SSC CPO 2026 Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Timings & Physical Standards

Aspiring candidates aiming to secure a position as a Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) must understand the structured requirements laid down by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). The SSC CPO 2026 exam serves as the primary gateway for recruitment into prestigious forces such as the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. To navigate this competitive landscape, aspirants can check details regarding the SSC CPO 2026 Notification Date Announced - Click to Check and initiate their SSC CPO 2026 Online Application - Apply Now.

The selection process follows a multi-stage format beginning with Tier 1, followed by Physical Endurance and Standard Tests (PET/PST), Tier 2, and concluding with a rigorous Medical Examination.

SSC CPO 2026 Exam Pattern & Overview

Conducted by the Staff Selection Commission via online computer-based tests, the examination scheme evaluates candidates across multiple core competencies. Below is the complete structural overview:

Parameter	Details
Exam Conducting Body	Staff Selection Commission
Posts	Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPF
Mode of Exam	Online – Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Paper 1 – Questions / Marks	200 Questions / 200 Marks
Paper 1 – Duration	2 Hours (30 min per section – Sectional Timing)
Paper 2 – Questions / Marks	200 Questions / 200 Marks
Paper 2 – Duration	2 hours
Negative Marking	0.25 marks per wrong answer (both papers)
Selection Process	Tier 1 → PET/PST → Tier 2 → Medical Examination
Official website	www.ssc.gov.in

Detailed Exam Structure & Stages

The recruitment pipeline consists of successive elimination phases. Notice the inclusion of strict sectional timings in Paper 1 for 2026, which shifts time-management strategies entirely.

Tier/Stages	Type of Examination	Mode of examination
Tier-I	Objective Multiple Choice	CBT (Online)
PET/PST	1.6 Km Running, 100 m Race, Long Jump, High Jump and Short Put	Physical exam
Tier-II	Objective Multiple Choice(English Comprehension)	CBT (Online)
DME	Detailed Medical Examination	Offline

Paper 1 Exam Blueprint

Subject	No. of Questions	Maximum Marks	Duration
General Intelligence & Reasoning	50	50	30 minutes
General Knowledge & General Awareness	50	50	30 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude	50	50	30 minutes
English Comprehension	50	50	30 minutes
Total	200	200	2 hours

Paper 2 Exam Blueprint

Paper 2 is scheduled after candidates successfully clear the PET/PST requirements. Check out updates regarding SSC CPO Physical Dates 2025 Released - Click Here to View to understand scheduling timelines.

Subjects	No. of Questions	Marks	Duration
English Language and Comprehension	200	200	2 hours

Comprehensive Syllabus Checklists

Mastering the extensive syllabus is crucial for qualifying. Review the thematic topic checklists for Paper 1 and Paper 2 below:

SSC CPO Paper 1 Syllabus - General Reasoning

• Verbal Reasoning
• Syllogism
• Circular Seating Arrangement
• Linear Seating Arrangement
• Double Lineup
• Scheduling
• Input Output
• Blood Relations
• Directions and Distances
• Ordering and Ranking
• Data Sufficiency
• Coding and Decoding
• Code Inequalities

SSC CPO Paper 1 Syllabus - General Knowledge

• Current Affairs
• Awards and Honours
• Books and Authors
• Sports
• Entertainment
• Obituaries
• Important Dates
• Scientific Research

SSC CPO Paper 1 Syllabus - Quantitative Aptitude

• Percentage
• Ratio and Percentage
• Data Interpretation
• Mensuration and Geometry
• Quadratic Equation
• Interest
• Problems of Ages
• Profit and Loss
• Number Series
• Speed, Distance and Time
• Time and Work
• Number System
• Data Sufficiency

SSC CPO Paper 1 Syllabus - English Comprehension

• Reading Comprehension
• Grammar
• Vocabulary
• Verbal Ability
• Synonyms-Antonyms
• Active and Passive Voice
• Para Jumbles
• Fill in the Blanks
• Error Correction

SSC CPO Paper 2 Syllabus - English Language and Comprehension

• Error Recognition
• Fill in the Blanks
• Vocabulary
• Spellings
• Grammar
• Sentence Structure
• Synonyms
• Antonyms
• Sentence Completion
• Idioms and Phrases
• Comprehension

Physical Standards and PET Specifications

Candidates must meet specific physical measurement and endurance benchmarks during the Physical Standards Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET).

Category	Height (cm)	Chest Unexpanded (cm)	Chest Expanded (cm)
Male (Gen)	170	80	85
Belonging to Hilly regions & areas of J&K, North East & Sikkim	165	80	85
Scheduled Tribes	162.5	77	82
Female (Gen)	157	-	-
Belonging to Hilly regions & areas of J&K, North East & Sikkim	155	-	-
Scheduled Tribes	154	-	-

Physical Standards for Male Candidates (PET)

• 100-metre race in 16 seconds
• 1.6 Km Race in 6.5 minutes
• Long Jump: 3.65 metres in 5 chances
• High Jump: 1.2 metres in 3 chances
• Short put 16 LBS: 4.5 metres in 3 chances

Physical Standards for Female Candidates (PET)

• 100-metre race in 18 seconds
• 800-metre race in 4 minutes
• Long Jump: 2.7 metres or 9 feet in 3 chances
• High Jump: 0.9 metres or 3 feet in 3 chances

Medical Examination Criteria

Candidates clearing physical rounds undergo a detailed medical evaluation checking for optimal physiological fitness and visual acuity.

SSC CPO Medical Test Criteria

• Minimum Near Vision: N6 (better eye) and N9 (worse eye)
• Minimum Distant Vision: 6/6 (better eye) and 6/9 (worse eye)
• Must not have knock knee, flat foot, varicose vein or squint in eyes
• Eye standards should be without visual correction of any kind even by glasses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How many subject are there in SSC CPO 2026 Tier-I Exam?

Ans. The SSC CPO Tier-I (Paper-1) exam consists of 4 core subjects.

Q2. How many subject do I need to study for SSC CPO 2026 Exam?

Ans. Paper 1 covers four subjects: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Knowledge & Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Paper 2 focuses exclusively on English Language and Comprehension.

Q3. Which Test Series is best for SSC CPO Paper-1 Exam?

Ans. You can utilize specialized test series and online coaching platforms to prepare effectively for both SSC CPO 2026 Paper 1 and Paper 2.

Q6. How many subject do I need to study for SSC CPO 2025 Exam?

Ans. Candidates must prepare for four subjects for Paper 1 (Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English) and one subject for Paper 2 (English Language and Comprehension).