Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CAPF Exam 2024
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE) for recruitment to the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. The exam also serves as the gateway for entry into the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) – the Assam Rifles, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
This article delves into the eligibility criteria for the CAPF exam in 2024, providing a comprehensive understanding of the requirements for aspiring candidates.
Nationality and Age Limit
- Nationality: Candidates must be a citizen of India.
- Age Limit: The candidate must have been born not earlier than 2nd January 1999 and not later than 1st January 2005.
Note: Age relaxation is applicable for certain categories as per the government norms.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 5 years |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 5 years |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 3 years |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | 10 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per government norms |
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university. There is no specific subject requirement for the CAPF exam.
Note: Candidates appearing for the final year of their Bachelor’s Degree are also eligible to apply. However, they must have passed the qualifying examination by the time of the final selection.
Physical Standards
Candidates must meet the following physical standards:
For Men:
| Parameter | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 165 cm | – |
| Chest (Un-expanded) | 77 cm | – |
| Chest (Expanded) | 82 cm | – |
For Women:
| Parameter | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 157 cm | – |
| Chest (Un-expanded) | 77 cm | – |
| Chest (Expanded) | 82 cm | – |
Note:
- Relaxation in height is provided for candidates belonging to certain categories as per government norms.
- Candidates must be physically fit and medically sound. They will be subjected to a medical examination by a board of medical officers.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Candidates who qualify in the written exam will be required to appear for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET). The PET consists of the following events:
| Event | Minimum Standard (Men) | Minimum Standard (Women) |
|---|---|---|
| Race: 1600 meters | 6 minutes 30 seconds | 8 minutes 30 seconds |
| High Jump: 1.2 meters | 1 meter | |
| Long Jump: 4.5 meters | 3.5 meters | |
| Shot Put: 4.5 kg (16 feet) | 3 kg (14 feet) |
Note:
- Candidates must clear all the events of the PET to qualify for the Medical Examination.
- Relaxation in the PET standards is provided for candidates belonging to certain categories as per government norms.
Medical Examination
Candidates who clear the PET will be subjected to a medical examination by a board of medical officers. The medical examination is conducted to assess the candidate’s overall fitness and suitability for the CAPF.
Note:
- Candidates must be medically fit as per the standards prescribed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Candidates with certain medical conditions may be disqualified.
Other Important Points
- Candidates must be unmarried at the time of application.
- Candidates must be willing to serve anywhere in India.
- Candidates must be of good moral character and conduct.
- Candidates must be able to speak, read and write Hindi and English.
- Candidates must be willing to undergo training at the National Academy of Border Security Forces (NABSF), Ghaziabad.
Table: Eligibility Criteria Summary
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Citizen of India |
| Age Limit | Born between 2nd January 1999 and 1st January 2005 |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university |
| Physical Standards | As per prescribed standards for men and women |
| Physical Efficiency Test (PET) | As per prescribed standards for men and women |
| Medical Examination | Must be medically fit as per prescribed standards |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Willingness to Serve | Anywhere in India |
| Character and Conduct | Good moral character and conduct |
| Language Proficiency | Hindi and English |
| Training | Willingness to undergo training at NABSF, Ghaziabad |
Table: Age Relaxation for Different Categories
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 5 years |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 5 years |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 3 years |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | 10 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per government norms |
Note: The eligibility criteria for the CAPF exam are subject to change. Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification released by the UPSC for the latest information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the age limit for the CAPF exam?
The candidate must have been born not earlier than 2nd January 1999 and not later than 1st January 2005. Age relaxation is applicable for certain categories as per government norms.
2. What is the educational qualification required for the CAPF exam?
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university. There is no specific subject requirement.
3. Is there any relaxation in the height requirement for the CAPF exam?
Yes, relaxation in height is provided for candidates belonging to certain categories as per government norms.
4. What are the events included in the Physical Efficiency Test (PET)?
The PET consists of a 1600 meters race, high jump, long jump, and shot put.
5. What are the minimum standards for the PET?
The minimum standards for the PET vary for men and women. Refer to the official notification for detailed information.
6. What is the medical examination for the CAPF exam?
The medical examination is conducted to assess the candidate’s overall fitness and suitability for the CAPF. Candidates must be medically fit as per the standards prescribed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
7. Is there any age relaxation for Ex-Servicemen?
Yes, age relaxation is provided for Ex-Servicemen as per government norms.
8. Can I apply for the CAPF exam if I am appearing for my final year of Bachelor’s Degree?
Yes, you can apply. However, you must have passed the qualifying examination by the time of the final selection.
9. Is there any specific subject requirement for the CAPF exam?
No, there is no specific subject requirement.
10. Where can I find the latest information about the eligibility criteria for the CAPF exam?
Refer to the official notification released by the UPSC for the latest information.