Home / SSC Exams / SSC CPO 2026

SSC CPO 2026: Sub-Inspector Exam Pattern, PET Standards and Eligibility

Last updated 10 October 2026  •  Applications closed, exam upcoming

SSC CPO recruits Sub-Inspectors for Delhi Police and the Central Armed Police Forces. It is the Commission's graduate-level uniformed-service exam, with the tightest age window of any SSC recruitment and physical standards that eliminate a large share of candidates who clear Paper 1. The 2026 notification came out on 10 September and Paper 1 runs from 20 to 28 November 2026.

SSC CPO 2026 at a Glance

SSC CPO 2026 Important Dates

SSC CPO 2026 Exam Pattern

Both papers are computer-based, two hours each, with 200 questions carrying 1 mark apiece and a penalty of 0.25 marks per wrong answer. Unlike SSC CGL, both papers count towards the final merit list, so Paper 1 is not merely a qualifying hurdle.

SSC CPO Physical Standards: PET and PST

The physical tests sit between Paper 1 and Paper 2 and are qualifying in nature. They carry no merit marks, but failing either one ends your candidature regardless of your Paper 1 score.

SSC CPO 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Candidates need a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university. Applicants for Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police must additionally hold a valid LMV driving licence for motorcycle and car at the time of the Physical Endurance and Measurement Test, which catches out a number of otherwise eligible candidates each year.

Age Limit and Relaxation

The age bracket is 20 to 25 years, the narrowest graduate-level window SSC runs. Upper age limits are relaxed by three years for OBC (non-creamy layer), five years for SC and ST, and further for ex-servicemen and departmental candidates. Because the window is only five years wide and requires a completed degree, most candidates get three or four attempts at most.

SSC CPO Selection Process

Selection runs in five stages and the order matters. Paper 1 comes first and is used to shortlist for the physical tests. The Physical Standard Test and Physical Endurance Test follow, both qualifying. Only candidates who clear them sit Paper 2. A detailed medical examination comes last. The final merit list combines Paper 1 and Paper 2 marks, so unlike SSC CGL your first paper's score stays with you to the end.

SSC CPO Salary

Sub-Inspector is a Pay Level 6 post on the 7th Pay Commission matrix, with a pay scale of Rs 35,400 to Rs 1,12,400. In-hand pay adds Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance and Transport Allowance, and for CAPF postings also ration money, risk and hardship allowance and free accommodation depending on the force and location.

Other SSC Exams for Graduates