CRPF ASI Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Eligibility

Computer-based test

One paper of 100 marks in 90 minutes. Questions are objective, in Hindi and English (sections B to D are bilingual), and each wrong answer costs 0.25 marks. The standard is Intermediate level. Marks are normalised before the merit list is made. Calculators and electronic devices are not allowed.

Shorthand skill test (qualifying, no marks)

A 10-minute dictation at 80 words a minute, taken down in standard shorthand strokes, then transcribed on a computer within 50 minutes in English or 65 in Hindi. More than 40 mistakes, which is 5 per cent of an 800-word passage, means failure. Notes taken in longhand fail even if the transcript is perfect.

CRPF has not published a topic-wise syllabus. The notice lists the four test areas above and says the questions are at Intermediate level. For Hindi shorthand the test is on the Remington Gail keyboard layout with the Mangal font.

• Age: 18 to 25 on the closing date. Relaxation: 5 years for SC and ST, 3 for OBC, 3 for ex-servicemen after subtracting service, and up to 40, 43 or 45 years for central government staff with three years' regular service (General, OBC, SC/ST).
• Education: Intermediate (10+2) or equivalent. A two or three-year diploma taken after Class 10 does not count as equivalent.
• Nationality: an Indian citizen, or a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or one of the listed groups of Tibetan refugees and persons of Indian origin who hold a certificate of eligibility.
• Disability: not identified as suitable for persons with disabilities, so such candidates were told not to apply.
• Physical standard: height 165 cm for men (162.5 cm for Garhwalis, Kumaonis, Gorkhas, Dogras, Marathas, people from the north-eastern states, Himachal, Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, and all ST); 155 cm for women (150 cm for the same groups). Men's chest is 77 cm unexpanded and 82 cm expanded, 76 and 81 for ST. Women's chest is not measured. Ex-servicemen get full relaxation in the physical standards but must clear the skill test and medical.

The order is computer-based test, skill test, physical standards test (PST), document verification and a detailed medical exam, with a review medical for anyone declared unfit who consents to it within 24 hours. Only those who clear the CBT are called for the skill test and PST. The PST carries no marks, and a candidate who is declared unfit in height or chest can appeal to an officer at the PST ground on the same day.

The final merit rests on the CBT score, subject to qualifying the later stages. Tattoos are allowed only in narrow cases: religious symbols or names, on the left forearm's inner side or the back of the hand, covering less than a quarter of that part.

ASI (Steno) is Pay Level 5, ₹29,200 to ₹92,300 on the 7th Pay Commission matrix. Dearness, house rent, transport and ration allowances, uniform allowance, free medical care and a yearly leave pass come on top. Pension is under the contributory scheme.

Applications were online only, through the CRPF recruitment site, for one post per candidate. The fee was ₹100 for male General, EWS and OBC candidates; women, SC, ST and ex-servicemen paid nothing. Test cities were chosen by preference, three of them, and could not be changed later. A wrong date of birth or name against the matriculation certificate was not corrected afterwards.

There is no open window now. Notices of this kind come up on rect.crpf.gov.in with about three weeks to apply.

Admit cards were downloaded from the CRPF site, never posted. Two colour copies were needed at each stage, one handed to the invigilator. Skill test and PST admit cards were released separately after the CBT result.

CRPF published the CBT result as lists of roll numbers shortlisted for the shorthand test (November 2023), then a merit list for the ASI (Steno) direct exam of 2022. The lists show roll and registration numbers and names, not marks. Find them under the 2022 entries in the Archived tab of the recruitment site.

No cut-off marks were published for the 2022 exam. The merit lists name the candidates who made it but carry no scores. The notice says marks are normalised, so raw scores from different shifts cannot be compared directly.

Shorthand is where candidates drop out, so start the 80 words a minute dictation early and practise transcribing on a computer with the time limit on. The CBT is a plain Intermediate-level test of language, reasoning and arithmetic, so a few mock tests are enough once speed is there. Keep the 0.25 negative marking in mind.

• CRPF recruitment notices and Archived notices
• 2022 advertisement for ASI (Steno) and Head Constable (Ministerial)
• Recruitment rules and career prospects
• Online application portal

Is there an ASI (Steno) recruitment open now?

No. The latest direct-recruitment notice is the 2022 one, whose applications closed on 25 January 2023.

Who conducts the exam?

CRPF itself, through its Directorate General in New Delhi. The SSC is not involved.

Can I apply with a Class 12 pass?

Yes, Intermediate or equivalent is enough, but you must clear the shorthand test at 80 words a minute.

Is there negative marking?

Yes, 0.25 marks off for each wrong answer in the CBT.