Staff Selection Commission · Sub-Inspector in BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB and Delhi Police, and Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF
SSC CPO: Syllabus, Exam Pattern, PET, Eligibility & Mock Tests
The CPO exam recruits Sub-Inspectors for Delhi Police, the central armed police forces and the CISF fire service, through two computer based papers, physical tests and a medical exam.
SSC CPO latest updates
New SSC CPO notifications, admit cards, answer keys and results appear here as soon as they are posted. Browse Govt Jobs →
Important dates
Dates for the next SSC CPO cycle (notification, last date, admit card, exam and result) appear here when they are announced. See the exam calendar →
Check your eligibility
- ✓Sub-Inspector (GD) in CAPFsAge 20–25 +3
- ✓Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi PoliceAge 20–25 +3
- ✓Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF (men)Age 18–30 +3
SSC CPO vacancies
Total, category-wise and post-wise vacancies appear here when the SSC CPO notification is released.
Eligibility and age limit
| Posts | Qualification | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-Inspector (GD) in CAPFs | Graduate | 20–25 |
| Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police | Graduate; men need a valid LMV (motorcycle and car) driving licence by the PE&MT date | 20–25 |
| Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF (men) | B.Sc with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, or 10th plus a 3-year engineering diploma in a listed branch | 18–30 |
| Category | Age relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC | 3 years |
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| PwBD (UR / OBC / SC-ST) | 10 / 13 / 15 years |
| Ex-servicemen | 3 years after deducting military service |
Age is counted as on 1 August of the exam year.
These posts are not open to PwBD candidates, so there is no PwBD age relaxation or fee exemption.
Application fee
Selection process
- 1Paper IComputer based · 100 questions · 100 marks
- 2PET / PSTPhysical tests · qualifying
- 3Paper IIReasoning, GK, Quant and English · 320 marks · decides the merit
- 4Medical + DVDetailed / review medical examination
SSC CPO exam pattern
Paper I 1 hour (15 minutes per part) · 100 questions · 100 marks · −0.25 per wrong answer
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
| General Knowledge & General Awareness | 25 | 25 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 25 |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 25 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Physical Endurance Test (men) qualifying
| Event | Standard |
|---|---|
| 100 m race | 16 seconds |
| 1.6 km race | 6½ minutes |
| Long jump | 3.65 m in 3 chances |
| High jump | 1.2 m in 3 chances |
| Shot put (16 lbs) | 4.5 m in 3 chances |
Paper II 2 hours · 160 questions · 320 marks · −0.50 per wrong answer
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | General Intelligence & Reasoning | 20 | 40 |
| II | General Knowledge & General Awareness | 20 | 40 |
| III | Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 40 |
| IV | English Comprehension | 100 | 200 |
| Total | 160 | 320 |
Paper II: Parts I–III in 1 hour and Part IV in 1 hour. Final merit is made on Paper II marks (plus any NCC bonus). Women: 100 m in 18 seconds, 800 m in 4 minutes, long jump 2.7 m, high jump 0.9 m. Height: 170 cm for men and 157 cm for women, with category and regional relaxation.
SSC CPO syllabus
Subject by subject. The number on a topic is how many practice questions we have for it.
Quantitative Aptitude
Paper I: 25 questions · 25 marksGeneral Intelligence & Reasoning
Paper I: 25 questions · 25 marksEnglish Comprehension
Paper I + Paper IIGeneral Knowledge & Awareness
Paper I: 25 questions · 25 marksSSC CPO cut-offs
Year-wise official cut-offs for every category appear here once they are published.
SSC CPO salary by post
| Pay level | Posts | Basic pay (7th CPC) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 6 | Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs, Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 |
Pay scales are from the 7th Pay Commission. In-hand pay depends on the city (HRA) and current dearness allowance.
SSC CPO mock tests and previous year papers
Exams with a similar syllabus
Your CPO preparation already covers most of these exams.
SSC CPO articles
Preparation strategy, syllabus breakdowns and cut-off analysis for SSC CPO are on the way. Read the blog →
SSC CPO frequently asked questions
What is the age limit for SSC CPO?
20 to 25 years as on 1 August of the exam year for Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs, and 18 to 30 for Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF. OBC candidates get 3 extra years and SC/ST 5.
Is a driving licence needed for SSC CPO?
Men applying for Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police need a valid LMV (motorcycle and car) driving licence by the date of the physical tests.
What is in SSC CPO Paper II?
Reasoning, General Knowledge and Quantitative Aptitude (20 questions each, 40 marks each) and English Comprehension (100 questions, 200 marks): 160 questions for 320 marks in 2 hours, with 0.50 marks deducted per wrong answer.
Which paper decides the final merit?
Paper II. Paper I and the physical tests shortlist candidates for it.
What is the SSC CPO salary?
Pay Level 6: ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400 basic pay.
Sources: SSC CPO 2026 notice (10-09-2026) (checked 14 Sept 2026). Always confirm in the official notice before applying.