SSC CPO Syllabus 2026: The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the SSC CPO 2026 notification for the recruitment of Sub-Inspectors (SI) in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). A total of 1,871 vacancies have been announced for SSC CPO 2026.
Candidates preparing for the SSC CPO examination must understand the latest syllabus, revised exam pattern, marking scheme, sectional timing, and physical requirements. The SSC CPO 2026 exam pattern has undergone important changes, particularly in Paper-I and Paper-II.
In this article, candidates can check the complete SSC CPO Syllabus 2026, Paper-I and Paper-II exam pattern, subject-wise topics, PST/PET requirements, negative marking, preparation tips, and important FAQs.
SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 – Overview
| Details | Information |
| Exam Name | SSC CPO 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission |
| Post | Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police & CAPFs |
| Total Vacancies | 1,871 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Examination |
| Paper-I | 100 Questions, 100 Marks |
| Paper-II | 160 Questions, 320 Marks |
| Paper-I Duration | 60 Minutes |
| Paper-II Duration | 2 Hours |
| Negative Marking in Paper-I | 0.25 Marks |
| Negative Marking in Paper-II | 0.50 Marks |
| Selection Process | Paper-I, PST/PET, Paper-II & Medical Examination |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC CPO Selection Process 2026
The SSC CPO selection process consists of multiple stages designed to assess candidates’ academic knowledge, physical fitness, and medical fitness.
The selection process includes:
- Paper-I
- Physical Standard Test (PST)
- Physical Endurance Test (PET)
- Paper-II
- Medical Examination
- Document Verification/Final Selection
Candidates must qualify for the respective stages as prescribed by SSC to remain eligible for further selection.
Also Read:- UPPCS Syllabus 2026
SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026
The SSC CPO 2026 examination pattern has been revised. Paper-I now consists of 100 questions for 100 marks, while Paper-II contains 160 questions for 320 marks.
Both papers are conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
SSC CPO Paper-I Exam Pattern 2026
Paper-I consists of four sections. Each section contains 25 questions and carries 25 marks.
A 15-minute sectional timer is applicable to each section.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 | 15 Minutes |
| General Knowledge & General Awareness | 25 | 25 | 15 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 25 | 15 Minutes |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 25 | 15 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes |
Important Points for Paper-I
- Total questions: 100
- Total marks: 100
- Total duration: 60 minutes
- Each section has 15 minutes
- Negative marking: 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer
- The examination is conducted online.
- Candidates must manage their time carefully because of sectional timing.
SSC CPO Paper-II Exam Pattern 2026
Paper-II has also been revised for SSC CPO 2026. It now includes four subjects: General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Knowledge & General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
| I | General Intelligence & Reasoning | 20 | 40 | 20 Minutes |
| II | General Knowledge & General Awareness | 20 | 40 | 20 Minutes |
| III | Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 40 | 20 Minutes |
| IV | English Comprehension | 100 | 200 | 1 Hour |
| Total | — | 160 | 320 | 2 Hours |
Paper-II Important Points
- Total questions: 160
- Maximum marks: 320
- Duration: 2 hours
- English Comprehension carries the highest weightage.
- Negative marking of 0.50 marks is applicable for each wrong answer.
SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 for Paper-I and Paper-II
The SSC CPO syllabus covers four major subjects:
- General Intelligence & Reasoning
- General Knowledge & General Awareness
- Quantitative Aptitude
- English Comprehension
Candidates should prepare all important topics because questions can be asked from different areas of each subject.
SSC CPO Reasoning Syllabus 2026
The General Intelligence and Reasoning section tests candidates’ logical thinking, analytical ability, observation skills, and problem-solving ability.
