The official SSC CPO 2026 notification was released on 10.09.2026. This recruitment drive will fill Sub-Inspector positions in Delhi Police and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Applicants can complete their application forms at www.ssc.gov.in, the official SSC website.
Candidates can use this article to review the exam pattern and selection process. You can also explore our SSC Jobs section for updates on SSC recruitment, notifications, eligibility, and application details.
We cover what the SSC CPO 2026 cycle demands, from physical endurance requirements to the updated live-photo application rules.
SSC CPO Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission |
| Exam Name | SSC CPO (Central Police Organization) |
| Posts | Sub-Inspector (Delhi Police, CAPFs) |
| Qualification | Graduation |
| Age Limit | 20–25 years (varies by category) |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) + Physical Tests |
| Selection Stages | Tier 1, PET/PST, Tier 2, Medical |
| Job Location | All India |
| Dates for submission of online applications | 10.09.2026 to 30.09.2026 |
| Schedule of Computer Based Examination | Will be updated |
SSC CPO 2026 Vacancies Analysis
| Post | Gender | Vacanies |
| Sub-Inspector (GD) in CAPFs | Male | 1173 |
| Female | 147 | |
| Sub Inspector (Fire) in CISF-Male | 234 | |
| Sub-Inspector (Exe.) in Delhi Police-Female | Female | 112 |
| Sub-Inspector (Exe.) in Delhi Police-Male | Male | 205 |
| Total | 1871 | |
Latest SSC CPO Notification & Updates
Stay updated with the latest SSC CPO notifications, exam dates, and application details. All recent updates are listed below to help you track important deadlines and apply on time.
What is SSC CPO Exam?
The SSC CPO is a national-level exam conducted annually by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit physically fit, capable graduates for the post of Sub-Inspector (SI) in the Delhi Police and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
Depending on your final merit and preference, you will be handling active law enforcement.
You might be investigating crime scenes in Delhi, managing riot control with the CRPF, securing vital airport infrastructure with the CISF, or guarding international borders with the BSF. The role fundamentally revolves around security, active field investigation, and leading ground troops.
SSC CPO Posts & Job Profile
Posts Under SSC CPO
- Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police
- Sub-Inspector in CAPFs (BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB)
| Post | Organization | Pay Level | Classification |
| SI (GD) | CAPFs | Level 6 (₹35,400–₹1,12,400) | Group B |
| SI (Executive) | Delhi Police | Level 6 (₹35,400–₹1,12,400) | Group C |
| SI (FIRE) | CISF | Level 6 (₹35,400–₹1,12,400) | Group B |
Job Responsibilities
- Maintaining strict law & order in your assigned jurisdiction.
- Executing active field operations, border patrols, and security duties.
- Conducting criminal investigations, filing FIRs, and submitting ground reports to superiors.
Work Environment
- Almost entirely outdoor and field-based.
- A highly physically demanding role that requires peak medical fitness.
- A fully transferable job across India (especially in CAPFs) and sometimes to extreme terrain.
SSC CPO Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- You must hold a valid Graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university. For the Delhi Police SI post specifically, male candidates must also possess a valid Driving License for LMV (Motorcycle and Car) on the date fixed for Physical Endurance and Measurement Tests.
Age Limit
- 20–25 years for all posts except for SI (FIRE) CISF. For SI (FIRE) CISF the age limit is 18-30 years. (as on 01.08.2026)
Age Relaxation
| Code | Category | Permissible Age Limit / Relaxation |
| 1 | SC/ST | 5 years relaxation |
| 2 | OBC | 3 years relaxation |
| 6 | Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 3 years after deducting military service from actual age |
| 12 | Widows, divorced women & judicially separated women (not remarried) | Up to 35 years |
| 13 | Widows, divorced women & judicially separated women (SC/ST, not remarried) | Up to 40 years |
| 17 | Delhi Police departmental candidates (UR/EWS) with 3+ years of regular continuous service | Up to 30 years |
| 18 | Delhi Police departmental candidates (OBC) with 3+ years of regular continuous service | Up to 33 years |
| 19 | Delhi Police departmental candidates (SC/ST) with 3+ years of regular continuous service | Up to 35 years |
Codes 12 and 13 apply to the post of Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police. Codes 17, 18, and 19 apply only to Delhi Police vacancies.
