The SSC CPO 2026 Exam, known as Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces Examination, 2026, is one of the major recruitment examinations conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for graduates seeking Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police and various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
According to the SSC’s 2026–27 tentative examination calendar, the Paper-I Computer Based Examination is scheduled for October–November 2026. The calendar lists May 2026 as the planned advertisement month and June 2026 as the planned closing month; however, candidates should rely on the actual examination notice issued by SSC for confirmed application and examination dates.
The latest SSC website currently lists the examination among its major examinations, while its notice board does not yet show a separate 2026 recruitment notice in the material available at the time of writing.
Important: The eligibility, vacancies, physical standards and examination scheme below are based on the latest detailed SSC CPO recruitment notice available, i.e. the 2025 notification. SSC may modify these details in the official 2026 notification.
SSC CPO 2026 Exam: Overview
Candidates preparing for the SSC CPO 2026 Exam should understand the complete recruitment process…
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police & Central Armed Police Forces Examination, 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Common Name | SSC CPO 2026 |
| Posts | Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs |
| Level | Graduate |
| Paper-I | Computer Based Examination |
| Paper-II | English Language & Comprehension |
| Selection Stages | Paper-I → PET/PST → Paper-II → Medical Examination |
| Paper-I Tentative Exam | October–November 2026 |
| Official Website | SSC |
The SSC’s official calendar places SSC CPO 2026 Paper-I in October–November 2026.
For the latest notification and updates, candidates should regularly check the official Staff Selection Commission website.
SSC CPO 2026 Exam Vacancy
The 2026 vacancies have not been confirmed in the detailed recruitment notice available at the time of writing. SSC determines the number of vacancies based on requisitions received from Delhi Police and the Ministry of Home Affairs/CAPFs.
Therefore, candidates should not rely on unofficial vacancy figures until SSC releases the 2026 notification.
For reference, the 2025 notification reported:
- 142 vacancies for Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police — Male
- 70 vacancies for Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police — Female
- 2,861 male vacancies in CAPFs
- 210 female vacancies in CAPFs
The CAPF vacancies in that notification covered CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF and SSB.
The 2026 vacancy distribution may be different.
Posts Offered Through SSC CPO 2026 Exam
The examination primarily recruits candidates for:
1. Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police
The post is classified as Group C in Delhi Police and carries Pay Level-6, with a pay scale of ₹35,400–₹1,12,400 under the 2025 notification.
2. Sub-Inspector in CAPFs
The examination recruits Sub-Inspectors in Central Armed Police Forces such as:
- Border Security Force (BSF)
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
- Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP)
- Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
The 2025 notification classified the CAPF SI post as Group B (Non-Gazetted, Non-Ministerial) at Pay Level-6. Selected CAPF candidates may be required to serve anywhere in India.
SSC CPO 2026 Exam Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for the SSC CPO 2026 Exam, candidates should carefully check the prescribed eligibility requirements.
Educational Qualification
Candidates are required to possess a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification.
Candidates appearing in their final year can apply only if they acquire the required qualification by the closing date specified in the official notification.
Special Requirement for Delhi Police SI — Male
For the Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police, male candidates must possess a valid LMV driving licence for motorcycle and car by the date specified for the Physical Endurance and Measurement Test.
A male candidate without the required driving licence can still be eligible for the CAPF SI posts, subject to the other eligibility requirements.
SSC CPO 2026 Exam Age Limit
The latest detailed SSC CPO notification prescribed an age limit of:
20 to 25 years
For SSC CPO 2025, the age was calculated as on 1 August 2025. The corresponding crucial date and exact date-of-birth range for SSC CPO 2026 will be specified in the 2026 notification.
Age Relaxation
Based on the latest notification:
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per applicable rules |
| Certain Delhi Police departmental candidates | Special age provisions |
| Eligible widows/divorced women/judicially separated women for specified Delhi Police posts | As prescribed |
Candidates should check the 2026 notification for the final age-relaxation rules.
SSC CPO 2026 Exam Selection Process
The SSC CPO selection process consists of several stages:
Paper-I → PET/PST → Paper-II → Detailed Medical Examination → Document Verification
The latest detailed SSC notification specifically states that Paper-I, PST/PET, Paper-II and DME are mandatory stages.
