SSC CPO 2026 Notification Out: 1,871 Vacancy, Apply Online, Eligibility, Exam Pattern & Syllabus

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the SSC CPO 2026 Notification for the recruitment of Sub-Inspectors in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The examination is one of the most popular graduate-level government recruitment exams for candidates who want to build a career in the police and central armed forces.

As per the recruitment schedule, the SSC CPO 2026 online application process has started from 10 September 2026. Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official SSC website. The last date to apply online is 30 September 2026 up to 11:00 PM.

For this recruitment cycle, the vacancy figure is being considered as 1,871 posts. Candidates should carefully check their eligibility, especially the age limit, educational qualification and physical requirements, before submitting the application.

The SSC CPO 2026 Computer Based Examination date will be notified later by the Commission.

SSC CPO 2026: Latest Overview

The SSC has officially scheduled the application period from 10 September to 30 September 2026, while the online fee payment facility will remain available until 1 October 2026. The correction window will be open from 8 October to 10 October 2026.

SSC CPO 2026 Notification

The SSC CPO Notification 2026 contains complete information regarding vacancies, eligibility criteria, application procedure, examination scheme, syllabus, physical standards and selection process.

SSC conducts the CPO examination to recruit candidates for Sub-Inspector-level positions in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces.

The recruitment is particularly attractive for graduates because candidates get an opportunity to join a uniformed government service at the Sub-Inspector level. Candidates should download and read the official notification carefully before filling out the application form. Details such as age, educational qualification, physical standards and post-specific requirements can directly affect eligibility. The official notification was scheduled to be uploaded on the SSC website on 10 September 2026.

SSC CPO 2026 Vacancy

The SSC CPO 2026 vacancy is an important attraction of this recruitment drive. For this article, the total vacancy is being considered as 1,871 posts. The vacancies are related to Sub-Inspector positions in Delhi Police and CAPFs, with recruitment being carried out according to the vacancies reported by the concerned departments and organizations. It is important to understand that SSC may update or revise vacancy figures during the recruitment process. The Commission itself states that vacancies are confirmed from the user departments before declaration of the final result. Therefore, candidates should not assume that the initial vacancy figure will necessarily remain unchanged throughout the recruitment cycle.

Why SSC CPO Vacancy Matters

A higher number of vacancies generally creates more opportunities, but candidates should not prepare only on the basis of vacancy numbers. SSC CPO is a highly competitive examination, and selection depends on performance in the written examination, physical tests, medical examination and final merit. The final allocation of post/force is based on the candidate's performance in Paper-II along with the preferences submitted by the candidate.

SSC CPO 2026 Important Dates

Candidates preparing for SSC CPO 2026 should keep the following dates in mind:

The last date for submitting the application is 30 September 2026 at 11:00 PM. SSC has advised candidates not to wait until the last day because heavy traffic on the website can cause login or submission problems.

This is especially important for candidates who need to complete Aadhaar authentication, upload details or make fee payments.

SSC CPO 2026 Apply Online

The SSC CPO application form is available online through the official SSC website.

Candidates should complete the application process carefully because incorrect information can lead to rejection during document verification.

How to Apply for SSC CPO 2026

Candidates can follow these general steps:

1. Visit the official SSC website.
2. Complete the required registration/OTR process if not already registered.
3. Log in using the required credentials.
4. Select the SSC CPO 2026 examination.
5. Enter personal and educational details.
6. Select the appropriate examination centre and other required preferences.
7. Upload the required information, photograph/signature wherever applicable.
8. Preview the application carefully.
9. Pay the application fee, if applicable.
10. Submit the final application form.
11. Save or download the submitted application for future reference.

SSC specifically advises candidates to check the preview of their application before final submission and ensure that all information is correct.

Candidates should also keep their application details and relevant examination documents safely for future reference.

SSC CPO 2026 Application Fee

The application fee for SSC CPO 2026 is ₹100.

Women candidates and candidates belonging to SC, ST and eligible Ex-Servicemen categories are exempted from paying the application fee.

The fee can be paid through online payment methods such as BHIM UPI, Net Banking and eligible debit cards. The final date for online fee payment is 1 October 2026 at 11:00 PM.

SSC CPO 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for SSC CPO 2026, candidates should check the eligibility requirements carefully.

