The exam pattern for UPSC CISF AC (Executive) written exam comprises of 2 phases:

• Paper 1 and
• Paper 2.

Paper 1:

The duration of UPSC CISF AC exam is 2 ½ hours. The question type is multiple choice questions. The test medium will be in English and Hindi.

Paper 2:

• The duration of paper 2 is 2 hours in CISF AC exam.
• The question type will be of the essay, precise writing, and comprehension based questions.
• The test medium will be English and Hindi (precise writing and comprehension based question can be answered only in English).
• The total mark is for 100.

In paper 2, the candidates have to ensure that they have to write the answers only in the medium allowed by the commission for the different components as mentioned.

Other than the allowed medium, no credit will be given for answers written other than the selected languages. So, the candidates will be required to indicate the medium of essay component in the attendance lists and on the answer book.

No credit will be given for essay component if the candidate indicated a medium on the attendance list and on the answer book than one in which the candidate has written the essay.

In each paper, there will be minimum qualifying, marks separately as fixed by the UPSC in their discretion.

The CISF will conduct the physical efficiency test first and thereafter the medical efficiency test of only those candidates will be conducted who are declared qualified in the PET.

The candidates who qualify in the medical exam and PET shall be required to appear for personality test/interview to be conducted by the commission.

1. Physical Efficiency Test:

The candidates who meet the prescribed physical standards will be put through PET as mentioned below:

• The tests mentioned above will be only of qualifying nature and will not carry any marks. Failure even in one of the tests will amount to disqualification.
• Pregnant female candidates at the time of PET will be disqualified and such candidate will be rejected.
• Provided that the candidates belonging to SC/ST may be summoned for the physical standards/physical efficiency and medical test by applying relaxed standard if UPSC is of the opinion that sufficient number of candidates from the categories are not likely to be summoned for the physical standards/medical test on the basis of the general standard in the written exam in order to fill the vacancies reserved for SC/ST.
• The physical standards/efficiency and medical test will be conducted under the supervision of CISF. The test will be conducted at various centres. The centres are to be notified after the results of the written exam.

2. Physical and Medical Standards Tests:

a). Physical Standards:

The minimum requirements for all the candidates for all the categories are as follows:

b). Medical Standards:

• Eyesight
• Carrying angle
• Ear
• Nose
• Neck
• Teeth
• Venereal diseases
• Chronic skin diseases.

3. General standards like speech should be without impediment that is no stammering while speaking. The candidates should not have any indication of chronic disease like TB, arthritis, High blood pressure, diabetes, Bronchial Asthma, any heart disease. The candidates should not have a perceptible and visible glandular swelling anywhere in the body etc.

Preparation tips:

After the exam pattern, the candidates have to make a study plan and start working on it. The preparation tips for UPSC CISF AC exam are as follows:

• The candidates are asked to prepare a well suitable time table before preparing for the exam.
• Prepare a proper strategy plan and time table for all sections.
• Focus on the important topics by going through the syllabus.
• Allot less time for strong areas.
• Manage the time by solving the mock tests.
• Develop the reading habit regularly.
• Read newspapers, magazines, yearbooks, and other relevant topics to keep general awareness up to date.
• Planning and studying each subject and topic thoroughly will help the candidate to have some time for revision.
• Practice previous year question paper for managing the time in the exam
• Focus on the general studies, essay and comprehension topics as it has more weight age.
• Increase the language proficiency for essay’s.
• Reading the newspaper not only help the candidate in current events but also in grammar and vocabulary.
• Read NCERT books for physical, social and economic geography of both India and World.
• Focus on the freedom movement and growth of nationalism in history.
• In polity and economy, focus on the executive, legislative and judiciary system in India.
• Focus on national and international events.
• Maintain the weight as specified by the commission.