Want to become an Assistant Commandant? Old UPSC CAPF papers are one of the best places to begin. They show you that this exam is not only about general knowledge. You also have to write well.
Let us look at the two papers and how to practise each one. See more on our Question Papers page.
Quick Details
| Point | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam | UPSC CAPF (Assistant Commandants) |
| Paper I | 250 marks |
| Paper II | 200 marks |
| Later Stages | PET and Medical, then Interview |
How the Two Papers Differ
| Point | Paper I | Paper II |
|---|---|---|
| Name | General Ability and Intelligence | General Studies, Essay and Comprehension |
| Skill Needed | Quick thinking and knowledge | Clear writing and understanding |
| Best Practice | Timed question solving | Writing by hand |
Where to Get the Papers
Your safest source is the UPSC website. Please go to its previous question papers page and look for CAPF (Assistant Commandants).
| Type of File | Is It the Real Paper? |
|---|---|
| From the UPSC website | Yes |
| Memory-based | No, students recalled it |
| Model paper | No, someone wrote it for practice |
| Mock test | No, it is only practice |
Download on Your Phone
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open the UPSC page in your browser |
| 2 | Find CAPF and your year |
| 3 | Tap the PDF |
| 4 | Look in Downloads or Files |
Download on a Computer
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open the same page |
| 2 | Press Ctrl + F and type CAPF |
| 3 | Open the PDF and save it |
How to Practise Paper I
These are our suggestions, and they are not from UPSC.
| Tip | Why |
|---|---|
| Solve one full paper on a timer | You will learn your real speed |
| Note the areas you get wrong | Your study plan builds itself |
| Practise reasoning regularly | Speed takes time to build |
| Read the news daily | It helps with general ability |
How to Practise Paper II
Many students read model essays and feel ready, but they have not written anything. Please do not do this. Writing is a skill that needs practice.
| Week | Try This |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Write one short essay a week, by hand |
| Week 2 onwards | Add a comprehension passage |
| Monthly | Write under full timed conditions |
Keep every essay in one file. After a few months, read your first one again. You will be surprised at how much you have improved.
How to Check Your Own Work
For Paper I, check whether you did not know a fact or simply misread the question. Please check the official notification for the marking scheme before you score yourself.
For Paper II, ask a teacher or a serious friend to read your essay. Ask them two things: is it clear, and does it stay on the topic? Then rewrite it.
Do Not Forget Your Fitness
After the written exam come physical and medical tests, and then an interview. Start light running now. You will thank yourself later.
Important Links
| Link | Open |
|---|---|
| UPSC Papers Page | Click Here |
| UPSC Website | Click Here |
You may also like: SAI Softball Technical Officials 2026 and our Syllabus page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which paper should I start with?
Try one of each to see where you stand.
Do I need to write essays by hand?
Yes, practise by hand, as you need that skill for Paper II.
Can I rely only on mock tests?
Use them, but please start with official past papers.
What comes after the written exam?
PET and Medical tests, and then an interview.