The SSC CPO 2026 notification has been released by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for recruitment to Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and CISF Fire.

The 2026 recruitment has 1,871 tentative vacancies. Applications are open from 10 September to 30 September 2026, and the examination pattern has also been revised this year.

The biggest changes are in the written examination. Paper 1 now has 100 questions for 100 marks with 15-minute sectional timing, while Paper 2 now includes Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Comprehension and carries 320 marks.

If you are preparing for SSC CPO for the first time, this guide will help you understand the complete recruitment process, including eligibility, vacancies, exam pattern, syllabus, PET/PST, medical requirements and a practical preparation strategy.

Latest update: This article is based on SSC CPO 2026 information available as of 17 September 2026. SSC has not yet announced the exact Paper 1 examination date in the current notification.

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What Is SSC CPO?

SSC CPO stands for Staff Selection Commission Central Police Organisation Examination.

The examination is conducted by SSC for recruitment to Sub-Inspector posts in:

• Delhi Police
• Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)
• CISF Fire

For the 2026 recruitment cycle, the posts include Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police, Sub-Inspector (GD) in CAPFs and Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF.

The recruitment process involves written examinations followed by physical and medical stages.

So, SSC CPO preparation is not only about solving questions. You also need to prepare for the PST/PET and medical requirements.

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SSC CPO 2026: Latest Notification and Important Dates

The official SSC CPO 2026 notification was released on 10 September 2026.

SSC's 2026 tentative examination calendar had indicated October–November 2026 for the CPO Paper 1 examination, but candidates should follow the specific CPO notice and subsequent SSC updates for the confirmed schedule.

Where should you check for updates?

Always verify important dates through the official Staff Selection Commission website.

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SSC CPO 2026 Vacancy

SSC has announced 1,871 tentative vacancies for the 2026 recruitment cycle.

CAPF vacancy breakup

The vacancies are tentative, so SSC may revise the number later.

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SSC CPO 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, check these four areas carefully:

1. Nationality
2. Age limit
3. Educational qualification
4. Post-specific requirements

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SSC CPO 2026 Age Limit

For SI posts in Delhi Police and CAPFs, the age limit is generally:

20 to 25 years as on 1 August 2026.

For SI (Fire) in CISF, the age limit is:

18 to 30 years as on 1 August 2026.

Age relaxation is available to eligible reserved categories and other categories as prescribed by the Government of India and SSC.

Candidates should check the official notification for the exact relaxation applicable to their category before submitting the application.

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SSC CPO Educational Qualification

For SI in Delhi Police and SI (GD) in CAPFs, candidates generally need a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university or equivalent.

The qualification must be obtained by the date prescribed in the 2026 notification.

For SI (Fire) in CISF, the educational qualification is different and candidates must meet the specific science/technical qualification prescribed for that post.

Therefore, candidates applying for CISF SI Fire should not assume that every graduation degree is automatically eligible.

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SSC CPO Nationality

Candidates must meet the nationality conditions prescribed by SSC.

The eligible categories include:

• Citizen of India
• Subject of Nepal
• Subject of Bhutan

Candidates from Nepal or Bhutan are subject to the certificate-of-eligibility requirements specified in the recruitment rules.

Always check the notification if your nationality status falls outside the standard Indian-citizen category.

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Is a Driving Licence Required for SSC CPO?

A driving licence requirement applies specifically to male candidates applying for SI in Delhi Police.

The candidate must possess a valid LMV driving licence for motorcycle and car by the date prescribed for the Physical Endurance and Measurement Test.

This requirement is separate from the general graduation eligibility.

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SSC CPO 2026 Selection Process

The SSC CPO selection process broadly consists of:

Paper 1 → PST/PET → Paper 2 → Medical Examination → Document Verification/Final Selection

The PST/PET stage is qualifying in nature.

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SSC CPO 2026 Exam Pattern

The 2026 exam pattern has changed significantly.

If you are preparing using old SSC CPO books, videos or mock tests, make sure they match the new pattern.

SSC CPO Paper 1 Pattern 2026

Paper 1 now has 100 questions for 100 marks and a total duration of 60 minutes.

Each section has a separate 15-minute timer.

Negative marking

There is a 0.25-mark deduction for each incorrect answer in Paper 1.

What does sectional timing mean?

You cannot save time from one section and use it in another.

For example, if you finish Reasoning in 10 minutes, you cannot use the remaining five minutes for Quantitative Aptitude.

This makes section-wise speed and question selection important parts of your preparation.

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SSC CPO Paper 2 Pattern 2026

Paper 2 has also been significantly revised.

