SSC CPO
The SSC CPO (Central Police Organisation) Examination is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit Sub-Inspectors in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). From the 2026 recruitment cycle, the examination also includes Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF.
SSC CPO is a graduate-level examination that combines computer-based written examinations with physical and medical tests. The 2026 recruitment has 1,871 tentative vacancies across Delhi Police, CAPFs and CISF Fire.
SSC CPO 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces Examination, 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission |
| Posts | SI in Delhi Police, SI (GD) in CAPFs, SI (Fire) in CISF |
| Total Vacancies | 1,871 tentative |
| Qualification | Bachelor's Degree for most posts |
| Age Limit | 20–25 years for most posts |
| SI (Fire) Age Limit | 18–30 years |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Paper-I | Computer-Based Examination |
| Physical Stage | PST + PET |
| Paper-II | Computer-Based Examination |
| Medical | Detailed Medical Examination |
| Paper-I Exam | 20–28 November 2026 |
The 2026 notification was released on 10 September 2026. Applications were accepted from 10 September to 30 September 2026, while the application correction window is scheduled for 8–10 October 2026. The latest SSC examination schedule places the Paper-I CBE from 20 to 28 November 2026.
What is SSC CPO?
SSC CPO is a national-level recruitment examination for Sub-Inspector positions in police and central armed police organisations.
Through the examination, candidates can be recruited to:
Delhi Police
BSF
CISF
CRPF
ITBP
SSB
CISF Fire
The role is suitable for graduates interested in police, law enforcement, internal security and uniformed government services.
SSC CPO Posts
The SSC CPO 2026 recruitment includes three major post categories:
1. Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police
The post is available for both male and female candidates.
2. Sub-Inspector (GD) in CAPFs
SI (GD) vacancies are available in:
BSF
CISF
CRPF
ITBP
SSB
3. Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF
The SI (Fire) post has been included in the SSC CPO 2026 recruitment with 234 tentative vacancies and is a male-only post in this recruitment cycle.
Explore: SSC CPO Posts
SSC CPO Eligibility
For SI in Delhi Police and SI (GD) in CAPFs, candidates generally need a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification.
For SI (Fire) in CISF, the notification specifies separate educational requirements, including eligible science or engineering qualifications.
Candidates applying for the male SI Executive post in Delhi Police must also possess a valid LMV driving licence for motorcycle and car by the prescribed date for the physical test.
Check complete criteria: SSC CPO Eligibility
SSC CPO Age Limit
For SSC CPO 2026:
Most posts: 20–25 years as on 1 August 2026
SI (Fire) in CISF: 18–30 years as on 1 August 2026
Age relaxation is available to eligible categories according to government rules.
Read more: SSC CPO Age Limit
SSC CPO Exam Pattern
The SSC CPO 2026 exam pattern has changed significantly.
Paper-I
Paper-I is a 100-question, 100-mark Computer-Based Examination with a total duration of one hour.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 | 15 minutes |
| General Knowledge & General Awareness | 25 | 25 | 15 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 25 | 15 minutes |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 25 | 15 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
Each section has a separate 15-minute sectional timer. Paper-I carries 0.25-mark negative marking for each incorrect answer.
Paper-II
Paper-II has also been revised for 2026. It contains 160 questions for 320 marks.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 20 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| General Knowledge & General Awareness | 20 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| English Comprehension | 100 | 200 | 60 minutes |
| Total | 160 | 320 | 120 minutes |
Paper-II carries 0.50 marks negative marking for each incorrect answer. English Comprehension carries the largest share with 200 marks.
See the complete pattern: SSC CPO Exam Pattern
SSC CPO Syllabus
SSC CPO preparation covers the following major areas:
Paper-I
General Intelligence & Reasoning
General Knowledge & General Awareness
Quantitative Aptitude
English Comprehension
Paper-II
General Intelligence & Reasoning
General Knowledge & General Awareness
Quantitative Aptitude
English Comprehension
Because English carries 200 of the 320 Paper-II marks, candidates should give particular attention to grammar, vocabulary and comprehension.
View detailed topics: SSC CPO Syllabus
SSC CPO Physical Test
Physical fitness is an important part of SSC CPO because candidates must qualify the prescribed Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET).
The physical stage is qualifying in nature. It does not carry marks toward the written examination score.
The PET includes events such as running, long jump and high jump, with requirements varying by gender and applicable category.
Check complete standards: SSC CPO Physical Test
SSC CPO PET & PST
The PST checks prescribed physical standards such as height and chest measurements for applicable candidates.
The PET tests physical endurance through events such as:
Running
Long Jump
High Jump
Shot Put where applicable
The exact standards depend on the post, gender and applicable relaxation rules.
Detailed requirements: SSC CPO PET/PST
SSC CPO Selection Process
The SSC CPO selection process broadly follows this sequence:
Paper-I → PST/PET → Paper-II → Detailed Medical Examination → Document Verification → Final Selection
Paper-I is used to shortlist candidates for the physical stage. Candidates who qualify the physical requirements proceed to Paper-II.
For the 2026 pattern, Paper-II marks form the major basis of final merit, along with applicable NCC bonus marks and post/force preferences, subject to qualifying all required stages.
Read the complete process: SSC CPO Selection Process
SSC CPO Salary
SSC CPO Sub-Inspector posts are placed at Pay Level 6, with a basic pay scale of:
₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400
The applicable allowances and benefits depend on the post, department, place of posting and government rules.
