CAPF (AC) preparation: where to start

Read the notification first

The exam has its own rules for eligibility, papers, marking, physical standards and stages, and these are published in the official notification. Read the latest official notification on the CAPF exam page and check your details with the eligibility checker. Do this before buying books, because the notification tells you what to study.

Prepare for more than multiple-choice questions

Unlike some other defence exams, this examination can include a paper in which you write: an essay, a precis or a comprehension answer. This changes how you should practise. Reading and writing in clear English are skills that grow slowly, so begin them early.

• Start with a one-page essay on a theme you already know, read it aloud, cut repeated words and check that each paragraph has one main idea.
• Read editorials and analytical articles daily, and note the main argument in two lines.
• Practise writing short essays on current and social topics, with a clear start, middle and end.
• Write a few precis from passages and compare them with the original.
• Learn to use simple, correct sentences instead of long and heavy ones.

General studies and current affairs

Choose one trusted source for each subject and finish it before starting another. Many candidates collect too many books and finish none. Make short notes in your own words, add a few lines of current events under the matching subject and revise them on a fixed day every week.

General studies is wide. Divide it into history, geography, polity, economy, science and internal security, and read one subject at a time. Alongside it, follow the daily current affairs and make short notes. Revise your notes every week so that they stay fresh. A short quiz helps you find the facts that you forget.

A weekly plan

Weekdays

• One study block for general studies or the subject of the day.
• One writing block: a short essay or precis every second day.
• Fifteen minutes of current affairs.

Weekend

• A full timed paper or a mock test.
• Review of the mistakes and a quick revision of the week's notes.

Physical fitness cannot wait

The selection process includes physical tests and a medical examination. Begin a safe and regular exercise routine now, increase it slowly and take rest days. Walking, running, stretching and bodyweight exercises are a good start. If you have any health concern, speak to a doctor before you increase the load.

Getting guidance from Spectrum Defence Academy

Spectrum Defence Academy in Karnal coaches for CAPF, AFCAT and CDS along with graduation and after. For NDA there is NDA Foundation (9th and 10th class), NDA + Schooling (11th and 12th class) and Target NDA (after 12th class), and Sainik School, RMS and RIMC entrance coaching is separate. Students also join from nearby districts and hostel facility is available; please ask for the details. Read about admissions or send an enquiry to discuss your plan.

Questions parents and students ask