Stage 1: Paper-I
Computer Based Examination containing:
- General Intelligence and Reasoning
- General Knowledge and General Awareness
- Quantitative Aptitude
- English Comprehension
Stage 2: PET/PST
Candidates qualifying in Paper-I are called for the Physical Standard Test and Physical Endurance Test.
Stage 3: Paper-II
Paper-II tests English Language and Comprehension.
Stage 4: Medical Examination
Candidates qualifying the required stages undergo Detailed Medical Examination.
Stage 5: Document Verification
Educational, category and other required documents are verified before final selection.
SSC CPO 2026 Exam Pattern
Based on the latest detailed SSC CPO notification, the pattern is as follows:
Paper-I
| 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 |
The duration is 2 hours, with a 30-minute sectional timer for each part under the latest scheme.
Candidates preparing for the General Awareness section can also review our Updated General Awareness Syllabus for SSC CGL 2026 to understand the major areas of History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science and Current Affairs that are commonly relevant to SSC examinations.
Paper-II
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language & Comprehension | 200 | 200 | 2 Hours |
Paper-II also has a sectional timer arrangement under the latest scheme.
Negative Marking
There is a 0.25-mark negative marking for every wrong answer in both Paper-I and Paper-II under the latest notification.
Therefore, candidates should avoid random guessing, particularly when two or more options cannot be eliminated confidently.
SSC CPO 2026 Exam Paper-I Syllabus
General Intelligence & Reasoning
Important areas include:
- Analogy
- Classification
- Series
- Coding-Decoding
- Venn Diagrams
- Syllogism
- Problem Solving
- Spatial Visualization
- Spatial Orientation
- Figural Classification
- Statement and Conclusion
- Numerical Operations
- Embedded Figures
- Critical Thinking
- Emotional Intelligence
- Social Intelligence
These areas are based on the indicative syllabus in the latest SSC CPO notification.
General Knowledge & General Awareness
Questions may cover:
- Current Affairs
- History
- Culture
- Geography
- Indian Economy
- General Polity
- Indian Constitution
- Scientific Research
- India and neighbouring countries
- General awareness of the environment and society
SSC specifically states that current events and matters of everyday observation may also be tested.
Since current affairs are an important component of SSC examinations, candidates can strengthen their preparation by practising our 100 National News Current Affairs MCQs for SSC CGL 2026, which provides a focused revision set of important national developments.
For additional practice in Indian Polity, candidates can also attempt our 100 Important Constitutional Articles MCQs, covering Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Parliament, Judiciary, Constitutional Bodies, Elections and other important constitutional provisions.
Quantitative Aptitude
Important areas include:
- Number System
- Percentage
- Ratio and Proportion
- Average
- Profit and Loss
- Discount
- Interest
- Partnership
- Mixture and Alligation
- Time and Distance
- Time and Work
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Mensuration
- Data Interpretation
English Comprehension
Questions may test:
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Sentence Structure
- Correct usage of English
- Basic writing ability
Candidates who want to strengthen the Science and Technology component of their competitive-exam preparation can also practise our 100 Powerful Artificial Intelligence MCQs 2026, covering Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, cybersecurity, deepfakes and emerging technologies.
SSC CPO 2026 Exam Physical Standards
Physical standards are particularly important because PST/PET is a qualifying stage.
Based on the latest detailed notification, the general height requirement for male candidates for SI in Delhi Police is 170 cm, while specified categories receive relaxation. For female candidates, the general height requirement is 157 cm, with prescribed relaxations for specified categories.
For CAPFs, the general height requirement is also 170 cm for male candidates and 157 cm for female candidates, with specified relaxations for eligible categories.
Physical Endurance Test — Male
Under the latest scheme:
- 100 metres race: 16 seconds
- 1.6 km race: 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
Physical Endurance Test — Female
- 100 metres race: 18 seconds
- 800 metres race: 4 minutes
- Long Jump: 2.7 metres in 3 chances
- High Jump: 0.9 metre in 3 chances
The latest notification states that PET/PST does not carry marks and is qualifying/elimination in nature.
Note: The 2026 notification may revise these standards, so candidates should verify them when the official notice is released.
SSC CPO 2026 Exam Medical Examination
Candidates qualifying in the required written and physical stages undergo medical examination.
