CAPF Assistant Commandant 2018: Complete Question Paper Analysis & Preparation Strategy

Explore More

Subject-wise Distribution

SubjectQuestionsPercentage
Science & Technology3225.6%
Polity & Governance2116.8%
History & Culture1915.2%
Geography1915.2%
Miscellaneous & General Knowledge1411.2%
Economy118.8%
Environment & Ecology54%
International Relations & Global Affairs32.4%
CUL-0210.8%

Topic-wise Breakdown

SubjectTopicQuestions
Science & TechnologyBasic Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)32
Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeImportant Days, Places & Events10
GeographyWorld Physical Geography10
History & CultureCulture, Literature, Religion & Philosophy6
Polity & GovernanceConstitutional Basics & Evolution6
History & CultureNational Movement (1857–1947)5
GeographyIndian Physical Geography5
EconomyBasic Concepts & National Income4
Polity & GovernanceParliament4
History & CultureModern India (Pre-1857)4
EconomySchemes, Inclusion & Social Sector3
Polity & GovernanceLocal Government3
International Relations & Global AffairsIndia's Bilateral & Regional Relations2
Polity & GovernanceFundamental Rights, DPSP & Fundamental Duties2
Miscellaneous & General KnowledgePersons in News, Books & Authors2

Mastering the CAPF AC Exam: A Comprehensive Strategic Analysis of the 2018 Paper

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandant) Examination is often regarded as a bridge between the Civil Services Examination and the CDS. However, the year 2018 stood out as a watershed moment in the evolution of the CAPF AC exam pattern. For any serious aspirant, analyzing the 2018 paper is not just an exercise in historical data; it is a masterclass in understanding the examiner's mindset. The 2018 paper broke several myths, particularly regarding the weightage of science and the depth required in traditional subjects like Polity and Geography.

The CAPF 2018 Paper-I consisted of 125 questions, each carrying 2 marks, with a negative marking of 1/3rd for every wrong answer. With a total of 250 marks at stake, the 2018 paper was characterized by a heavy tilt toward conceptual clarity rather than rote memorization. This analysis serves as a strategic roadmap, dissecting the nuances of that year to help you navigate your upcoming attempt with surgical precision.

Subject-wise Deep Dive: Decoding the 2018 Blueprint

Science & Technology: The Game Changer

In 2018, Science & Technology didn't just appear; it dominated. With 32 questions (25.6% of the paper), it was the single largest section. The focus was overwhelmingly on Basic Science (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology). Unlike the Civil Services exam, which leans toward high-end technology, CAPF 2018 stayed rooted in the fundamentals of the 9th and 10th-grade curriculum.

  • Specifics: Questions ranged from optics and electricity in Physics to chemical reactions and life processes in Biology.
  • Recommended Books: NCERT Science textbooks from Class 9 and 10 are non-negotiable. For certain recurring themes, the "Summary of Biology" from Class 12 (last 4 chapters) is vital.
  • Common Mistake: Most aspirants ignore Science thinking it's "too basic" or focus only on "Space and Defense" news. In 2018, those who didn't master the NCERT fundamentals lost nearly a quarter of the marks.

Polity & Governance: The Foundation

Polity contributed 21 questions (16.8%). The 2018 paper emphasized Constitutional Basics & Evolution and the Parliament. The questions were not merely factual; they tested the understanding of the spirit of the Constitution.

  • Specifics: Significant focus was placed on the Preamble, Fundamental Rights, and the working of the Parliamentary committees.
  • Standard Reference: M. Laxmikanth’s Indian Polity remains the "Bible." However, 2018 showed that reading Subhash Kashyap’s Our Constitution can provide that extra edge in understanding the "why" behind the laws.
  • Common Mistake: Memorizing article numbers without understanding the underlying doctrine (like the Basic Structure Doctrine).

History & Culture: The Ancient-Modern Balance

History and Culture accounted for 19 questions (15.2%). The 2018 trend shifted slightly toward Culture, Literature, and Philosophy, alongside the traditional National Movement (1857–1947).

  • Specifics: Questions on Bhakti/Sufi movements and ancient literature were prominent. Modern history focused on the nuances of the pre-1857 era and the organizational structure of the Congress.
  • Recommended Books: Spectrum’s Modern History (Rajiv Ahir) for the National Movement and the Tamil Nadu State Board Class 11 book for Ancient and Medieval history. For Culture, Nitin Singhania’s notes or the Fine Arts NCERT (Class 11) are sufficient.

Geography: A Global Perspective

Geography also held 19 questions (15.2%), but the surprise was the dominance of World Physical Geography (10 questions) over Indian Physical Geography (5 questions). This required aspirants to have a strong grasp of climatology, geomorphology, and map-based locations.

