UPSC CAPF (AC) — Exam Day Instructions

Admit Card, Exam Hall Entry
& OMR Answer Sheet Instructions

Everything you need to know before entering the UPSC CAPF AC examination hall — from e-Admit Card requirements and permitted items to the precise procedure for filling the OMR Answer Sheet and negative marking rules for Paper I.

🪪 e-Admit Card Entry Rules
✅ Permitted Items
🚫 Prohibited Items
➖ Negative Marking
📝 OMR Step-by-Step
🛡️ Code of Conduct
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e-Admit Card is mandatory for entry — no candidate will be permitted inside the examination hall without a valid e-Admit Card issued specifically in their name.

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Mobile phones banned on entire premises — even a switched-off phone attracts strict action. Leave all electronic devices at home; UPSC makes no safekeeping arrangements.

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Black ballpoint pen only — all OMR entries and darkening must be done with a black ballpoint pen. Pencil, ink pen, or gel pen are not permitted under any circumstance.

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No early departure permitted — candidates must remain seated in the hall for the full prescribed time and submit the OMR sheet only when the invigilator instructs.

🪪 Entry to the Examination Hall — e-Admit Card Rules

The e-Admit Card is the primary document required for entry into the UPSC CAPF AC examination hall. Candidates must verify all printed details immediately upon downloading the card and raise any discrepancy with UPSC before the exam date.

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Valid e-Admit Card Is Non-Negotiable

No candidate will be allowed to sit in the examination without producing a valid e-Admit Card issued in their own name. No alternate document — including acknowledgement slip or printout of registration — will be accepted as a substitute.

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Verify All Details Immediately After Downloading

Upon downloading the e-Admit Card, check every printed detail carefully — your name, roll number, exam centre name, date and time of exam, and subject. If any detail is incorrect or missing, contact UPSC immediately — do not wait until exam day.

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Admission Is Provisional — Not Confirmation of Eligibility

Possession of the e-Admit Card does not confirm final eligibility or selection. It is issued provisionally. UPSC verifies actual eligibility by scrutinising original certificates only after a candidate qualifies the written examination.

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Carry a Government-Issued Original Photo ID

Along with the printed e-Admit Card, candidates must carry the original government-issued Photo ID — such as Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence — as specified during the application. Both documents are mandatory for identity verification at the gate.

⚠️ Abbreviated Names on Admit Cards: Candidates may find their names appearing in abbreviated or shortened form on the e-Admit Card due to character-count technical limitations in UPSC's system. This is entirely normal and does not affect the validity of the admit card. Entry will not be denied on this ground.
📌 Print Multiple Copies: Print at least two copies of your e-Admit Card — keep one for the examination and one as backup. Store a PDF copy on your phone or cloud as well, though a physical printout is preferred for entry.
📋 Appendix III — Items Permitted & Prohibited in the Exam Hall

These rules apply to Paper I: General Ability and Intelligence (250 Marks). Candidates must read and comply fully. Possession of any prohibited item — even without use — invites disqualification, debarment from future exams, and possible legal action.

✅ Permitted Items — Bring These
  • Valid e-Admit Card — printed copy
  • Original government-issued Photo ID
  • Good quality black ballpoint pen (carry a spare)
  • Clip board or hard board — clean, with no writing or printed material on it
  • Official OMR Answer Sheet — provided by the invigilator at the hall
  • Rough work sheet — provided by the invigilator; do not bring your own
🚫 Prohibited Items — Leave These at Home
  • Mobile phones — even completely switched off
  • Smartwatches, fitness bands, or any wearable tech
  • Calculators — electronic, scientific, or manual
  • Pagers, Bluetooth devices, earbuds, or any communication equipment
  • Books, notes, loose sheets, printed or written material of any kind
  • Mathematical or drawing instruments, log tables, slide rules
  • Stencils, printed maps, or reference cards
  • Test Booklets or rough sheets retained from earlier sessions
  • Pen drives, tablets, laptops, or any programmable device
🚫 Ban Covers the Entire Exam Premises — Not Just the Hall: Mobile phones and all electronic gadgets are prohibited from the moment you enter the exam centre compound. UPSC makes no arrangements for safekeeping prohibited items. If you bring them, they may be confiscated and action will be initiated — regardless of whether the device was used.
⚠️ Consequences of Violations: Possession or use of prohibited items leads to expulsion from the examination, disqualification from the current recruitment cycle, potential blacklisting from all future UPSC examinations, and an FIR in serious cases.
➖ Negative Marking Scheme — Paper I: General Ability & Intelligence

Paper I of the UPSC CAPF AC Examination carries negative marking for every wrong answer. Understanding this scheme is essential for planning which questions to attempt and which to leave blank.