The main eligibility conditions relate to:

• Educational qualification
• Age limit
• Physical standards
• Post-specific requirements
• Driving licence requirement for eligible Delhi Police male candidates

SSC CPO 2026 Educational Qualification

For Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police and CAPFs, candidates generally need a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university or equivalent qualification. Candidates who are appearing in their Bachelor's degree examination may also apply, subject to fulfilling the required qualification within the prescribed date mentioned in the notification. Candidates applying for specific posts should also check the additional qualification requirements mentioned for that post.

SSC CPO 2026 Age Limit

The age limit is an important part of the SSC CPO eligibility criteria. For most SSC CPO posts, the age requirement is 20 to 25 years as on 1 August 2026. The notification specifies the corresponding date-of-birth range for candidates falling within the prescribed age limit. There are also provisions for age relaxation for reserved categories according to government rules.

Age Relaxation

Candidates should check the official notification for post-specific and category-specific age relaxation conditions before applying.

Driving Licence Requirement for Delhi Police Male Candidates

One point that candidates frequently overlook is the driving licence requirement. Male candidates applying for Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police are required to possess a valid Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) driving licence for motorcycle and car on the prescribed date for the physical test. Candidates who do not possess the required licence are not eligible for the Delhi Police male post, although they may remain eligible for the relevant CAPF posts if they satisfy those requirements. This requirement makes it particularly important for Delhi Police aspirants to check their licence status before selecting the post.

SSC CPO 2026 Selection Process

The SSC CPO selection process is not limited to a written examination. Candidates have to clear multiple stages before final selection.

The major stages are:

Paper-I → PST/PET → Paper-II → Medical Examination → Document Verification/Final Selection

The PST/PET is qualifying in nature and does not carry marks. Candidates who qualify in Paper-I are shortlisted for the physical stage. Only candidates who qualify in PST/PET are allowed to appear for Paper-II.

Stage 1: Paper-I

Paper-I is the first computer-based written examination.

Candidates are tested in four sections:

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

Each section contains 25 questions and carries 25 marks, making Paper-I a 100-question, 100-mark examination. The total duration is one hour, with a 15-minute sectional timer for each part.

Stage 2: PST/PET

Candidates shortlisted through Paper-I have to appear for the Physical Standard Test and Physical Endurance Test. The physical stage is qualifying in nature. It does not add marks to the final merit. Ex-Servicemen are not required to undergo PET, although they have to satisfy the prescribed physical standards.

Stage 3: Paper-II

Paper-II focuses on English Comprehension. It contains 200 questions for 200 marks and has a one-hour duration. The paper also has a sectional timer.

Stage 4: Medical Examination

Candidates who qualify Paper-II are called for Detailed Medical Examination. Medical fitness is mandatory for final selection. Candidates who are found medically unfit may undergo Review Medical Examination according to the applicable procedure.

SSC CPO 2026 Exam Pattern

Understanding the exam pattern before starting preparation is extremely important.

Paper-I Exam Pattern

Duration: 1 hour
Sectional Timer: 15 minutes per section

Paper-II Exam Pattern

Duration: 1 hour

The official examination scheme specifies objective multiple-choice questions.

SSC CPO 2026 Negative Marking

Negative marking makes accuracy extremely important in SSC CPO.

In Paper-I, 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer.

In Paper-II, 0.50 marks are deducted for every wrong answer.

Candidates should therefore avoid random guessing, particularly when they are uncertain between multiple options. A good preparation strategy should focus not only on increasing the number of attempts but also on improving accuracy.

SSC CPO 2026 Qualifying Marks

SSC has prescribed minimum qualifying marks for the written examination.

The minimum qualifying percentage mentioned in the notification is:

These are minimum qualifying requirements and should not be confused with the actual cut-off marks. The cut-off can be considerably higher depending on the number of candidates, vacancies and overall performance.

SSC CPO 2026 Syllabus

The SSC CPO syllabus is divided mainly into four areas: Reasoning, General Knowledge & General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Comprehension. The same broad subjects are relevant to both Paper-I and Paper-II, although the number of questions and marks differs between the two papers.

General Intelligence and Reasoning

The Reasoning section tests both verbal and non-verbal reasoning ability.

Important topics mentioned in the SSC CPO syllabus include:

• Analogy
• Similarities and Differences
• Classification
• Number Series
• Figure Series
• Coding-Decoding
• Syllogism
• Statement and Conclusion
• Problem Solving
• Space Visualization
• Space Orientation
• Venn Diagrams
• Drawing Inferences
• Figural Classification
• Figural Analogy
• Embedded Figures
• Numerical Operations
• Symbolic Operations
• Critical Thinking
• Emotional Intelligence
• Social Intelligence
• Visual Memory
• Observation and Discrimination

The official syllabus specifically mentions verbal and non-verbal reasoning along with areas such as analogy, classification, series, coding-decoding, syllogistic reasoning and problem solving.

