SSC CPO Recruitment 2026: 1,871 Vacancies, Eligibility, Salary, Exam Pattern & Apply Online

SSC CPO Recruitment 2026: 1,871 Vacancies, Eligibility, Salary, Exam Pattern & Apply Online

The Staff Selection Commission has announced the Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces Examination 2026. The recruitment covers Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police, CAPFs and Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF. Online applications are being accepted from 10 September 2026 to 30 September 2026.

Official Notification Date: 10 September 2026

Quick Answer: SSC CPO 2026 is a national-level recruitment examination for Sub-Inspector posts. The notification reports 1,871 tentative vacancies across Delhi Police, CAPFs and CISF Fire. The selection route includes Paper-I, PST/PET, Paper-II, Medical Examination and Document Verification.

Overview Eligibility Application Fee Selection Process Important Dates Exam Pattern Physical Test Important Links FAQs

1. Introduction: What is SSC CPO Recruitment 2026?

The SSC CPO Recruitment 2026 is one of the major government job opportunities for graduates who want to enter policing and Central Armed Police Forces through the Sub-Inspector route. The Staff Selection Commission will conduct an open competitive examination for recruitment to Sub-Inspector positions in Delhi Police and CAPFs, along with the Sub-Inspector (Fire) post in CISF.

For candidates searching for SSC CPO 2026 eligibility, SSC CPO age limit, SSC CPO salary, SSC CPO vacancy, SSC CPO exam pattern, PET/PST requirements and application dates, this guide brings the important information together in a practical format. The notification provides a Level-6 pay scale of ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400 for the listed Sub-Inspector posts. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

The application window is comparatively short, so eligible candidates should not wait until the closing day. The official notice states that applications can be submitted from 10 September 2026 through 30 September 2026 up to 11:00 PM. The computer-based examination schedule will be announced separately by SSC. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Candidate Tip: SSC CPO is not only a written examination. Physical fitness, medical standards and document verification are equally important. A candidate preparing for this recruitment should therefore work on written subjects and physical fitness together.

2. SSC CPO Recruitment 2026 Overview

The recruitment includes multiple Sub-Inspector categories. The vacancy figures in the notification are tentative and may be subject to revision by the concerned departments.

1,871 Total tentative vacancies

Level-6 Pay scale for listed SI posts

30 Sep 2026 Last date to submit application

₹100 Standard application fee

Post / Organisation	Gender / Category	Tentative Vacancies	Pay Level
Sub-Inspector (Executive), Delhi Police	Male	205	Level-6
Sub-Inspector (Executive), Delhi Police	Female	112	Level-6
Sub-Inspector (GD), CAPFs	Male + Female	1,320 + 147 = 1,467	Level-6
Sub-Inspector (Fire), CISF	Male	234	Level-6
Total	—	1,871	Level-6

The notification lists CAPF SI vacancies in CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF and SSB. The CAPF table reports 1,320 vacancies for male candidates and 147 for female candidates. Delhi Police has 205 male and 112 female vacancies, while CISF SI Fire has 234 male vacancies. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Important: CAPF postings carry All India Service Liability. In practical terms, candidates selected for CAPF SI posts may be required to serve anywhere in India. The notification also states that SSC does not allocate these vacancies state-wise or city-wise. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Post and Force Preferences

Candidates are required to provide their preferred posts/forces in the prescribed option process. The available options include Delhi Police, BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB and CISF SI Fire, subject to the candidate's eligibility for the selected post.

This preference should not be treated as a casual formality. SSC states that the preference becomes final and irreversible, and a candidate who does not select a particular post/force will not be considered for it even if the candidate's merit position would otherwise permit selection. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

3. SSC CPO 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

For Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Sub-Inspector (GD) in CAPFs, the basic educational requirement is a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification. Candidates whose graduation result is not yet available may apply only if they acquire the required qualification by the closing date specified in the notification. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

For Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF, the qualification is more specific. A candidate needs a Bachelor's degree in Science with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, or the prescribed three-year engineering diploma route in disciplines such as Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Automobile, Chemical, Mining, Aeronautical or Telecommunication Engineering, subject to the conditions in the notification. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Graduation deadline matters: It is not enough that a candidate has appeared for the final examination. The qualifying result must have been declared by the prescribed closing date. Mere processing of a result does not satisfy the educational qualification condition. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Age Limit

For most SSC CPO 2026 posts, the age limit is 20 to 25 years as on 1 August 2026. The candidate's date of birth must fall within the dates prescribed by SSC.

