The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the syllabus for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Assistant Commandant (AC) Exam 2024. The examination will be conducted to recruit 506 Assistant Commandants in the paramilitary forces, including BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. Scheduled for August 4, 2024, the selection process involves multiple stages: Written Exams, Physical Standards/Physical Efficiency Tests, Medical Standards Tests, and Interview/Personality Tests. This comprehensive guide details the exam pattern and syllabus for the UPSC CAPF AC Exam 2024, including preparation tips and strategies for success.
Overview of UPSC CAPF AC Exam 2024
The UPSC CAPF AC Exam consists of three stages:
- Stage I: Written Test
- Stage II: Physical and Medical Exam
- Stage III: Interview/Personality Test
The written exam, the first stage of the selection process, will be conducted on August 4, 2024.
CAPF AC Exam Pattern 2024
The written test comprises two papers:
- Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence
- Paper II: General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension
Below is the detailed exam pattern for both papers:
Exam Pattern of UPSC CAPF AC Examination
| Particulars | Paper-I | Paper-II |
|---|---|---|
| Name of Paper | General Ability and Intelligence | General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension |
| Type of Paper | Objective | Descriptive |
| Mode of Examination | Offline | Offline |
| Total Marks | 250 | 200 |
| Duration of Exam | 2 hours | 3 hours |
| Timings of Exam | 10 AM – 12 PM | 2 PM – 5 PM |
| Number of Questions | 125 | 7 |
| Marks for Each Answer | 2 | 50 |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 | None |
UPSC CAPF AC Paper-Wise Syllabus 2024
The syllabus for the UPSC CAPF AC Exam 2024 is divided into two papers:
General Ability and Intelligence: Paper I
This paper consists of objective-type questions covering various subjects. The detailed syllabus is as follows:
General Mental Ability
- Logical reasoning
- Quantitative ability, including numerical ability
- Interpretation of data
General Science
- Developing a scientific temperament
- Observations of scientific phenomena
- Emerging fields: information technology, biotechnology, environmental science
Current Events of National and International Importance
- National and international events
- Areas: culture, music, arts, literature, sports, governance, societal issues, industry, business, globalization, international relations
Indian Polity and Economy
- India’s political system and constitution
- Political structure, social systems, public administration
- Economic development, security issues, human rights
Indian History
- Freedom movement in India
- Five Year Plans, Panchayati Raj, cooperatives, community development
- Nationalism and historical movements for freedom
Indian and World Geography
- Earth science and geography: Earth’s structure, latitudes, longitudes, time zones
- Natural phenomena: earthquakes, volcanoes, ocean currents, climate patterns
- Atmospheric processes: temperature, pressure, winds, cyclones, humidity
General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension: Paper II
This paper includes descriptive-type questions that test the candidate’s language proficiency, comprehension, and essay-writing skills.
Part A: Essay
Candidates can write essays in Hindi or English on the following topics:
- Modern Indian history, especially the freedom struggle
- Geography
- Polity
- Economy
- Security and human rights issues
- Analytical ability
Part B: Comprehension, Précis Writing, and Other Communication/Language Skills
These questions must be answered in English, covering:
- Comprehension passages
- Précis writing
- Developing counterarguments
- Simple grammar and other language skills
Preparation Tips for UPSC CAPF AC Exam 2024
Here are some essential preparation tips for the UPSC CAPF AC Exam 2024:
1. Prepare Yourself
- Mental and Physical Readiness: Ensure you are both mentally and physically prepared for the rigorous journey ahead.
- Achievable Goals: Set realistic and achievable goals.
- Time Management: Plan and manage your time efficiently.
2. Understand the Exam
- Structured Study Plan: Create a well-structured study plan that covers all subjects and topics.
- Dedicated Study Hours: Allocate specific study hours each day for different subjects.
3. Know the UPSC CAPF Syllabus
- Detailed Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the detailed syllabus to understand the included subjects and their importance.
4. Stay Updated with Current Affairs
- Regular Reading: Read newspapers, watch the news, and follow reliable current affairs sources regularly.
5. Create a Study Timetable
- Organized Schedule: Establish a comfortable and organized study schedule to streamline your preparation.
- Positive Results: A timetable helps in organizing academic activities and achieving positive results.
6. Practice Previous Year’s Question Papers
- Past Exam Questions: Solve past year’s exam questions to understand the exam format and syllabus thoroughly.
Additional Preparation Tips
Essay Writing
Essay writing is a way to express thoughts and ideas on a particular topic. It involves organizing thoughts into paragraphs with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
Practice Topics for Essay Writing
- Unemployment and New Education Policy
- Work from home: A Boon or Bane
- Women in Indian Armed Forces
- Price Rise
Arguments For and Against
In this section, candidates must write points supporting or opposing a given topic.
Practice Topics for Arguments For and Against
- Modified crops are necessary for food sufficiency
- Video games sharpen the mind
Report Writing
Report writing involves communicating information in an organized manner, free from biases or personal opinions.
Practice Topics for Report Writing
- Depletion of Water Table in Major Cities
- Green Energy Progress in India
- Increasing Presence of Women in Sports
Precis Writing
Precis writing requires rewriting a given passage concisely while maintaining the main points and ideas.
Comprehension and Passage
This section involves answering questions based on provided passages. Regular reading of newspapers can be beneficial.
Rewriting of Sentences
In this section, candidates must correct grammatically incorrect sentences.
CAPF AC Interview/Personality Test
Candidates who clear the written exam and physical efficiency test are invited for an interview and personality test. The interview is worth 150 marks. The Union Public Service Commission will contact candidates who pass the Medical Standard Tests to arrange the interview and personality test. Candidates who are medically unfit but permitted to appear before a “Review Medical Board” will also need to undergo interviews and personality tests.
Conclusion
The UPSC CAPF AC Exam 2024 is a comprehensive and challenging exam that tests a candidate’s mental, physical, and intellectual abilities. By understanding the detailed syllabus and exam pattern, creating a structured study plan, and staying updated with current affairs, candidates can enhance their chances of success. Dedication, consistency, and strategic preparation are key to cracking this prestigious exam and securing a position as an Assistant Commandant in the paramilitary forces.
FAQs
1. Is there negative marking in the UPSC CAPF AC Exam?
Yes, there is negative marking in Paper I. For each incorrect answer, one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted.
2. Can I write the essay in Paper II in Hindi?
Yes, candidates can write the essay in Part A of Paper II in either Hindi or English.
3. What is the weightage of the interview/personality test in the selection process?
The interview/personality test carries 150 marks.
4. Who is eligible to appear for the UPSC CAPF AC Exam?
Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria related to age, educational qualification, and physical standards as specified by the UPSC to appear for the CAPF AC Exam.
5. How can I stay updated with current affairs for the UPSC CAPF AC Exam?
To stay updated with current affairs, regularly read newspapers, watch news channels, and follow reliable current affairs sources online.
