The CAPF AC selection process has three distinct stages. All three are eliminatory – candidates failing any stage are not considered for subsequent stages. The entire process from written exam to final joining takes approximately 10–14 months.
Stage-by-Stage Selection
- Stage 1 – Written Examination: Paper I (250 marks, objective) + Paper II (200 marks, descriptive). Shortlists candidates for Physical Tests based on Paper I merit. Paper II evaluated only for shortlisted candidates.
- Stage 2 – Physical Standards Test (PST) & Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Held at regional venues. PST verifies height, weight, chest. PET tests running, jumping, and shot put performance (qualifying only – no merit marks). Candidates failing PST/PET are eliminated.
- Stage 3 – Medical Examination: Detailed medical check at designated paramilitary hospitals. Candidates found medically unfit are eliminated or referred to Review Medical Board.
- Stage 4 – Personality Test (Interview): 150 marks. Conducted by a UPSC Board at New Delhi. Tests general awareness, leadership potential, communication skills, and suitability for paramilitary service.
- Final Merit: Paper I (250) + Paper II (200) + Interview (150) = 600 marks total.
Force-Wise Posting & Work Profile
| Force | Primary Role | Key Posting Locations |
|---|---|---|
| BSF | Border guarding (India-Pakistan & India-Bangladesh) | Rajasthan, Punjab, Bengal, North-East |
| CRPF | Internal security, anti-Naxal, election duty | Pan-India (Red Corridor, Kashmir, North-East) |
| CISF | Security of airports, ports, nuclear plants, PSUs | Major cities, industrial areas |
| ITBP | India-China border, high altitude mountaineering | Himachal, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, Arunachal |
| SSB | India-Nepal & India-Bhutan border management | Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal, North-East |
CAPF AC Pay Scale (7th CPC)
| Rank | Pay Level | Basic Pay | Approx. In-Hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Commandant | Level 10 | ₹56,100 | ₹75,000–₹90,000 |
| Deputy Commandant | Level 11 | ₹67,700 | ₹90,000–₹1,10,000 |
| Commandant | Level 13 | ₹1,23,100 | ₹1,55,000–₹1,80,000 |
| Inspector General (IG) | Level 14 | ₹1,44,200 | ₹1,85,000+ |