SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026: Revised Syllabus & Sectional Timing Details
The official SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 for Paper 1, Paper 2, PET, PST, and Medical Examination has been updated to incorporate a 30-minute sectional timing structure. Understanding these changes is critical for candidates to streamline their preparation and master each stage of the selection process.
SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026
The SSC CPO 2026 recruitment process is divided into two primary stages. Tier 1 is a computer-based examination featuring four core sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Knowledge and General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Each section contains 50 questions worth 50 marks. The Tier 2 examination focuses exclusively on English Language and Comprehension, consisting of 200 questions totaling 200 marks. Explore the comprehensive exam structure for both tiers below.
SSC CPO Result 2026 Released - Click Here to View Your Status
SSC CPO Selection Stages
The SSC CPO 2026 recruitment drive follows a multi-stage selection process to identify top talent for Sub-Inspector roles within the Delhi Police and various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs):
- Paper 1 (Tier 1): Objective Computer-Based Test (CBT) with 200 questions from Reasoning, General Knowledge, Quantitative Aptitude, and English. Total 200 marks, 2 hours duration with a 30-minute sectional timer for each section.
- PET/PST: Physical tests, including running, long jump, and height/chest measurements, conducted on a qualifying basis.
- Paper 2 (Tier 2): Objective CBT focusing on English Language & Comprehension, 200 marks, 2 hours duration.
- Medical Test: Candidates must satisfy vision and health standards.
- Document Verification: Final stage for verifying eligibility and certificates.
SSC CPO Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026
- The first paper will have 4 subjects, namely General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Knowledge and General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.
- The language of the question papers will be in English and Hindi, except for the English section.
- Questions in both papers will be of Objective Multiple Choice Type.
- There will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in Paper I & Paper II.
- Marks scored by candidates in the computer-based Examination will be normalised.
- SSC has updated Paper 1 with sectional timing, giving 30 minutes for every section.
Detailed information regarding the Tier 1 exam format is provided in the table below:
| SSC CPO Exam Pattern for Tier 1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sections | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| 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 Physical Measurement Test 2026
The official Physical Measurement Test (PST) standards for 2026 for male and female aspirants are outlined below. Please note that only candidates who successfully clear the Tier 1 examination are eligible to participate in the physical assessment rounds.
| Category | Height | Chest (Normal in cms) | Chest (Expanded in cms) |
| Male (General) | 170 cm (5’7”) | 80 cms | 85 cms |
| Male (Hill area) | 165 cm (5’5”) | 80 cms | 85 cms |
| Male (ST) | 162.5 cm (5’4”) | 77 cms | 82 cms |
| Female (General) | 157 cm (5’2”) | – | – |
| Female (Hill Area) | 155 cm (5’1”) | – | – |
| Female (ST) | 154 cm (5’0”) | – | – |
SSC CPO Physical Endurance Test 2026
Physical Endurance Test (PET) Requirements for Male Candidates:
| Physical Endurance Test For Male Candidates | |
|---|---|
| Race | 100-meter race in 16 seconds |
| 1.6 km race in 6.5 minutes | |
| Long Jump | 3.65 meters in 3 chances |
| High Jump | 1.2 meters in 3 chances |
| Shot put (16 Lbs) | 4.5 meters in 3 chances |
Physical Endurance Test (PET) Requirements for Female Candidates:
| Physical Endurance Test For Female Candidates | |
|---|---|
| Race | 100 meters race in 18 seconds |
| 800 meters race in 4 minutes | |
| Long Jump | 2.7 meters in 3 chances |
| High Jump | 0.9 meters in 3 chances |
Note: Qualifying the PET/PST stage is a mandatory prerequisite to advancing to the Mains or Tier 2 examination.
SSC CPO 2026 Medical Test
The specific criteria and guidelines for the Medical Examination are detailed below:
- Minimum Near Vision: N6 (better eye) and N9 (worse eye)
- Minimum Distant Vision: 6/6 (better eye) and 6/9 (worse eye)
- Must not have knock knee, flat foot, varicose vein, or squint in eyes
- Eye standards should be without visual correction of any kind, even by glasses.
SSC CPO Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026
The SSC CPO Tier 2 exam is a computer-based test consisting of a single paper covering English Language and Comprehension. This paper carries 200 marks with a total time allocation of 120 minutes. In the event of a multi-shift examination, the SSC will implement a normalization process to ensure merit-based fairness for all participants.
The structured examination pattern for Tier 2 is presented in the table below:
| Section | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Comprehension | 200 | 200 | 120 minutes (160 minutes for disabled/Physically handicapped Candidates) |
Important: A negative marking penalty of 0.25 marks applies to every incorrect answer.
SSC CPO Marking Scheme 2026
Candidates are advised to thoroughly review the SSC CPO marking scheme to understand exactly how marks are calculated for correct and incorrect responses.
| SSC CPO Marking Scheme | |
| For Correct Answer | 1 Mark |
| For Incorrect Answer | -0.25 Mark |
FAQs
The Tier 1 exam comprises four distinct sections: General Reasoning, General Knowledge, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language.
Yes, there is a penalty of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer marked during the examination.
The SSC CPO Mains (Tier 2) exam focuses solely on English Language and Comprehension.
Height requirements are 170 cm for General candidates, 165 cm for those from hilly regions, and 162.5 cm for ST candidates. Chest measurement standards are 80 cm (unexpanded) for General/hilly candidates and 77 cm for ST candidates. See the full criteria in this guide.
No, there is no personal interview round in the SSC CPO selection process.