Earlier, Paper 2 primarily tested English. In 2026, it includes four sections:

• General Intelligence & Reasoning
• General Knowledge & General Awareness
• Quantitative Aptitude
• English Comprehension

The paper has 160 questions for 320 marks.

Paper 2 has 0.50-mark negative marking for every incorrect answer.

One important point

English carries 200 out of 320 marks in Paper 2.

That is why English preparation should not be postponed until after Paper 1.

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SSC CPO 2026 Syllabus

The main subjects across the two papers are:

1. General Intelligence & Reasoning
2. General Knowledge & General Awareness
3. Quantitative Aptitude
4. English Comprehension

Paper 2 tests these areas at a higher level than Paper 1.

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1. General Intelligence & Reasoning

Important areas include:

• Analogy
• Classification
• Series
• Coding-Decoding
• Syllogism
• Venn Diagrams
• Statement and Conclusion
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making
• Space Orientation
• Space Visualization
• Embedded Figures
• Non-verbal Reasoning
• Critical Thinking
• Emotional Intelligence
• Social Intelligence

How to prepare Reasoning

Use this sequence:

Concept → Practice → PYQs → Timed Tests → Error Analysis

Do not spend weeks only watching concept videos.

Your goal should be to solve familiar question types quickly and accurately.

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2. General Knowledge & General Awareness

This section covers both static and current areas.

Static areas

• History
• Geography
• Indian Polity
• Constitution
• Economy
• General Science
• Culture

Current affairs

• National events
• International events
• Government schemes
• Awards
• Sports
• Important appointments
• Science and technology
• Important reports and developments

Preparation strategy

Do not collect current affairs from ten different sources.

Choose a manageable source, revise it regularly and use PYQs to understand the type of information SSC asks.

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3. Quantitative Aptitude

Important topics include:

• Number System
• Percentage
• Ratio and Proportion
• Average
• Profit and Loss
• Discount
• Simple and Compound Interest
• Time and Work
• Time, Speed and Distance
• Partnership
• Mixture and Alligation
• Algebra
• Geometry
• Mensuration
• Trigonometry
• Data Interpretation

For Quant, your preparation should focus on three things:

Concept clarity + calculation speed + accuracy

After learning a topic, move quickly to SSC-level questions and PYQs.

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4. English Comprehension

English becomes particularly important in Paper 2 because it carries 200 marks.

Important areas include:

• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Error recognition
• Fill in the blanks
• Sentence improvement
• Sentence completion
• Synonyms
• Antonyms
• Spelling
• Idioms and phrases
• Reading comprehension
• Sentence structure
• Correct usage of English

How to prepare English

Do not prepare English only by memorising vocabulary.

Combine:

Grammar + vocabulary + reading + PYQs + timed practice

If you repeatedly make the same grammar mistake, identify the rule behind the mistake and practise that rule instead of simply memorising the correct answer.

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SSC CPO 2026 Physical Test: PET & PST

Clearing the written examination is not enough.

Candidates also have to qualify the applicable Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET).

The exact standards vary according to gender and applicable category/post conditions.

PST: Physical Standard Test

The physical standards include requirements such as:

• Height
• Chest measurement for applicable male candidates
• Other prescribed physical standards

Some categories receive prescribed relaxations.

Because physical standards can differ according to category and post, candidates should check the exact requirement applicable to them in the official notification rather than relying on a generic table from a coaching website.

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SSC CPO PET Requirements

The prescribed PET includes events such as:

Male candidates

• 100-metre race
• 1.6-km race
• Long jump
• High jump
• Shot put

Female candidates

• 100-metre race
• 800-metre race
• Long jump
• High jump

The exact qualifying benchmarks and applicable exemptions should be checked against the official notification for the candidate's category and post.

Important preparation tip

Do not wait until after Paper 1 to begin physical preparation.

If you need to improve your running or jumping performance, that improvement takes time.

Start gradually and build:

• endurance
• sprint speed
• lower-body strength
• mobility
• event-specific technique

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SSC CPO Medical Examination

Candidates who progress through the recruitment process must meet the prescribed medical standards.

Medical requirements can include standards relating to:

• Vision
• Colour vision
• Physical fitness
• Lower-limb alignment
• Other prescribed medical conditions

Medical standards are recruitment-specific, so candidates should use the official SSC notification and applicable medical rules rather than relying on social-media claims or generic "medical test" lists.

If you have a specific medical or vision concern, get it checked professionally before assuming that you are eligible or ineligible.