Physical Standard Test (for all Posts)
Height norms for SI in Delhi Police
The Commission measures you strictly barefoot and bare-chested (for men). Even a 0.5 cm deficit may result in immediate disqualification on the ground.
| Category | Height (cm) | Chest (cm) |
| Male Candidates | Unexpanded- Expanded | |
| General (except specified categories) | 170 | 80–85 |
| Hill areas, Gorkhas, Dogras, Marathas, NE States, Sikkim, etc. | 165 | 80–85 |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 162.5 | 77–82 |
| Female Candidates | ||
| General (except specified categories) | 157 | Not applicable |
| Hill areas, Gorkhas, Dogras, Marathas, NE States, Sikkim, etc. | 155 | Not applicable |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 154 | Not applicable |
Note: Chest measurements apply only to male candidates.
Height & Chest Norms for SI in CAPFs
| Category | Height (cm) | Chest (cm) |
| Male Candidates | Expanded-Unexpanded | |
| General | 170 | 80–85 |
| Hill areas, Dogras, Marathas, Kashmir Valley, Leh & Ladakh, NE States, Sikkim | 165 | 80–85 |
| Male Gorkha | 157 | 80–85 |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 162.5 | 77–82 |
| ST candidates from North-Eastern States | 157 | 77–82 |
| Female Candidates | ||
| General | 157 | — |
| Hill areas, Gorkhas, Dogras, Marathas, Kashmir Valley, Leh & Ladakh, NE States, Sikkim | 155 | — |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 154 | — |
Height & Chest Norms for SI (Fire) in CISF
| Category | Height (cm) | Chest (cm) |
| General Male | 170 | 81–86 |
| Hill areas, Gorkhas, Dogras, Marathas, Sikkimies, Leh & Ladakh, Kashmir Valley, NE States | 165 | 81–86 |
| Scheduled Tribes (including Mizos & Nagas) | 162.5 | 77–82 |
SSC CPO Physical Endurance Test (PET)
The Physical Endurance Test (PET) is conducted for all posts under SSC CPO. Candidates must complete the following running, jumping, and shot put events within the prescribed limits.
| Event | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
| 100 Metre Race | 16 seconds | 18 seconds |
| 1.6 km Race | 6.5 minutes | — |
| 800 Metre Race | — | 4 minutes |
| Long Jump | 3.65 m (3 chances) | 2.7 m (3 chances) |
| High Jump | 1.2 m (3 chances) | 0.9 m (3 chances) |
| Shot Put (16 lbs) | 4.5 m (3 chances) | — |
SSC CPO Selection Process
The Staff Selection Commission weeds out candidates aggressively through four mandatory phases.
Step 1 – Paper 1 (CBE-Computer Based Examinations)
SSC CPO Paper-I is a computer-based examination covering four subjects: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Knowledge & General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. The paper consists of 100 questions for 100 marks, with a duration of 1 hour.
Prepare for SSC CPO Maths with our free complete Maths course: [MathsbyNITian]
Step 2 – PET/PST (Physical Test)
The ground test. Your height and chest are measured, followed by intensive running and jumping exercises.
Step 3 – Paper 2 (CBE-Computer Based Examinations)
SSC CPO Paper-II is a computer-based examination covering four subjects as Paper-1, with greater weightage to English Comprehension. The paper consists of 100 questions for 320 marks, with a duration of 2 hour.
Prepare for SSC CPO Maths with our free complete Maths course: [MathsbyNITian]
Step 4 – Medical Examination
A strict examination by medical officers of the CAPFs to ensure you have no color blindness, flat foot, knock knee, or other disqualifying physical defects.
Flow: Paper 1 → PET/PST → Paper 2 → Medical
SSC CPO Exam Pattern
Paper 1
- Subjects: General Intelligence & Reasoning (25 marks), General Knowledge (25 marks), Quantitative Aptitude (25 marks), English Comprehension (25 marks).
- Marks: 100 total. Duration: 1 hour.
Paper 2
- Subject: General Intelligence & Reasoning (40 marks), General Knowledge (40 marks), Quantitative Aptitude (40 marks), English Comprehension (200 marks).
- Marks: 320 total. Duration: 2 hours.
| Negative Marking Paper 1 | 0.25 marks deducted for every incorrect answer |
| Negative Marking Paper 2 | 0.50 marks deducted for every incorrect answer |
| Exam Type | Computer Based Exams |
SSC CPO Syllabus
Reasoning
Tests your logical thinking through analogies, spatial visualization, problem-solving, number series, coding-decoding, and non-verbal reasoning patterns.
General Awareness
Focuses heavily on current affairs, Indian geography, history, general polity, scientific research, and international events.
Quantitative Aptitude
Requires speed in solving whole numbers, decimals, percentages, profit & loss, algebra, trigonometry, standard geometry, and basic mensuration.