Important Topics
- Analogy
- Classification
- Coding-Decoding
- Number Series
- Alphabet Series
- Semantic Series
- Figural Series
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Word Building
- Numerical Operations
- Symbolic Operations
- Problem Solving
- Logical Reasoning
- Decision Making
- Statement and Conclusion
- Syllogism
- Arithmetical Reasoning
- Relationship Concepts
- Critical Thinking
- Venn Diagrams
- Space Orientation
- Space Visualization
- Figure Formation
- Pattern Folding and Unfolding
- Embedded Figures
- Visual Memory
- Observation
- Discrimination
- Address Matching
- Date and City Matching
- Indexing
- Emotional Intelligence
- Social Intelligence
How to Prepare Reasoning
Start with scoring topics such as Analogy, Series, Coding-Decoding, Classification, Syllogism and Venn Diagrams. After completing the concepts, solve previous-year questions and timed sectional tests regularly.
SSC CPO General Knowledge & General Awareness Syllabus 2026
The General Knowledge and General Awareness section evaluates candidates’ awareness of India, the world, current events, science, polity, history, geography, and other important areas.
Important Topics
- Current Affairs
- Indian History
- Ancient History
- Medieval History
- Modern History
- Indian Culture
- Indian Geography
- World Geography
- Indian Polity
- Indian Constitution
- Indian Economy
- Economic Scene
- General Science
- Everyday Science
- Scientific Research
- Environment
- Government Schemes
- Awards and Honours
- Books and Authors
- Sports
- Important Days
- Countries, Capitals and Currencies
- India and Neighbouring Countries
Current Affairs Preparation
Candidates should regularly study current affairs, especially important national and international events, government schemes, defence-related news, awards, appointments, sports, and major developments.
SSC CPO Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026
The Quantitative Aptitude section tests candidates’ ability to solve mathematical problems accurately and quickly.
Number System and Arithmetic
- Whole Numbers
- Decimals
- Fractions
- Relationship Between Numbers
- Percentage
- Ratio and Proportion
- Square Roots
- Average
- Interest
- Profit and Loss
- Discount
- Partnership
- Mixture and Alligation
- Time and Distance
- Time and Work
Algebra
- Basic Algebraic Identities
- Elementary Surds
- Graphs of Linear Equations
Geometry
- Triangles
- Different Centres of Triangles
- Congruence of Triangles
- Similarity of Triangles
- Circles and Chords
- Tangents
- Angles Subtended by Chords
- Common Tangents
- Quadrilaterals
- Regular Polygons
Mensuration
- Circle
- Right Prism
- Right Circular Cone
- Right Circular Cylinder
- Sphere
- Hemisphere
- Rectangular Parallelepiped
- Regular Right Pyramid
Trigonometry
- Trigonometric Ratios
- Degree and Radian Measures
- Standard Trigonometric Identities
- Complementary Angles
- Heights and Distances
Data Interpretation
- Bar Diagram
- Pie Chart
- Histogram
- Frequency Polygon
SSC CPO English Comprehension Syllabus 2026
English Comprehension is an important section of the SSC CPO examination. Candidates should focus on grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, comprehension, and usage of English.
Important Topics
- Error Recognition
- Fill in the Blanks
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Spellings
- Sentence Structure
- Sentence Completion
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Idioms and Phrases
- One Word Substitution
- Use of Articles
- Use of Prepositions
- Use of Verbs
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Sentence Improvement
Since English Comprehension carries 200 marks in Paper-II, candidates should give special attention to this subject during preparation.
SSC CPO Physical Standard Test (PST) 2026
Candidates who qualify for Paper-I as per the prescribed criteria are required to appear for the Physical Standard Test and Physical Endurance Test.
The physical standards vary according to gender, category, region, and applicable government rules.
Male Candidates
| Category | Height | Chest Unexpanded | Chest Expanded |
| General | 170 cm | 80 cm | 85 cm |
| Specified Categories/Areas | 165 cm | 80 cm | 85 cm |
| ST Candidates | 162.5 cm | 77 cm | 82 cm |
Female Candidates
| Category | Height |
| General | 157 cm |
| Specified Categories/Areas | 155 cm |
| ST Candidates | 154 cm |
Note: Candidates should refer to the official SSC notification for the exact physical standards and applicable relaxations for their category and post.