  • Specifics: Pressure belts, wind systems, and ocean currents were key themes.
  • Standard Reference: NCERT Class 11 (Fundamentals of Physical Geography) and Goh Cheng Leong’s Certificate Physical and Human Geography.

Economy: Beyond the Basics

With 11 questions (8.8%), Economy focused on Basic Concepts and National Income. It wasn't about complex math but about understanding GDP, GVA, and inflation dynamics.

  • Recommended Books: Ramesh Singh or Sriram’s IAS notes. However, for CAPF, the Class 12 Macroeconomics NCERT is often the most direct source.

Topic Trends & Pattern Analysis: The Examiner's Mindset

The 2018 CAPF paper revealed a deliberate shift toward "UPSC-fication." While CAPF was traditionally seen as more factual, 2018 pushed the envelope toward conceptual depth. The dominance of Science (25.6%) suggests that the examiner views the Assistant Commandant as someone who must possess a high degree of logical and analytical temperament.

An emerging trend noted in 2018 was the interdisciplinary nature of questions. A question on a "Place in News" (Miscellaneous) was often linked to its "Geographical Significance." This tells us that the examiner is moving away from siloed thinking. Furthermore, the inclusion of 10 questions on "Important Days, Places, and Events" highlights that while the exam is becoming more conceptual, it has not abandoned its traditional "General Knowledge" roots. This dual nature makes CAPF 2018 a unique hybrid—requiring the depth of a Civil Services aspirant and the speed/factual recall of a defense aspirant.

Preparation Strategy: A Multi-Dimensional Approach

To tackle a paper like 2018, your preparation cannot be linear. You need a mix of standard textbooks and smart resource management.

Subject-wise Time Allocation

  • Science (30% Time): Given its weightage, spend the first hour of your daily study on Science NCERTs.
  • Polity & History (30% Time): These are high-yield subjects. Consistency here ensures you don't miss "easy" questions.
  • Geography & Environment (20% Time): Focus on visualization and mapping.
  • Current Affairs & Economy (20% Time): Keep this dynamic and updated daily.

The Resource Stack

For Environment, do not over-prepare. The 2018 paper had only 5 questions. Stick to Shankar IAS or the last four chapters of the Class 12 Biology NCERT. For International Relations, focus on India’s neighbors and major summits (G20, BRICS) rather than deep theoretical frameworks.

Online Resources: Use the PIB (Press Information Bureau) website for government schemes and PRS India for legislative updates. For Geography, YouTube channels that provide "Map Animation" can be invaluable for visualizing atmospheric circulation.

The Power of PYQs

Don't just "solve" the 2018 paper; "dissect" it. For every question, look at the four options. If the question is about the 'Montreal Protocol,' research the other three options (like the Kyoto Protocol or Nagoya Protocol) because they are likely candidates for future questions. This is how you "predict" the examiner's next move.

Answer Elimination Techniques: Winning the MCQ Battle

In 2018, many questions were statement-based (Statement I and Statement II). To conquer these, you need more than knowledge; you need strategy.

  • The Extreme Word Trap: In statement-based questions, words like "Only," "Never," "Always," or "All" are often (though not always) red flags indicating a wrong statement.
  • Match the Following: Use the "One-Link" method. Often, knowing just one correct pair allows you to eliminate three out of four options. In 2018, this was particularly useful in Geography and History questions.
  • The "Why" Factor: If you are unsure between two options, ask which one fits the broader logic of the subject. For example, in Polity, if an option suggests the President has absolute arbitrary power, it likely contradicts the "Checks and Balances" nature of our Constitution.
  • When to Skip: If you cannot eliminate even one option, skip it. With 1/3rd negative marking, "blind guessing" is a recipe for disaster. However, if you can eliminate two options, the mathematical probability favors taking a calculated risk.

Current Affairs Integration: The Static-Dynamic Link

The 2018 paper demonstrated that Current Affairs is the "lens" through which static topics are viewed. For instance, if there is a discussion about the "Office of Profit," the exam will ask a static question about the "Disqualification of MPs" under the Constitution.

Building the Habit: 1. Read The Hindu or The Indian Express daily, but focus on the "Explained" or "Opinion" sections. 2. Use monthly magazines like Yojana for Paper-II (Descriptive) preparation, as it builds your vocabulary and perspective for the essays. 3. The 3-Source Rule: One newspaper, one monthly magazine (like Vision IAS or Insight), and one daily news summary (like PIB). Anything more is a waste of time; anything less is a risk.

Smart Preparation Tips: From Aspirant to Commandant

The 6-Month vs. 1-Year Plan

If you have a year, spend the first 6 months building a foundation with NCERTs and standard books. Use the last 6 months for intense MCQ practice and Paper-II writing. If you have 6 months, start with the "High-Yield" subjects first: Science, Polity, and Geography. Leave the "Miscellaneous" for the final 45 days.