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+Full
Correct Answer
Full marks awarded as per that question's weightage
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−1/3
Wrong Answer
One-third of that question's marks deducted as penalty
⬜
0
Not Attempted
No marks deducted for leaving a question unanswered
⚠️ Marking Two Answers = Treated as a Wrong Answer: If a candidate darkens more than one circle for any question — even if one of the selected options is correct — the response is treated as a wrong answer and negative marking applies. Mark only one circle per question, carefully and completely.
💡 Exam Strategy Tip: Attempt only those questions where you are reasonably confident. Since three wrong answers effectively cancel one correct answer, random guessing is strongly discouraged. It is always safer to leave a doubtful question blank than to guess incorrectly.
✅ Paper II Has No Negative Marking: The negative marking rule applies only to Paper I (General Ability and Intelligence). Paper II (General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension) is a descriptive paper and does not carry negative marking.
📝 OMR Answer Sheet — Complete Step-by-Step Instructions

The OMR Answer Sheet for UPSC CAPF Paper I is processed entirely by scanning machines. Any error, stray mark, smudge, or improper entry can lead to partial or complete invalidation of your paper. Follow every step precisely.

1

Filling Your Details in the Top Boxes — What to Write

Using only a black ballpoint pen, write the following details in the boxes printed at the top of the OMR sheet before you begin answering any questions:

  • Name of Examination Centre
  • Subject (Paper I — General Ability and Intelligence)
  • Test Booklet Series — A, B, C, or D (as printed on your booklet)
  • Subject Code (as specified in the Test Booklet)
  • Roll Number (as printed on your e-Admit Card)
📌 Write First, Then Darken: Always write the detail in the box first, then darken the corresponding circles below it. Do not skip either step — both are required for machine processing.
2

Encoding Your Details — Darkening the Circles Below Each Entry

After writing your details in the boxes, darken the corresponding circle below each digit or letter using the black ball pen. For example — if your Roll Number is 1234567, darken the circles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 in sequence. If your Booklet Series is 'C', darken the circle marked 'C'.

⚠️ Booklet Series Missing or Misprinted? If the Booklet Series code is absent or incorrectly printed on your Test Booklet, raise your hand immediately and request a replacement before the exam begins. An incorrect or missing Booklet Series on the OMR sheet can render your answers completely unscannable — this is one of the most common and avoidable errors.
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Inspecting Your Test Booklet — Check Before the Exam Starts

As soon as you receive the Test Booklet — and before the examination begins — thoroughly check for the following:

  • Missing pages, torn sheets, or incomplete printing
  • Blank pages where questions should appear
  • Presence and legibility of the Booklet Code (A/B/C/D) and Serial Number
  • Any pre-existing markings or tampering on pages
✅ Request Replacement Immediately If Defective: If your Test Booklet has any defect, ask the invigilator for a replacement before the exam starts. Once the examination begins, no booklet replacement will be provided — you will have to continue with what you have.
4

Correct Method of Darkening Answer Circles

Each question in Paper I has four options — (a), (b), (c), and (d). After identifying the correct answer, darken the corresponding circle completely and neatly using the black ball pen. The circle must be filled solidly for the scanning machine to register it.

