The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the recruitment notification for the Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces Examination, 2026 (SSC CPO 2026). SSC CPO is the premier national-level examination for candidates seeking direct-entry Sub-Inspector positions in the Delhi Police and central paramilitary forces, including BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, and SSB.
Below is a complete, structured overview covering essential dates, post-wise vacancies, eligibility rules, revised exam patterns, physical requirements (PST/PET), and application guidelines.
1. What is the SSC CPO Examination?
The SSC CPO (Central Police Organisation) examination recruits candidates for uniform Sub-Inspector executive and general duty roles:
- Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police (Male/Female): Pay Level-6 (₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400), classified as Group ‘C’ by Delhi Police.
- Sub-Inspector (GD) in CAPFs: Pay Level-6 (₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400), classified as Group ‘B’ (Non-Gazetted), Non-Ministerial across CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, and SSB.
- Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF (Male): Pay Level-6 (₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400), Group ‘B’ (Non-Gazetted), Non-Ministerial.
All CAPF posts carry All India Service Liability (AISL), requiring personnel to serve anywhere in India.
2. SSC CPO 2026: Key Dates & Overview
| Event / Parameter | Important Dates & Details |
| Notification Release Date | September 10, 2026 |
| Online Application Period | September 10, 2026 to September 30, 2026 (23:00 hrs) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | October 01, 2026 (23:00 hrs) |
| Application Correction Window | October 08, 2026 to October 10, 2026 (23:00 hrs) |
| Correction Charges | ₹200 (1st modification), ₹500 (2nd modification) |
| Computer-Based Examination Dates | To be notified later |
| Application Fee | ₹100 (Exempted for Women, SC, ST, and eligible ESM) |
| Official Portal | ssc.gov.in (and “mySSC” mobile app) |
3. Tentative Vacancy Distribution
The recruitment drive includes vacancies across Delhi Police and various paramilitary wings:
| Post / Force | Male Vacancies | Female Vacancies | Total Vacancies |
| Delhi Police (Executive) | 205 (incl. ESM) | 112 | 317 |
| CRPF (GD) | 225 | 29 | 254 |
| BSF (GD) | 435 | 22 | 457 |
| ITBP (GD) | 159 | 28 | 187 |
| CISF (GD) | 200 | 50 | 250 |
| SSB (GD) | 154 | 18 | 172 |
| CISF Sub-Inspector (Fire) | 234 (Male only) | — | 234 |
| Total Tentative Vacancies | Approx. 1,871 |
4. Eligibility Criteria
A. Age Limits (As on 01-08-2026)
The crucial date for reckoning age is August 1, 2026:
- For SI in Delhi Police & CAPFs: 20 to 25 years (Born between 02-08-2001 and 01-08-2006).
- For SI (Fire) in CISF: 18 to 30 years (Born between 02-08-1996 and 01-08-2008).
Permissible Upper Age Relaxations:
- SC / ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- Ex-Servicemen (ESM): 3 years after deduction of military service rendered
- Widows / Divorced Women (Delhi Police only): Up to 35 years (UR/EWS) / Up to 40 years (SC/ST)
- Delhi Police Departmental Candidates (3+ years continuous service): Up to 30 years (UR/EWS), 33 years (OBC), 35 years (SC/ST)
B. Educational Qualifications (As on 30-09-2026)
The cutoff date for acquiring educational qualifications is the application closing date (September 30, 2026):
- For SI in Delhi Police and CAPFs (GD): Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized University or equivalent.
- For SI (Fire) in CISF: Bachelor’s degree in Science with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics OR Matriculation with a 3-year Diploma in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Automobiles, Chemical, Mining, Aeronautical, or Telecommunication Engineering.
- Mandatory Driving License for Delhi Police (Male Only): Male candidates must hold a valid Driving License for LMV (Motorcycle and Car) on the date fixed for Physical Endurance and Measurement Tests (PE&MT). Candidates without an LMV license remain eligible solely for CAPF posts.
5. SSC CPO 2026 Exam Pattern
The selection process involves four mandatory stages: Paper-I -PST/PET -Paper-II- Detailed Medical Examination (DME).