Revision: The 1-3-7 Rule

To retain the vast amount of data required for CAPF, revise what you read today after 1 day, then after 3 days, and finally after 7 days. This moves information from short-term to long-term memory. For subjects like Science, create "Flashcards" for chemical formulas and physical constants.

Mock Test Analysis

Do not just look at your score. Analyze your "Silly Mistakes" vs. "Knowledge Gaps." If you got a question wrong because you didn't know the fact, it's a knowledge gap (read the book). If you got it wrong despite knowing it, it’s a psychological error (practice more mocks).

Key Takeaways & Action Items

The 2018 CAPF AC paper is a reminder that the UPSC rewards the "Generalist" who has a "Specialist's" eye for detail. To succeed, focus on these pillars:

  • Priority 1: Master Class 9 & 10 Science NCERTs. This is your biggest scoring area.
  • Priority 2: Internalize Laxmikanth's Polity, especially the chapters on Parliament and Fundamental Rights.
  • Priority 3: Strengthen World Physical Geography. Don't just focus on India; the world is the examiner's playground.
  • Priority 4: Develop a "Current-to-Static" mindset. Every news item is a potential static question.
  • Priority 5: Practice Paper-II (Essays/Reports) simultaneously. Many candidates pass Paper-I but fail the final merit list because of poor writing skills.

Immediate Next Steps: 1. Download the CAPF 2018 Paper-I. 2. Attempt it in a timed environment (2 hours) without any help. 3. Categorize your errors based on the subject distribution discussed above. 4. Start your preparation with the subject where you felt the most "clueless."

The journey to becoming an Assistant Commandant is a marathon, not a sprint. The 2018 paper proves that those who are consistent, analytical, and grounded in basics are the ones who eventually wear the uniform. Gear up, focus on the fundamentals, and let the 2018 analysis be the compass for your success.

Complete Question Index - CAPF Assistant Commandant 2018

Click on any question number to practice and view detailed explanation:

Q#SubjectPractice Link
1Science & TechnologySolve Question 1
1Science & TechnologySolve Question 1
2Science & TechnologySolve Question 2
2Science & TechnologySolve Question 2
3Science & TechnologySolve Question 3
3Science & TechnologySolve Question 3
4Science & TechnologySolve Question 4
4Science & TechnologySolve Question 4
5Science & TechnologySolve Question 5
5Science & TechnologySolve Question 5
6Science & TechnologySolve Question 6
6Science & TechnologySolve Question 6
7Science & TechnologySolve Question 7
7Science & TechnologySolve Question 7
8Science & TechnologySolve Question 8
8Science & TechnologySolve Question 8
9Science & TechnologySolve Question 9
9Science & TechnologySolve Question 9
10Science & TechnologySolve Question 10
10Science & TechnologySolve Question 10
11Science & TechnologySolve Question 11
11Science & TechnologySolve Question 11
12GeographySolve Question 12
12GeographySolve Question 12
13GeographySolve Question 13
13GeographySolve Question 13
14GeographySolve Question 14
14GeographySolve Question 14
15GeographySolve Question 15
15GeographySolve Question 15
16GeographySolve Question 16
16GeographySolve Question 16
17Science & TechnologySolve Question 17
17Science & TechnologySolve Question 17
18Science & TechnologySolve Question 18
18Science & TechnologySolve Question 18
19Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 19
19Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 19
20Science & TechnologySolve Question 20
20Science & TechnologySolve Question 20
21Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 21
21Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 21
22Science & TechnologySolve Question 22
22Science & TechnologySolve Question 22
23Science & TechnologySolve Question 23
23Science & TechnologySolve Question 23
24Science & TechnologySolve Question 24
24Science & TechnologySolve Question 24
25Science & TechnologySolve Question 25
25Science & TechnologySolve Question 25
26Science & TechnologySolve Question 26
26Science & TechnologySolve Question 26
27GeographySolve Question 27
27GeographySolve Question 27
28GeographySolve Question 28
28GeographySolve Question 28
29GeographySolve Question 29
29GeographySolve Question 29
30GeographySolve Question 30
30GeographySolve Question 30
31GeographySolve Question 31
31GeographySolve Question 31
32Science & TechnologySolve Question 32
32Science & TechnologySolve Question 32
33Science & TechnologySolve Question 33
33Science & TechnologySolve Question 33
34Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 34
34Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 34
35Science & TechnologySolve Question 35
35Science & TechnologySolve Question 35
36Science & TechnologySolve Question 36
36Science & TechnologySolve Question 36
37GeographySolve Question 37
37GeographySolve Question 37
38Environment & EcologySolve Question 38
38Environment & EcologySolve Question 38
39GeographySolve Question 39
39GeographySolve Question 39
40GeographySolve Question 40
40GeographySolve Question 40
41GeographySolve Question 41
41GeographySolve Question 41
42Science & TechnologySolve Question 42
42Science & TechnologySolve Question 42
43Science & TechnologySolve Question 43
43Science & TechnologySolve Question 43
44Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 44
44Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 44
45Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 45
45Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 45
46Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 46
46Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 46
47Science & TechnologySolve Question 47
47Science & TechnologySolve Question 47
48Science & TechnologySolve Question 48
48Science & TechnologySolve Question 48
49Science & TechnologySolve Question 49
49Science & TechnologySolve Question 49
50GeographySolve Question 50
50GeographySolve Question 50
51GeographySolve Question 51
51GeographySolve Question 51
52Environment & EcologySolve Question 52
52Environment & EcologySolve Question 52
53GeographySolve Question 53
53GeographySolve Question 53
54GeographySolve Question 54
54GeographySolve Question 54
55Science & TechnologySolve Question 55
55Science & TechnologySolve Question 55
56Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 56
56Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 56
57Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 57
57Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 57
58Science & TechnologySolve Question 58
58Science & TechnologySolve Question 58
59Science & TechnologySolve Question 59
59Science & TechnologySolve Question 59
60Science & TechnologySolve Question 60
60Science & TechnologySolve Question 60
61History & CultureSolve Question 61
61History & CultureSolve Question 61
62History & CultureSolve Question 62
62History & CultureSolve Question 62
63History & CultureSolve Question 63
63History & CultureSolve Question 63
64Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 64
64Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 64
65History & CultureSolve Question 65
65History & CultureSolve Question 65
66History & CultureSolve Question 66
66History & CultureSolve Question 66
67History & CultureSolve Question 67
67History & CultureSolve Question 67
68History & CultureSolve Question 68
68History & CultureSolve Question 68
69History & CultureSolve Question 69
69History & CultureSolve Question 69
70Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 70
70Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 70
71Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 71
71Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 71
72Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 72
72Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 72
73Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 73
73Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 73
74Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 74
74Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 74
75EconomySolve Question 75
75EconomySolve Question 75
76EconomySolve Question 76
76EconomySolve Question 76
77Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 77
77Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 77
78EconomySolve Question 78
78EconomySolve Question 78
79International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 79
79International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 79
80Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 80
80Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 80
81Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 81
81Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 81
82Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 82
82Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 82
83History & CultureSolve Question 83
83History & CultureSolve Question 83
84History & CultureSolve Question 84
84History & CultureSolve Question 84
85History & CultureSolve Question 85
85History & CultureSolve Question 85
86GeographySolve Question 86
86GeographySolve Question 86
87Environment & EcologySolve Question 87
87Environment & EcologySolve Question 87
88Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 88
88Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 88
89EconomySolve Question 89
89EconomySolve Question 89
90Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 90
90Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 90
91CUL-02Solve Question 91
91CUL-02Solve Question 91
92Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 92
92Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 92
93Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 93
93Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 93
94Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 94
94Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 94
95Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 95
95Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 95
96Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 96
96Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 96
97Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 97
97Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 97
98Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 98
98Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 98
99Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 99
99Miscellaneous & General KnowledgeSolve Question 99
100International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 100
100International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 100
101International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 101
101International Relations & Global AffairsSolve Question 101
102History & CultureSolve Question 102
102History & CultureSolve Question 102
103History & CultureSolve Question 103
103History & CultureSolve Question 103
104History & CultureSolve Question 104
104History & CultureSolve Question 104
105Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 105
105Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 105
106History & CultureSolve Question 106
106History & CultureSolve Question 106
107EconomySolve Question 107
107EconomySolve Question 107
108EconomySolve Question 108
108EconomySolve Question 108
109EconomySolve Question 109
109EconomySolve Question 109
110EconomySolve Question 110
110EconomySolve Question 110
111Environment & EcologySolve Question 111
111Environment & EcologySolve Question 111
112History & CultureSolve Question 112
112History & CultureSolve Question 112
113History & CultureSolve Question 113
113History & CultureSolve Question 113
114Environment & EcologySolve Question 114
114Environment & EcologySolve Question 114
115Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 115
115Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 115
116Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 116
116Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 116
117Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 117
117Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 117
118History & CultureSolve Question 118
118History & CultureSolve Question 118
119History & CultureSolve Question 119
119History & CultureSolve Question 119
120Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 120
120Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 120
121Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 121
121Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 121
122Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 122
122Polity & GovernanceSolve Question 122
123EconomySolve Question 123
123EconomySolve Question 123
124EconomySolve Question 124
124EconomySolve Question 124
125EconomySolve Question 125
125EconomySolve Question 125

Explore More