Example — The correct answer to a question is option (b):

  (a)  Option A — left empty
  (b)  Option B — fully darkened ← Correct
  (c)  Option C — left empty
  (d)  Option D — left empty
❌ What NOT to Do: Do not tick, cross, put a dot, half-shade, scribble, or darken multiple circles for the same question. The scanning machine can only read a fully and cleanly darkened single circle. Any other marking method will be rejected or treated as a wrong answer.
5

Things You Must Never Do on the OMR Answer Sheet

In addition to answering correctly, candidates must strictly avoid the following acts that can damage or invalidate the OMR sheet:

  • Do not write your name, address, or any identification mark anywhere on the OMR sheet
  • Do not fold, crease, tear, or mutilate the OMR sheet in any manner
  • Do not write anything on the reverse side of the OMR sheet
  • Do not use pencil, ink pen, gel pen, or any instrument other than a black ballpoint pen
  • Do not make stray marks, doodles, or scribbles anywhere on the sheet
  • Do not attempt to erase or white-out any marking — the machine will detect both marks
❌ Machine Scanning — Zero Tolerance for Damage: The OMR sheet is processed entirely by optical scanning machines. Any physical damage, smudge, stray mark, or improper use of pen can lead to complete invalidation of your entire Paper I — with no option for manual re-evaluation or appeal.
6

Filling the Scannable Attendance Sheet — Required Entries

During the examination, the invigilator will pass around the Scannable Attendance List. Every candidate must complete the following entries accurately — this record is matched against your OMR sheet for verification:

Entry Required Action to Take
Presence Darken the circle marked P for Present
Test Booklet Series Darken the correct circle — A B C D — as printed on your booklet
Test Booklet Serial Number Write the serial number and darken the digit circles in each column
Answer Sheet Serial Number Fill in the OMR sheet serial number and darken corresponding digit circles
Candidate Signature Sign in black ballpoint pen in the space provided — signature must be consistent with your application
⚠️ Do Not Skip Any Entry: All entries on the Scannable Attendance Sheet are mandatory. Incomplete or incorrect entries can create discrepancies during result processing and may complicate your candidature.
7

Read the Test Booklet Cover Page Before You Begin

Before attempting any question, carefully read all instructions printed on the cover page of your Test Booklet. The cover page contains examination-specific directions that may include:

  • Total duration of the paper and rules for time management
  • Total number of questions and marks per question
  • Subject-specific instructions and rules for that particular Booklet Series
  • Any special directions issued by UPSC for that examination session
❌ Non-Compliance Risk: Failure to read or follow the instructions on the Test Booklet cover page — even unintentionally — can lead to disqualification or invalidation of your paper. Read it fully before picking up your pen.
8

Leaving the Examination Hall — Rules on Departure

Once the examination begins, candidates are not permitted to leave the hall before the full prescribed time has elapsed — even if they complete the paper early.

  • Remain seated quietly until the invigilator announces the end of the exam
  • Submit your OMR Answer Sheet and Test Booklet only when instructed by the invigilator
  • Do not hand over your OMR to anyone other than the authorised invigilator on duty
  • Use remaining time productively — review your answers, check OMR encoding, verify roll number and booklet series entries
❌ Unauthorised Early Departure: Leaving the examination hall before the prescribed time without explicit permission from the invigilator can result in cancellation of your candidature for that session.
👮 Examination Hall Conduct, Discipline & Unfair Means Policy

UPSC enforces a zero-tolerance policy for malpractice, disorderly conduct, and unfair means inside the examination hall. Every candidate is expected to maintain the highest standards of integrity and decorum throughout the exam.

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Zero Tolerance for Copying

Do not copy from another candidate's paper or allow yours to be seen or copied. Do not seek, offer, or accept help — verbal, written, or gestural — from any other candidate during or between sessions.

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No Unauthorized Materials During Breaks

Do not access unauthorized notes, books, mobile phones, or any prohibited material during breaks between papers. Invigilators and supervisory staff are present throughout the exam premises at all times.

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Maintain Decorum With Staff

Maintain respect and discipline when interacting with invigilators and centre supervisors. Do not argue, misbehave, or raise a disturbance. Any staff instructions during the exam must be followed immediately.

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Consequences Are Lasting

Misconduct leads to disqualification from the current exam and can result in a permanent or temporary ban from all future UPSC examinations and Central Government employment. Criminal prosecution may also follow in serious cases.