For preparation, candidates should first cover the basic concepts and then move towards timed question practice. Reasoning can become a high-scoring section when questions are solved with good accuracy and speed.

General Knowledge and General Awareness

The GK and General Awareness section is designed to test a candidate's awareness of the world around them as well as important developments and basic knowledge.

The syllabus includes areas related to:

• History
• Culture
• Geography
• Economic Scene
• General Polity
• Indian Constitution
• Scientific Research
• Current Events
• India and its neighbouring countries

The official notification states that questions may test current events as well as everyday observations with a scientific aspect.

How to Prepare for GK and Current Affairs

GK can be challenging because its syllabus is very broad. Instead of trying to memorize everything, candidates should focus on regular revision.

A practical approach is to divide preparation into:

Static GK + Current Affairs + Previous Year Questions

Previous-year questions are particularly useful because they help candidates understand the type of information generally asked in SSC examinations.

Quantitative Aptitude

Quantitative Aptitude tests the candidate's ability to use numbers and solve mathematical problems accurately. Candidates should focus on the core arithmetic concepts and regularly practice questions under a time limit.

Important areas generally covered in the SSC CPO Quant section include:

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

The official notification describes the Quantitative Aptitude component as testing the candidate's ability to use numbers appropriately and their number sense.

The best way to improve this section is through repeated practice. Candidates should also work on calculation speed because saving even a few seconds per question can make a difference in a competitive exam.

English Comprehension

English is one of the most important sections in SSC CPO, particularly because of the weightage it receives in Paper-II. Paper-II contains 100 English Comprehension questions carrying 200 marks, which is considerably higher than the marks assigned to the other individual sections. Candidates should therefore give English consistent attention throughout their preparation.

Important areas can include:

• Reading Comprehension
• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Sentence Improvement
• Error Detection
• Fill in the Blanks
• Synonyms and Antonyms
• Idioms and Phrases
• One Word Substitution
• Active and Passive Voice
• Direct and Indirect Speech
• Cloze Test

Instead of studying English only for Paper-I, candidates should prepare it with Paper-II in mind from the beginning.

SSC CPO 2026 Physical Test

The physical stage is one of the most important differences between SSC CPO and many other SSC examinations.

Candidates shortlisted after Paper-I have to qualify the Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET).

PST/PET does not carry marks. It is qualifying in nature, which means candidates must clear the prescribed requirements to move forward in the recruitment process.

This is why candidates should not postpone physical preparation until after Paper-I.

Why Start Physical Preparation Early?

Imagine a candidate scoring well in Paper-I but struggling to meet the physical requirements a few weeks later. Written marks alone cannot compensate for failing a mandatory qualifying stage.

A better strategy is to prepare for both parts together:

Morning: Running/physical training
Day/Evening: Written examination preparation

The exact physical requirements vary according to the post, gender and applicable category/relaxations, so candidates should check the relevant standards in the official notification before beginning a target-specific training plan.

SSC CPO 2026 Medical Examination

Medical fitness is another mandatory stage of the recruitment process.

Candidates who qualify Paper-II are called for the Detailed Medical Examination (DME). Candidates found unfit during DME may undergo Review Medical Examination (RME) according to the prescribed procedure.

The notification specifies standards relating to eyesight and general physical fitness.

For example, the prescribed minimum distant vision is 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the worse eye without correction, while near-vision standards are also specified. The notification also mentions conditions such as knock knee, flat foot, varicose veins and squint.

Candidates should therefore read the medical requirements carefully instead of assuming that clearing the written examination automatically means they will be medically fit.

SSC CPO 2026 NCC Bonus Marks

NCC certificate holders can receive bonus marks in both Paper-I and Paper-II.

According to the notification, these bonus marks are added to the normalized scores of eligible NCC certificate holders.

For candidates with an eligible NCC certificate, this can provide an additional advantage in the merit calculation.

SSC CPO 2026 Salary

SSC CPO offers a Level-6 pay scale, making the Sub-Inspector post an attractive government career option.

The basic pay scale is: ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400

The actual monthly salary received by a selected candidate can vary depending on the place of posting and applicable allowances. Apart from basic pay, government employees may receive applicable allowances and benefits according to the rules of the concerned department.

