SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 & Exam Pattern: Your Definitive Guide to Paper 1 & 2 Success

SSC CPO 2026 Exam at a Glance:

The SSC CPO 2026 examination features two computer-based tests designed to assess candidates comprehensively. Paper 1 comprises four equally weighted sections: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Knowledge & Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension, each with 50 questions, totaling 200 questions to be answered within 2 hours. Paper 2 exclusively tests English Language & Comprehension, consisting of 200 questions within a 2-hour duration. A penalty of 0.25 marks is deducted for each incorrect answer in both papers. The selection journey comprises four key stages: Tier 1 (Paper 1) → Physical Efficiency Test (PET) / Physical Standard Test (PST) → Tier 2 (Paper 2) → Medical Examination.

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Central Police Organization (CPO) examination to recruit eligible candidates for the esteemed positions of Sub-Inspectors within the Delhi Police and various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), including BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. As the official SSC CPO 2026 notification is anticipated, a thorough understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern is paramount for strategic preparation and ultimate success. This guide offers an in-depth analysis of the exam syllabus, the latest exam structure, sectional time limits, and the crucial physical and medical fitness standards required for this prestigious recruitment.

SSC CPO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026

A meticulous review of the official syllabus and exam structure forms the bedrock of your preparation strategy. Gain critical insights into the SSC CPO 2026 exam details by consulting the comprehensive table presented below.

SSC CPO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026- Overview
Exam Conducting Body	Staff Selection Commission
Posts	Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPF
Mode of Exam	Online – Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Paper 1 – Questions / Marks	200 Questions / 200 Marks
Paper 1 – Duration	2 Hours (30 min per section – Sectional Timing)
Paper 2 – Questions / Marks	200 Questions / 200 Marks
Paper 2 – Duration	2 hours
Negative Marking	0.25 marks per wrong answer (both papers)
Selection Process	Tier 1 → PET/PST → Tier 2 → Medical Examination
Official website	www.ssc.gov.in

SSC CPO 2026 Exam Structure

The SSC CPO selection process is multi-phased, consisting of four distinct stages. Paper 1 is an objective-type examination, while Paper 2 is dedicated to assessing advanced English language proficiency. Crucially, candidates must also successfully clear the Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET), which are rigorous evaluations of medical fitness and physical endurance, respectively.

SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026
Tier/Stages	Type of Examination	Mode of examination
Tier-I	Objective Multiple Choice	CBT (Online)
PET/PST	1.6 Km Running, 100 m Race, Long Jump, High Jump and Short Put	Physical exam
Tier-II	Objective Multiple Choice(English Comprehension)	CBT (Online)
DME	Detailed Medical Examination	Offline

SSC CPO 2026 Notification Out: Click Here for Complete Details

SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026

We have meticulously outlined the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 for both Papers 1 and 2, alongside the specific requirements for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST) phases. Let’s delve into the core details.

SSC CPO Paper-1 Exam Pattern

1. There would be 200 Multiple-Choice Questions in the SSC CPO Paper 1.
2. Each correct answer will score you 1 mark, and for each incorrect answer, there will be a negative marking of 0.25 mark.
3. The duration of the SSC CPO 2026 Paper 1 will be 2 hours (120 minutes).
4. This time, SSC has introduced sectional timing in Paper 1, i.e. 30 minutes for each part. 

SSC CPO Paper-1 Exam Pattern 2026
Subject	No. of Questions	Maximum 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	2 hours

SSC CPO Paper 2 Exam Pattern 2026

The SSC CPO Paper 2 exam is strategically scheduled to be conducted after the successful completion of the Physical Efficiency Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST) rounds for the 2026 recruitment cycle.

1. The total time duration of the exam is of 120 minutes i.e. 2 hours.
2. The total number of questions asked will be 200 MCQ and the maximum marks for Paper-2 will be 200.
3. The test will be of the English Language and Comprehension conducted online.
4. There will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.