🛡️ Advisory to All Candidates: The UPSC CAPF AC Examination is a gateway to a distinguished position in India's paramilitary forces. Approach it with the integrity and discipline that the role demands. Any attempt to cheat, manipulate, or compromise the sanctity of the exam will permanently jeopardize not only the current attempt but also future eligibility across all UPSC examinations and Government of India employment — far beyond the value of any short-term gain.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Exam Hall & OMR Instructions

These are the most commonly asked questions by UPSC CAPF AC candidates about what to bring on exam day, how to fill the OMR sheet, negative marking, and exam hall rules — answered directly from official UPSC guidelines.

Q What documents must I carry to the UPSC CAPF AC exam hall?
You must carry two documents: (1) a printed copy of your valid e-Admit Card issued by UPSC in your name, and (2) an original government-issued photo ID — such as Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence. Both are mandatory. Only a black ballpoint pen and a clean clip board are permitted additionally. Do not carry anything else.
Q Can I bring a mobile phone to the UPSC CAPF exam centre if it is switched off?
No — absolutely not. Mobile phones are prohibited on the entire exam premises, not just inside the examination hall. Even a completely switched-off mobile phone attracts strict action including expulsion and disqualification. UPSC does not provide any safekeeping facility for prohibited items. Leave your phone at home or in your vehicle outside the premises entirely.
Q What is the negative marking rule for UPSC CAPF AC Paper I?
For every incorrect answer in Paper I (General Ability and Intelligence), one-third (1/3rd) of the marks assigned to that question are deducted as a penalty. A correct answer receives the full marks for that question. A question left blank (not attempted) carries zero penalty. If you darken more than one circle for a single question — even if one is correct — it is treated as a wrong answer and negative marking applies.
Q Does negative marking apply to Paper II of UPSC CAPF AC?
No. Negative marking applies only to Paper I (General Ability and Intelligence), which is an objective multiple-choice paper. Paper II (General Studies, Essay, and Comprehension) is a descriptive paper and carries no negative marking. Candidates should plan their Paper I attempt strategy carefully given the 1/3rd deduction rule.
Q What pen should I use to fill the UPSC CAPF OMR Answer Sheet?
You must use only a good quality black ballpoint pen for all OMR entries — writing your details in the boxes, darkening the circles for encoding, and darkening the answer circles. Pencils, ink pens (fountain pens), gel pens, and any pen other than black ballpoint are strictly prohibited. All OMR sheets are processed by scanning machines that read only properly darkened black ink.
Q What should I do if my Test Booklet has missing pages or a printing error?
If you notice any defect in your Test Booklet — including missing pages, printing errors, torn sheets, blank sections, or a missing/misprinted Booklet Series code — raise your hand immediately and inform the invigilator before the exam starts. Request a replacement booklet. Once the examination has officially commenced, no replacement will be provided under any circumstance. You will have to continue with the defective booklet.
Q Can I leave the examination hall before the time is up if I finish early?
No. Candidates are not permitted to leave the examination hall before the full prescribed time for the paper has elapsed — even if they complete all questions early. You must remain seated in the hall until the invigilator announces the end of the examination and instructs candidates to submit their OMR sheets and Test Booklets. Leaving early without permission can result in cancellation of your candidature for that session.
Q What happens if I accidentally make a stray mark on the OMR Answer Sheet?
The OMR sheet is processed entirely by optical scanning machines. A stray mark can be read as an additional darkened circle, which may cause the machine to register a wrong answer or an invalid entry. Do not attempt to erase, white-out, or scribble over any mark — this makes it worse. Take extreme care while handling the pen near the OMR sheet. If serious damage occurs, report it to the invigilator immediately — they may be able to assist before the exam officially begins.

Exam Hall & OMR Day-Of Compliance Checklist

Go through every point below before and during your UPSC CAPF AC examination. Each item directly affects your result or candidature.

Carry printed e-Admit Card and original Photo ID
Leave all electronic devices at home — not in your bag
Bring a black ballpoint pen (carry a spare)
Check Test Booklet for defects before exam begins
Verify Booklet Series printed on booklet before encoding
Write and darken — Roll Number, Booklet Series, Subject Code on OMR
Read the Test Booklet cover page fully before starting
Darken one circle per question — completely and neatly
Avoid guessing — 1/3rd negative marking per wrong answer in Paper I
Fill and sign the Scannable Attendance Sheet accurately
Do not fold, tear, or write your name on the OMR sheet
Stay in hall until instructed — submit OMR only when told
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