The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) exam, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is one of India’s most prestigious competitive exams. This exam is essential for recruiting candidates into various paramilitary forces, including BSF (Border Security Force), CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force), CISF (Central Industrial Security Force), ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police), SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal), and Assam Rifles. To be eligible for the CAPF exam, candidates must meet certain age criteria, which is one of the most important requirements. In this article, we will provide an in-depth look at the CAPF age limit for 2025, including specific age limits for various categories and detailed information about the CAPF syllabus.
CAPF Age Limit for 2025
The CAPF age limit for 2025 is crucial for determining whether you qualify for the exam. The age criteria differ based on your category (General, SC/ST, OBC, etc.). Therefore, it is essential to understand these limits to avoid any confusion during the application process.
Age Limit for General Category Candidates
For General category candidates, the age limits are as follows:
- Minimum Age: 20 years
- Maximum Age: 25 years
This means that candidates must have attained the age of 20 years but should not be older than 25 years on 1st August 2025.
Age Limit for OBC Category Candidates
Candidates belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category benefit from an upper age relaxation. The CAPF age limit for OBC candidates is:
- Minimum Age: 20 years
- Maximum Age: 28 years
Thus, OBC candidates can apply for the CAPF exam if they are between 20 and 28 years old on 1st August 2025.
Age Limit for SC/ST Category Candidates
For candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) categories, the upper age limit is relaxed further. The CAPF age limit for SC/ST candidates is:
- Minimum Age: 20 years
- Maximum Age: 30 years
SC/ST candidates can apply if they are between 20 and 30 years old on 1st August 2025.
Age Limit for Ex-Servicemen
Ex-Servicemen are also eligible for relaxation in the upper age limit. The age limit for these candidates is:
- Maximum Age: Relaxed by 5 years from the prescribed upper age limit.
For instance, a General category candidate can apply up to 30 years (25 years + 5 years relaxation) if they are an Ex-Serviceman.
Age Limit for Candidates with Disabilities
Candidates with disabilities are granted an age relaxation under the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) category. The age relaxation for PwD candidates is as follows:
- Maximum Age: 10 years for General category candidates, 13 years for OBC candidates, and 15 years for SC/ST candidates.
Important Note on Age Calculation
The age limit for CAPF 2025 is calculated as of 1st August 2025. Therefore, candidates must ensure they meet the age requirement on this date. Any discrepancy regarding age will lead to disqualification.
CAPF Exam Syllabus
The CAPF exam consists of a written examination, Physical Efficiency Test (PET), medical examination, and an interview. Understanding the CAPF syllabus is essential for effective preparation. The written exam is divided into two papers: Paper 1 (General Ability and Intelligence) and Paper 2 (General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension).
Paper 1: General Ability and Intelligence
This paper contains 125 questions, totaling 250 marks, and covers the following subjects:
- General Mental Ability: This section tests reasoning, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills.
- General Science: Basic concepts of physics, chemistry, and biology.
- Current Events: National and international events, important issues related to India and the world.
- Indian Polity: The Constitution of India, governance, and political system.
- Indian History and Geography: Indian history, geography, and culture.
- Economic and Social Development: The Indian economy, planning, and social issues.
Paper 2: General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension
This paper is divided into three sections:
- Essay Writing: Candidates must write an essay on a given topic. This section assesses a candidate’s writing skills, clarity of thought, and ability to articulate ideas.
- Comprehension: A passage is provided, followed by questions to test understanding and analytical abilities.
- General Studies: This section covers topics like:
- Indian Politics and Constitution
- Geography and Ecology
- Economy and Development
- Science and Technology
- International Relations
This paper carries a total of 200 marks and evaluates a candidate’s ability to express ideas clearly and demonstrate general awareness.
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
After clearing the written examination, candidates must appear for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET). The PET evaluates a candidate’s physical fitness and includes the following tasks:
- Male candidates: 100-meter race in 16 seconds, 800-meter race in 3 minutes, and 40 push-ups.
- Female candidates: 100-meter race in 18 seconds, 800-meter race in 4 minutes, and 35 sit-ups.
Medical Examination
Once the PET is cleared, candidates undergo a medical examination to ensure they are fit for service in the CAPF. The medical test includes a thorough check-up to assess physical and mental fitness.
Finally To Sum Up
The CAPF age limit for 2025 plays a significant role in determining your eligibility to appear for the exam. Therefore, it is essential to ensure you meet the age criteria based on your category. Additionally, the CAPF syllabus is comprehensive, covering a wide range of subjects, and it is crucial to prepare thoroughly for all aspects of the exam, including the physical tests and medical requirements.
Candidates should keep an eye on official UPSC notifications for any changes or updates regarding eligibility and syllabus for 2025. With proper preparation, attention to the age criteria, and a clear understanding of the syllabus, you can enhance your chances of success in this highly competitive examination.
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