SSC CPO 2026 Notification: Exam Date, Vacancy, Eligibility, Salary & Syllabus
The SSC CPO 2026 notification was released on 10 September 2026 for 1,871 Sub-Inspector vacancies in Delhi Police, CAPFs and CISF Fire. Applications are open from 10 to 30 September 2026 at ssc.gov.in. Candidates aged 20-25 years with a bachelor’s degree can apply. Paper 1 carries 100 marks and Paper 2 carries 320 marks, with the CBT tentatively expected in October-November 2026.
Every year, lakhs of graduates track the SSC CPO 2026 notification hoping to land a Sub-Inspector post in Delhi Police or one of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) If you’ve been searching for SSC CPO 2026 updates and wondering whether the SSC CPO notification is finally out, you’re in the right place. This guide breaks down the SSC CPO 2026 exam date, SSC CPO 2026 vacancy count, SSC CPO 2026 application form date, SSC CPO 2026 age limit, salary, syllabus and every question aspirants are asking right now – in one simple, easy-to-follow page.
What Is the SSC CPO 2026 Notification? Overview Table
The SSC CPO 2026 Notification is the official recruitment advertisement released by the Staff Selection Commission for the “Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces Examination, 2026, “ It covers Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police, Sub-Inspector (GD) posts in CAPFs ( BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB), and Sub-Inspector (Fire) posts in CISF. Here is the full SSC CPO 2026 overview at a glance.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | SSC CPO 2026 (Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police & CAPFs Examination) |
| SSC CPO 2026 Notification Date | 10 September 2026 |
| SSC CPO 2026 Application Form Date | 10 September 2026 to 30 September 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 1 October 2026 (11:00 PM) |
| Correction Window | 8 October to 10 October 2026 |
| SSC CPO 2026 Vacancy | 1,871 (tentative) |
| SSC CPO 2026 Exam Date (Paper 1) | Not yet announced; tentatively October-November 2026 |
| SSC CPO 2026 Age Limit | 20 to 25 years |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university |
| Selection Process | Paper 1 → PST/PET → Paper 2 → Medical Examination → Document Verification |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
How to Apply for SSC CPO 2026 ( Step-by-Step)
- Visit the official website ssc.gov.in and register using the one-time registration (OTR) process, if not already registered.
- Log in with your registration ID and password, then select the SSC CPO 2026 application link.
- Fill in personal, educational and category details, and upload photographs and signatures as per specifications.
- Pay the application fee online before 11:00 PM on 1 October 2026.
- Review the form carefully, submit it, and download a copy for your records.
- Use the correction window (8-10 October 2026) only for edits allowed for candidates whose applications and fee were received within the original window.
What Is the SSC CPO 2026 Exam Date?
The exact SSC CPO 2026 exam date for the Computer-Based Test (Paper 1) has not been announced yet by SSC. Based on the application window closing on 30 September 2026 and the standard SSC pattern, Paper 1 is expected to be conducted in the October-November 2026 window followed by PST/PET and paper 2 at a later date. SSC typically issues admit cards about two to three weeks before the CBT, so candidates should keep checking the official website and the regional SSC portal for the confirmed schedule.
What Is the SSC CPO 2026 Vacancy?
A total of 1,871 tentative vacancies have been announced under SSC CPO 2026 vacancy for Sub-Inspector posts. These numbers are provisional and may be revised by SSC before the final result.
| Post | Vacancies | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-Inspector (Executive), Delhi Police – Male | 205 | Group C |
| Sub-Inspector (Executive), Delhi Police – Female | 112 | Group C |
| Sub-Inspector (GD) in CAPFs (BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB) | 1,320 | Group B |
| Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF | 234 | Group B |
| Total SSC CPO 2026 Vacancy | 1,871 | — |
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for the SSC CPO 2026 Exam?
The SSC CPO 2026 eligibility criteria cover nationality, age and educational qualification. All three conditions must be met as on the cut-off date mentioned in the official notification.
SSC CPO 2026 Age Limit
The SSC CPO 2026 age limit for all posts is 202 to 25 years, calculated as on the notified cut-off date. Category-wise age relaxation applies as per government norms.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per government rules |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities | 10 years (15 for SC/ST, 13 for OBC, cumulative) |
Educational Qualification
- A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent institution, in any discipline.
- No minimum percentage is required – passing the degree is sufficient.
- Male Candidates applying for Sub-Inspector (Delhi Police) must hold a valid LMV (Light Motor Vehicle) driving license, obtainable by the date of the Physical Endurance and Measurement Test.
- Candidates must be citizens of India, or subject of Nepal/Bhutan with the required eligibility certificate.
What Is SSC CPO 2026 Syllabus and Exam Pattern?
The SSC CPO 2026 syllabus and exam pattern have been revised this year. The exam is conducted in two computer-based papers, separated by the Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET).
SSC CPO 2026 Exam Pattern (Revised)
| Paper | Sections | Marks / Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Knowledge & Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, English Comprehension (25 questions each) | 100 marks / 1 hour (15-min sectional timer each) |
| PST/PET | Height, chest, race, long jump, shot put (qualifying only) | Qualifying |
| Paper 2 | GI&R (20 Q), GK&GA (20 Q), Quant Aptitude (20 Q), English (100 Q) | 320 marks / 2 hours |
| Medical Exam | Detailed Medical Examination (DME) | Qualifying |
- Negative marking: 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer in Paper 1; 0.50 marks deducted per wrong answer in Paper 2.
