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SSC CPO 2026: Central Police Organisations Examination — Complete Guide
The SSC Central Police Organisations (SSC CPO) 2026 is one of India's most important police-cadre competitive examinations, conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). It recruits candidates for the post of Sub-Inspector (SI) in Delhi Police and Sub-Inspector / Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) in CAPFs (Central Armed Police Forces) — including BSF, CRPF, CISF, SSB, and ITBP. Every year, over a million aspirants search for "SSC CPO 2026 notification", "SSC CPO physical date 2026", and "CPO SI 2026" hoping to land a prestigious central government job. This complete guide gives you every detail you need.
What is SSC CPO?
The SSC Central Police Organisations (CPO) examination is conducted for recruitment to:
- Sub-Inspector (SI) in Delhi Police — Most prestigious post in the exam
- Sub-Inspector (GD) in CAPFs — Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
- Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) in CISF — Also part of SSC CPO
- SI in CAPFs (Female) — Female-specific vacancies in CRPF, BSF, CISF, etc.
SSC CPO 2026 at a Glance:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | CPO — Central Police Organisations Examination |
| Posts | SI in Delhi Police, SI in CAPFs, ASI in CISF |
| Pay Level | Level 6 (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400) |
| Selection Stages | Paper-I → PET/PST → Medical → Paper-II |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC CPO 2026 — Notification & Key Dates
The SSC CPO 2026 official notification is expected between March and May 2026. Here is the anticipated schedule:
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| SSC CPO 2026 Notification Release | March – May 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | As per notification |
| Application Last Date | ~30 days after notification |
| SSC CPO Paper-I Exam Date | June – August 2026 |
| SSC CPO Paper-I Result | October – November 2026 |
| PET/PST (Physical Test) Date | November – December 2026 |
| Medical Examination | December 2026 – January 2027 |
| SSC CPO Paper-II Exam | February – March 2027 |
| Final Result | Mid 2027 |
Note: SSC typically releases the SSC CPO notification once per year. Candidates who miss this window must wait until the next cycle.
Previous SSC CPO Reference:
- SSC CPO 2023 notification was released in October 2023 with 4,187 vacancies (including 1,100+ Delhi Police SI)
- SSC CPO 2022 notification had approximately 4,300 vacancies
SSC CPO 2026 — Vacancy Details
The official SSC CPO 2026 vacancy count will be announced with the notification. Based on trends:
| Organisation | Expected SSC CPO 2026 Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Delhi Police (SI) | 1,000 – 2,000 |
| BSF (SI) | 500 – 800 |
| CRPF (SI) | 400 – 700 |
| CISF (SI) | 300 – 600 |
| SSB (SI) | 100 – 300 |
| ITBP (SI) | 100 – 200 |
| CISF (ASI) | 100 – 200 |
| Total (Expected) | 3,000 – 6,000+ |
Category-wise Distribution:
| Category | Percentage |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | ~40% |
| OBC | ~27% |
| SC | ~15% |
| ST | ~7.5% |
| EWS | ~10% |
Gender-wise: Both male and female vacancies are available across most posts.
SSC CPO 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | 20 – 25 years |
| OBC | 20 – 28 years (3 years relaxation) |
| SC / ST | 20 – 30 years (5 years relaxation) |
| Ex-Servicemen (General) | Up to 28 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (OBC) | Up to 31 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (SC/ST) | Up to 33 years |
Age is calculated as on the cut-off date specified in the official notification (typically 1st January of the notification year).
Educational Qualification
- Minimum: Bachelor's Degree from any recognized university in any stream
- Final year students: Not eligible — must possess the degree by the cut-off date
Nationality
- Must be a citizen of India
Physical Standards
For Male Candidates (General / OBC / SC):
| Parameter | CAPF Generally | Delhi Police |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 170 cm | 170 cm |
| Chest | 80–85 cm (5 cm expansion) | 80–85 cm |
For Female Candidates:
| Parameter | Required |
|---|---|
| Height | 157 cm |
| Weight | Proportionate to height |
Height Relaxation: Candidates from categorized hilly/tribal regions get relaxation of 5 cm in height (male and female). Check the notification for specific states that qualify.
