Police & Paramilitary Exams
Police and paramilitary exams are competitive recruitment exams conducted to hire personnel for various law enforcement and security agencies in India. These include state police forces, central armed police forces (CAPFs) like CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, and specialized forces such as Assam Rifles and NIA.
These exams are held at state and central levels and are generally conducted by agencies like:
SSC (Staff Selection Commission) – for CAPF (Constable, Sub-Inspector)
UPSC – for Assistant Commandant (CAPF)
State Police Recruitment Boards – for Constable & Sub-Inspector (SI) in each state
Popular Exams
| Exam / Force | Conducting Body | Posts | Eligibility | Selection Process | Key Subjects |
|---|
| CAPF (AC) | UPSC | Assistant Commandant (Group A Officer) | Graduation, Age 20–25 | Written (Paper I & II), PET, Medical, Interview | GK, Reasoning, Essay, Comprehension |
| State Police SI / Constable | State Police Boards / PSCs | Sub-Inspector (SI), Constable | Constable: 10th/12th SI: Graduation | Written, PST, PET, Medical, DV | GK, Reasoning, Math, Language |
| BSF, CRPF, CISF | SSC / Direct by Forces | Constable, Head Constable, SI, Tradesman | 10th / 12th / Graduation (Post-dependent) | Written, PST, PET, Medical, DV |
1. CAPF (Assistant Commandant) – UPSC
The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Assistant Commandant Exam is conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit Group A officers for forces like BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. This is a prestigious position equivalent to Lieutenant rank in the Army. Candidates must hold a graduate degree and be between 20–25 years of age. The selection process includes a written exam, physical efficiency test (PET), medical standards test, and a personal interview/personality test. The written exam consists of Paper I (General Ability & Intelligence – objective) and Paper II (Essay, Precis & Comprehension – descriptive). It demands strong general knowledge, current affairs awareness, reasoning ability, and decent English writing skills. The role of an Assistant Commandant involves leading operations, maintaining internal security, and commanding forces in critical areas. Due to its UPSC tag, it is considered a highly competitive and reputed exam.
2. State Police Sub-Inspector (SI) / Constable Exams
Each Indian state conducts its own recruitment exams to hire Police Constables and Sub-Inspectors (SI) through their State Police Recruitment Boards or Public Service Commissions. These exams are open to 10th/12th pass (Constable) and graduates (SI), usually within the age range of 18–25/28 years. The selection process involves a written test, Physical Standard Test (PST), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), and document verification. The written exam generally includes topics like General Knowledge, Reasoning, Numerical Ability, and Language (English/Hindi/Regional language). The physical tests are crucial and often include running, long jump, and high jump. These jobs offer a stable career, state-level recognition, and a chance to serve the community. Preparation requires a balanced focus on academics and physical fitness. The difficulty level is moderate, but the competition is high due to the large number of applicants.
3. BSF, CRPF, CISF Recruitment
The BSF (Border Security Force), CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force), and CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) conduct direct recruitment for posts such as Constable, Head Constable, Tradesmen, and Sub-Inspector. These are part of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Recruitment is conducted either directly by the forces or through SSC (Staff Selection Commission). Eligibility usually includes 10th or 12th pass (Constables/Tradesmen) and graduation (SI). The selection stages typically involve a written exam, PST/PET, medical examination, and document verification. The written paper generally tests basic math, reasoning, general awareness, and language skills. These forces play a key role in border security (BSF), riot control/internal security (CRPF), and industrial protection (CISF). The work is physically and mentally demanding but offers good pay, benefits, housing, and long-term job security. Candidates should focus on discipline, fitness, and core subjects to clear these exams.