The latest detailed notification specifies medical requirements including prescribed standards for:
- Eyesight
- Physical fitness
- Colour vision
- Knock knees
- Flat feet
- Varicose veins
- Squint and other specified conditions
The medical requirements should therefore be checked carefully before candidates invest significant time in the recruitment process.
SSC CPO 2026 Exam Preparation Strategy
A successful SSC CPO 2026 Exam preparation strategy requires equal attention to the written examination and physical fitness.
1. Build a strong General Awareness base
Revise:
- Indian Polity
- History
- Geography
- Economy
- Science
- Current Affairs
- Government schemes
- Important national and international events
For current affairs, candidates should maintain short revision notes rather than trying to memorise every news story.
2. Practise Reasoning daily
Reasoning is highly practice-oriented. Solve timed sets covering analogy, series, coding-decoding, classification, syllogism and non-verbal reasoning.
3. Strengthen Quantitative Aptitude
Focus first on arithmetic topics such as percentage, ratio, average, profit and loss, time and work, and time and distance before moving to more advanced topics.
4. Give special attention to English
English is important in both Paper-I and Paper-II, making it one of the most valuable subjects for SSC CPO preparation.
Candidates should regularly practise:
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Error detection
- Sentence improvement
- Fill in the blanks
- Comprehension
- Synonyms and antonyms
5. Start physical preparation early
Do not wait until Paper-I results are announced.
Running, sprinting, long jump and other PET requirements should be incorporated into the preparation plan well in advance.
SSC CPO 2026 Exam Preparation: What Candidates Should Remember
The biggest mistake candidates can make is treating SSC CPO as only a written examination.
The recruitment process combines:
Academic preparation + Physical fitness + Medical fitness
A candidate who performs well in Paper-I but fails the physical or medical requirements cannot progress to final selection.
Similarly, candidates should not ignore Paper-II simply because it is conducted after the physical stage. English is a major component of the examination and requires consistent practice.
SSC CPO 2026 Exam Important Points
- SSC CPO is conducted for Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police and CAPFs.
- A Bachelor’s degree is required under the latest detailed notification.
- The usual age range under the latest notification was 20–25 years.
- Male candidates applying for SI in Delhi Police require the prescribed LMV driving licence.
- Paper-I contains 200 questions for 200 marks.
- Paper-II contains 200 questions for 200 marks.
- 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer in both papers under the latest scheme.
- PET/PST is qualifying in nature.
- Medical examination is an important stage of recruitment.
- The SSC 2026–27 calendar places Paper-I in October–November 2026.
SSC CPO 2026 Exam FAQs
What is SSC CPO 2026?
SSC CPO 2026 is the Staff Selection Commission’s recruitment examination for Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces.
When will SSC CPO 2026 be conducted?
According to the SSC 2026–27 tentative calendar, Paper-I is scheduled for October–November 2026. The exact examination dates will be confirmed by SSC.
What is the qualification for SSC CPO 2026 Exam?
A Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or equivalent is required under the latest detailed SSC CPO notification.
What is the age limit for SSC CPO?
The latest detailed notification prescribed 20–25 years. The exact cut-off date and date-of-birth range for SSC CPO 2026 will be given in the official 2026 notification.
Is there negative marking in SSC CPO 2026 Exam?
Yes. Under the latest scheme, 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer in Paper-I and Paper-II.
Is physical fitness required for SSC CPO?
Yes. Candidates must qualify the prescribed Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET) before proceeding to subsequent stages.
What is the salary of an SSC CPO Sub-Inspector?
The latest detailed notification placed the Sub-Inspector posts at Pay Level-6, ₹35,400–₹1,12,400.
Final Words
The SSC CPO 2026 Exam is an excellent opportunity for graduates who want a career in policing and Central Armed Police Forces.
The most effective strategy is to prepare for Paper-I, English Paper-II and PET/PST simultaneously. Candidates should also monitor the official SSC website regularly because the 2026 recruitment notification, vacancies, application dates and any changes to eligibility or physical standards will be confirmed only through SSC.
Candidates should regularly check the official SSC website for updates related to the SSC CPO 2026 Exam.
Check the latest SSC notifications and examination updates
Official reference: SSC’s 2026–27 examination calendar lists SSC CPO 2026 Exam Paper-I for October–November 2026, while the detailed eligibility and examination scheme above are based on the latest available SSC CPO recruitment notice.
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