SSC CPO 2026 Exam Pattern
Paper-I (Computer Based Examination) — 200 Marks, 2 Hours
| 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 |
- Negative Marking: -0.25 per wrong answer
- Mode: Computer Based Test (Online)
Physical Endurance & Standard Test (PET/PST)
After Paper-I, shortlisted candidates appear for PET/PST (qualifying in nature):
Male Candidates:
| Event | Standard |
|---|---|
| Race (Running) | 5 km in 24 minutes |
| Long Jump | 3.65 metres (3 attempts allowed) |
| High Jump | 1.2 metres (3 attempts allowed) |
Female Candidates:
| Event | Standard |
|---|---|
| Race (Running) | 1.6 km in 8 minutes 30 seconds |
| Long Jump | 2.7 metres (3 attempts allowed) |
| High Jump | 0.9 metres (3 attempts allowed) |
PET/PST is qualifying only — marks from PET are NOT added to merit.
Medical Examination
- Conducted after PET/PST
- Checks vision, hearing, and overall physical fitness per departmental standards
- Vision standards: SI Delhi Police requires 6/6 in better eye, 6/9 in worse eye (with glasses allowed to some extent)
Paper-II (Computer Based Examination) — 200 Marks, 2 Hours
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English Language & Comprehension | 200 | 200 |
- Negative Marking: -0.25 per wrong answer
- Only candidates who clear PET/PST and Medical are eligible for Paper-II
- Final merit is calculated on the combined score of Paper-I + Paper-II
SSC CPO 2026 Detailed Syllabus
General Intelligence & Reasoning (Paper-I)
Verbal Reasoning:
- Analogies (semantic, figurative); Semantic Series; Number Series
- Coding-Decoding; Blood Relations; Calendar & Clock Problems
- Directions & Distances; Syllogisms; Statement & Conclusions
- Matrix Problems; Order & Ranking; Word Arrangement
Non-Verbal Reasoning:
- Series Completion (figures); Embedded Figures
- Mirror Image; Water Image; Paper Folding and Cutting
- Completion of Incomplete Figures; Figure Classification
General Knowledge & General Awareness (Paper-I)
History:
- Ancient India — Indus Valley, Vedic, Maurya, Gupta empires
- Medieval India — Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Bhakti and Sufi movements
- Modern India — British period, 1857, freedom struggle, major leaders
- World History — French Revolution, Industrial Revolution, World Wars
Geography:
- Physical Geography — landforms, rivers, climate, soil, biomes
- India's geography — states, capitals, rivers, natural resources
- World Geography — countries, capitals, major rivers, mountain ranges
Indian Polity & Constitution:
- Constitution — Preamble, Fundamental Rights, DPSP, Duties
- Parliament — Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, President, PM
- Judiciary — Supreme Court, High Courts
- Elections Commission, CAG, Finance Commission
- Panchayati Raj, Urban Local Bodies
Indian Economy:
- National Income, GDP, GNP
- Agriculture, Industry, Services sectors
- Government Budget, Fiscal Deficit
- Banking — RBI functions, commercial banks
- GST, taxation basics
Science & Technology:
- Physics: Motion, Gravity, Optics, Electricity, Magnetism
- Chemistry: Acids, Bases, Metals, Chemical Reactions
- Biology: Human body, diseases, nutrition, environment
- Space — ISRO missions; Defence — missiles, submarines
- Computer & IT basics
Current Affairs:
- National & International events (last 12 months)
- Awards — Padma, Bharat Ratna, Nobel, Pulitzer, etc.