The SI (Fire) in CISF post has a different age range of 18 to 30 years. The notification provides category-specific upper-age relaxations as per applicable Government rules. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Category	Age Relaxation
SC / ST	5 years
OBC	3 years
Ex-Servicemen	As prescribed after deduction of military service
Eligible departmental Delhi Police candidates - UR/EWS	Up to 30 years
Eligible departmental Delhi Police candidates - OBC	Up to 33 years
Eligible departmental Delhi Police candidates - SC/ST	Up to 35 years

Candidates who want to check their age quickly can use our Government Job Age Calculator before submitting the SSC CPO application.

Nationality

A candidate must generally be a citizen of India. The notification also permits subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, subject to the required Government of India eligibility certificate provisions. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Driving Licence Requirement for Delhi Police Male SI

There is an important post-specific condition that applicants sometimes overlook. A male candidate choosing Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police must possess a valid driving licence for Light Motor Vehicle (motorcycle and car) by the date fixed for the Physical Endurance and Measurement Tests.

A male candidate without the required valid driving licence can still be considered for the CAPF SI posts, subject to meeting all other eligibility conditions. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

4. SSC CPO 2026 Application Fee

Candidate Category	Application Fee
General / Other applicable candidates	₹100
Women candidates	Exempted
SC / ST candidates	Exempted
Eligible Ex-Servicemen	Exempted

The standard examination fee is ₹100. Women candidates, SC, ST and eligible Ex-Servicemen are exempt from payment. Fee payment is available through online modes such as BHIM UPI, Net Banking and eligible debit cards. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Correction charges: If an eligible candidate uses the correction window, the charge is ₹200 for the first correction and ₹500 for the second correction. These charges apply irrespective of gender or category. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

5. SSC CPO 2026 Selection Process

The SSC CPO selection process is multi-stage. Clearing the written examination alone does not guarantee appointment. Candidates must successfully complete the applicable physical, medical and document-verification requirements.

Stage 1: Paper-I Computer Based Examination

Stage 2: Physical Standard Test / Physical Endurance Test

Stage 3: Paper-II Computer Based Examination

Stage 4: Detailed Medical Examination / Review Medical Examination

Stage 5: Document Verification

Final: Merit-cum-preference based allocation

Paper-I performance is used to shortlist candidates for PST/PET. PST/PET is qualifying in nature. Candidates who qualify the physical stage proceed to Paper-II. Paper-II performance is then used to shortlist candidates for medical examination. Final selection is based on Paper-II performance, including applicable NCC bonus marks, and the post/force preferences submitted by candidates. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

Important selection point: PST/PET and medical examination do not add marks to the merit list; they are qualifying/elimination stages. The written performance and post/force preferences have a major role in final allocation. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

6. SSC CPO 2026 Important Dates

Event	Date / Deadline
Notification / Notice	10 September 2026
Online Application Starts	10 September 2026
Last Date to Apply Online	30 September 2026, 11:00 PM
Last Date for Online Fee Payment	1 October 2026, 11:00 PM
Application Correction Window	8 October to 10 October 2026, up to 11:00 PM
Computer Based Examination	To be notified later

These dates are taken from the examination notice. SSC has specifically stated that the Computer Based Examination schedule is to be notified later and that candidates should follow the SSC website for subsequent updates. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Do not wait for the final day. SSC has advised candidates to submit applications well before the closing date because heavy website traffic or login/connectivity problems near the deadline can prevent successful submission. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

7. SSC CPO 2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Paper-I Exam Pattern

Subject	Questions	Marks	Time
General Intelligence & Reasoning	25	25	1 Hour 15-minute sectional timer for each part
General Knowledge & General Awareness	25	25
Quantitative Aptitude	25	25
English Comprehension	25	25
Total	100	100	1 Hour

Paper-II Exam Pattern

Subject	Questions	Marks
General Intelligence & Reasoning	20	40
General Knowledge & General Awareness	20	40
Quantitative Aptitude	20	40
English Comprehension	100	200
Total	160	320

Paper-I and Paper-II contain objective multiple-choice questions. Paper-I has a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer, while Paper-II has a negative marking of 0.50 marks per wrong answer. Paper-II is also stated to have a higher difficulty level than Paper-I. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19} :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}

Scoring insight: Paper-II carries substantially more marks than Paper-I. Candidates should therefore avoid treating Paper-II preparation as a formality after clearing the first written stage.

