CISF AC (Executive) LDCE 2026: Official Notification & Complete Guide

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the notification for the CISF Assistant Commandants (Executive) Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) 2026. This is not just an exam; it is the premier career progression opportunity for serving Sub-Inspectors and Inspectors in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

Unlike open market exams, this is a special pathway designed exclusively for deserving departmental candidates to rise through the ranks and take on leadership roles as Gazetted Officers (Group A). If you have the ambition to lead from the front, this blog post covers every minute detail—from the new criminal law syllabus to the strict eligibility criteria.

1. Key Highlights: CISF AC EXE LDCE 2026

Before diving into the complex details, here is a quick snapshot of the recruitment drive.

Feature	Details
Exam Name	CISF AC (Executive) LDCE 2026
Conducting Body	Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Notification Date	03 December 2025
Total Vacancies	20 (Gen: 16, SC: 03, ST: 01)
Exam Date	08 March 2026 (Sunday)
Application Mode	Online (UPSC Portal) + Hard Copy (Through Proper Channel)
Target Audience	Serving CISF Personnel (SI/Inspector)

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2. Important Dates You Cannot Miss

In departmental exams, missing a deadline often means waiting another full year. The timeline for the 2026 cycle is tight.

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3. Eligibility Criteria: Are You Eligible?

The CISF AC LDCE Eligibility is the most critical section. Since this is a “Limited Departmental” exam, the criteria are strict regarding service length and rank. A single day’s shortage in service calculation can lead to rejection.

A. Service Requirement

You must have completed four (04) years of regular service as on 01st January 2026.

• Rank: You must be currently working in the rank of Sub-Inspector (GD) or Inspector (GD).
• Training Period: The period of basic training is included in the calculation of these 4 years.
• Clean Record: You must have a clean service record strictly defined as:
  • No minor punishment (under Rule-34 vi-x of CISF Rules 2001) in the last 4 years.
  • No major punishment (under Rule-34 i-v of CISF Rules 2001) during your entire service.

B. Age Limit

The age cutoff date is 01st August 2026.

Category	Age Condition	Birth Date Limit
General	Max 35 Years	Born not earlier than 02 Aug 1991
SC/ST	Max 40 Years (5 Year Relaxation)	Born not earlier than 02 Aug 1986

C. Educational Qualification

You must possess a Graduation Degree from a recognized University.
Note: Possession of an NCC ‘B’ or ‘C’ Certificate is desirable. It won’t give you extra marks in the written exam but will be considered as a positive trait during the Interview.

D. Number of Attempts

Every eligible candidate is permitted a maximum of three (03) attempts at this examination. Treat every attempt as your final one.

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4. How to Apply: The Two-Step Process

Applying for the CISF Assistant Commandant LDCE is unique because it involves both digital and physical submission. Failing to submit the hard copy will result in your candidature being cancelled.

Step 1: Online Application (UPSCOnline)

1. Visit the official portal: upsconline.nic.in.
2. Complete the One Time Registration (OTR) if not done previously.
3. Fill in the Common Application Form (CAF) and the Exam Specific Form.
4. Ensure your photo and signature are scanned clearly (.jpg format, 20KB-300KB).
5. Crucial: Use your official email ID (preferably ending in @nic.in) if available, or a strictly personal active email.
6. Submit before 23.12.2025.

Step 2: Hard Copy Submission (Through Proper Channel)

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5. Detailed Exam Pattern & Syllabus (Updated 2026)

The selection relies heavily on your written performance. The exam consists of two papers conducted on the same day.

Paper I: General Ability, Intelligence & Professional Skill

• Format: Objective Type (MCQ)
• Duration: 2.5 Hours
• Marks: 300 Marks (150 Questions x 2 Marks each)
• Structure:
  • Part A: General Ability & Intelligence (75 Qs): Logical reasoning, data interpretation, general science, and current events.
  • Part B: Professional Skill (75 Qs): Core CISF departmental knowledge.

Paper II: Essay, Précis & Comprehension

• Format: Descriptive
• Duration: 2 Hours
• Marks: 100 Marks
• Components:
  • Essay (40 Marks): Can be written in English or Hindi. Topics often relate to security, social issues, or modernization.
  • Précis Writing (English Only): summarizing a text to one-third its length.
  • Comprehension (English Only): Answering questions based on a provided passage.

🔥 Updated Syllabus: New Criminal Laws

Candidates must note that the 2026 syllabus has been updated to reflect the new legal framework of India. You must study the following:

• Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023: Replace your CrPC notes. Focus on Sections related to Arrest (35-62), Search & Seizure (96-110), Preventive Action (168-172), and Unlawful Assembly.
• Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023: Replace IPC notes. Study definitions of Public Servant, Terrorist Act, Offences against Public Tranquility, Theft, and Criminal Trespass.
• Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023: Replace Evidence Act notes. Focus on Primary & Secondary Evidence.
• Other Acts: UAPA, Prevention of Corruption Act, POCSO, and Human Rights Act remain crucial.

CISF Professional Skills (Core Topics)

Master these to score high in Part B:

• Industrial Security, Fire Fighting & Safety.
• Aviation Security (BCAS norms) & Disaster Management.
• Crime & Intelligence (Espionage, Sabotage).
• Security of Vital Installations (Metro, Space, Ports, Nuclear).
• Technical Gadgets (DFMD, HHMD, X-Ray Baggage Scanners).

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6. Physical & Medical Standards

Clearing the written exam is only half the battle. You must maintain SHAPE-1 medical category and clear the PET events.

Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

Note: PET is qualifying in nature. No marks are awarded, but failure in any event leads to immediate disqualification.

Event	Male Requirement	Female Requirement
100 Meters Race	16 Seconds	18 Seconds
800 Meters Race	3 Minutes 45 Seconds	4 Minutes 45 Seconds
Long Jump	3.5 Meters (3 Chances)	3.0 Meters (3 Chances)
Shot Put (7.26 Kg)	4.5 Meters (3 Chances)	Not Applicable

Medical Standards

• Vision: Distant vision 6/6 or 6/9 (Better eye). Worse eye 6/12 or 6/9.
• LASIK: Laser surgery is strictly NOT allowed.
• General Health: No knock knees, flat foot, varicose veins, or squint.
• Tattoos: Strict rules apply regarding size and location (inner aspect of forearm/non-saluting hand).

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7. Important Links & Downloads

Access the official resources directly from here.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)