- Sports — Major tournaments, champions
- Appointments — Governors, CEOs, Ambassadors
- Government Schemes & Policies
Quantitative Aptitude (Paper-I)
- Number System, Factors, Multiples; HCF & LCM
- Fractions, Decimals; Simplification
- Percentage; Ratio & Proportion; Partnership
- Profit & Loss, Discount, Marked Price
- Simple Interest, Compound Interest
- Time, Work, Wages; Pipes & Cisterns
- Time, Speed & Distance; Boats & Streams
- Mixture & Alligation; Ages Problems
- Geometry: Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles (Theorems)
- Mensuration: Perimeter, Area (2D shapes); Volume (3D shapes)
- Trigonometry: Ratios, Identities, Heights & Distances
- Algebra: Linear equations, Quadratic equations
- Data Interpretation: Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Line Graphs, Tables
English Comprehension (Paper-I)
- Spot The Error (grammar-based)
- Fill in the Blanks; One Word Substitution
- Synonyms / Antonyms; Idioms & Phrases
- Spelling Correction
- Sentence Improvement / Rearrangement
- Reading Comprehension Passages (short passages)
English Language & Comprehension (Paper-II — Advanced)
Paper-II is entirely English and assesses deeper language proficiency:
- Multiple Reading Comprehension Passages (longer, complex passages)
- Cloze Test — blank-filling in a passage based on context
- Para Jumbles — Sentence rearrangement to form coherent paragraphs
- Error Spotting in Sentences (complex grammar structures)
- Fill in the Blanks (Vocabulary-based)
- Active/Passive Voice; Direct/Indirect Speech
- Tenses — Identification and correction
- Subject-Verb Agreement; Articles; Prepositions
How to Apply for SSC CPO 2026
- Visit: ssc.gov.in
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR) if not already done — creates a permanent SSC login
- Log in and navigate to "Apply Now" — SSC CPO 2026
- Select preferred posts (Delhi Police SI / CAPF SI / ASI CISF)
- Fill in application form — personal details, qualifications, category
- Upload documents:
- Passport-size photograph (JPEG, 20–50 KB)
- Signature (JPEG, 10–20 KB)
- Pay Application Fee:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹100 |
| SC / ST / Ex-Servicemen / Women / PwD | Nil (exempted) |
- Submit and download the Confirmation Page (save as PDF)
SSC CPO 2026 Selection Process — Step by Step
Step 1: SSC CPO Paper-I (CBT Online — 200 Marks)
↓ Shortlisting based on Paper-I merit
Step 2: Physical Endurance & Standard Test (PET/PST)
↓ Pass/Fail (Qualifying)
Step 3: Medical Examination
↓ Pass/Fail (Qualifying)
Step 4: SSC CPO Paper-II (CBT Online — 200 Marks)
↓ Combined merit: Paper-I + Paper-II
Step 5: Document Verification
↓
Final Appointment to Delhi Police / CAPF
Common Mistakes to Avoid in SSC CPO 2026
- Dismissing SSC One Time Registration (OTR): Many first-time applicants don't realize that OTR needs to be completed before applying. Leaving it to the last day often results in technical errors and missed deadlines.
- Focusing only on Paper-I: Paper-II (English — 200 marks) is equally scored in the final merit. Candidates who treat it as an afterthought lose 30–50 marks to better-prepared candidates.
- No physical training alongside academics: PET/PST eliminates ~20% of candidates who clear Paper-I. Running 5 km in 24 minutes requires months of regular practice, not a week of training.
- Calculating age incorrectly: SSC calculates age based on a specific cut-off date (usually 1st January of the notification year). Candidates who overlook this and think they are eligible may be rejected during document verification.
- Neglecting Current Affairs beyond 6 months: SSC CPO GK covers events from the entire year. Candidates who only prepare 6 months of current affairs miss category-specific recent events.
- Weak DI (Data Interpretation): Charts and tables in Quantitative Aptitude consistently appear and are high-time-consuming. Candidates who skip DI practice spend too much time on them during the exam.
- Not matching exam centre preference properly: SSC conducts exams across India. Selecting a centre in an unfamiliar city can add travel stress — apply your nearest exam centre.
