The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit Assistant Commandants (AC) in various security forces. This article aims to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the CAPF exam, covering topics such as eligibility criteria, salary structure, promotions, and frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Details of CAPF Exam
CAPF Exam Eligibility
To be eligible for the CAPF exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens.
- Age Limit: The age of candidates should be between 20 to 25 years.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
CAPF Salary Structure
The salary for CAPF Assistant Commandants varies based on ranks and allowances. Here is an overview of the salary structure:
- Starting In-Hand Salary: Approximately INR 44,135.
- Highest Salary: INR 2,25,000.
- Basic Pay: INR 15,600 for commissioned officers selected through UPSC CAPF.
- Rank: The highest rank in CAPF is Director-General.
CAPF Job Responsibilities
CAPF personnel play a crucial role in maintaining law and order, combating terrorism, and safeguarding national security. Their duties include:
- Maintaining internal security and public order.
- Assisting the state police in handling law and order situations.
- Counter-terrorism operations.
- Guarding sensitive installations and vital infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about CAPF
Q1: What does CAPF stand for?
CAPF stands for Central Armed Police Force. It represents a set of seven security forces in India authorized by the Ministry of Home Affairs. CAPF plays a vital role in defending national interests, primarily against internal threats.
Q2: Can CAPF AC officers become IPS officers?
If CAPF officers are recruited through the same exam as IPS officers, they can be promoted to the IPS at some point in their career.
Q3: Is CAPF AC a Class 1 officer?
Yes, the CAPF Assistant Commandant (AC) is a Grade A officer under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Q4: What is the difference between CAPF and the Indian Army?
The Indian Army comes under the Ministry of Defence and is responsible for external threats and border security. CAPF, on the other hand, comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs and manages internal riots and incidents of violence.
Q5: Does CAPF offer a pension?
Yes, holding that the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are part of the armed forces of the union government, the Delhi High Court has ruled that all employees of these paramilitary forces will be entitled to avail the Old Pension Scheme, similar to the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Q6: What is the retirement age for CAPF AC?
The retirement age for all Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel has been fixed at 60 years by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Q7: How many posts are available in CAPF?
As per the CAPF 2023 notification, there are a total of 253 openings for Assistant Commandants (Group A) in the CAPF, including the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
Q8: What is the promotion structure in CAPF?
The promotion structure in CAPF is as follows:
Assistant Commandant: Promoted to Deputy Commandant in 4-6 years.
Deputy Commandant: Promoted to Commandant in 6-10 years.
Commandant: Promoted to Senior Commandant or Military Officer in 16-20 years.
Q9: Can female candidates apply for CAPF?
Yes, both female and male candidates can apply for the CAPF exam. There are specific medical standards set by UPSC for the desired post through CAPF AC.
The CAPF exam offers a challenging yet rewarding career path for individuals interested in serving the nation’s security forces. By meeting the eligibility criteria, preparing diligently, and staying informed about the exam, candidates can enhance their chances of success. The FAQs provided in this article address common queries and provide valuable insights into the CAPF exam.
Remember to stay focused, prepare well, and stay motivated throughout your CAPF exam journey. Good luck!