SSC CPO Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026 is an important resource for candidates preparing for the Sub-Inspector recruitment examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). The examination is conducted for Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Candidates should understand the latest exam pattern, subject-wise syllabus, marking scheme, physical test requirements and selection process before starting their preparation
The SSC CPO 2026 examination includes two computer-based written papers, a Physical Standard Test (PST), a Physical Endurance Test (PET) and a medical examination. The 2026 examination pattern includes changes to the number of questions, marks and sectional timing, so candidates should avoid relying on preparation material based only on previous examination cycles
In this article, candidates can check the complete SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 for Paper 1 and Paper 2, including General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Knowledge and General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. The article also explains the physical examination stages and provides practical preparation tips to help candidates plan their studies effectively
SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 Overview
SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 helps candidates understand the subjects, topics, and examination pattern for the Sub-Inspector recruitment examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). The examination is held for Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
Candidates preparing for SSC CPO should focus on four major subjects: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Knowledge and General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. The selection process also includes physical tests, a descriptive English paper, and medical examination requirements as prescribed in the recruitment notification
| SSC CPO Syllabus 2026: Overview | |
| Particular | Details |
| Exam Name | SSC CPO Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Post Name | Sub-Inspector (SI) |
| Departments | Delhi Police and CAPFs |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Written Examination | Paper 1 and Paper 2 |
| Subjects | Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English |
| Physical Tests | PST and PET |
| Negative Marking in Paper 1 | 0.25 marks per incorrect answer |
| Negative Marking in Paper 2 | 0.50 marks per incorrect answer |
| Selection Stages | Paper 1, PST/PET, Paper 2, Medical Examination and Document Verification |
| Official Website | https://ssc.gov.in/ |
SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026
SSC CPO examination consists of two computer-based papers. Candidates who qualify in Paper 1 are shortlisted for the physical tests. Candidates who clear the required physical standards and endurance events proceed to Paper 2, followed by the remaining selection formalities .
The examination has four subjects: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Knowledge and General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. However, the number of questions and marks allotted to these subjects differs between the two papers
SSC CPO Paper 1 Exam Pattern 2026
Paper 1 is the first written stage of the SSC CPO recruitment process. It tests candidates’ reasoning ability, awareness of current and general topics, mathematical skills and English language proficiency
| SSC CPO Paper 1 Exam Pattern 2026 | |||
| Subject | Questions | Maximum Marks | Time |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 25 | 25 | 15 minutes |
| General Knowledge and General Awareness | 25 | 25 | 15 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 25 | 15 minutes |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 25 | 15 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
SSC CPO Paper 2 Exam Pattern 2026
Paper 2 is another computer-based examination for candidates who qualify at the physical test stage. Under the 2026 pattern, it covers all four subjects rather than English alone. English Comprehension carries the largest share of the total marks, making it an important area of preparation.
| SSC CPO Paper 2 Exam Pattern 2026 | |||
| Subject | Questions | Maximum Marks | Time |
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 20 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| General Knowledge and General Awareness | 20 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| English Comprehension | 100 | 200 | 60 minutes |
| Total | 160 | 320 | 120 minutes |
SSC CPO Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Topics
SSC CPO syllabus covers four main subjects in both written papers. Candidates should prepare the complete topic list and regularly solve previous-year questions to understand the question format and level of difficulty
1. SSC CPO Reasoning Syllabus 2026
The General Intelligence and Reasoning section evaluates logical thinking, pattern recognition, analytical ability and problem-solving skills. Questions may be based on verbal as well as non-verbal reasoning.
- Analogies and similarities
- Classification and odd one out
- Coding and decoding
- Number series and alphabet series
- Blood relations
- Direction and distance
- Ranking and order
- Syllogism
- Statement and conclusion
- Venn diagrams
- Arithmetical reasoning
- Problem-solving and analytical reasoning
- Spatial visualisation and spatial orientation
- Visual memory and observation
- Figural classification
- Non-verbal series
- Relationship concepts
- Embedded figures and pattern recognition
- Mirror images and water images
- Decision-making and judgement
2. SSC CPO General Knowledge and General Awareness Syllabus 2026
This section tests candidates’ awareness of India, the surrounding world, scientific developments and important events. A balanced preparation strategy should include static general knowledge as well as current affairs.
- Current Affairs and important national events
- International events and developments
- Indian History
- Indian Geography and World Geography
- Indian Polity and Constitution
- Indian Economy
- General Science
- Physics, Chemistry and Biology basics
- Scientific Research and technological developments
- Environment and Ecology
- Art and Culture
- Books and Authors
- Awards and Honours
- Important Days and Dates
- Sports and Games
- Government schemes and initiatives
- Important national and international organisations
- Indian freedom movement
- Population, agriculture and natural resources
3. SSC CPO Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026
Quantitative Aptitude evaluates numerical ability, calculation accuracy and the application of mathematical concepts. Candidates should first strengthen basic arithmetic before moving on to more advanced topics.