SSC CPO — Previous Year Exam Analysis
SSC CPO Historical Data
| Cycle | Notification | Total Vacancies | Delhi Police SI | Paper-I Date | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSC CPO 2023 | Oct 2023 | 4,187 | ~1,100 | Oct 2024 | Very High |
| SSC CPO 2022 | Sep 2022 | 4,300 | ~1,200 | Nov 2022 | Very High |
| SSC CPO 2020 | Dec 2019 | 1,564 | ~700 | Nov 2020 | High |
| SSC CPO 2019 | Mar 2019 | 1,223 | ~450 | Dec 2019 | High |
Paper-I Section-Wise Difficulty (Previous Years)
| Subject | Questions | Difficulty | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | Easy–Moderate | Analogy, coding, number series, non-verbal |
| General Knowledge & Awareness | 50 | Moderate | History, polity, science, defence, current affairs |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | Moderate | Percentage, DI, geometry, profit/loss |
| English Comprehension | 50 | Easy–Moderate | Synonyms, idioms, RC, sentence correction |
Paper-II Analysis (English Language & Comprehension)
| Topic | No. of Questions (approx.) | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension (multiple passages) | 60–80 | Moderate–High |
| Cloze Test | 20–30 | Moderate |
| Error Detection / Sentence Correction | 25–35 | Moderate |
| Para Jumbles | 15–20 | Moderate |
| Fill in the Blanks / Vocabulary | 25–35 | Easy–Moderate |
Previous Year Cut-Offs (Paper-I + Paper-II Combined) — Approximate
| Year | General (Male) | OBC (Male) | SC (Male) | General (Female) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSC CPO 2022 | 283–296 / 400 | 268–280 / 400 | 242–258 / 400 | 258–272 / 400 |
| SSC CPO 2020 | 274–288 / 400 | 258–271 / 400 | 232–248 / 400 | 252–265 / 400 |
| SSC CPO 2019 | 258–272 / 400 | 243–257 / 400 | 222–240 / 400 | 240–255 / 400 |
Key Observations:
- Paper-II English is the biggest differentiator — merit shifts significantly based on English performance
- GK section has increased difficulty year-on-year — science and defence topics are rising
- Physical rejection rate is consistently 15–25% — begin physical training from day one
- Female cut-offs are typically 20–25 marks lower than male cut-offs
- Reasoning section is the most predictable — consistent practice guarantees 80%+ score
Preparation Strategy for SSC CPO 2026
5-Month Study Plan
Month 1 — Foundation:
- NCERT History (Class 6–12): Focus on Modern India chapters for GK
- NCERT Geography (Class 9–12): Physical and India-specific topics
- Start Reasoning: Complete verbal section (R.S. Aggarwal)
Month 2 — Concept Building:
- NCERT Polity (Class 11) — M. Laxmikanth for deeper understanding
- Maths: Complete arithmetic topics (RS Aggarwal Class 9–10 level)
- Non-verbal reasoning practice (20 minutes daily)
Month 3 — Advanced Study:
- Current Affairs: Last 6 months — read newspaper or magazine summaries daily
- English Paper-I level: Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension
- Maths: Geometry, Trigonometry, Data Interpretation
Month 4 — Paper-II Intensive (English):
- 4 RC passages daily (aim for 90%+ accuracy)
- Para jumbles: 10 questions daily
- Grammar: Complete Wren & Martin exercises on reported speech, voice
- Vocabulary: 15 new words per day from Norman Lewis or Word Power Made Easy
Month 5 — Mock Tests + Physical Training:
- 3 full-length mock tests per week (both Paper-I and Paper-II format)
- Daily physical training: 5 km run, long jump practice, high jump practice
- Revise Current Affairs — focus on last 12 months (not just 6 months for the exam)
Best Books for SSC CPO 2026
| Subject | Recommended Book |
|---|---|
| Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal — Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning |
| GK | Lucent's GK + Monthly Current Affairs |
| Maths | R.S. Aggarwal — Quantitative Aptitude |
| English Paper-I | S.P. Bakshi — Objective English (Arihant) |
