SSC CPO Exam – Full Form, Eligibility, Selection Process, Salary & Career Details

The SSC CPO (Staff Selection Commission – Central Police Organisation) Examination is a national-level competitive examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to recruit eligible candidates for Sub-Inspector (SI) positions in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

Candidates selected through this examination get the opportunity to serve in important law enforcement roles, contributing to crime prevention, public safety, security operations, and the maintenance of law and order.

The SSC CPO selection process generally consists of Paper-I, Physical Standard Test (PST), Physical Endurance Test (PET), Paper-II, and a Detailed Medical Examination (DME). Candidates must qualify at each applicable stage to move forward in the recruitment process.

The pay scale for SSC CPO Sub-Inspector posts is ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400 (Pay Level 6), along with applicable allowances and government benefits as per the rules.

For aspirants preparing for the SSC CPO examination, SmartPrep – An Online Competitive Exam Preparation Platform provides exam-oriented practice questions, online mock tests, and preparation resources to help candidates strengthen their knowledge, improve accuracy, and build confidence for competitive examinations.

SSC Official Website

SSC CPO Recruitment 2026

SSC CPO Tier 1 Exam Date 2026 Out

SSC CPO Vacancy 2026

1. Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police

2. Sub-Inspector (GD) in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)

3. Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF

Total Summary Breakdown

• Delhi Police (Executive): 317 Vacancies

• CAPFs (General Duty): 1,320 Vacancies

• CISF (Fire Service): 234 Vacancies

• Total Combined Vacancies: 1,871 Vacancies

How to Apply Online for SSC CPO Recruitment 2026?

Step 1: One-Time Registration (OTR)

If you have already generated an OTR on the new website, you can skip directly to Step 2. Note that OTRs from the old website (https://ssc.nic.in) are not functional here.

1. Visit the Portal: Go to the official new website https://ssc.gov.in.

2. Access OTR: Navigate to the "Login or Register" section and click on "Register Now".

3. Fill Personal Details: Enter your name, father's name, mother's name, and date of birth exactly as recorded in your Matriculation (10th) certificate.

4. Choose Authentication Method:

• Aadhaar-Based Authentication (Recommended): Opt for this to avoid application rejection due to standard photo/signature mismatches and to skip physical photo-ID verification at the exam hall.

• Non-Aadhaar Registration: If you choose not to use Aadhaar, you must upload alternative digital certificates verifying your name, date of birth, address, and gender.

5. Verify Contact Info: Enter your active mobile number and email ID. You must verify both via separate One-Time Passwords (OTPs).

6. Save and Log In: Once saved, your Registration Number will appear on the screen and be texted/emailed to you. Log in using this number and the auto-generated password.

7. Change Password & Add Details: Create a new password upon your first login. Log back in to fill in your category, nationality, visible identification marks, and permanent address.

8. Final Submit: Review a draft printout, click "Final Submit", enter the final mobile/email OTP, read the declaration, and select "I Agree".

• Note: You must complete this within 14 days of starting, or your saved data will be automatically deleted.

Step 2: Filling the Online Application Form

1. Log In: Log into your account at https://ssc.gov.in using your OTR Registration Number and your customized password.

2. Select the Examination: Navigate to the active dashboard and proceed to the application form for the "Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs Examination, 2026".

3. Capture a Live Photograph: You cannot upload a pre-existing photograph. The system will use your device's camera to take a live photo. Scrupulously follow these constraints:

• Find a spot with good lighting and a plain background.

• Ensure the camera lens is positioned directly at eye level.

• Look straight ahead into the lens. Your face must sit fully inside the designated rectangle on screen.

• Do not wear a cap, mask, spectacles, or glasses during the capture.

4. Upload Scanned Signature: Upload your signature in digital JPEG format.

• File Size: Must be between 10 KB to 20 KB.

• Dimensions: Approximately 4.0 cm width × 2.0 cm height.

• Make sure the signature is not blurred or miniaturized to prevent summary rejection.

5. Select Exam Centres: Choose your top three preferred examination cities in order of priority. All three choices must belong to the same SSC geographic region.

6. Enter Post Preferences (Post-Paper II): Note that indicating formal preferences for forces (such as Delhi Police, BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, or SSB) will be requested later via a dedicated digital form once the Paper-II results are published.

7. Preview and Submit: Thoroughly verify every structural data field using the "Preview/Print" feature. Submit the application form to change its status to "Application Received (Contents Not Verified)".

Step 3: Payment of Application Fee

• Fee Amount: ₹100/- (Rupees One Hundred Only).

• Exemptions: All women candidates, as well as candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Ex-Servicemen (ESM), are entirely exempted from paying this fee.

• Payment Channels: Pay online using BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or major credit/debit networks (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, RuPay).

• Confirmation: Check your "Payment Status" link post-transaction. If it shows as "Incomplete", the application will be summarily rejected.

SSC CPO 2026 Application Fee Structure

SSC CPO Eligibility Criteria 2026

1. Nationality / Citizenship

A candidate must be either:

• A citizen of India, or
• A subject of Nepal, or
• A subject of Bhutan
  (Note: Subjects of Nepal and Bhutan must possess a valid certificate of eligibility issued in their favour by the Government of India).