Minimum Qualifying Marks

Category	Minimum Qualifying Percentage
UR	30%
OBC / EWS	25%
Other categories	20%

These are minimum qualifying percentages and should not be confused with the actual competitive cut-off used for shortlisting. SSC retains discretion to determine cut-offs according to the recruitment circumstances and candidate pool. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}

SSC CPO Syllabus: Paper-I & Paper-II

General Intelligence & Reasoning

The reasoning component covers verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Important areas include analogies, classification, series, coding-decoding, spatial orientation, space visualization, problem solving, Venn diagrams, statement-conclusion questions, syllogistic reasoning, figural patterns, embedded figures, numerical operations, critical thinking, emotional intelligence and social intelligence.

General Knowledge & General Awareness

Preparation should cover current affairs and general awareness along with subjects related to India and neighbouring countries. The official syllabus specifically refers to areas such as history, culture, geography, economic developments, polity, the Indian Constitution and scientific research.

Candidates can supplement their preparation through our Weekly Current Affairs Quiz and Monthly Current Affairs Quiz.

Quantitative Aptitude

Major areas include number systems, decimals and fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion, averages, interest, profit and loss, discount, partnership, mixture and allegation, time and distance, time and work, algebra, geometry, mensuration-related figures, trigonometry and interpretation of graphical data such as histograms, bar diagrams and pie charts.

English Comprehension

English preparation includes grammar and language usage, error recognition, fill-in-the-blanks, vocabulary, spelling, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms, sentence completion, phrases, idiomatic expressions and reading comprehension.

The syllabus areas above are based on the indicative syllabus in the SSC notification. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

NCC Bonus Marks

NCC Certificate	Bonus in Paper-I	Bonus in Paper-II
NCC 'C'	5% of maximum marks	5% of maximum marks
NCC 'B'	3% of maximum marks	3% of maximum marks
NCC 'A'	2% of maximum marks	2% of maximum marks

Eligible NCC certificate holders can receive bonus marks in both papers, with the applicable bonus added to their normalized scores. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}

8. SSC CPO 2026 Physical Standard & PET Details

Physical fitness is a major part of SSC CPO preparation. The Physical Standard Test checks prescribed measurements, while the Physical Endurance Test assesses performance in specified events. PST/PET is qualifying in nature and does not carry marks.

Physical Standards for SI in CAPFs

Candidate Category	Height	Chest - Unexpanded	Chest - Expanded
General male candidates	170 cm	80 cm	85 cm
Specified hill areas / listed regions male candidates	165 cm	80 cm	85 cm
Male Gorkha candidates	157 cm	80 cm	85 cm
Male ST candidates	162.5 cm	77 cm	82 cm
Female candidates	157 cm	—	—
Specified hill areas / listed regions female candidates	155 cm	—	—
Female ST candidates	154 cm	—	—

The notification also provides separate physical standards for Delhi Police and SI Fire in CISF. Candidates claiming relaxation in physical standards must produce the prescribed certificate from the competent authority. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24} :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}

PET Requirements

Event	Male Candidates	Female Candidates
100 metre race	16 seconds	18 seconds
Distance race	1.6 km in 6.5 minutes	800 m in 4 minutes
Long Jump	3.65 m - 3 chances	2.7 m - 3 chances
High Jump	1.2 m - 3 chances	0.9 m - 3 chances
Shot Put	4.5 m - 3 chances	Not prescribed

The PET standards above are prescribed in the notification. Female candidates do not have a minimum chest measurement requirement. Ex-Servicemen are exempt from PET but must meet the applicable physical standards and medical requirements. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}

Medical Requirements

Candidates who reach the medical stage are examined under the prescribed medical standards. The notification specifies, among other requirements, minimum distant vision of 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the worse eye, without correction through glasses or surgery. It also states requirements concerning near vision, colour vision and certain physical conditions.