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SSC CPO Salary 2026

The Sub-Inspector posts under SSC CPO are placed at Pay Level 6, with the basic pay scale beginning at ₹35,400.

The actual monthly salary received by an employee depends on applicable allowances, posting location, deductions and government rules.

Therefore, candidates should not treat a fixed "in-hand salary" figure circulated online as universal.

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SSC CPO 2026 Preparation Strategy

The revised 2026 pattern changes how you should prepare.

You need to prepare for:

Paper 1 + Paper 2 + Physical Test

And you should start all three areas early.

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Step 1: Understand the 2026 pattern before studying

First understand:

• Paper 1 = 100 marks
• 15-minute sectional timing
• Paper 2 = 320 marks
• Paper 2 has four sections
• English = 200 marks in Paper 2
• Negative marking applies
• PST/PET is part of the recruitment process

Do not build your strategy around the old SSC CPO pattern.

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Step 2: Take a diagnostic test

Before starting serious preparation, take one test covering:

• Reasoning
• GK
• Quant
• English

Do not worry about your first score.

Use it to identify:

• strong subjects
• weak subjects
• slow topics
• accuracy problems
• topics you have never studied

[Internal Link Opportunity: SSC Mock Tests]

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Step 3: Build your fundamentals

For each subject:

Learn the concept → solve basic questions → solve SSC-level questions → solve PYQs

Avoid spending too much time collecting study material.

One reliable source + repeated practice is usually more useful than multiple unfinished sources.

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Step 4: Start PYQs early

Previous Year Questions should be part of your preparation from the beginning.

Use PYQs to understand:

• frequently tested concepts
• question patterns
• difficulty level
• common traps
• expected calculation level

Maintain an error log.

Review your error log every week.

[Internal Link Opportunity: SSC PYQ Practice]

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Step 5: Prepare according to sectional timing

Because Paper 1 has a 15-minute timer for every section, normal untimed practice is not enough.

Practise:

• 15-minute Reasoning tests
• 15-minute GK tests
• 15-minute Quant tests
• 15-minute English tests

Once your accuracy improves, move to complete Paper 1 simulations.

For Paper 2, practise the first three sections with their 20-minute limits and English with its 60-minute limit.

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Step 6: Give English consistent attention

Paper 2 contains 200 marks of English.

That does not mean you should ignore the other subjects.

It means English needs consistent preparation from the beginning.

A useful daily English routine can include:

• 20 minutes grammar
• 15 minutes vocabulary
• 20–30 minutes reading/comprehension
• 20–30 minutes PYQs

Adjust the time according to your level.

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Step 7: Start physical preparation early

Keep physical training alongside academic preparation.

A beginner can start with:

• light running
• walking/running intervals
• sprint practice
• basic strength exercises
• mobility work

As your fitness improves, introduce event-specific practice.

Do not suddenly increase running distance or intensity. Build gradually.

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Step 8: Use mocks for analysis, not just scores

After every mock, analyse:

Accuracy

How many questions were actually correct?

Speed

Which section took too long?

Question selection

Which questions should you have skipped?

Concept gaps

Which topics require revision?

Repeated mistakes

Which errors are happening again and again?

A mock test is valuable only when you learn something from it.

[Internal Link Opportunity: SSC Mock Test Analysis]

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Suggested Daily Routine for SSC CPO 2026

If you have around 6–7 hours available for preparation, you can use a structure like this:

You do not have to follow these exact timings.

The goal is to maintain regular exposure to all four subjects while continuing physical preparation.

[Internal Link Opportunity: SSC Study Plan]

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Common SSC CPO Preparation Mistakes

1. Using the old exam pattern

The 2026 pattern is different, particularly for Paper 1 and Paper 2.

2. Ignoring sectional timing

Practising without the actual time limits can create problems during the exam.

3. Starting physical preparation too late

Physical improvement takes time. Do not wait for the Paper 1 result.

4. Preparing only English for Paper 2

Paper 2 now includes Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English.

5. Taking mocks without analysing them

Your score tells you where you are.

Your analysis tells you what to do next.

6. Collecting too many resources

Too many books, PDFs and videos can make revision difficult.

Keep your preparation material focused.

7. Ignoring revision

Learning a topic once does not mean you have mastered it.

Schedule regular revision of:

• formulas
• vocabulary
• current affairs
• important concepts
• previous mistakes

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How to Start SSC CPO 2026 Preparation From Zero

If you are a beginner, follow this simple sequence.

