Most of the aspirants of CAPF AC and CSE overlap.The examination is conducted by the same authority i.e. UPSC.
Regarding toughness, CAPF AC is an easier exam than CSE because :
- The pattern of the exam is different – there are 9 grueling written papers in CSE Mains. Whereas CAPF’s objective and written paper are easier than CSE papers.
- CAPF has cut-off age of 25 years for General/Unreserved candidates. This significantly limits the number of CSE aspirants attempting the exam. Most of the aspirants I met had quit their jobs to prepare for CSE or were working professionals. Thus, most of the aspirants are unable to attempt CAPF AC.
- Joining the forces requires a specific mindset – Not all are comfortable with the prospect of life in an Armed force of the Union. Great power demands responsibility – it is not everyone’s cup of tea. This reduces number of aspirants and hence the competition.
However this is NOT to say that selection in CAPF is very easy. It is anything but.
In 2018, with greater vacancies I think a good 3 lakh aspirants would have applied for writing the exam. Even if we assume that 2 lakh aspirants actually appeared for the exam ; the selection is really really skewed.
2 lakh aspirants competing for 466 vacancies works out to an acceptance percentage of just 0.23%!!
This means out of 100 aspirants only 0.23 (i.e none) clear it! And out of 1000 aspirants only 2 aspirants get to be a Directly Appointed Gazetted Officer (DAGO)
And this is ignoring the provisional recommendation factor and the fact that in 2018 there were bumper vacancies (In 2017 for instance there were only 167 vacancies)
When I say that CAPF AC is easier, I mean easier relative to the CSE ; you have to give credit to the mother of all exams!
Hence, to summarize CAPF AC offers a simpler path to join as a Gazetted officer of the Government of India wrt CSE . Unshackle the fear mindset and unleash the growth mindset. Just grab the amazing opportunity!!