Candidates should therefore understand that clearing Paper-II and PET/PST does not automatically mean medical fitness. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}

9. How to Apply for SSC CPO 2026

Applications are submitted online through the SSC recruitment system. Candidates must first complete the required One-Time Registration (OTR) on the new SSC website. An OTR created on the old SSC website does not function on the new website.

1. Visit the official SSC website.
2. Complete One-Time Registration if you do not already have a valid OTR on the new website.
3. Log in using your registration credentials.
4. Open the SSC CPO 2026 application under the latest notifications.
5. Enter educational and other required information carefully.
6. Complete the applicable post/force choices.
7. Capture the live photograph according to the instructions.
8. Upload the required signature where applicable.
9. Pay the examination fee if you are not exempt.
10. Preview the complete application before final submission.
11. Save a copy of the submitted application for future reference.

SSC has designed the application system to capture a real-time photograph. Candidates should use adequate lighting, a plain background, eye-level camera positioning and a clear frontal view. The prescribed scanned signature size is 10–20 KB in JPEG/JPG format. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}

The notification also advises candidates using Aadhaar-Based Authentication to opt for the authentication facility. Candidates should nevertheless follow the instructions shown in the application system at the time of submission. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}

Application safety check: Submit only one application during the normal application period. Multiple applications with different registration numbers can lead to cancellation of candidature. Also ensure that your name, date of birth and parents' names match the matriculation certificate. :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}

If you need to resize an image for an online application, you can also use our free image compression tool.

10. SSC CPO 2026 Examination Centres

SSC has provided examination centres under its regional structure. Candidates are required to give preferences for three examination centres within the same region, in priority order. The Commission may add, cancel or divert centres depending on administrative requirements.

For candidates in Punjab and the North-Western region, the notification lists centres including Chandigarh/Mohali, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Patiala and Bathinda, along with centres in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana under the North Western Region. :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}

Centre-selection tip: Choose all three preferences carefully because SSC states that requests for changing the examination centre later will not normally be entertained.

11. Documents Required at Document Verification

Candidates reaching Document Verification should be prepared with original certificates and required copies. Depending on the candidate and post, the documents can include:

• Matriculation / Secondary Certificate
• Educational Qualification Certificate
• Equivalence certificate, where applicable
• Caste / Category certificate, where applicable
• Valid driving licence for eligible male candidates choosing Delhi Police
• Ex-Servicemen-related certificates, where applicable
• Age-relaxation certificate, where applicable
• Departmental candidate certificate, where applicable
• No Objection Certificate for candidates already employed in Government service, where required

The exact documents depend on the candidate's category and claims. Candidates should therefore check the admission instructions and the official notice rather than relying on a generic document list. :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}

12. Practical Preparation Strategy for SSC CPO 2026

A useful SSC CPO preparation plan should combine academic preparation with physical conditioning. Candidates who focus exclusively on the written test may find themselves underprepared when PST/PET arrives.

Written Examination Strategy

• Build a daily routine around Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English and General Awareness.
• Practise timed objective questions because both papers use sectional timing.
• Keep an error notebook for repeated mistakes in mathematics and reasoning.
• Give special attention to English because Paper-II contains a large English component.
• Read current affairs consistently instead of trying to cover everything immediately before the examination.
• Use mock tests to improve speed without sacrificing accuracy because of negative marking.

Physical Preparation Strategy

• Begin running practice well before the PET date.
• Develop sprint speed and endurance separately.
• Practise long jump and high jump techniques under safe supervision.
• Male candidates should also prepare for the prescribed shot-put event.
• Do not postpone fitness preparation until after Paper-I.

For broader career planning after graduation, readers can also explore our guide on career options after graduation in India.

13. Important Links for SSC CPO Recruitment 2026

Official SSC Website
Visit SSC for application and recruitment updates. SSC CPO 2026 Official Notification
Read the complete examination notice issued by SSC. More Government Job Updates
Explore other competitive government recruitment opportunities. Resume Preparation Guide
Useful for candidates preparing their wider career profile.