2. Age Limit & Relaxations (As on 01.08.2026)

The crucial date for age reckoning is fixed as 01.08.2026.

Permissible Upper Age Relaxations:

• SC/ST: 5 years
• OBC: 3 years
• Ex-Servicemen (ESM): 3 years after deduction of the military service rendered from the actual age.
• Widows/Divorced Women (For Delhi Police SI Only): Up to 35 years (Up to 40 years for SC/ST).
• Delhi Police Departmental Candidates: Up to 30 years for UR/EWS, 33 years for OBC, and 35 years for SC/ST.

3. Essential Educational Qualification (As on 30.09.2026)

Candidates must have completed their degree or had their final results officially declared by the university on or before the closing date (30.09.2026).

• For Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police & SI (GD) in CAPFs: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university or equivalent.
• For Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF: Bachelor’s degree in Science (B.Sc.) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics OR a 3-year Diploma in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Automobiles, Chemical, Mining, Aeronautical, or Telecommunication Engineering.

Special Requirement for Delhi Police SI (Male Only):

Male candidates must possess a valid Driving License for LMV (Motorcycle and Car) on the date fixed for Physical Endurance and Measurement Tests (PE&MT). Candidates without a valid LMV license will only be considered eligible for the post of Sub-Inspector in CAPFs.

4. Physical Standard Test (PST) Norms

• Height and Chest Requirements (Male Candidates):

•  Height Requirements (Female Candidates):
  • General / OBC / SC: 157 cm
  • Hill Areas: 155 cm
  • Scheduled Tribes (ST): 154 cm
    (Note: There is no minimum chest measurement requirement for female candidates).

5. Physical Endurance Test (PET) Benchmarks

The physical endurance test is mandatory and of a qualifying nature.

• For Male Candidates:
• 100-metre race in 16 seconds
• 1.6 km race in 6.5 minutes
• Long Jump: 3.65 metres (in 3 chances)
• High Jump: 1.2 metres (in 3 chances)
• Shot Put (16 Lbs): 4.5 metres (in 3 chances)
• For Female Candidates:
• 100-metre race in 18 seconds
• 800-metre race in 4 minutes
• Long Jump: 2.7 metres (in 3 chances)
• High Jump: 0.9 metres (in 3 chances)

6. Medical Standards

• Eye Sight: Minimum near vision must be N6 (better eye) and N9 (worse eye). Minimum distant vision must be 6/6 (better eye) and 6/9 (worse eye) without any correction (glasses or corrective surgery).
• Physical Health: Must be free from knock knees, flat feet, varicose veins, or a squint in the eyes.
• Tattoos: Allowed only if they depict religious symbols/figures or names (as permitted in the Indian Army), located on traditional sites like the inner aspect of the left forearm or the dorsum of hands, and sized less than ¼ of that particular body part.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION:-

1. For Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police & Sub-Inspector (GD) in CAPFs

• General Requirement: A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university or its equivalent.
• Status for Final Year Students: Candidates who appeared in their final degree examination are eligible to apply, provided their final results are officially declared and they possess the degree certificate on or before 30.09.2026.

    Mandatory Driving License Requirement (Male Candidates Only):

• To be eligible for the Delhi Police Sub-Inspector post, male candidates must possess a valid Driving License for LMV (Motorcycle and Car).
• This license must be presented on the exact date of the Physical Endurance and Measurement Tests (PE&MT).
• Note: Male candidates who do not possess a valid LMV driving license will be considered eligible for CAPF Sub-Inspector posts only.

2. For Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF (Male Only)

Candidates must meet either of the following criteria:

• Option A: A Bachelor’s degree in Science (B.Sc.) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from a recognized university or equivalent.
• Option B: Matriculation (10th pass) or equivalent, PLUS a 3-year Diploma in any of the following engineering streams from a recognized University, Board, or Institution:
• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Automobile Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Mining Engineering
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Telecommunication Engineering
• Higher Technical Qualifications: Higher qualifications such as a B.Tech or M.Tech in the relevant technical fields are allowed as a value-addition, provided the candidate possesses the basic underlying Diploma.

3. Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Degrees

• Degrees, diplomas, or certificates obtained through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) / Online mode stand automatically recognized, provided the specific programmes have been explicitly approved by the Distance Education Bureau (DEB), University Grants Commission (UGC) for the relevant academic session.
• Prohibited Streams: Pursuant to UGC regulations, technical degrees/diplomas in Engineering, Medicine, Dental, Nursing, Pharmacy, Architecture, and Physiotherapy are not permitted via distance mode.
• IGNOU Exception: B.Tech degrees or Diplomas in Engineering awarded by IGNOU to students enrolled up to the academic year 2009–10 are treated as valid for employment.