SSC CPO Physical Endurance Test (PET) 2026
The PET is conducted to assess the physical endurance of candidates.
Male Candidates
| Event | Standard |
| 100 Metre Race | 16 Seconds |
| 1.6 Km Race | 6.5 Minutes |
| Long Jump | 3.65 Metres |
| High Jump | 1.2 Metres |
| Shot Put | 4.5 Metres |
Female Candidates
| Event | Standard |
| 100 Metre Race | 18 Seconds |
| 800 Metre Race | 4 Minutes |
| Long Jump | 2.7 Metres |
| High Jump | 0.9 Metres |
Candidates should start physical training along with their written examination preparation instead of waiting until after Paper-I.
SSC CPO Medical Examination 2026
Candidates who qualify in the required stages are required to meet the prescribed medical standards.
The medical examination generally checks:
- Overall physical fitness
- Eyesight
- Knock knees
- Flat feet
- Varicose veins
- Squint eyes
- Other prescribed medical conditions
Candidates must meet the medical requirements applicable to their post and force.
Major Changes in SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026
The SSC CPO 2026 examination has introduced several important changes.
1. Paper-I Reduced to 100 Questions
Paper-I now consists of 100 questions for 100 marks.
2. Sectional Timing Introduced
Each section of Paper-I has a 15-minute time limit.
3. Paper-II Pattern Revised
Paper-II now includes:
- Reasoning
- General Knowledge & General Awareness
- Quantitative Aptitude
- English Comprehension
4. Paper-II Has 320 Marks
Paper-II consists of 160 questions carrying 320 marks.
5. English Has High Weightage
English Comprehension accounts for 100 questions and 200 marks in Paper-II.
How to Prepare for SSC CPO Syllabus 2026?
A proper study plan is essential because the revised examination pattern places greater importance on speed, accuracy, and time management.
Follow These Preparation Tips
1. Understand the Complete Syllabus
Prepare a topic-wise checklist and complete the syllabus systematically.
2. Practice With a 15-Minute Timer
Paper-I has sectional timing, so practice every subject within the prescribed time.
3. Improve Calculation Speed
Focus on Percentage, Ratio, Average, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Geometry, and other important mathematical topics.
4. Study Current Affairs Regularly
Make short notes of important events and revise them frequently.
5. Give Extra Attention to English
Paper-II gives English a weightage of 200 marks, making it one of the most important sections.
6. Solve Previous Year Questions
Previous-year papers help candidates understand the question pattern and frequently tested concepts.
7. Start Physical Preparation Early
Regular running, long jump, high jump, and other required activities can help candidates prepare for PET.
SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 PDF Download
Candidates can check the official SSC CPO 2026 notification, syllabus, exam-related instructions, and other updates through the Staff Selection Commission’s official website.
Official Website: ssc.gov.in
Candidates should always verify the latest information from the official notification before applying or appearing for the examination.
SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 – Important FAQs
What is the SSC CPO Paper-I syllabus 2026?
SSC CPO Paper-I consists of General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Knowledge & General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.
How many questions are there in SSC CPO Paper-I?
Paper-I consists of 100 questions carrying 100 marks.
What is the duration of SSC CPO Paper-I?
The total duration is 60 minutes, with 15 minutes allotted to each section.
How many questions are asked in SSC CPO Paper-II?
Paper-II consists of 160 questions carrying 320 marks.
Which subjects are included in SSC CPO Paper-II?
Paper-II includes General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Knowledge & General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.
Is there negative marking in SSC CPO?
Yes. There is 0.25 marks negative marking in Paper-I and 0.50 marks negative marking in Paper-II for each incorrect answer.
Has the SSC CPO exam pattern changed in 2026?
Yes. The 2026 examination pattern includes important changes in both Paper-I and Paper-II, including reduced questions in Paper-I, sectional timing, and additional subjects in Paper-II.
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