Every year, thousands of young aspirants dream of wearing the uniform and serving the nation through forces like Delhi Police, CAPFs, and CISF. If you are one of them, then SSC CPO is one of the best opportunities to turn that dream into reality.
The SSC CPO 2026 exam opens the door to prestigious posts like Sub-Inspector (SI) in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces, offering not just a government job but a career filled with respect, responsibility, and action.
However, clearing SSC CPO is not only about studying books. Before starting preparation, it is very important to understand the complete SSC CPO selection process. Many candidates prepare hard but still get confused about stages like Paper 1, PET/PST, Paper 2, and Medical Test. Without understanding the structure, planning becomes difficult.
That’s why having clarity about the SSC CPO 2026 selection process helps you prepare step-by-step. When you know what comes next, you can focus on written exams, physical tests, and medical standards at the right time.
In this article, we explain the complete SSC CPO selection process 2026 in simple language, covering each stage in detail so that you can prepare confidently.
SSC CPO 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SSC CPO (Central Police Organization) |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Recruitment For | Sub-Inspector (SI) in Delhi Police & CAPFs |
| Posts Offered | SI (Delhi Police), SI (CAPF), ASI (CISF – if notified) |
| Notification Year | SSC CPO 2026 |
| Job Type | Central Government |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Age Limit | 20 to 25 years (Relaxation as per rules) |
| Gender | Male & Female |
| Selection Process | Paper 1 → PET/PST → Paper 2 → Medical |
| Total Stages | 4 |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test |
| Paper 1 Subjects | Reasoning, GK, Maths, English |
| Paper 2 Subject | English Language |
| Question Type | Objective (MCQs) |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks |
| Interview | No Interview |
| Final Merit | Paper 1 + Paper 2 |
| Salary | Pay Level-6 (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400) |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC CPO Selection Process 2026 – Stage Wise Details
The SSC CPO selection process tests academic knowledge, physical fitness, medical standards, and overall suitability for police services. Clearing only the written exam is not enough. Candidates must qualify every stage to secure final selection.
Stages of SSC CPO Selection
- Stage 1 – Paper 1 (CBT)
- Stage 2 – PET & PST
- Stage 3 – Paper 2 (English)
- Stage 4 – Medical Examination & Document Verification
Stage 1 – SSC CPO Paper 1
Paper 1 is the first and most important stage. It works as a screening as well as scoring exam.
Exam Pattern
- Mode: Online (CBT)
- Questions: 200 MCQs
- Total Marks: 200
- Time: 2 Hours
- Negative Marking: 0.25 per wrong answer
- Purpose: Shortlisting + Final Merit
Subject Wise Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning | 50 | 50 |
| GK & Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 |
| English | 50 | 50 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
Stage 2 – Physical Tests (PET + PST)
This stage checks physical stamina and body standards. It is qualifying in nature.
Physical Endurance Test (PET)
For Male Candidates
| Activity | Standard |
|---|---|
| 100 m Race | 16 seconds |
| 1.6 km Race | 6.5 minutes |
| Long Jump | 3.65 m (3 chances) |
| High Jump | 1.2 m (3 chances) |
For Female Candidates
| Activity | Standard |
|---|---|
| 100 m Race | 18 seconds |
| 800 m Race | 4 minutes |
| Long Jump | 2.7 m |
| High Jump | 0.9 m |
Physical Standard Test (PST)
For Male
| Category | Height | Chest |
|---|---|---|
| General | 170 cm | 80–85 cm |
| Hill Areas | 165 cm | 80–85 cm |
For Female
| Category | Height |
|---|---|
| General | 157 cm |
| Hill Areas | 155 cm |
Weight should be proportionate to height.
Stage 3 – SSC CPO Paper 2
Paper 2 tests English Language & Comprehension. Marks are counted in the final merit list.
Exam Pattern
- Mode: CBT
- Questions: 200
- Marks: 200
- Time: 2 Hours
- Negative Marking: 0.25
Topics Covered
- Reading Comprehension
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Error Detection
- Sentence Improvement
- Fill in the Blanks
- Para Jumbles
- Cloze Test
Stage 4 – Medical Examination & Document Verification
This is the final compulsory stage.
Medical Tests Include
- Eyesight & Vision
- Blood Pressure
- Hearing
- Physical deformities
- Overall medical fitness
Vision Standards
| Test | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Distant Vision | 6/6 & 6/9 |
| Near Vision | 0.6 & 0.8 |
| Colour Vision | Normal |
Document Verification
Documents required include:
- Educational certificates
- Age proof
- ID proof
- Category certificates
- Admit cards
- Photographs
Any incorrect or fake document can lead to cancellation.
Final Merit List
Final selection is based on:
- Paper 1 Marks
- Paper 2 Marks
- PET/PST & Medical (Qualifying)
There is no interview in SSC CPO.
Conclusion
The SSC CPO selection process becomes simple once you understand it clearly. From written exams to physical and medical tests, each stage checks a different skill. Balanced preparation of studies + fitness + discipline is the key to cracking SSC CPO 2026.