Check details: SSC CPO Salary
SSC CPO Vacancy 2026
SSC CPO 2026 has 1,871 tentative vacancies.
| Post | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| SI (Executive) – Delhi Police | 205 | 112 | 317 |
| SI (GD) – CAPFs | 1,173 | 147 | 1,320 |
| SI (Fire) – CISF | 234 | — | 234 |
| Total | 1,612 | 259 | 1,871 |
The CAPF SI (GD) vacancies are distributed among BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP and SSB. Vacancy figures are tentative and may be revised by SSC.
Latest vacancy details: SSC CPO Vacancy
SSC CPO Preparation
SSC CPO preparation requires a combination of written-exam preparation and physical training.
Focus on Paper-I
Build speed in:
Reasoning
General Awareness
Quantitative Aptitude
English
The 15-minute sectional timer makes time management particularly important.
Prepare for Paper-II from the beginning
Paper-II carries 320 marks, with English Comprehension alone accounting for 200 marks. Candidates should therefore develop strong English fundamentals rather than waiting until after Paper-I.
Start physical preparation early
Do not postpone PET preparation until after the written examination. Running, jumping and other physical events require regular training.
Practise previous year questions
PYQs help identify repeated concepts, difficulty level and common question patterns.
Take mock tests
Use sectional and full-length mocks to improve speed, accuracy and exam temperament.
Start your preparation: SSC CPO Preparation
SSC CPO Previous Year Papers
Previous year papers can help candidates understand:
Question difficulty
Important topics
Repeated concepts
Time pressure
Section-wise question patterns
Practise PYQs: SSC CPO Previous Year Papers
SSC CPO Books
Candidates should select books and practice resources for:
Reasoning
General Awareness
Quantitative Aptitude
English
Previous Year Questions
Since the 2026 Paper-II pattern places significant weight on English, dedicated English practice should be part of the preparation strategy.
See recommended books: SSC CPO Books
SSC CPO Cut Off
SSC CPO cut-offs can vary according to:
Category
Paper
Gender
Post
Vacancy
Candidate performance
The minimum qualifying standard is different from the actual cut-off required for shortlisting.
Check cut-off details: SSC CPO Cut Off
SSC CPO Admit Card
The SSC CPO admit card provides important examination information such as:
Examination date
Shift
Examination centre
Reporting time
Candidate details
Examination instructions
Candidates should download the admission certificate through the applicable SSC regional portal when released.
Check updates: SSC CPO Admit Card
SSC CPO Answer Key
SSC releases the answer key and response sheet after the relevant computer-based examination.
Candidates can use the response sheet to:
Check their answers
Estimate their marks
Identify incorrect responses
Submit challenges within the prescribed period
Check updates: SSC CPO Answer Key
SSC CPO Result
SSC publishes results after the relevant examination stages. Candidates should check the result notice carefully to determine whether they have qualified for the next stage.
Check updates: SSC CPO Result
SSC CPO Career
An SSC CPO Sub-Inspector can build a career in Delhi Police or one of the participating CAPFs.
Career opportunities can include:
Investigation and enforcement
Law and order
Security operations
Border-related duties
Internal security
Industrial and installation security
Supervisory responsibilities
Promotion and career progression depend on the organisation, service rules, vacancies, departmental requirements and performance.
Explore: SSC CPO Promotion | SSC CPO Career Growth
Who Should Prepare for SSC CPO?
SSC CPO is suitable for candidates who:
Have a bachelor’s degree
Want a police or uniformed government career
Are interested in Delhi Police or CAPFs
Are comfortable with physical fitness requirements
Can prepare seriously for competitive written examinations
Are willing to develop strong English skills
Want a Sub-Inspector-level government position
Important SSC CPO Resources
SSC CPO Eligibility
SSC CPO Age Limit
SSC CPO Syllabus
SSC CPO Exam Pattern
SSC CPO Selection Process
SSC CPO Posts
SSC CPO Salary
SSC CPO Job Profile
SSC CPO Physical Test
SSC CPO PET/PST
SSC CPO Medical Test
SSC CPO Preparation
SSC CPO Books
SSC CPO Previous Year Papers
SSC CPO Cut Off
SSC CPO Vacancy
SSC CPO Admit Card
SSC CPO Answer Key
SSC CPO Result
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SSC CPO?
SSC CPO is the Staff Selection Commission examination for recruiting Sub-Inspectors in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces.
What is the SSC CPO qualification?
A bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or equivalent is required for SI in Delhi Police and SI (GD) in CAPFs. SI (Fire) in CISF has separate educational requirements.
What is the SSC CPO age limit?
For most SSC CPO posts, the age limit is 20–25 years as on 1 August 2026. SI (Fire) in CISF has an age limit of 18–30 years.
How many vacancies are there in SSC CPO 2026?
There are 1,871 tentative vacancies in SSC CPO 2026 across Delhi Police, CAPFs and CISF Fire.
What is the SSC CPO Paper-I pattern?
Paper-I contains 100 questions for 100 marks, with 25 questions each from Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Comprehension. Each section has a 15-minute timer.
What is the SSC CPO Paper-II pattern?
Paper-II contains 160 questions for 320 marks: 20 questions each from Reasoning, General Awareness and Quantitative Aptitude, and 100 questions from English Comprehension.
When is SSC CPO Paper-I 2026?
SSC CPO Paper-I is scheduled from 20 November to 28 November 2026. Candidates should check SSC for their individual examination date, shift and centre.