6–10) | NCERT |
| History | India’s Struggle for Independence | Bipan Chandra |
| Polity | Indian Polity | M. Laxmikanth |
| Geography | Certificate Physical & Human Geography | G.C. Leong |
| Economy | Indian Economy | Ramesh Singh |
| Current Affairs | Manorama Yearbook, The Hindu | Various |
| Essay & Grammar | High School English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin |
UPSC CAPF Preparation Tips
- Know the Syllabus: Begin by fully understanding the exam pattern and syllabus.
- Plan Your Time: Divide your day for Paper I, Paper II, and Physical training.
- Read Newspapers Daily: Focus on The Hindu or Indian Express for current affairs.
- Use NCERTs: Build your base using NCERT books for History, Science, and Geography.
- Practice Mock Tests: Regularly attempt test series to analyze progress.
- Revise Weekly: Dedicate time every week to revise key facts and formulas.
- Focus on Physical Fitness: PET is mandatory, so include regular physical training.
Career & Specialization After Selection
Selected candidates are commissioned as Assistant Commandants in paramilitary forces such as:
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
- Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
- Border Security Force (BSF)
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
- Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
The job involves commanding troops, internal security, anti-insurgency operations, border management, and disaster response. Promotions are based on seniority and departmental exams, with a scope for high-ranking leadership roles in the future.
FAQs – UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2025
Q1. What are the subjects in the UPSC CAPF syllabus?
Paper I includes General Ability & Intelligence (Reasoning, GK, Science, History, Polity). Paper II includes General Studies, Essay & Comprehension.
Q2. Is there negative marking in Paper I?
Yes, 1/3rd mark is deducted for each incorrect answer in Paper I (objective).
Q3. Is the syllabus similar to the UPSC Civil Services exam?
It overlaps in areas like History, Polity, Economy, and Current Affairs, but CAPF focuses more on mental ability and physical readiness.
Q4. How to prepare for the essay paper?
Read newspapers daily, practice writing essays weekly, and use previous years’ questions for reference.
Q5. Are NCERT books sufficient for preparation?
NCERTs are a good starting point, but advanced books like Laxmikanth (Polity) and Ramesh Singh (Economy) are also recommended.
Q6. Is physical training part of the written exam?
No, but physical fitness is crucial for the PET round after clearing the written test.
Q7. Where can I download the official syllabus PDF?
You can download it from the UPSC official website or click here.
Conclusion
The UPSC CAPF Syllabus 2025 covers a wide array of topics including general intelligence, science, polity, history, geography, and essay writing. A structured and strategic approach, along with the right set of books and consistent preparation, can help you ace this exam. Don’t forget the importance of physical fitness and mental agility in both the written and PET rounds. Download the syllabus PDF, follow a disciplined study plan, and take one step closer to joining India’s elite paramilitary forces as an Assistant Commandant.
Have any questions or need a personalized preparation strategy? Drop a comment below!
