CAPF Assistant Commandants Examination 2018

Introduction

The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Assistant Commandants Examination is a prestigious national-level competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This examination serves as a gateway for individuals seeking promising careers as Assistant Commandants in various central armed police forces across India. The 2018 edition of this examination attracted thousands of aspirants aiming to serve the nation through these uniformed services.

Overview of CAPF

The Central Armed Police Forces of India comprise five prestigious security forces: Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). These forces play crucial roles in maintaining internal security, guarding borders, and protecting critical infrastructure across the nation. The position of Assistant Commandant is a gazetted officer rank in these forces, offering candidates a challenging yet rewarding career path.

2018 Examination Details

The CAPF Assistant Commandants Examination for 2018 followed the comprehensive pattern established by UPSC, consisting of written examination, physical and medical standards tests, and interview/personality test. The notification for the 2018 examination was released in April 2018, with the application process commencing shortly thereafter.

Eligibility Criteria

Aspiring candidates for the CAPF Assistant Commandants Examination 2018 were required to meet specific eligibility conditions:

• Nationality: Must be a citizen of India
• Age Limit: Candidates should have been aged between 20 to 25 years as on August 1, 2018. Upper age relaxations applied for candidates belonging to SC/ST categories (5 years), OBC (3 years), and Central Government employees (5 years).
• Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree from a recognized university or equivalent qualification.

Examination Pattern

The CAPF Assistant Commandants Examination 2018 comprised three distinct stages:

Stage 1: Written Examination

The written examination consisted of two papers:

Paper	Subject	Duration	Maximum Marks
Paper I	General Ability and Intelligence	2 Hours	250 Marks
Paper II	General Studies, Essay and Comprehension	3 Hours	200 Marks

Paper I tested candidates' knowledge across topics including General Science, Current Events of National and International Importance, History of India, Indian Polity and Economy, Geography of India and the World, and General Mental Ability.

Paper II assessed candidates' ability to write in English precisely, their analytical capabilities, and general awareness. The paper included essay writing, prcis writing, and comprehension exercises.

Stage 2: Physical Standards and Physical Efficiency Tests

Candidates qualifying the written examination were called for Physical Standards Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET). The PST involved measurement of height, chest expansion, and weight verification. The PET included physical activities such as:

• 100 meters race: Male candidates: 16 seconds, Female candidates: 18 seconds
• 800 meters race: Male candidates: 3 minutes 45 seconds, Female candidates: 4 minutes 45 seconds
• Long Jump: Male candidates: 3.5 meters (3 chances), Female candidates: 3 meters (3 chances)
• Shot Put (7.26 kg): Male candidates: 4.5 meters

Stage 3: Interview/Personality Test

The final stage was the Interview/Personality Test worth 150 marks. This test assessed candidates' intelligence, alertness, initiative, confidence, leadership qualities, and ability to handle emergencies and adverse situations.

Application Process for 2018

Interested candidates applied for the CAPF Assistant Commandants Examination 2018 through the UPSC's official website. The application process, which began after the release of the official notification, involved registration, filling personal and educational details, uploading required documents, and fee payment. The examination fee was 200 for General/OBC candidates, while SC/ST candidates and female candidates were exempted from fee payment.

Preparation Strategy

Successful candidates of the CAPF Assistant Commandants Examination 2018 typically followed a comprehensive preparation strategy:

• Thorough coverage of NCERT books for basic concepts in History, Geography, Science, and Polity
• Regular reading of newspapers and periodicals for current affairs
• Practice of previous years' question papers
• Mock tests to improve time management
• Physical fitness training to prepare for the Physical Efficiency Test
• Theoretical and practical preparation for the interview round

Career Prospects

Assistant Commandants in the Central Armed Police Forces enjoy excellent career progression opportunities. Starting as Assistant Commandants (equivalent to Deputy Superintendent of Police), officers can rise to senior ranks such as Commandant, Inspector General, and even Director General of their respective forces. The role offers opportunities for specialized postings, deputations to other central organizations, and exposure to diverse challenges across India's varied security landscape.

Important Dates for 2018 Examination Cycle

Post-Examination Process

Following the written examination, UPSC released the list of qualified candidates for the Physical Standards and Physical Efficiency Tests. Candidates successfully clearing these stages appeared for the Interview/Personality Test. The final merit list was prepared considering candidates' performance in the written examination (Papers I and II) and the interview. The Union Public Service Commission officially declared the final result in September 2019, appointing successful candidates to various Central Armed Police Forces based on their preferences and rankings.

Training

Candidates selected through the CAPF Assistant Commandants Examination 2018 underwent specialized training at designated training academies. The duration and curriculum of training varied among different forces but generally included theoretical knowledge about security challenges, physical conditioning, weapons training, leadership development, and administrative procedures relevant to the specific force's mandate.

Challenges and Rewards

A career as an Assistant Commandant in the Central Armed Police Forces comes with its unique set of challenges and rewards. Officers often serve in challenging environments, including border areas, conflict zones, and regions affected by insurgency. They play crucial roles in combating terrorism, maintaining law and order during crises, disaster management, and protecting critical infrastructure. Despite the demanding nature of the job, the position offers job security, opportunities for growth, and the satisfaction of serving the nation directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: How many attempts are allowed for CAPF Assistant Commandants Examination?
   A: There is no specific limit on the number of attempts as long as candidates meet the age criteria.
2. Q: Is there any negative marking in the CAPF written examination?
   A: Yes, negative marking of 1/3rd of the marks assigned to a question is applied for wrong answers.
3. Q: Can female candidates apply for CAPF Assistant Commandants Examination?
   A: Yes, female candidates meeting the eligibility criteria can apply and were recruited for various forces through the 2018 examination.
4. Q: What is the salary of an Assistant Commandant?
   A: As of 2018, the Pay Band for an Assistant Commandant was 15,600-39,100 with Grade Pay of 5,400, along with various allowances.