The SSC CPO 2026 (Central Police Organisation) exam is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit Sub-Inspectors (SI) in Delhi Police and CAPFs (BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB). This complete guide covers the SSC CPO 2026 introduction, important dates, eligibility criteria, physical standards, selection process, Paper 1 & Paper 2 exam pattern and detailed subject-wise syllabus.
SSC CPO 2026 — Introduction
SSC CPO is a prestigious recruitment exam for graduates who wish to serve as Sub-Inspectors in the Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces. The exam is known for its combination of a written test, physical tests and a medical examination, making it ideal for candidates seeking a uniformed career.
A thorough understanding of the SSC CPO syllabus 2026, exam pattern and physical standards is important for a well-rounded preparation strategy.
SSC CPO 2026 — Quick Overview
| Exam Name | SSC CPO (Sub-Inspector) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s Degree (Graduation) |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer Based Test) |
| Selection Process | Paper 1, PET/PST, Paper 2, Medical, DV |
| Negative Marking | Yes (0.25 marks per wrong answer) |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC CPO 2026 — Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | As per SSC exam calendar |
| Online Application Start | As per official notification |
| Application Last Date | As per official notification |
| Paper 1 Exam Date | To be announced |
| PET/PST | After Paper 1 result |
| Paper 2 Exam Date | After PET/PST |
⚠️ Exact SSC CPO 2026 dates will be released with the official notification. Verify the latest schedule on ssc.gov.in.
SSC CPO 2026 — Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
| Post | Minimum Qualification |
|---|---|
| Sub-Inspector (SI) | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised university |
| SI in Delhi Police | Graduation + valid Driving Licence for LMV (as per norms) |
Age Limit
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General | 20 – 25 years |
| Age Relaxation | As per Government of India rules |
SSC CPO 2026 — Physical Standards (PST)
| Parameter | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Height (General) | 170 cm | 157 cm |
| Chest (Male) | 80 – 85 cm (with expansion) | Not applicable |
| Relaxation | For hill area/tribal candidates | As per notification |
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
| Test | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 100 m race | 16 seconds | 18 seconds |
| 1.6 km / 800 m race | 6.5 min (1.6 km) | 4 min (800 m) |
| Long/High jump & shot put | As per standards | As per standards |
📝 Physical standards and PET events may vary by category and region. Refer to the official notification for exact requirements.
SSC CPO 2026 — Selection Process
1
Paper 1 (Objective CBT)
A computer-based screening test covering four subjects.
A computer-based screening test covering four subjects.
2
Physical Endurance Test (PET) & Physical Standard Test (PST)
Race, jumps and height/chest measurements as prescribed.
Race, jumps and height/chest measurements as prescribed.
3
Paper 2 (English Language & Comprehension)
A qualifying objective English paper for PET/PST-qualified candidates.
A qualifying objective English paper for PET/PST-qualified candidates.
4
Medical Examination
Detailed medical fitness test for shortlisted candidates.
Detailed medical fitness test for shortlisted candidates.
5
Document Verification
Final verification of eligibility and documents.
Final verification of eligibility and documents.
SSC CPO 2026 — Paper 1 Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 |
| General Knowledge & General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 50 | 50 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
⏱️ Paper 1 is of 2 hours duration with a negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer.
SSC CPO 2026 — Paper 2 Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language & Comprehension | 200 | 200 | 2 hours |
✅ Paper 2 tests advanced English skills including grammar, vocabulary and comprehension. Negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer applies.
SSC CPO 2026 — Detailed Syllabus
🧠 General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Analogies & classification
- Coding-decoding
- Series & pattern
- Blood relations & directions
- Non-verbal reasoning
- Syllogism & statements
- Problem solving
🌍 General Knowledge & Awareness
- Indian History & culture
- Geography (India & World)
- Polity & Constitution
- Economy & schemes
- General Science
- Current affairs & sports
🔢 Quantitative Aptitude
- Number system & simplification
- Percentage, ratio & proportion
- Profit, loss & interest
- Time, work, speed & distance
- Geometry, mensuration & trigonometry
- Data interpretation
📝 English (Paper 1 & Paper 2)
- Reading comprehension
- Grammar & error spotting
- Vocabulary, synonyms & antonyms
- Idioms, phrases & one-word substitution
- Fill in the blanks & cloze test
- Sentence improvement & para jumbles
SSC CPO 2026 — Best Preparation Strategy
📌 Study Plan
- Cover all Paper 1 subjects with a timetable
- Strengthen English for both papers
- Read daily current affairs
🏃 Physical Preparation
- Practise running & endurance daily
- Prepare for jumps and shot put
- Maintain overall fitness
🎯 Mock Tests
- Attempt weekly full-length mocks
- Practise English separately for Paper 2
- Solve previous year papers
SSC CPO 2026 — Important Books
| Subject | Book Name | Author / Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Fast Track Objective Arithmetic | Rajesh Verma |
| Reasoning | Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| English | Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi |
| General Knowledge | Lucent General Knowledge | Lucent Publications |
SSC CPO 2026 — Official Website
For the official notification, exam dates and updates, always refer to the official Staff Selection Commission website: ssc.gov.in.