Overview

The Union Public Service Commission has officially released the provisional answer key for the Central Armed Police Forces Assistant Commandant Examination 2026. This release pertains to the objective-type Paper 1, which covers General Ability and Intelligence, conducted on 19 July 2026. Candidates who participated in this recruitment drive can now access the set-wise answer keys to evaluate their performance and estimate their potential scores.

Key Responsibilities

• Candidates should download the specific answer key corresponding to their question booklet series (A, B, C, or D).
• Review the official responses against the answers marked during the examination to identify discrepancies.
• Calculate the expected score by applying the negative marking criteria for incorrect responses.
• Submit formal representations or objections through the official UPSC portal if any answer is found to be factually incorrect.
• Monitor the official website for the release of the final answer key following the review of all submitted objections.
• Prepare for subsequent stages of the selection process, including physical and medical tests, based on the estimated performance.

Why Apply

The CAPF AC role offers a prestigious career path in the central armed forces, providing significant opportunities for leadership and national service. Successful candidates benefit from structured career progression, competitive pay scales, and comprehensive service benefits associated with gazetted officer positions in the Indian government.

Important Dates

• Written Exam Date: 19 July 2026
• Provisional Answer Key Release: 22 July 2026

Quick Facts

• Conducting Body: UPSC
• Total Vacancies: 349
• Exam Type: Objective (Paper 1) and Descriptive (Paper 2)
• Negative Marking: 1/3 mark per wrong answer

The selection process for the UPSC CAPF AC 2026 consists of multiple rigorous stages designed to assess the candidate's aptitude, physical fitness, and leadership potential. The process begins with the written examination, comprising Paper 1 (General Ability and Intelligence) and Paper 2 (General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension).

Candidates who qualify in the written examination are shortlisted for the Physical Standards Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET). Those who successfully clear the physical tests proceed to the Medical Standards Test (MST) to ensure they meet the health requirements for the armed forces. The final stage is the Interview/Personality Test, which evaluates the candidate's suitability for the role. A final merit list is prepared based on the combined performance in the written exam and the interview.

• Total Vacancies: 349
• Post: Assistant Commandant (AC)

1. Navigate to the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in.
2. Locate the 'Examinations' tab on the main navigation menu.
3. Select the 'Answer Keys' option from the dropdown list.
4. Find the link labeled 'Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2026'.
5. Click on the link to access the Paper 1 answer key PDF.
6. Identify the correct booklet series (A, B, C, or D) and download the file.
7. Save the document to your device for score calculation and future reference.