Preparing for the SSC CPO – Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces Examination 2026 -2027, requires the right study material, regular practice, previous year question papers, mock tests, and updated current affairs. This page brings all the important preparation resources together in one place.
The SSC CPO 2026 Examination includes recruitment for Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police, Sub-Inspector (GD) in CAPFs, and Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF. Candidates can find the latest notification information, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, physical test details, mock tests, previous year papers, subject-wise practice questions and PDF study material on this page.
Quick Overview
Latest Update
SSC CPO Latest Notices
The SSC CPO 2026 notification was released on 10 September 2026. Online applications are open from 10 September to 30 September 2026, and the Computer Based Examination schedule will be notified later by SSC.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces Examination, 2026 |
| Popular Name | SSC CPO |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Posts | SI (Executive) in Delhi Police, SI (GD) in CAPFs & SI (Fire) in CISF |
| Total Tentative Vacancies | 1,871 |
| Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree for Delhi Police/CAPF SI posts |
| Age Limit | 20–25 years for most SI posts |
| SI (Fire) Age Limit | 18–30 years |
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Examination |
| Paper-I | 100 Questions / 100 Marks |
| Paper-II | 160 Questions / 320 Marks |
| Selection Process | Paper-I, PST/PET, Paper-II, DME/RME & Document Verification |
| Pay Level | Level 6 – ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400 |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
The 2026 recruitment covers 1,871 tentative vacancies: 205 SI (Executive) Delhi Police Male, 112 SI (Executive) Delhi Police Female, 1,320 SI (GD) in CAPFs and 234 SI (Fire) in CISF Male.
Study Material
Prepare systematically with full-length mock tests, previous year papers, subject-wise quizzes, current affairs and PDF study material.
Full-Length SSC CPO Mock Tests
Attempt full-length SSC CPO mock tests regularly to understand the examination pattern, improve time management and evaluate your preparation.
Practice by Subject
Reasoning Topic Wise Tests
Practice analogy, coding-decoding, series, classification, blood relations, direction sense, syllogism and other reasoning topics.
Mathematics Topic wise Tests
Practice percentage, ratio, average, profit and loss, interest, time and work, time and distance, algebra, geometry and trigonometry.
GK Topic Wise MCQs
Practice History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, Culture, Defence and Static GK questions.
English Topic Wise Quiz
Practice grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, sentence correction, synonyms, antonyms and other English topics.
Current Affairs Month Wise
Practice month-wise Current Affairs MCQs for SSC CPO and other competitive examinations.
Previous Papers PDF
Previous year question papers are one of the most useful resources for SSC CPO preparation.
Solving previous year papers helps candidates:
- Understand the difficulty level
- Identify frequently asked topics
- Improve speed and accuracy
- Understand the actual question pattern
- Practice time management
- Identify weak areas
- Improve examination strategy
Download and practice SSC CPO Previous Year Question Papers PDF.
Books & Notes PDF
SSC CPO Books & Notes PDF for free download.
Reasoning Books PDF
Practice topic-wise reasoning questions.
Mathematics Books PDF
Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, advanced maths.
GK Books PDF
History, Geography, Polity, Science, Culture
English Books PDF
General English for Competitive Exams.
Current Affairs PDF
Weekly, Monthly, Last 6 months PDF Magazines.
Eligibility
Educational Qualification
For Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and SI (GD) in CAPFs, candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
Candidates applying for SI (Fire) in CISF have a separate educational qualification requirement involving a Science degree with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics or the prescribed engineering diploma qualification.
Driving Licence for Delhi Police SI Male
Male candidates applying for Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police must possess a valid LMV driving licence for motorcycle and car by the date of the Physical Endurance and Measurement Tests.
Candidates without the required driving licence can be eligible for the CAPF SI posts, subject to fulfilling the other eligibility requirements.
Age Limit
For SI in Delhi Police and SI (GD) in CAPFs, the age limit is generally 20 to 25 years as on 1 August 2026.
For SI (Fire) in CISF, the age limit is 18 to 30 years as on 1 August 2026.
Age relaxation is available to eligible reserved categories according to Government rules.
SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026
The SSC CPO 2026 examination pattern has been substantially revised.
The examination consists of:
- Paper-I
- Physical Standard Test (PST) / Physical Endurance Test (PET)
- Paper-II
- Detailed Medical Examination (DME) / Review Medical Examination (RME)
- Document Verification
All prescribed stages are mandatory.
SSC CPO Paper-I Exam Pattern
Paper-I is a Computer Based Examination consisting of 100 objective questions for 100 marks.
