How to Crack the CAPF Exam? – CAPF Preparation Tips
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) exam on a yearly basis for recruitment of Assistant Commandants (Group A) to Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force(CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). The CAPF exam is conducted in three stages: a written test, a physical test followed by a Medical Examination, and a Personal Interview.
As a large number of students appear for the examination, the competition level is high, and you need to put in all your hard work to qualify for the exam. Here, we have listed some tips to prepare for the CAPF exam to help you with the smooth preparation:
How to Prepare for the CAPF Exam?
To qualify for the written examination, you need to prepare for two sections:
- Paper 1 will include MCQs on general ability and intelligence.
- Paper 2 is a descriptive paper, and questions are on General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension.
General Ability and Intelligence
To prepare for this section, focus on quantitative aptitude and logical reasoning. Give strong emphasis on numerical ability and data interpretation questions. Students should rigorously practice questions on Graphs, Mathematical Tables, Profit & Loss, Analogy, Pi-charts, Time & Distance.
Current Affairs: Students should focus on all current national and international events. Focus on areas like Art, Literature, Sports, Inventions and Discoveries, Governance, Societal & Developmental Issues, Business & Globalisation.
History: History is a vast topic, but the questions asked in the CAPF exam will be mainly on the Freedom Movement and Social & Economic changes in India. Revise different rulers and their reigns, diverse eras in Indian history, various years, and dates.
Geography: Focus on the geographical aspects related to India and the World, including Global Warming, Climate Change, Latest Treaties, Neighboring Countries, Mountains, Volcanoes, Languages, Rivers, etc.
Politics and Economy: Concentrate on the overall Political and Economic situation of India. Questions can be expected from National and International menaces, the role of Governor, President, President rules, the constitution of India, the role of RBI, etc.
General Science: Focus on the latest advancements taking place in Science and issues related to Biotechnology & Environment. Develop sufficient knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology through the NCERT books.
General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension
- The essay topic can be anything from geography, history, economy, and politics of India.
- Keep oneself abreast with the current happening in the country.
- Focus on the activities that have taken place in the past.
- Memorize the dates, trends of various events, and also the statistical data. It will help you in coming up with a factual and informative essay.
- Use grammar books to brush up on your English. It will help you in comprehension essays and language skills.
- Practice precis writing and comprehension regularly.
Time Management Tips for CAPF Exam
- Make a subject-wise preparation strategy for the CAPF exam and allot equal time to the subjects.
- The timetable should be prepared in a way to complete the syllabus in time. Also, keep a check on the status of your timetable at least weekly.
- Read newspapers and magazines daily and make essential points to revise.
- Focus on a short-term preparation plan and target-based study, such as completing a Freedom Movement chapter in a day.
- Take mock tests and practice writing answers frequently. Practicing previous year’s question papers of the exam will help identify your mistakes and the area where you lack knowledge. This is an essential part of regular preparation to be successful. Also, it will help to increase your speed to solve the exam on time.
Toppers Strategy to Prepare for the CAPF Exam
- During preparation, try to solve at least one mock per week. And after the completion of the syllabus, solve at least one mock every day.
- Focus on your weak sections and strengthen your stronger sections, so you don’t miss any questions that come your way in the exam.
- Be calm and confident in the exam hall. Do not panic if you can’t solve any question; just skip it and move to another question.
- The success mantra to clear this exam is a combination of confidence, consistency, dedication, and hard work.
- Discuss with the students who are preparing for the same exam and clarify your doubts.
- While studying, make short notes. These short and effective notes will help in the last-minute revision.
FAQs
Q1. How many stages are there in the selection process of the CAPF exam?
Ans. Candidates willing to appear for the exam will have to clear four stages of CAPF recruitment, which are, Paper I Objective type is written exam, Paper-II subjective type, PET test, and Interview.
Q2. How many marks does each stage of the CAPF exam hold?
Ans. Paper-I comprises 250 marks, Paper-II holds 200 marks, PET test is for candidates who qualify Paper I and Paper II, and the Interview carries 150 marks.
Q3. What is the salary of UPSC CAPF?
Ans. The salary starts from Assistant Commandant- Level 10 Rs. 56100 – 177500 Junior Scale and grows to Inspector General Level 14 Rs. 144200 – 218200.
Q4. Do you need to enroll in a top coaching center to clear the CAPF exam?
Ans. No, it is not required, but it can help you in many ways; from providing the right guidance to the right study material, it will help you with all the necessary requisites for the most effective preparation.
Also read – Best Coaching Institute for UPSC CAPF