SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern: Paper 1, Paper 2, PET and Medical

SSC CPO (Central Police Organisation) is the exam for Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB) and Assistant Sub-Inspector in CISF. The selection has two written papers, a physical test and a medical test. In this guide you will learn the syllabus, the marking scheme and the selection stages so that you can plan your preparation properly.

SSC CPO Selection Process

1. Paper 1: Computer-based test with four sections.
2. Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET): height, chest and running, jumping and shot put events.
3. Paper 2: Computer-based test of English language and comprehension for the candidates who qualify the PET and PST.
4. Detailed medical examination (DME) and document verification.

SSC CPO Paper 1 Exam Pattern

• Duration: 2 hours.
• Negative marking: 0.25 mark for each wrong answer.
• The paper is bilingual (English and Hindi) except for the English comprehension section.

SSC CPO Paper 2 Exam Pattern

Paper 2 tests grammar, vocabulary and comprehension at a higher level, so candidates who are weak in English should start early. There is negative marking of 0.25 mark for each wrong answer.

SSC CPO Reasoning Syllabus

• Verbal and non-verbal reasoning: analogy, classification, series, coding-decoding
• Direction sense, blood relation, ranking and order, Venn diagram
• Syllogism, statement and conclusion, mathematical operations
• Figure series, embedded figures, mirror and water image, paper folding and cutting

SSC CPO Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus

• Number system, simplification, decimals and fractions, HCF and LCM
• Percentage, ratio and proportion, average, ages, partnership
• Profit and loss, discount, simple and compound interest
• Time and work, time speed and distance, boats and streams
• Algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry and data interpretation

SSC CPO General Awareness Syllabus

• History, geography, polity and economy
• General science up to the graduate level
• Static GK: books and authors, awards, important days and places
• Current affairs of national and international importance

SSC CPO English Syllabus (Paper 1 and Paper 2)

• Reading comprehension and cloze test
• Error spotting, sentence improvement and fill in the blanks
• Synonyms, antonyms, idioms and phrases, one word substitution
• Active and passive voice, direct and indirect speech, para jumbles and spelling

Physical Standards and PET (Overview)

The physical standards for male and female candidates differ by force and category. Candidates usually need a minimum height and chest measurement and must clear events such as a 100 metre race, a 1.6 km run, long jump, high jump and shot put within the time limits. The details are given in the notification, so check them carefully before applying.

Preparation Strategy for SSC CPO

• Prepare Paper 1 and Paper 2 together because English is common in both.
• Start physical training from the beginning and increase it gradually.
• Solve previous year papers and sectional mocks every week.
• Revise current affairs regularly and keep a notebook of static GK.
• Do not ignore Paper 2: your final merit depends on Paper 1 and Paper 2 marks together.

Posts and Eligibility Overview for SSC CPO

• Qualification: a bachelor's degree from a recognised university.
• Age: generally 20 to 25 years with relaxation for reserved categories.
• Gender: both men and women can apply for different posts as per the notification.

Paper 1 Subject-Wise Strategy

The time split is only a suggestion for a 2-hour paper. Adjust it according to your mock results.

How to Prepare for Paper 2 (English Language and Comprehension)

• Paper 2 has 200 questions in 2 hours, so you need to solve one question in about 36 seconds.
• Learn the grammar rules for error spotting, fill in the blanks and sentence improvement.
• Build vocabulary through synonyms, antonyms, idioms and one-word substitution.
• Practise comprehension and cloze test passages daily for speed.
• Take full Paper 2 mocks every week from the second month.

Physical Preparation for CPO

The exact events, the standards and the time limits differ for male and female candidates and between the forces. Read the physical standards in the notification and train accordingly.

Medical and Document Stage

• The Detailed Medical Examination (DME) checks vision, hearing and other conditions.
• Candidates are advised to check their eyesight and body conditions early.
• Prepare documents: 10th and 12th certificates, graduation degree, category certificate and ID proof.
• Keep a driving licence ready if the notification asks it for Delhi Police Sub-Inspector (Executive).

Common Mistakes of SSC CPO Aspirants

• Ignoring Paper 2 and starting English preparation very late.
• Training physically only after the Paper 1 result is declared.
• Not checking the physical standards and the medical rules before applying.
• Leaving the General Awareness section for the last month.
• Not practising the 2-hour timing for Paper 1 and Paper 2.

A Sample Weekly Plan for SSC CPO

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the exam pattern of SSC CPO?

Paper 1 has 200 questions (200 marks) in 2 hours, followed by PET and PST, and then Paper 2 of English with 200 questions (200 marks) in 2 hours. There is negative marking of 0.25 for a wrong answer.

2. What posts are filled through SSC CPO?

Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police, Sub-Inspector in CAPFs (CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB) and Assistant Sub-Inspector in CISF.

3. What is the qualification for SSC CPO?

You must be a graduate from a recognised university. The age limit is generally 20 to 25 years with relaxation for reserved categories.

4. Is there a physical test in SSC CPO?

Yes. Candidates have to clear PST and PET after Paper 1 and then appear for the detailed medical examination.

5. Is Paper 2 compulsory in SSC CPO?

Yes. Candidates who qualify Paper 1 and PET and PST must appear in Paper 2, and the final merit is based on Paper 1 and Paper 2.

6. Is there negative marking in SSC CPO?

Yes. 0.25 mark is deducted for each wrong answer in Paper 1 and Paper 2.

7. Is the SSC CPO paper bilingual?

Paper 1 is bilingual in English and Hindi except for the English section. Paper 2 is in English.

8. How can I prepare for SSC CPO Paper 2?

Practise grammar rules, vocabulary, error spotting and reading comprehension daily. Solve full Paper 2 mock tests in 2 hours.

9. Is SSC CPO more difficult than SSC CGL?

The syllabus is similar, but SSC CPO needs additional physical training, and Paper 2 is a separate English paper. The overall effort is higher for candidates who are weak in English.

10. Where can I find the official SSC CPO syllabus?

The official syllabus and the list of posts are published in the notification on ssc.gov.in.