Paper-I (Computer-Based Examination)
Paper-I consists of 100 objective questions totaling 100 marks, with a total duration of 1 hour (60 minutes) and a strict sectional timer of 15 minutes per section:
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks | Sectional Timing | Negative Marking |
| I | General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 25 | 15 Minutes | 0.25 marks |
| II | General Knowledge and General Awareness | 25 | 25 | 15 Minutes | 0.25 marks |
| III | Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 25 | 15 Minutes | 0.25 marks |
| IV | English Comprehension | 25 | 25 | 15 Minutes | 0.25 marks |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes | — |
Paper-II (Computer-Based Examination)
Conducted only for candidates who clear the Physical Standard and Endurance Tests (PST/PET). Total duration is 2 hours:
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration / Timers | Negative Marking |
| I | General Intelligence and Reasoning | 20 | 40 | Part I, II & III Total: 1 Hour(Sectional timer: 20 mins each) | 0.50 marks |
| II | General Knowledge & General Awareness | 20 | 40 | 0.50 marks | |
| III | Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 40 | 0.50 marks | |
| IV | English Comprehension | 100 | 200 | 1 Hour | 0.50 marks |
| Total | 160 | 320 | 2 Hours | — |
NCC Bonus Marks: Applicable in both Paper-I and Paper-II (NCC ‘C’: 5% marks, NCC ‘B’: 3% marks, NCC ‘A’: 2% marks).
6. Physical Standards & Endurance Tests (PST & PET)
Both PST and PET are qualifying in nature but mandatory to reach Paper-II and Medicals.
Physical Standard Test (PST) Norms
| Category | Height (Male) | Chest: Unexpanded / Expanded (Male) | Height (Female) |
| General / OBC / SC | 170 cm | 80 cm / 85 cm | 157 cm |
| Hill Areas (Garhwal, Kumaon, Dogras, Marathas, NE, etc.) | 165 cm | 80 cm / 85 cm | 155 cm |
| All Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 162.5 cm | 77 cm / 82 cm | 154 cm |
| CISF SI (Fire) – General Male | 170 cm | 81 cm / 86 cm | N/A |
(There are no minimum chest measurement requirements for female candidates).
Physical Endurance Test (PET) Events
For Male Candidates:
- 100-meter sprint in 16 seconds
- 1.6 km race in 6.5 minutes
- Long Jump: 3.65 meters (in 3 attempts)
- High Jump: 1.2 meters (in 3 attempts)
- Shot Put (16 lbs): 4.5 meters (in 3 attempts)
For Female Candidates:
- 100-meter sprint in 18 seconds
- 800-meter race in 4 minutes
- Long Jump: 2.7 meters (in 3 attempts)
- High Jump: 0.9 meters (in 3 attempts)
7. Indicative Syllabus Highlights
- General Intelligence & Reasoning: Analogies, spatial visualization, arithmetic series, coding-decoding, statement-conclusions, syllogisms, Venn diagrams, pattern folding, and critical thinking.
- General Awareness: Static General Knowledge, Indian History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, Polity, Indian Constitution, and Scientific Research.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Number systems, percentages, ratios, averages, profit & loss, time & distance, algebra, geometry (triangles, circles, chords), trigonometry, heights and distances, and statistical charts.
- English Comprehension: Grammar, vocabulary, error recognition, sentence structure, idioms & phrases, synonyms/antonyms, and reading passages. (Paper-II carries an advanced difficulty level).
8. How to Apply & Essential Application Instructions
- New OTR Platform: Registration must be completed on the updated portal [https://ssc.gov.in](https://ssc.gov.in) or via the official “mySSC” app. Old registrations on ssc.nic.in are not valid.
- Live Photo Capture: Scanned passport photos are not allowed. The application requires a live camera capture (plain background, eye-level, well-lit, no caps, spectacles, or masks).
- Signature Requirements: Scanned JPEG signature between 10 KB and 20 KB (approx. 6.0 cm X 2.0 cm).
- Correction Window: Available from October 08 to October 10, 2026. Fees are ₹200 for the first edit and ₹500 for the second edit.
- Document Verification (DV): Conducted directly by the CAPFs during the Medical Examination (DME/RME) stage, not by SSC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the educational cutoff date for SSC CPO 2026?
The cutoff date for meeting the essential educational qualification is September 30, 2026. Candidates must have their qualifying degree results declared on or before this date.
Q2. Is a Driving License mandatory for all posts in SSC CPO?
No. A valid LMV (Motorcycle and Car) Driving License is mandatory only for male candidates opting for Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police on the date of PE&MT. Male candidates without a driving license remain eligible for CAPF posts.
Q3. Is there sectional timing in SSC CPO Paper-I and Paper-II?
Yes. Paper-I has a 15-minute timer for each of the four parts (60 minutes total). Paper-II features a 20-minute sectional timer for each of Parts I, II, and III (1 hour combined), followed by 1 hour dedicated to English Comprehension.
Q4. Are eye surgeries like LASIK permitted for Sub-Inspectors?
The notification specifies minimum distant vision of 6/6 (better eye) and 6/9 (worse eye) without correction or surgery of any kind to improve visual acuity.
Q5. How is the final merit list determined in SSC CPO 2026?
Final selection and service allocation are determined on the basis of candidate performance in Paper-II (including applicable NCC bonus marks) and post preferences, subject to qualifying Paper-I, PST/PET, and the Detailed Medical Examination.