What does the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Act, 2026 mean for IPS deputation and CAPF officers' career ceiling?

The CAPF (General Administration) Act, 2026 — passed by Rajya Sabha on 1 April 2026, Lok Sabha on 2 April, and notified after President Murmu's assent on 10 April 2026 — is the first umbrella statute governing officers of the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB. It statutorily reserves DG and Special DG posts for IPS deputation, mandates at least 67% of ADG posts and 50% of IG posts via IPS deputation, and empowers the Centre to make rules on recruitment, promotion and conditions of service. The Act effectively codifies the Centre's earlier deputation policy that was being contested by CAPF officer associations in the Supreme Court.