English
Tests your understanding of correct grammar, vocabulary, spellings, synonyms, antonyms, active/passive voice, direct/indirect speech, and heavy reading comprehension.
SSC CPO Salary & Benefits
Pay Level
- Pay Level: Level 6. The basic pay runs from ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400 as per the 7th Pay Commission.
Allowances
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) depending on your posting city.
- Dearness Allowance (DA) to offset inflation.
- Transport Allowance (TA).
Risk & Field Allowances
- If you are posted with CAPFs in sensitive borders or active conflict zones, you receive substantial hardship and risk allowances that drastically bump up your in-hand salary.
Highlight:
- Govt job perks: Unmatched job security, premium CGHS medical facilities for your family, and a government pension scheme.
- Promotion scope: You will gradually rise to the ranks of Inspector, Assistant Commandant, and potentially Deputy Commandant depending on internal departmental exams and tenure.
How to Apply for SSC CPO Exam?
- Visit official SSC website: Go directly to the new portal at ssc.gov.in.
- Complete OTR: If you haven’t already, complete your One-Time Registration using Aadhaar authentication.
- Fill application form: Log in, navigate to the SI in Delhi Police and CAPFs 2026 examination link, and fill in your center preferences.
- Upload documents: Pay close attention. You must capture a live photograph using a webcam or the MySSC app. No caps, no glasses, plain background. Upload your signature strictly between 10 KB to 20 KB.
- Pay fee: Pay the ₹100 fee via UPI, net banking, or cards. (Women, SC, ST, and Ex-Servicemen are exempted).
SSC CPO Preparation Tips
- Balance physical + written prep: Do not wait until after Tier 1 to start running. You cannot build a 6.5-minute 1.6 km stamina in three weeks. Train your body alongside your brain.
- Practice previous year papers: The SSC repeats mathematical and reasoning logic heavily. Pull previous SSC CPO papers directly from the official archives and solve them under a strict 2-hour timer.
- Focus on English (Paper 2 critical): English accounts for 200 out of the 320 total marks determining your merit. If your English Comprehension is weak, you need to work on it through regular practices, mock test and revisions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in SSC CPO Exam
Not knowing the syllabus well
Attempting questions without reading them well and making mistakes
Not giving enough time to revision and practice
Skipping mock tests
Giving too much time to a question which is better to leave in the exam
Not sleeping whole the night before exam and doing poor
Who Should Apply for SSC CPO?
- Graduates seeking police jobs: If you want the authority and responsibility of a uniformed officer without waiting for UPSC CAPF (AC) or State PSC cycles.
- Candidates interested in defense/security roles: Those who thrive in disciplined, outdoor environments and wish to serve the nation on the ground.
- Physically fit aspirants: If you already play sports, run regularly, and meet the strict height/chest criteria, you have a massive advantage over purely academic candidates.
Check Latest SSC CPO Jobs
Latest Notification: Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces Examination, 2026
SSC CPO – Frequently Asked Questions
What is SSC CPO exam?
It is a national-level recruitment exam conducted by the Staff Selection Commission to hire Sub-Inspectors for the Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The role involves active law enforcement and security duties.
Who can apply for SSC CPO?
Any Indian citizen who holds a valid Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university and falls within the 20 to 25 years age bracket can apply. Male applicants for Delhi Police must also possess a valid driving license. Check the latest qualification in the notification.
What is PET in SSC CPO?
The Physical Endurance Test (PET) is a mandatory, qualifying ground test that includes timed running, long jumps, and high jumps. Failing any single event in the PET leads to immediate disqualification from the recruitment.
What is SSC CPO salary?
Recruits are placed in Pay Level 6 under the 7th Pay Commission, which carries a basic pay of ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400. Once allowances like HRA, DA, and risk pay are added, the actual in-hand salary is much higher.
Is SSC CPO tough?
Yes, it is difficult if you don’t prepare it well.
What is height requirement?
For General/OBC/SC males, the minimum barefoot height is 170 cm, and for females, it is 157 cm. The Commission offers specific height relaxations only for Scheduled Tribes and candidates from designated hill regions.
Can females apply for SSC CPO?
Absolutely. Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply for Sub-Inspector roles in both the Delhi Police and CAPFs, and they have separate, slightly adjusted physical standard requirements.
What is selection process?
The process involves four strict stages:
- An objective Tier 1 Computer Based Test,
- A physical measurement and endurance ground test (PET/PST),
- A Tier 2 exam, and
- A final detailed medical examination (DME).