| English Paper-II | Plinth to Paramount (KD Publications) |
| Previous Papers | Kiran Prakashan — SSC CPO Solved Papers |
Daily Study Routine for SSC CPO 2026
| Time Slot | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:30 – 7:00 AM | Physical Training — 5 km run + long jump / high jump practice |
| 7:30 – 9:00 AM | GK / General Awareness (NCERT + current affairs capsule) |
| 9:30 – 11:00 AM | Quantitative Aptitude — 30 questions (arithmetic + DI) |
| 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Reasoning — 30 questions (verbal + non-verbal) |
| 2:00 – 3:30 PM | English Paper-I — synonyms, idioms, error spotting, RC passage |
| 5:00 – 6:30 PM | English Paper-II (RC passages + cloze test + para jumbles) |
| 8:00 – 9:00 PM | Full section mock or previous year paper analysis |
SSC CPO 2026 — Salary & Career Growth
After final appointment as SI in Delhi Police or CAPF:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹35,400 (Pay Level 6) |
| HRA | ₹6,732 – ₹14,160 (based on city) |
| DA (55% of basic, 2026) | ~₹19,470 |
| Transport Allowance | ~₹3,600 + DA |
| Total In-Hand (approx) | ₹65,000 – ₹85,000/month |
Career Progression Path:
- SI → Inspector (after 6–8 years of service + departmental exam)
- Inspector → Deputy Superintendent → Assistant Commissioner (for Delhi Police)
- CAPF: SI → Inspector → Assistant Commandant (promotions through LDCE exams)
SSC CPO vs. UPSC CAPF — Key Differences
| Parameter | SSC CPO | UPSC CAPF AC |
|---|---|---|
| Post | SI (Level 6) | Assistant Commandant (Level 10) |
| Eligibility | Any Graduate | Any Graduate |
| Age | 20–25 years | 20–25 years |
| Salary (approx) | ₹35,400 basic | ₹56,100 basic |
| Stages | Paper-I, PET, Medical, Paper-II | Written, PET, Interview |
| Career Ceiling | ACP / DCP equivalent | DIG / IG level |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) — SSC CPO 2026
Q1. When will the SSC CPO 2026 notification be released? The SSC CPO 2026 notification is expected between March and May 2026. Check ssc.gov.in and our SSC CPO 2026 page regularly.
Q2. What is the total vacancy in SSC CPO 2026? The official count will be announced with the notification. Based on previous years, 4,000–6,000 vacancies are anticipated across Delhi Police SI and all CAPF SI posts.
Q3. What is the SSC CPO physical (PET) date 2026? The PET/PST is conducted after Paper-I results, typically 2–3 months after Paper-I. The SSC CPO PET date 2026 is expected around October–December 2026 (post Paper-I in June–August 2026).
Q4. Is there negative marking in SSC CPO? Yes. Both Paper-I and Paper-II carry a negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer.
Q5. What is the SSC CPO Paper-II entirely about? SSC CPO Paper-II consists entirely of English Language & Comprehension with 200 questions for 200 marks in 2 hours.
Q6. Can I apply for both Delhi Police SI and CAPF SI in a single SSC CPO application? Yes. In the SSC CPO application, you can indicate preference for both Delhi Police and CAPF posts. Your merit and preferences determine final allocation.
Q7. What is the CPO SI salary after selection? The basic pay is ₹35,400 (Level 6). Total in-hand salary including HRA, DA, and TA is approximately ₹65,000–₹85,000 per month.
Q8. How many times can I attempt SSC CPO? There is no limit on the number of attempts — as long as you meet the age limit. You can attempt SSC CPO every year until you cross the upper age limit.
Official Links — SSC CPO 2026
- SSC Official Website: https://ssc.gov.in
- SSC CPO Notification (when released): ssc.gov.in/portal/newsPortal/recruitment
- ExamDetail SSC CPO Page: /exams/ssc-cpo-2026
Bookmark our SSC CPO 2026 exam page for real-time updates on the notification, admit card, PET date, and final result.
Last Updated: April 2026 | Source: Staff Selection Commission (SSC), Government of India
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