- Number System
- Simplification
- Decimals and Fractions
- Percentage
- Ratio and Proportion
- Average
- Profit and Loss
- Discount
- Simple Interest and Compound Interest
- Time and Work
- Pipes and Cisterns
- Time, Speed and Distance
- Problems on Trains
- Mixture and Alligation
- Partnership
- Algebra
- Linear Equations
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Trigonometry
- Data Interpretation
- Tables, Bar Graphs and Pie Charts
- Square Roots
- Basic Statistical and numerical calculations
4. SSC CPO English Comprehension Syllabus 2026
English is an important subject in both papers, particularly in Paper 2, where it carries 200 out of 320 marks. Candidates should develop grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension and sentence-correction skills.
- Reading Comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- One-Word Substitution
- Idioms and Phrases
- Spelling Correction
- Error Spotting
- Sentence Improvement
- Sentence Completion
- Fill in the Blanks
- Active and Passive Voice
- Direct and Indirect Speech
- Tenses
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- Articles and Determiners
- Prepositions
- Conjunctions
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles and Sentence Rearrangement
- Grammar and correct usage of words
- Understanding sentence structure and context
SSC CPO Physical Test 2026: PET and PST
SSC CPO Physical Test 2026 is an important stage of the recruitment process for candidates seeking Sub-Inspector (SI) posts in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Candidates who qualify in Paper 1 must meet the prescribed physical standards and complete the required endurance activities to proceed to the next stage.
The Physical Standard Test (PST) checks measurements such as height and, where applicable, chest requirements. The Physical Endurance Test (PET) evaluates physical fitness through activities such as running, jumping and other prescribed events.
Physical Standard Test (PST)
| SSC CPO Height and Chest Requirements | ||||
| Candidate Category | Gender | Minimum Height | Chest (Unexpanded) | Chest (Expanded) |
| General/other applicable categories | Male | 170 cm | 80 cm | 85 cm |
| Specified hill-area and other listed categories | Male | 165 cm | 80 cm | 85 cm |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates | Male | 162.5 cm | 77 cm | 82 cm |
| General/other applicable categories | Female | 157 cm | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Specified hill-area and other listed categories | Female | 155 cm | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates | Female | 154 cm | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Which Categories Can Get Height Relaxation? previous official notification provides relaxed height standards for specified categories, including candidates belonging to the hill areas of Garhwal and Kumaon, Himachal Pradesh, Gorkhas, Dogras, Marathas, Kashmir Valley, Leh and Ladakh, North-Eastern States and Sikkim. Separate standards are also specified for Scheduled Tribe candidates. | ||||
SSC CPO Physical Endurance Test (PET) 2026
The Physical Endurance Test evaluates physical fitness through running and jumping events, along with shot put for male candidates. Candidates must complete the prescribed activities according to the applicable qualifying standards.
| SSC CPO PET Criteria for Candidates | ||
| Physical Event | Required Standard Male Candidates | Required Standard Female Candidates |
| 100-metre race | 16 seconds | 18 seconds |
| 1.6-kilometre race / 800-metre race | 6 minutes 30 seconds | 4 minutes |
| Long jump | 3.65 metres | 2.7 metres |
| High jump | 1.2 metres | 0.9 metres |
| Shot put (16 lbs) | 4.5 metres | Not included in the prescribed female PET events |
| Attempts for long jump | 3 chances | 3 chances |
| Attempts for high jump | 3 chances | 3 chances |
| Attempts for shot put | 3 chances | Not included in the prescribed female PET events |
| Important Links | |
| SSC CPO Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026 | Click Here |
| Staff Selection Commission Official Website | https://ssc.gov.in/ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 ?
The reported 2026 pattern includes Paper 1 with 100 questions for 100 marks in 60 minutes and Paper 2 with 160 questions for 320 marks in 120 minutes. Both papers include four subjects.
2. How many subjects are included in the SSC CPO syllabus ?
The syllabus covers four subjects: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Knowledge and General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.
3. Is there negative marking in the SSC CPO examination ?
Yes. Under the reported 2026 pattern, 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer in Paper 1 and 0.50 marks in Paper 2.
4. Is the SSC CPO physical test compulsory?
Yes. Candidates must qualify in the applicable Physical Standard Test and Physical Endurance Test as part of the selection process.
5. How much time is given for SSC CPO Paper 1?
Paper 1 has a total duration of 60 minutes, with a separate 15-minute timer for each of its four sections.