Week 1

• Read the 2026 notification
• Check your eligibility
• Understand Paper 1 and Paper 2
• Take a diagnostic test
• Start basic physical training

Weeks 2–4

• Build Quant and Reasoning fundamentals
• Start regular English preparation
• Begin static GK
• Start current-affairs revision
• Solve topic-wise PYQs
• Continue physical training

After the foundation phase

Move towards:

Topic Tests → Sectional Tests → PYQs → Full Mocks → Mock Analysis → Revision

At the same time, keep physical training consistent.

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Can You Prepare for Paper 1 and Paper 2 Together?

Yes.

In fact, with the revised 2026 pattern, preparing them completely separately may not be practical because the same broad subjects appear in both papers.

A better strategy is to build your fundamentals once and then increase the difficulty and time pressure as you progress.

The major difference is the weightage and level of Paper 2, especially English.

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Why PYQs Matter So Much for SSC CPO

PYQs help you understand the exam from the candidate's perspective.

Instead of asking:

"What should I study?"

you can ask:

"What does SSC repeatedly test?"

That distinction makes preparation more focused.

Use PYQs to create a topic-priority list and revisit the areas where you repeatedly lose marks.

[Internal Link Opportunity: SSC PYQ Analysis]

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Where PrepOwl Can Help

SSC CPO preparation involves more than collecting study material.

You need to know:

• what you have already mastered
• where you are losing marks
• which topics need revision
• what to practise next
• whether your mock performance is improving

A structured preparation system can support this process through:

• AI Mentor
• Diagnostic Tests
• PYQ Practice
• Mock Tests
• Personalised Study Plans
• Adaptive Learning
• Progress Tracking

For example, if your Quant accuracy is consistently lower than your Reasoning accuracy, your preparation plan should reflect that difference rather than giving both subjects exactly the same amount of practice.

[Internal Link Opportunity: SSC Exam Preparation]

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SSC CPO 2026 FAQs

What is SSC CPO 2026?

SSC CPO 2026 is the Staff Selection Commission recruitment examination for Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police, CAPFs and CISF Fire. The 2026 recruitment has 1,871 tentative vacancies.

What is the age limit for SSC CPO 2026?

For SI posts in Delhi Police and CAPFs, the age limit is generally 20–25 years as on 1 August 2026. For CISF SI Fire, the age limit is 18–30 years.

Is graduation compulsory for SSC CPO?

For SI in Delhi Police and SI (GD) in CAPFs, candidates generally need a Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification from a recognised university. CISF SI Fire has separate qualification requirements.

How many vacancies are there in SSC CPO 2026?

SSC has announced 1,871 tentative vacancies for the 2026 recruitment cycle.

What is the SSC CPO Paper 1 pattern?

Paper 1 has 100 questions for 100 marks and a total duration of 60 minutes. Each of the four sections has a 15-minute sectional timer.

What is the SSC CPO Paper 2 pattern?

Paper 2 has 160 questions for 320 marks. It includes Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Comprehension. English carries 200 marks.

Is there negative marking in SSC CPO 2026?

Yes. Paper 1 has a 0.25-mark penalty for each incorrect answer, while Paper 2 has a 0.50-mark penalty.

Is there a physical test in SSC CPO?

Yes. Candidates who qualify the written stage must undergo the prescribed Physical Standard Test and Physical Endurance Test.

Is a driving licence required for SSC CPO?

A valid LMV driving licence for motorcycle and car is required for male candidates applying for the Delhi Police SI post, subject to the conditions in the notification.

Has the SSC CPO 2026 exam date been announced?

The exact Paper 1 examination date has not been announced in the current CPO notification. Candidates should follow SSC's official updates for the confirmed schedule.

What is the salary of an SSC CPO Sub-Inspector?

SSC CPO Sub-Inspector posts are placed at Pay Level 6, with a basic pay scale starting at ₹35,400. Actual salary depends on applicable allowances, deductions and posting.

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Final SSC CPO 2026 Preparation Roadmap

If you are starting today, keep your preparation simple:

Check eligibility ↓ Understand the 2026 pattern ↓ Take a diagnostic test ↓ Build concepts ↓ Solve PYQs ↓ Practise sectional timing ↓ Take mocks and analyse mistakes ↓ Prepare for PET/PST alongside written preparation ↓ Strengthen Paper 2 preparation ↓ Revise and repeat

The biggest change in SSC CPO 2026 is not just the number of questions. The structure of the examination has changed, so your preparation strategy needs to change with it.

Start with the official notification, build your preparation around the revised pattern, practise PYQs regularly, and do not postpone physical preparation.

Ready to start your SSC CPO preparation? Practise PYQs, take mock tests and build a structured preparation plan with PrepOwl.