SSC CPO Examination 2026: Complete Guide to Syllabus, Exam Date, Vacancy, Cut-Off & Preparation Strategy

The SSC CPO Examination 2026 is a highly competitive national-level examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) to recruit officers for Central Police Forces. It is the primary gateway to become a Sub-Inspector (SI) in Delhi Police and CAPFs.

This blog provides a complete, non-generic, exam-oriented guide covering official links, exam dates, detailed syllabus (Paper-wise), vacancies, previous year cut-off, preparation strategy, and FAQs.

🔗 Official SSC Website – Direct & Authentic Links

All official SSC CPO notifications and updates are released only on the SSC website.

• SSC Official Website
  👉 https://ssc.nic.in
• SSC CPO Notification Page
  👉 https://ssc.nic.in/Portal/Examinations
• SSC Exam Calendar
  👉 https://ssc.nic.in/Portal/Examination-Calendar

📌 Avoid unofficial websites for exam dates or syllabus.

What is SSC CPO Examination?

The SSC Central Police Organization (CPO) Examination is conducted to recruit Sub-Inspectors (SI) in:

• Delhi Police
• Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)
  • BSF
  • CISF
  • CRPF
  • ITBP
  • SSB

Selected candidates are appointed as Gazetted Group ‘B’ officers responsible for law enforcement, internal security, and public safety.

SSC CPO Posts & Pay Scale

Posts Offered

• Sub-Inspector (SI) in Delhi Police (Male & Female)
• Sub-Inspector (SI) in CAPFs

Pay Scale

• Level-6 (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400) as per 7th Pay Commission
• Plus DA, HRA, TA and other allowances

SSC CPO Selection Process Explained

The SSC CPO exam is conducted in four stages:

1️⃣ Paper I (Computer Based Test)

• Objective-type
• Screening + Merit stage

2️⃣ Physical Standard Test (PST) / Physical Endurance Test (PET)

• Qualifying in nature

3️⃣ Paper II (English Language)

• Objective-type
• Merit counted

4️⃣ Medical Examination

• Final medical fitness check

📅 SSC CPO Exam Date 2026 (Expected Timeline)

📌 Exact dates will be announced in the official notification.

SSC CPO Eligibility Criteria 2026

Educational Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.

Age Limit

• Minimum: 20 years
• Maximum: 25 years
• Age relaxation as per government rules.

Nationality

• Indian citizen

📘 SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 – Detailed & Paper-Wise

🔹 SSC CPO Paper I Syllabus (200 Marks)

🧠 1. General Intelligence & Reasoning

Verbal Reasoning

• Analogy
• Classification
• Series (number, alphabet)
• Coding-decoding
• Blood relations
• Direction sense
• Order & ranking

Non-Verbal Reasoning

• Figure analogy
• Mirror & water images
• Paper folding & cutting
• Embedded figures
• Pattern completion

🌍 2. General Knowledge & General Awareness

• Indian History
• Indian Polity & Constitution
• Geography (India & World)
• Indian Economy
• Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology – basic level)
• Current Affairs (last 6–8 months)
• Awards, sports, books & authors
• Important government schemes

➗ 3. Quantitative Aptitude

• Number system
• LCM & HCF
• Percentage
• Profit & loss
• Simple & compound interest
• Ratio & proportion
• Time, speed & distance
• Time & work
• Algebra (basic)
• Geometry & Mensuration
• Data interpretation

🗣️ 4. English Comprehension

• Reading comprehension
• Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms)
• One-word substitution
• Idioms & phrases
• Error spotting
• Fill in the blanks
• Active & passive voice
• Direct & indirect speech

🔹 SSC CPO Paper II Syllabus (200 Marks)

📘 English Language & Comprehension

• Advanced reading comprehension
• Grammar usage
• Sentence improvement
• Vocabulary depth
• Cloze test
• Para jumbles

📌 Paper II tests command over English for police administration.

🔹 Physical Standards (PST)

For Male Candidates

• Height: 170 cm (relaxations applicable)
• Chest: 80–85 cm

For Female Candidates

• Height: 157 cm (relaxations applicable)

🔹 Physical Endurance Test (PET)

Male

• 100 meters race – 16 seconds
• 1.6 km race – 6.5 minutes
• Long jump & high jump

Female

• 100 meters race – 18 seconds
• 800 meters race – 4 minutes
• Long jump & high jump

📊 SSC CPO Vacancies Trend

• SSC CPO 2022: ~4300 vacancies
• SSC CPO 2023: ~1876 vacancies
• Expected SSC CPO 2026: 2000–3500 vacancies

📌 Vacancies vary based on CAPF requirements.

📈 SSC CPO Previous Year Cut-Off (Paper I – General)

• General: 115–120
• OBC: 110–115
• SC: 95–100
• ST: 90–95

📌 Cut-off depends on exam difficulty & vacancies.

🎯 SSC CPO Preparation Strategy (Smart Plan)

Phase 1: Foundation (0–3 Months)

• Complete Paper I syllabus
• Focus on accuracy

Phase 2: Practice (4–6 Months)

• Section-wise mock tests
• Speed improvement

Phase 3: Physical Preparation

• Daily running & stamina training
• Consistent PET practice

Phase 4: English Mastery (Paper II)

• Grammar + comprehension focus

📌 SSC CPO requires balance of academics + physical fitness.

❓ SSC CPO FAQs

Q1. Is SSC CPO a uniform job?
Yes, it is a uniformed police service.

Q2. Is PET mandatory?
Yes, PET/PST is compulsory.

Q3. Can final-year students apply?
Yes, if degree is completed before document verification.

Q4. Is Paper II qualifying?
No, Paper II marks are counted in final merit.

✨ Final Words

The SSC CPO Examination 2026 is a prestigious opportunity for candidates aiming to serve in India’s central police forces. With a structured strategy, strong basics, and physical discipline, success is achievable.

📌 Follow SSC official updates only.