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part I | General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 | 15 Minutes |
| Part II | General Knowledge & General Awareness | 25 | 25 | 15 Minutes |
| Part III | Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 25 | 15 Minutes |
| Part IV | English Comprehension | 25 | 25 | 15 Minutes |
| Total | 4 Subjects | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes |
Paper-I Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer: +1 mark
- Wrong Answer: -0.25 mark
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 100
- Total Duration: 60 minutes
- Sectional Timer: 15 minutes per section
The 2026 notification introduces a fixed sectional timer, so candidates cannot transfer unused time from one section to another. Parts I, II and III are set in Hindi and English; the English Comprehension section follows the applicable English-language provisions.
SSC CPO Paper-II Exam Pattern
The 2026 Paper-II pattern is significantly different from previous SSC CPO examinations.
Paper-II now includes four sections:
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part I | General Intelligence & Reasoning | 20 | 40 | 20 Minutes |
| Part II | General Knowledge & General Awareness | 20 | 40 | 20 Minutes |
| Part III | Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 40 | 20 Minutes |
| Part IV | English Comprehension | 100 | 200 | 60 Minutes |
| Total | 4 Sections | 160 | 320 | 2 Hours |
Paper-II Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer: +2 marks
- Wrong Answer: -0.50 mark
- Total Questions: 160
- Total Marks: 320
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Sectional Timing: 20 minutes for Parts I, II and III
- English Comprehension: 60 minutes
Paper-II has a higher difficulty level than Paper-I. English Comprehension carries the largest share of the paper with 100 questions for 200 marks.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
The minimum qualifying percentage in Paper-I and Paper-II, before adding applicable NCC bonus marks, is:
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| UR | 30% |
| OBC / EWS | 25% |
| All Other Categories | 20% |
These are minimum qualifying standards and do not represent the final cut-off for selection.
SSC CPO NCC Bonus Marks
Eligible NCC certificate holders can receive bonus marks in both Paper-I and Paper-II.
| NCC Certificate | Bonus |
|---|---|
| NCC ‘C’ Certificate | 5% of maximum marks |
| NCC ‘B’ Certificate | 3% of maximum marks |
| NCC ‘A’ Certificate | 2% of maximum marks |
The applicable bonus is added to the normalized scores according to the conditions specified in the notification.
SSC CPO Selection Process
The SSC CPO 2026 selection process consists of:
1. Paper-I
Candidates first appear for the Computer Based Examination of 100 questions and 100 marks.
2. Physical Standard Test / Physical Endurance Test
Candidates qualifying Paper-I are shortlisted for the prescribed physical tests.
3. Paper-II
Candidates who qualify the physical stage appear for Paper-II.
4. Detailed Medical Examination / Review Medical Examination
Candidates must meet the prescribed medical standards.
5. Document Verification
Original documents and certificates are verified during the recruitment process.
6. Final Selection and Post/Force Allocation
Final selection and allocation are made according to the applicable Paper-II performance, NCC bonus marks and post/force preferences, subject to qualifying all mandatory stages and availability of vacancies.
SSC CPO Physical Standard Test (PST)
Candidates must meet the prescribed physical standards for the post and category.
Physical standards include requirements relating to:
- Height
- Chest measurement for applicable male candidates
- Weight
- Category-specific relaxations
The prescribed standards can differ for Delhi Police, CAPFs, SI Fire in CISF, male and female candidates, and specified categories/regions.
Candidates should check the latest notification carefully before determining their eligibility.
SSC CPO Physical Endurance Test (PET)
The PET requirements differ for male and female candidates.
Male Candidates
| Event | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 100 Metres Race | 16 seconds |
| 1.6 km Race | 6.5 minutes |
| Long Jump | 3.65 metres – up to 3 chances |
| High Jump | 1.2 metres – up to 3 chances |
| Shot Put – 16 lbs | 4.5 metres – up to 3 chances |
Female Candidates
| Event | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 100 Metres Race | 18 seconds |
| 800 Metres Race | 4 minutes |
| Long Jump | 2.7 metres – up to 3 chances |
| High Jump | 0.9 metre – up to 3 chances |
The PET is qualifying in nature. Candidates should verify any applicable exemptions and post-specific requirements in the official notification.
SSC CPO Syllabus
The 2026 examination covers four major subjects in Paper-I and Paper-II:
- General Intelligence & Reasoning
- General Knowledge & General Awareness
- Quantitative Aptitude
- English Comprehension
General Intelligence & Reasoning
This section tests logical thinking, analytical ability, problem-solving skills, pattern recognition and decision-making.
Important Topics
- Analogies
- Similarities and Differences
- Classification
- Coding-Decoding
- Number Series
- Alphabet Series
- Figural Series
- Syllogism
- Venn Diagrams
- Space Visualization
- Spatial Orientation
- Problem Solving
- Analysis
- Judgment
- Decision Making
- Visual Memory
- Observation
- Relationship Concepts
- Arithmetical Reasoning
- Verbal and Figure Classification
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Embedded Figures
- Paper Folding
- Critical Thinking
- Emotional Intelligence
- Social Intelligence
General Knowledge & General Awareness
This section covers current events and general awareness related to India and the world.
