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SSC CPO Exam 2026: Complete Guide to Pattern, Syllabus, Eligibility and Preparation
SSC CPO recruits Sub-Inspectors for Delhi Police and CAPFs plus ASIs through Paper 1, PET, Paper 2 and medical. Graduates meeting physical standards can apply on ssc.gov.in.
Reading time: about 10 minutes. Verify dates, vacancies and post-wise rules in the official notification before applying.
What this guide covers
SSC CPO exam overview
SSC CPO (Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs) recruits Sub-Inspectors (Executive) in Delhi Police, Sub-Inspectors (GD) in CAPFs and Assistant Sub-Inspectors in CISF. Physical standards and endurance tests eliminate candidates who clear the written stages, so physical preparation is coequal with written preparation. Trust only ssc.gov.in.
| Stage | Format | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 200 questions, 200 marks, 120 minutes | Shortlisting for PET |
| PET and PST | Race, jumps, shot put; height and chest | Qualifying for Paper 2 |
| Paper 2 | English, 200 questions, 200 marks | Merit with Paper 1 |
| Medical | Detailed medical exam | Final fitness clearance |
Eligibility criteria
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor's degree. Delhi Police SI prefers a valid driving licence for LMV and motorcycle at physical stages, so verify |
| Age | 20 to 25 years as on the cut-off date, with relaxation for reserved categories |
| Physical | Height, chest (male) and weight norms plus 100m and 1600m races, long jump, high jump and shot put. Confirm exact standards in the notification |
Exam pattern
Paper 1
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 50 | 50 |
| General Knowledge and Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 50 | 50 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
120 minutes with 0.25 negative marking per wrong answer.
Paper 2
English Language and Comprehension: 200 questions for 200 marks in 120 minutes with 0.25 negative marking, testing error detection, vocabulary, idioms, comprehension and sentence structure at a higher level than Paper 1.
Syllabus, subject by subject
Reasoning: analogies, series, coding, syllogisms, non-verbal, statement-conclusion. GK: polity with police-administration weight, history, geography, science, current affairs. Quant: arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, DI. English (both papers): grammar, vocabulary, idioms, comprehension, error detection at Paper 2 depth.
Important dates and how to apply
SSC advertises CPO yearly on ssc.gov.in. This guide carries no dates. Choose Delhi Police versus CAPF preferences deliberately since service conditions differ.
Selection process
- Paper 1 shortlisting.
- PET and PST qualifying endurance and measurements.
- Paper 2 merit with Paper 1.
- Detailed medical and verification before allotment.
How to prepare
Train physically from day one (sprint and 1600m running, jumps, shot put technique) alongside daily written sets, because PET failures end otherwise-meritorious attempts. Give Paper 2 English its own preparation track with advanced grammar and vocabulary, and revise polity and current affairs for GK.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Starting physical training after Paper 1 results.
- Under-preparing Paper 2 English.
- Ignoring driving-licence requirements for Delhi Police.
- Missing PET standards by training without measurement.
- Guessing under negative marking.
Career opportunities
Sub-Inspectors lead police stations, investigations and CAPF platoons with promotion to Inspector and beyond through service and departmental exams. Check pay levels in the notification.
Practise with Pratiyogita Kosh
Use Pratiyogita Kosh the way toppers use any test series: take a timed mock for SSC CPO, review every error within 48 hours, then build a custom practice set around your weakest topics and re-test. Your dashboard tracks accuracy by subject and topic so each session targets real gaps.
Pratiyogita Kosh is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with any exam body. Archived papers credit their source on the paper page.
Frequently asked questions
What is SSC CPO?
The Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs (plus ASI in CISF) recruitment through SSC.
What qualification is needed?
A bachelor degree in any discipline. Delhi Police SI prefers a valid LMV and motorcycle licence.
What is the age limit?
20 to 25 years as on the cut-off date, with relaxation.
What is the CPO exam pattern?
Paper 1 of 200 marks, qualifying PET and PST, then a 200-mark English Paper 2, then medical.
What physical tests apply?
100m and 1600m races, long jump, high jump, shot put plus height, chest and weight norms.
Is Paper 2 only English?
Yes, English Language and Comprehension at a higher level than Paper 1.
Delhi Police or CAPF: which to prefer?
Delhi Police offers city policing and investigation; CAPFs offer paramilitary service conditions. Choose by temperament.
Where can I practise CPO mocks?
On Pratiyogita Kosh: SSC-pattern mocks and custom sets for all sections with tracking.