SSC CPO Cut Off: SSC CPO cut off 2026 Paper 1 will be released with the Paper 1 result in early 2027 at ssc.gov.in. Based on previous year trends, the expected Paper 1 cut off for General category is approximately 110 to 130 out of 200. A safe score target is 135 or above. Unlike SSC CHSL where Paper 1 is only qualifying, SSC CPO Paper 1 marks are counted in the final merit, making a high Paper 1 score important for post preference.
What is SSC CPO Cut Off?
SSC CPO cut off is the minimum marks required in Paper 1 to qualify for the PET/PST stage. SSC declares cut off along with the Paper 1 result. A separate final selection cut off is also declared after Paper 2 which determines final appointment. The unique aspect of SSC CPO is that Paper 1 marks contribute to the final merit list (combined Paper 1 + Paper 2 = 400 marks total), so even candidates who just clear the Paper 1 cut off may not make it to final selection if their Paper 2 performance is weak.
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SSC CPO Cut Off 2026
The official SSC CPO 2026 cut off will be released with the Paper 1 result expected in January to February 2027. Until then, previous year trends help set your target score.
SSC CPO Cut Off Previous Year Paper 1 (Out of 200)
| Category | 2024 Cut Off | 2023 Cut Off | 2022 Cut Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| UR (General) | 110 to 125 | 105 to 120 | 100 to 115 |
| OBC | 105 to 118 | 100 to 114 | 96 to 110 |
| EWS | 100 to 115 | 96 to 110 | 92 to 107 |
| SC | 90 to 105 | 86 to 100 | 82 to 96 |
| ST | 80 to 95 | 76 to 90 | 72 to 86 |
| Ex-Servicemen | 70 to 85 | 66 to 80 | 62 to 76 |
SSC CPO 2026 Expected Cut Off
| Category | Expected Paper 1 Cut Off 2026 | Safe Score Target |
|---|---|---|
| UR (General) | 108 to 128 | 135 and above |
| OBC | 103 to 120 | 128 and above |
| EWS | 98 to 117 | 124 and above |
| SC | 88 to 107 | 114 and above |
| ST | 78 to 97 | 104 and above |
| Ex-Servicemen | 68 to 87 | 94 and above |
Why SSC CPO Cut Off is Lower Than SSC CGL
SSC CPO cut off is lower than SSC CGL despite similar Paper 1 syllabus for two main reasons. First, the 30-minute sectional timing in SSC CPO Paper 1 makes it more challenging than SSC CGL Tier 1 where there is no sectional restriction. This reduces average scores. Second, the physical test (PET/PST) and medical examination (DME) stages after Paper 1 act as additional filters, so SSC shortlists more candidates from Paper 1. A candidate who scores well in Paper 1 but fails PET/PST or DME does not get selected, so SSC compensates by keeping Paper 1 cut off relatively accessible.
Section-wise Safe Score Target (Paper 1)
| Section | Max Marks | Safe Target (General) |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 50 | 35 to 42 |
| General Knowledge and GK Awareness | 50 | 38 to 45 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 32 to 40 |
| English Comprehension | 50 | 38 to 45 |
| Total | 200 | 143 to 172 |
SSC CPO Final Cut Off (Paper 1 + Paper 2)
The final selection cut off is based on combined Paper 1 and Paper 2 marks out of 400. For General category, the final selection cut off is typically around 240 to 270 out of 400. To secure a preferred force post (like Delhi Police or CISF), you need to score even higher as force allocation is based on merit rank. Candidates who score higher get their preferred force choice.
Post-wise Cut Off Trend
Delhi Police SI (Executive) typically has the highest cut off among all SSC CPO posts because it is the most preferred post due to Delhi-only posting and slightly better working conditions. CISF SI also has high cut off due to large number of vacancies and popularity. ITBP and SSB generally have relatively lower cut offs due to challenging field postings in high-altitude and border areas.
Frequently Asked Questions on SSC CPO Cut Off
Q1. What is expected SSC CPO 2026 Paper 1 cut off for General category?
Approximately 108 to 128 out of 200. Target 135 or above for a safe margin.
Q2. Is Paper 1 cut off different for Delhi Police and CAPF?
SSC declares a single Paper 1 cut off for shortlisting for PET/PST. Post-wise allocation happens later based on final combined merit.
Q3. Is sectional cut off required in SSC CPO Paper 1?
No. There is only an overall cut off, not a section-wise minimum requirement.
Q4. Is Paper 1 marks counted in final merit?
Yes. SSC CPO final merit = Paper 1 marks + Paper 2 marks (total 400).
Q5. Why does cut off vary each year?
Due to changes in exam difficulty, total vacancy, number of candidates, and normalization across exam shifts.