However, candidates should not select SSC CPO only because of salary. The job also comes with significant responsibility, discipline, field duties and physical demands.

SSC CPO 2026 Posts and Forces

Through SSC CPO, candidates can compete for Sub-Inspector positions in Delhi Police and CAPFs. The recruitment provides opportunities in different organizations, and the final allocation depends on merit and the preferences submitted by the candidate. One important point is that candidates should select their post/force preferences carefully. According to the notification, once a candidate is allotted the first available preference according to merit, they will not be considered for another option. Therefore, candidates should understand the nature of different posts and their eligibility requirements before submitting preferences.

SSC CPO 2026 Admit Card

The SSC CPO admit card will be released before the examination. Candidates should regularly check the official SSC website and their respective regional SSC websites for updates regarding the examination schedule and admission certificate. The examination date has not been announced yet in the notification and will be communicated later. Candidates should avoid relying on unofficial social media posts for the final exam schedule.

SSC CPO 2026 Answer Key

After the Computer Based Examination, SSC will release the tentative answer key. Candidates will get an opportunity to check the answers and submit representations within the specified period. The notification states that representations against the answer key are submitted online and carry a fee of ₹50 per question, which is non-refundable. After the objection process, SSC will finalize the answer key and use it for processing the result.

SSC CPO 2026 Result

The SSC CPO result will be released stage-wise according to the recruitment process. Candidates qualifying in Paper-I are shortlisted for PST/PET. Those who qualify the physical stage proceed to Paper-II, followed by medical examination and document verification as applicable. Final selection and post/force allocation are based on Paper-II performance, including applicable NCC bonus marks, and the preferences exercised by candidates. Candidates should keep checking the official SSC website for result-related announcements.

SSC CPO 2026 Tie-Breaking Criteria

If two or more candidates obtain equal aggregate marks in Paper-I and Paper-II, SSC has prescribed a tie-breaking procedure.

The criteria are applied one after another until the tie is resolved:

1. Total marks in Paper-II
2. Marks obtained in English in Paper-II
3. Date of birth, with the older candidate placed higher
4. Alphabetical order of candidates' names

This is another reason why Paper-II performance can become particularly important for candidates.

SSC CPO 2026 FAQs

When was SSC CPO 2026 Notification released?

The SSC CPO 2026 notification was scheduled for release on 10 September 2026 on the official SSC website.

What is the last date to apply for SSC CPO 2026?

The last date to submit the online application is 30 September 2026 at 11:00 PM.

What is the SSC CPO 2026 application fee?

The application fee is ₹100. Women, SC, ST and eligible Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempted from paying the fee.

What is the SSC CPO 2026 exam date?

The Computer Based Examination date has not been announced yet. SSC will notify the examination schedule later.

What is the SSC CPO 2026 age limit?

For most posts, the age limit is 20–25 years as on 1 August 2026. Certain posts, such as SI Fire in CISF, have different age requirements.

What is the SSC CPO 2026 qualification?

For the regular SI posts in Delhi Police and CAPFs, candidates generally need a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university or equivalent qualification.

Is there negative marking in SSC CPO?

Yes. Paper-I has 0.25 marks negative marking for each wrong answer, while Paper-II has 0.50 marks negative marking for each wrong answer.

Is the SSC CPO physical test qualifying?

Yes. PST/PET is mandatory and qualifying in nature. It does not carry marks.

How many marks are there in SSC CPO Paper-I?

Paper-I consists of 100 questions for 100 marks and has a duration of one hour.

How many marks are there in SSC CPO Paper-II?

Paper-II consists of 160 questions for 320 marks, including 100 English Comprehension questions carrying 200 marks.

XamToppr Final Words

The SSC CPO 2026 recruitment is an important opportunity for graduates who want to join Delhi Police or the Central Armed Police Forces as Sub-Inspectors.

Candidates should not make the mistake of focusing only on the written examination. The complete recruitment journey includes Paper-I, PST/PET, Paper-II, medical examination and final selection, so preparation needs to cover both academic and physical requirements.

The application window is open from 10 September to 30 September 2026, and candidates should complete their forms well before the deadline.

Most importantly, start preparation early. Build your concepts, solve previous-year questions, take regular mock tests, improve English for Paper-II and maintain physical fitness alongside your studies.

For the latest updates regarding the SSC CPO 2026 exam date, admit card, answer key, result and vacancy changes, candidates should regularly check the official SSC website.

Official SSC Website: SSC Official Website

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