Important Topics
- Current Affairs
- Indian History
- Indian Culture
- Indian Geography
- Geography of India and Neighbouring Countries
- Indian Polity
- Indian Constitution
- Indian Economy
- Economic Scene
- General Science
- Scientific Research
- Sports
- Awards and Honours
- Books and Authors
- Important Days
- Government Schemes
- Defence
- Science & Technology
- National and International Events
Regular revision of current affairs is important for both Paper-I and Paper-II.
Quantitative Aptitude
The Quantitative Aptitude section tests numerical ability and mathematical problem-solving skills.
Important Topics
- Number System
- Whole Numbers
- Decimals and Fractions
- Percentage
- Ratio and Proportion
- Square Roots
- Averages
- Interest
- Profit and Loss
- Discount
- Partnership
- Mixture and Alligation
- Time and Distance
- Time and Work
- Algebra
- Basic Algebraic Identities
- Geometry
- Elementary Geometrical Figures
- Mensuration
- Trigonometry
- Heights and Distances
- Data Interpretation
- Statistical Charts
Regular calculation practice is important because of the sectional time limits.
English Language & Comprehension
English has become particularly important in SSC CPO Paper-II, where English Comprehension carries 200 out of 320 marks.
Important Topics
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Sentence Structure
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Homonyms
- Spelling
- Error Recognition
- Fill in the Blanks
- Sentence Improvement
- Idioms and Phrases
- One Word Substitution
- Active and Passive Voice
- Direct and Indirect Speech
- Cloze Test
- Reading Comprehension
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Para Jumbles
- Correct Usage of Words
Candidates should give special attention to English preparation because of its high weightage in Paper-II.
SSC CPO 2026 Preparation Strategy
The revised 2026 pattern requires a different preparation approach from previous SSC CPO examinations.
- Understand the new Paper-I and Paper-II pattern.
- Practice with the 15-minute sectional timer for Paper-I.
- Practice Reasoning, GK and Mathematics under the 20-minute sectional timer for Paper-II.
- Give special attention to English Comprehension because it carries 200 marks in Paper-II.
- Solve SSC CPO previous year question papers.
- Attempt new-pattern mock tests regularly.
- Revise Current Affairs every day.
- Maintain short notes for formulas, vocabulary and important GK facts.
- Analyze mistakes after every mock test.
- Practice accuracy because of negative marking.
- Start physical training alongside written-exam preparation.
- Candidates targeting Delhi Police Male SI should ensure they meet the LMV driving-licence requirement.
- Eligible NCC candidates should correctly claim their NCC certificate details.
- Practice Paper-II at a higher difficulty level than Paper-I.
Today Practice
Start your SSC CPO Preparation today. Practice these quizzes regularly to improve your score:
| Subject | Practice Quiz |
|---|---|
| General Knowledge | Attempt GK Quiz |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | Attempt Reasoning Quiz |
| Mathematics | Attempt Maths Quiz |
| Current Affairs | Attempt Current Affairs Quiz |
| General Science | Attempt General Science Quiz |
| English | Attempt English Practice |
SSC CPO FAQs
What is SSC CPO?
SSC CPO stands for Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces Examination. The 2026 recruitment also includes Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF.
How many vacancies are announced for SSC CPO 2026?
The SSC CPO 2026 notification announces 1,871 tentative vacancies across Delhi Police, CAPFs and SI (Fire) in CISF.
How many questions are asked in SSC CPO Paper-I?
Paper-I consists of 100 questions for 100 marks and has a total duration of 60 minutes, with a 15-minute timer for each section.
How many questions are asked in SSC CPO Paper-II?
Paper-II consists of 160 questions for 320 marks. It includes 20 Reasoning questions, 20 GK/GA questions, 20 Quantitative Aptitude questions and 100 English Comprehension questions.
Is there negative marking in SSC CPO 2026?
Yes. There is 0.25-mark negative marking in Paper-I and 0.50-mark negative marking in Paper-II for each incorrect answer.
Is there sectional timing in SSC CPO?
Yes. Paper-I has 15 minutes for each section. In Paper-II, Parts I, II and III have 20 minutes each, followed by a separate 60-minute English Comprehension section.
Is there a physical test in SSC CPO?
Yes. Candidates qualifying Paper-I are required to qualify the prescribed Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET).
Is a driving licence required for Delhi Police SI?
For male candidates applying for SI in Delhi Police, a valid LMV driving licence for motorcycle and car is required by the date of the Physical Endurance and Measurement Tests.
Is Paper-II important for final selection?
Yes. Under the revised 2026 pattern, Paper-II has a major role in final merit and post/force allocation, along with applicable NCC bonus marks and the candidate’s post/force preferences.
What is the age limit for SSC CPO 2026?
For SI in Delhi Police and SI (GD) in CAPFs, the age limit is 20–25 years as on 1 August 2026. For SI (Fire) in CISF, the age limit is 18–30 years.