- Both paper are objective, multiple-choice and bilingual ( English and Hindi) for the relevant sections.
- Final merit is prepared using combined Paper 1 and Paper 2 marks; PST/PET and the medical exam are qualifying in nature.
SSC CPO 2026 Syllabus – Subject-Wise Topics
| Subject | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | Analogies, coding-decoding, series, blood relations, non-verbal reasoning, syllogism, puzzles |
| General Knowledge & Awareness | Current affairs, history, geography, polity, economy, science, sports, static GK |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Percentage, ratio, profit & loss, time-speed-distance, algebra, geometry, mensuration, data interpretation |
| English Comprehension | Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension passages, error spotting, sentence correction, fill in the blanks |
What Is the CPO Salary? What Is the CPO SI Salary?
The CPO SI salary for Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs is fixed under Pay Level 6 of the 7th Pay Commission The table below answers “What is the CPO salary?” and “What is the CPO SI salary”? with a full breakdown.
| Component | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level 6 (7th CPC) |
| Basic Pay | ₹35,400 |
| Pay Scale Range | ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400 |
| Gross Salary (approx.) | ₹47,000 to ₹72,000, depending on city and allowances |
| In-Hand Salary (approx.) | ₹41,000 to ₹64,000 per month, after standard deductions |
| Key Allowances | DA, HRA, Transport Allowance, Risk & Hardship Allowance (CAPF field postings), Ration Money |
Is CPO Tougher Than CGL
This is one of the most searched comparison questions among SSC aspirants. In general, SSC CGL is considered relatively tougher than SSC CPO, mainly because serial has for tires with a broader syllabus (including statistics and finance/economics for select posts), while CPO has two main written papers. However, SSC CPO adds a Physical Standard Test and Physical Endurance Test, which CGL does not require, so candidates who struggle with physical fitness parameters may find CPO comparatively harder in those specific stages. In short: CGL tends to be more demanding academically, while CPO adds a physical fitness filter – the “tougher” exam ultimately depends on an individual candidate’s strengths.
| Parameter | SSC CGL | SSC CPO |
|---|---|---|
| Stages | 4 Tiers | Paper 1, PST/PET, Paper 2, Medical |
| Physical Test | Not required | Required (PST/PET) |
| Perceived Difficulty | Generally considered tougher (wider syllabus) | Comparatively focused, but physical test adds a filter |
| Job Nature | Desk-based, administrative | Field-based, uniformed police role |
What Is the Upcoming SSC Exam? ( SSC Exam Calendar 2026-27)
Besides SSC CPO 2026, several other SSC exams are scheduled under the revised SSC Exam Calendar 2026-27. Here’s where things stand for the other major upcoming SSC exams.
| Exam | Status (as of Sept 2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SSC CGL | Notification expected per revised calendar | One of SSC’s most competitive exams |
| SSC CHSL | Notification expected per revised calendar | For 12th-pass candidates |
| SSC MTS / Havaldar | Notification delayed, expected soon | Entry-level, for 10th-pass candidates |
| SSC JE | Scheduled per calendar | For diploma/degree holders in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical |
| SSC Selection Post Phase | Scheduled per calendar | Matric, 12th & Graduate level posts, multiple regions |
| SSC Stenographer / JHT | Dates listed in revised calendar | Translator and stenographer posts |
SSC CPO 2026 FAQs
Q1. Is the SSC CPO 2026 application out?
Yes. The SSC CPO 2026 application opened on 10 September 2026 and closed on 30 September 2026, with fee payment allowed until 1 October 2026.
Q2. Will the SSC exam happen in 2026?
Yes. The SSC CPO 2026 cycle is confirmed and underway, and several other SSC exams are also on the 2026-27 calendar.
Q3 Is SSC CPO held every year?
Yes, SSC CPO is an annual examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission for Sub-Inspector recruitment in Delhi Police and CAPFs.
Q4. What are the eligibility criteria for the SSC CPO 2026 exam?
Candidates must be Indian citizens (or eligible Nepal/Bhutan subject), aged 20-25 years, holding a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, and meeting the prescribed physical standards.
Q5. Is CPO tougher than CGL?
SSC CGL is generally seen as tougher due to its four-tier structure and broader syllabus, while SSC CPO’s added physical test (PST/PET) makes fitness a bigger factor for that exam.
Q6. Why is SSC CPO delayed?
The SSC CPO 2026 notification, originally expected on 31 May 2026, was deferred for administrative reasons and finally released on 10 September 2026 – a pattern also seen in the SSC CPO/SI 2025 cycle.
Q7. What is the upcoming SSC exam after CPO?
SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS, JE, Selection Post and Stenographer/JHT exams are also part of the SSC Exam Calendar 2026-27 and are expected to follow in the coming months.
Conclusion
The SSC CPO 2026 recruitment offers a major opportunity for graduates aiming for Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police and CAPFs. With 1,871 tentative vacancies, candidates should carefully check the eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, physical requirements and selection process before preparing. Keep checking the official SSC website for updates on the SSC CPO 2026 exam date, admit, card, vacancies and other important announcements. Start your preparation early and follow the latest official updates to stay on track.
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