SSC CPO Paper 2 Exam Pattern 2026
Subjects	No. of Questions	Marks	Duration
English Language and Comprehension	200	200	2 hours

SSC CPO Syllabus 2026

Given that the SSC CPO examination comprises two distinct computer-based stages, the syllabus content and focus vary significantly for each level. Staying consistently updated with the latest 2026 exam guidelines is absolutely critical for formulating an effective and targeted preparation strategy.

SSC CPO Paper 1 Syllabus

Tier I of the examination covers four pivotal subjects: Reasoning, which rigorously assesses analytical and logical thinking abilities; Quantitative Aptitude, designed to test mathematical precision and problem-solving skills; English Language, focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension; and General Awareness, which evaluates a candidate's grasp of current affairs and static general knowledge.

General Reasoning	General Knowledge	Quantitative Aptitude	English Comprehension
Verbal Reasoning	Current Affairs	Percentage	Reading Comprehension
Syllogism	Awards and Honours	Ratio and Percentage	Grammar
Circular Seating Arrangement	Books and Authors	Data Interpretation	Vocabulary
Linear Seating Arrangement	Sports	Mensuration and Geometry	Verbal Ability
Double Lineup	Entertainment	Quadratic Equation	Synonyms-Antonyms
Scheduling	Obituaries	Interest	Active and Passive Voice
Input Output	Important Dates	Problems of Ages	Para Jumbles
Blood Relations	Scientific Research	Profit and Loss	Fill in the Blanks
Directions and Distances		Number Series	Error Correction
Ordering and Ranking		Speed, Distance and Time
Data Sufficiency		Time and Work
Coding and Decoding		Number System
Code Inequalities		Data Sufficiency

SSC CPO Paper 2 Syllabus

SSC CPO Tier 2 is specifically designed to gauge your advanced English proficiency. This paper will test your ability in areas such as reading comprehension, passage analysis, cloze tests, error detection, and sophisticated grammar applications. Refer to the detailed table below for an in-depth exploration of the curriculum.

Section	Syllabus
English Language and Comprehension	Error Recognition Fill in the Blanks Vocabulary Spellings Grammar Sentence Structure Synonyms Antonyms Sentence Completion Idioms and Phrases Comprehension

SSC CPO Physical Standard Test (PST)

Candidates who successfully qualify in Paper 1 will receive an invitation to participate in the Physical Standard Test (PST) and the Physical Efficiency Test (PET). The specific benchmarks and requirements for these crucial physical assessment stages are clearly summarized below.

SSC CPO PET/PST Test
Category	Height	Chest
		Unexpanded	Expanded
Male (Gen)	170	80	85
Belonging to Hilly regions & areas of J&K, North East & Sikkim	165	80	85
Scheduled Tribes	162.5	77	82
Female (Gen)	157	-	-
Belonging to Hilly regions & areas of J&K, North East & Sikkim	155	-	-
Scheduled Tribes	154	-	-

SSC CPO Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

SSC CPO 2026: Physical Standards for Male Candidates

1. 100-metre race in 16 seconds
2. 1.6 Km Race in 6.5 minutes
3. Long Jump: 3.65 metres in 5 chances
4. High Jump: 1.2 metres in 3 chances
5. Short put 16 LBS: 4.5 metres in 3 chances

SSC CPO 2026: Physical Standards for Female Candidates

1. 100-metre race in 18 seconds
2. 800-metre race in 4 minutes
3. Long Jump: 2.7 metres or 9 feet in 3 chances
4. High Jump: 0.9 metres or 3 feet in 3 chances

Apply Now for SSC CPO 2026: Click Here to Register Online

SSC CPO Medical Test

Detailed medical fitness criteria, essential for all shortlisted candidates, are comprehensively provided below.

1. Minimum Near Vision: N6 (better eye) and N9 (worse eye)
2. Minimum Distant Vision: 6/6 (better eye) and 6/9 (worse eye)
3. Must not have knock knee, flat foot, varicose vein or squint in eyes
4. Eye standards should be without visual correction of any kind even by glasses.