SSC CPO Syllabus 2026: Paper I & II Pattern, PST/PET Standards & Section-Wise Topics (SI in Delhi Police & CAPFs)

The SSC CPO examination recruits Sub-Inspectors (SI) for the Delhi Police and the Central Armed Police Forces — BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP and SSB — and is one of the most popular graduate-level uniformed-service exams in India. Because selection combines written papers with demanding physical tests, a clear grasp of the SSC CPO syllabus 2026, the exam pattern and the physical standards is essential before you begin. This guide covers Paper I, Paper II, the PST and PET requirements, the full selection process and the salary, so nothing about the exam catches you off guard.

Eligibility is a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline, with an age band of 20 to 25 years and relaxations as per government rules. Male candidates for Delhi Police SI also require a valid driving licence for LMV (motorcycle and car) at the physical testing stage.

SSC CPO 2026 Exam Pattern

Selection runs through four stages in order: Paper I (CBT), the Physical Standard Test and Physical Endurance Test (PST/PET), Paper II (CBT), and a Detailed Medical Examination.

Paper I

PartSectionQuestionsMarks
AGeneral Intelligence & Reasoning5050
BGeneral Knowledge & General Awareness5050
CQuantitative Aptitude5050
DEnglish Comprehension5050
Total200200

Paper I lasts 2 hours, is objective and multiple choice, and carries negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer.

Paper II

Paper II is English Language & Comprehension only, comprising 200 questions for 200 marks in 2 hours, with negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer. It is taken after clearing PST/PET.

SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 — Section-Wise Topics

General Intelligence & Reasoning

Analogies, similarities and differences, space visualization, spatial orientation, problem solving, analysis and judgment, decision making, visual memory, discrimination, observation, relationship concepts, arithmetical reasoning and figural classification, arithmetic number series, non-verbal series, coding and decoding, and statement–conclusion type questions.

General Knowledge & General Awareness

Current events and matters of everyday observation, and knowledge of India and its neighbouring countries covering History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Polity and the Indian Constitution, and Scientific Research.

Quantitative Aptitude

Number systems, computation of whole numbers, decimals and fractions, fundamental arithmetical operations, percentages, ratio and proportion, averages, interest, profit and loss, discount, partnership, time and distance, time and work, mensuration, elementary algebra, geometry, trigonometry and data interpretation.

English Comprehension (Paper I) and English Language (Paper II)

Both English sections test error recognition, filling in blanks with the correct verbs, prepositions and articles, vocabulary, spellings, grammar and sentence structure, synonyms and antonyms, sentence completion, phrases and idiomatic usage, and reading comprehension. Paper II goes deeper and demands a much stronger command of the language than Paper I.

SSC CPO 2026 Physical Standards (PST) and Endurance Test (PET)

Candidates who qualify Paper I must clear the physical stage before Paper II.

Physical Standard Test (PST)

  • Height: Male 170 cm, Female 157 cm (relaxations apply for candidates from hill areas, Scheduled Tribes and other specified categories).
  • Chest (male only): Minimum 80 cm with a minimum expansion of 5 cm (80–85 cm).

Physical Endurance Test (PET)

  • Male: 100 metre race in 16 seconds; 1.6 km race in 6.5 minutes; long jump, high jump and shot put as per the specified norms.
  • Female: 100 metre race in 18 seconds; 800 metre race in 4 minutes; long jump and high jump as per the specified norms.

SSC CPO Selection Process 2026

The full sequence is Paper I, then PST/PET, then Paper II, and finally the Detailed Medical Examination, with the merit list prepared on the combined marks of Paper I and Paper II. Because the physical stage is only qualifying but strictly eliminatory, candidates should train for the running and jumps alongside their written preparation from day one.

SSC CPO Salary 2026

Sub-Inspector posts under SSC CPO are placed at Pay Level 6 (₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400) under the 7th Pay Commission, along with DA, HRA, Transport Allowance and the allowances specific to the Delhi Police or the respective CAPF, making it an attractive and secure uniformed-service career.

Preparation Tips for SSC CPO 2026

Balance is everything in SSC CPO — a strong Paper I score means little if you cannot clear the PET, so build running and jumping into your routine early. Give English extra attention because it appears in both papers, and practise Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning daily for speed. Solve previous-year papers to master the pattern and manage negative marking, and take weekly full-length mocks to sharpen accuracy under time pressure.

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