Official update rule: The SSC website remains the primary source for examination dates, admission certificates, vacancies, correction notices and subsequent recruitment instructions. Candidates should regularly check the official website and their concerned SSC regional website. :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}

14. Conclusion and Disclaimer

The SSC CPO Recruitment 2026 provides a significant opportunity for graduates seeking Sub-Inspector positions in Delhi Police, CAPFs and CISF Fire. With 1,871 tentative vacancies, Level-6 pay scale and a selection process combining computer-based examinations with physical and medical assessment, this recruitment requires preparation across several areas rather than only conventional written-test study.

The most important first step is to confirm your own eligibility. Check your age as on 1 August 2026, ensure that your graduation qualification meets the prescribed deadline, review any category-related requirements and, where applicable, confirm the physical standards and driving licence requirement.

Disclaimer: This article has been independently written and organised for informational and educational purposes from the SSC CPO 2026 examination notice. Vacancy numbers are tentative. Recruitment dates, examination schedules, vacancies and other instructions may change. Candidates should always verify the latest information from the official SSC website and the applicable regional office before submitting an application or making any career-related decision.

15. SSC CPO Recruitment 2026 FAQs

What is SSC CPO Recruitment 2026?

SSC CPO 2026 is the Staff Selection Commission examination for recruitment to Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police, Central Armed Police Forces and Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF.

How many vacancies are announced in SSC CPO 2026?

The notification reports a total of 1,871 tentative vacancies: 205 Delhi Police male SI posts, 112 Delhi Police female SI posts, 1,467 CAPF SI posts and 234 CISF SI Fire posts.

What is the SSC CPO 2026 age limit?

The normal age limit is 20 to 25 years as on 1 August 2026 for most posts. SI Fire in CISF has an age limit of 18 to 30 years, subject to the applicable rules and relaxations.

What qualification is required for SSC CPO?

A Bachelor's degree from a recognized university or equivalent is required for SI in Delhi Police and SI GD in CAPFs. SI Fire in CISF has specific Science/engineering-diploma qualification requirements.

What is the SSC CPO application fee?

The standard application fee is ₹100. Women, SC, ST and eligible Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempt from the fee.

What is the SSC CPO 2026 selection process?

The selection process consists of Paper-I, PST/PET, Paper-II, Detailed Medical Examination/Review Medical Examination and Document Verification. Final allocation is based on merit in the written examination and post/force preferences, subject to meeting the applicable requirements.

Is PET/PST compulsory in SSC CPO?

Yes. PST/PET is a mandatory qualifying stage for applicable candidates. Ex-Servicemen are exempt from PET but must undergo PST and meet the prescribed requirements.

What is the SSC CPO Paper-I pattern?

Paper-I has 100 questions for 100 marks covering Reasoning, General Knowledge/General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Comprehension. The duration is one hour with sectional timing.

What is the SSC CPO Paper-II pattern?

Paper-II has 160 questions for 320 marks. It includes Reasoning, General Knowledge/General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and a larger English Comprehension section. The duration is one hour with sectional timing for the first three parts as prescribed.

Is there negative marking in SSC CPO?

Yes. The notification specifies 0.25 marks negative marking for each wrong answer in Paper-I and 0.50 marks for each wrong answer in Paper-II.

When is the last date to apply for SSC CPO 2026?

The last date for submitting the online application is 30 September 2026 up to 11:00 PM. The online fee payment deadline is 1 October 2026 up to 11:00 PM.

When will the SSC CPO 2026 exam be conducted?

The Computer Based Examination schedule has not been specified in the notification and will be announced later by SSC.

Does NCC provide bonus marks in SSC CPO?

Yes. Eligible NCC certificate holders can receive bonus marks in both Paper-I and Paper-II: 5% for NCC C, 3% for NCC B and 2% for NCC A certificates.

Is a driving licence compulsory for Delhi Police SI?

For male candidates choosing the Delhi Police SI post, a valid LMV driving licence covering motorcycle and car is required by the date fixed for the physical tests. Male candidates without this licence may still be eligible for CAPF SI posts if they satisfy the other conditions.

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Article prepared from the SSC Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces Examination 2026 notice dated 10 September 2026. Always consult the latest official SSC instructions before applying.

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