SSC CPO 2026 Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the syllabus for the SSC CPO exam for the year 2026. This examination is crucial for the recruitment of Sub-Inspectors (SI) in the Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), as well as Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASI) in the CISF. This syllabus provides a comprehensive outline of the subjects and topics included, ensuring candidates can prepare effectively. The structure and content of the syllabus remain consistent with past years, focusing on both conceptual understanding and the speed of problem-solving.
The selection procedure for the SSC CPO 2026 consists of various stages: Paper 1, PST / PET, Paper 2, and a Detailed Medical Examination (DME). Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 are conducted as objective-type computer-based tests.
Overview of the SSC CPO 2026 Exam
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | SSC CPO 2026 (Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police & CAPFs) |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Total Questions (Tier-I) | 200 |
| Total Marks (Tier-I) | 200 |
| Duration (Tier-I) | 2 Hours (120 minutes) with sectional timing of 30 minutes each |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
Exam Pattern for SSC CPO 2026
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Paper-I (Tier-I) | Computer-Based Examination (CBE) |
| Physical Standard Test (PST) / Physical Endurance Test (PET) | Assessing physical fitness |
| Paper-II (Tier-II) | English Language and Comprehension |
| Medical Examination | Detailed medical check-up |
Paper 1 Exam Structure
Paper 1 consists of four sections, each with a designated duration.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| General Knowledge & General Awareness | 50 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| English Comprehension | 50 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 120 minutes |
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer. The examination is bilingual except for the English section.
Paper 2 Exam Structure
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language & Comprehension | 200 | 200 | 120 minutes |
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
Subject-wise Syllabus for Paper 1
1. General Intelligence & Reasoning
- Analogies, similarities & differences, spatial visualization, and orientation.
- Problem solving, analysis, judgment, and decision making.
- Visual memory, discrimination, observation, and relationship concepts.
- Arithmetical reasoning, figural classification, and arithmetic number series.
- Non-verbal series, coding & decoding, statement conclusions, and syllogistic reasoning.
- Semantic analogy, symbolic/number analogy, figural analogy, and semantic classification.
2. General Knowledge & General Awareness
- Current events (both national and international).
- History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Polity, and the Indian Constitution.
- Scientific Research, Sports, Books & Authors, and Awards & Honours.
- Important Days, Government Schemes, etc.
3. Quantitative Aptitude
- Whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and relationships between numbers.
- Percentage, ratio & proportion, square roots, and averages.
- Interest, profit & loss, discounts, and partnership.
- Time & distance, time & work, and basic algebra.
- Graphs of linear equations and geometry (triangles, circles, etc.).
- Mensuration, trigonometry, heights & distances, and graphical representation.
4. English Comprehension
- Reading comprehension and cloze passage.
- Error spotting and fill in the blanks.
- Synonyms & antonyms, idioms & phrases.
- One-word substitution and sentence improvement.
- Spelling and detection of misspelled words.
Syllabus for Paper 2: English Language & Comprehension
- Error detection and filling in blanks with appropriate words.
- Vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and sentence structure.
- Synonyms, antonyms, and sentence completion.
- Idioms and phrases, along with comprehension passages.
- Active/passive voice and direct/indirect narration.
Physical Standard Test (PST) for 2026
| Category | Height (Male) | Height (Female) | Chest (Male - Unexpanded/Expanded) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / SC | 170 cm | 157 cm | 80 - 85 cm |
| ST | 162.5 cm | 152.5 cm | 77 - 82 cm |
| Hill Areas / NE States | 155 cm | - | - |
Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for 2026
For Male Candidates:
- Race: 1.6 km in 6.5 minutes.
- Long Jump: 3.65 metres (3 attempts).
- High Jump: 1.2 metres (3 attempts).
For Female Candidates:
- Race: 800 metres in 4 minutes.
- Long Jump: 2.7 metres (3 attempts).
- High Jump: 0.9 metres (3 attempts).
Detailed Medical Examination (DME) for 2026
Candidates must adhere to the medical standards set by the SSC/CAPFs, which include:
- Eyesight: 6/6 and 6/9 (better & worse eye) without corrective lenses.
- No flat foot, knock knee, squint eyes, or colour blindness.
- Good overall mental and physical health.
- No bodily defects or diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions about SSC CPO 2026
What is the exam pattern for SSC CPO 2026?
The SSC CPO 2026 examination comprises Paper 1 (200 marks, including 4 sections with timed segments) and Paper 2 (English – 200 marks). Both papers are objective in nature and carry a negative marking of 0.25 for each incorrect answer. The physical tests are qualifying.
What are the subjects in SSC CPO Paper 1?
Paper 1 encompasses General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Knowledge & General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension, with each subject containing 50 questions and 50 marks.
Is there negative marking in SSC CPO 2026?
Yes, a deduction of 0.25 marks will be applied for each wrong response in both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
What physical test requirements must male candidates meet for SSC CPO?
Male candidates are required to complete a 1.6 km run in 6.5 minutes, alongside performing long jump and high jump, while also meeting the height and chest measurement standards as specified in the PST.
What physical test requirements must female candidates meet for SSC CPO?
Female candidates need to complete an 800-metre run in 4 minutes, perform a long jump of 2.7 metres, and a high jump of 0.9 metres, in addition to complying with the height standards outlined in the PST.