SSC CPO Age Limit 2026

1. Core Age Limits by Post

2. Permissible Upper Age Relaxations (All Posts)

3. Special Age Relaxations for Female Candidates (Delhi Police SI Only)

4. Special Relaxations for Departmental Candidates (Delhi Police Vacancies Only)

Applicable to Constables, Head Constables, and Assistant Sub-Inspectors of Delhi Police with a minimum of 3 years of regular and continuous service as on the closing date.

Note on Date of Birth Verification: The candidate's Date of Birth filled in the online application form must match the Matriculation/Secondary Examination Certificate exactly. No subsequent changes will be allowed.

SSC CPO Selection Process 2026

Stage 1: Paper-I (Computer Based Examination)

The selection process begins with an objective multiple-choice online examination.

• Structure: 100 questions for a maximum of 100 marks to be completed in a total duration of 1 hour.

• Sectional Timers: The paper is divided into 4 subjects, each allocated a strict sectional timer of 15 minutes:

• General Intelligence and Reasoning (25 questions / 25 marks)

• General Knowledge and General Awareness (25 questions / 25 marks)

• Quantitative Aptitude (25 questions / 25 marks)

• English Comprehension (25 questions / 25 marks)

• Negative Marking: There is a deduction of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.

• Minimum Qualifying Thresholds: Without adding NCC bonus marks, candidates must score at least:

• UR: 30%

• OBC / EWS: 25%

• SC / ST / Others: 20%

• Shortlisting: Based on normalized Paper-I scores, the Commission shortlists category-wise candidates for the physical tests.

Stage 2: PST & PET (Physical Efficiency Tests)

Candidates who clear the Paper-I cut-offs are called for physical screening. This stage is purely qualifying and elimination-natured; it carries no marks toward the final merit list.

• Physical Standard Test (PST): Measurement of baseline biometric parameters including Height and Chest expansion. (Note: Chest measurements are not required for female candidates).

• Physical Endurance Test (PET): Performance-based athletic evaluation covering:

• Male Candidates: 100m sprint (16s), 1.6 km run (6.5 mins), Long Jump (3.65m), High Jump (1.2m), and Shot Put (4.5m).

• Female Candidates: 100m sprint (18s), 800m run (4 mins), Long Jump (2.7m), and High Jump (0.9m).

• Exemption: Ex-Servicemen (ESM) are entirely exempted from undergoing the PET athletic events but must pass the baseline written exams and satisfy the physical PST standards.

Stage 3: Paper-II (Descriptive / Level-Up Online Exam)

Only candidates who are declared "Pass" in the physical benchmarks are permitted to sit for Paper-II.

• Structure: 160 questions for a maximum of 320 marks with a total duration of 1 hour.

• Subject & Components: It consists of 4 parts featuring a sectional timer of 20 minutes for each of the first three parts:

1. General Intelligence and Reasoning (20 questions / 40 marks)

2. General Knowledge and General Awareness (20 questions / 40 marks)

3. Quantitative Aptitude (20 questions / 40 marks)

4. English Comprehension (100 questions / 200 marks)

• Negative Marking: Due to the higher difficulty level, a strict penalty of 0.50 marks is deducted for each wrong answer.

Stage 4: Medical Examination, DV, and Final Selection

Candidates clearing Paper-II are shortlisted for clinical verification and onboarding checks.

1. Detailed Medical Examination (DME): Conducted by a Medical Officer belonging to the CAPFs or a Grade-I Central/State Government hospital surgeon to verify structural physical fitness, high-color vision acuity, and eyesight parameters (minimum uncorrected distant vision of 6/6 and 6/9).

2. Document Verification (DV): Conducted concurrently alongside the medical phase by the CAPFs. Candidates must provide original matriculation sheets, degree certificates, category certificates, and a valid LMV driving license (mandatory for male candidates opting for Delhi Police SI vacancies).

3. Final Merit List: The final allotment of posts is decided strictly on a Merit-cum-Preference structure. Rankings are processed based exclusively on the total marks scored in Paper-II (including applicable National Cadet Corps bonus marks) aligned with the online preference options locked by the candidate.

SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026

1. Paper-I Exam Pattern

• Total Questions: 100

• Maximum Marks: 100

• Total Duration: 1 Hour (60 Minutes)

• Sectional Timer: A strict sectional timer of 15 minutes is applicable for each of the four parts individually.

• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.

2. Paper-II Exam Pattern

• Note: Only candidates who qualify the Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET) are allowed to appear in Paper-II. The difficulty level of Paper-II is higher than Paper-I.

• Total Questions: 160

• Maximum Marks: 320

• Total Duration: 1 Hour (60 Minutes)

• Sectional Timer: A strict sectional timer of 20 minutes is enforced for each of the first three parts.

• Negative Marking: 0.50 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.

SSC CPO 2026 NCC Bonus Marks

• NCC Bonus Marks: National Cadet Corps (NCC) certificate holders will receive bonus marks added to their normalized scores in both Paper-I and Paper-II as follows:

• NCC ‘C’ Certificate: 5% of maximum marks

• NCC ‘B’ Certificate: 3% of maximum marks

• NCC ‘A’ Certificate: 2% of maximum marks