The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (LDCE) 2026 on March 8, 2026 , in New Delhi. This exam aims to fill Assistant Commandant (Executive) vacancies within the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
Online registration for the UPSC LDCE 2026 began on December 3. The deadline for online applications is December 23, 2024, at 6 PM . Candidates must also ensure the hard copy of their application reaches the CISF by January 9, 2025 .
Vacancies and Eligibility
UPSC will fill 20 Assistant Commandant positions through this examination. Sixteen posts are reserved for the General category, three for Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates, and one for Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates.
Eligibility for the UPSC LDCE 2026 is restricted to specific departmental candidates of the CISF. Rules governing eligibility are prescribed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Application Procedure
Candidates can register online through the official website, upsconline.nic.in. All application columns must be filled correctly, as no editing window will be provided after submission.
Following online submission, applicants must print a hard copy of their application form. This printed form requires proper routing through a designated official for necessary certification.
The certified hard copy must be sent to the Director General, Central Industrial Security Force, 13, CGO Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi-110003. The final date for this submission, for verification and forwarding to UPSC, is January 9, 2025 .
Recruitment Stages
The selection process involves a three-stage assessment. Initially, candidates take a written examination. Those who achieve minimum qualifying marks proceed to subsequent stages.
The CISF conducts the physical efficiency test (PET) and medical standard tests for shortlisted candidates. These tests verify that applicants meet the physical and medical standards specified by the Ministry.
UPSC LDCE 2026 Exam Pattern
The written examination comprises two papers. Paper 1 covers General Ability and Intelligence alongside Professional Skill. Paper 2 focuses on Essay, Precis Writing, and Comprehension.
Essays can be written in either English or Hindi. However, Precis Writing and Reading Comprehension sections must be completed in English only.
| Paper | Section | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | General Ability and Intelligence | 75 | 150 |
| Professional Skill | 75 | 150 | |
| Paper 2 | Essay, Precis Writing and Comprehension | – | 100 |
Physical and Medical Standards
Applicants must satisfy specific physical and medical criteria to qualify. The medical standard required for all candidates is SHAPE-1.
| Standard | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Height (General and SC) | 165 cm | 157 cm |
| Height (ST) | 162.5 cm | 154 cm |
| Chest (unexpanded) | 81 cm (with 5 cm min. expansion) | Not applicable |
| Weight | Corresponding to height | Corresponding to height |