SSC CPO Eligibility: SSC CPO 2026 eligibility requires candidates to have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university and be between 20 to 25 years for General category as on June 30, 2026. Male candidates applying for SI (Executive) in Delhi Police must additionally possess a valid Driving Licence for LMV (motorcycle and car). Age relaxation is available for reserved categories. There is no maximum attempt limit for SSC CPO.
What is SSC CPO Eligibility?
SSC CPO eligibility criteria are the minimum conditions every candidate must meet before applying. These include nationality, age limit, educational qualification, and for Delhi Police male candidates, a driving licence requirement. Additionally, candidates must meet the physical standards (height, chest, weight) and pass the Physical Efficiency Test at the PET/PST stage after Paper 1. Medical standards are also checked at the DME stage. Failing to meet any eligibility or physical condition at any stage leads to disqualification.
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SSC CPO 2026 Eligibility
The eligibility conditions for SSC CPO 2026 are as declared in the official SSC Examination Calendar 2026-27 and are expected to be identical to previous year conditions.
Also Read: SSC CPO Physical Test
SSC CPO 2026 Eligibility Summary
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian Citizen (and eligible categories) |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree from Recognised University |
| Minimum Age | 20 years |
| Maximum Age (General) | 25 years |
| Age Cutoff Date | June 30, 2026 |
| Additional Requirement (Delhi Police Male) | Valid Driving Licence for LMV (motorcycle and car) |
| Attempts Limit | No restriction |
SSC CPO 2026 Nationality
You must be a citizen of India. Subjects of Nepal and Bhutan, Tibetan refugees who came to India before January 1, 1962 with the intention of permanently settling, and persons of Indian origin who migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling are also eligible with relevant certificates from the Government of India.
SSC CPO 2026 Age Limit
Minimum age is 20 years and maximum age is 25 years for General category. Age is calculated as on June 30, 2026 (the application closing date). This means you must have been born between July 1, 2001 and June 30, 2006 to be eligible under General category.
Note: The minimum age of 20 years (not 18) is unique to SSC CPO and reflects that police and paramilitary service requires greater maturity and physical development than clerical roles.
SSC CPO 2026 Age Relaxation
| Category | Age Relaxation | Maximum Age | Born After |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | None | 25 years | July 1, 2001 |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years | 28 years | July 1, 1998 |
| SC / ST | 5 years | 30 years | July 1, 1996 |
| Ex-Servicemen (General) | 3 years after military service deduction | As applicable | As per rules |
| Widows/Divorced Women (not remarried) | Up to 35 years | 35 years | July 1, 1991 |
| Widows/Divorced Women (SC/ST) | Up to 40 years | 40 years | July 1, 1986 |
| Departmental Candidates (UR, 3+ years service) | Up to 30 years | 30 years | July 1, 1996 |
| Departmental Candidates (OBC, 3+ years service) | Up to 33 years | 33 years | July 1, 1993 |
| Departmental Candidates (SC/ST, 3+ years service) | Up to 35 years | 35 years | July 1, 1991 |
SSC CPO 2026 Educational Qualification
For both Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Sub-Inspector in CAPFs, you must have a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognised University or Institute. Any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts) is accepted. There is no minimum percentage requirement in graduation.
Final year graduation students can also apply for SSC CPO. However, they must have completed graduation and received their degree by the time of document verification after clearing all written and physical stages. Candidates who have not completed their degree by document verification will be disqualified.
SSC CPO Special Requirement: Driving Licence for Delhi Police Male Candidates
This is one of the most important but frequently overlooked eligibility conditions for SSC CPO. Male candidates applying for Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police must possess a valid Driving Licence for Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) — specifically for both motorcycle and car — on the date of Physical Endurance and Standard Tests (PET/PST). Candidates without this valid driving licence will NOT be allowed to undergo PET/PST for the Delhi Police SI post.
This requirement only applies to Delhi Police SI (Male) post. It does not apply to female Delhi Police candidates or any CAPF posts. If you are applying for both Delhi Police and CAPF posts in the same application and do not have a driving licence, you can still appear in PET/PST for CAPF posts even if rejected for Delhi Police PET/PST.
If you are targeting Delhi Police SI, apply for your driving licence well before the exam. Getting a driving licence takes 30 to 60 days typically. Do not leave this for the last moment.
SSC CPO Physical Eligibility (Checked at PET/PST)
Physical standards are checked at the PET/PST stage after Paper 1. These are not checked at application stage but meeting them is necessary for selection. Full details are in the Physical Test page but here is a quick reference:
| Standard | Male (General/OBC/SC/EWS) | Male (ST) | Female (General/OBC/SC/EWS) | Female (ST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 170 cm | 162.5 cm | 157 cm | 154 cm |
| Chest (unexpanded) | 80 cm | 76 cm | Not specified | Not specified |
| Chest (expanded) | 85 cm | 81 cm | Not specified | Not specified |
| Weight (Female) | Not specified | Not specified | Proportional to height | Proportional to height |
SSC CPO Number of Attempts
There is no prescribed limit on the number of attempts for SSC CPO. You can appear every year as long as you are within the age limit of 20 to 25 years (General) or the relaxed limit for your category. A General category candidate can therefore attempt SSC CPO for 6 years (ages 20 to 25 inclusive).
Frequently Asked Questions on SSC CPO Eligibility
Q1. What is the age limit for SSC CPO 2026?
20 to 25 years for General category. OBC gets 3 years relaxation (up to 28). SC/ST gets 5 years (up to 30).
Q2. Is driving licence compulsory for SSC CPO?
Only for male candidates applying for SI (Executive) in Delhi Police. Not required for female candidates or any CAPF posts.
Q3. Can final year graduation students apply?
Yes. But degree must be obtained by document verification stage.
Q4. Is there minimum percentage required in graduation?
No. Any percentage in any graduation stream is acceptable.
Q5. What are the physical requirements for SSC CPO?
Height minimum 170 cm for General male, 157 cm for General female. Chest minimum 80-85 cm for males. Full physical test details are on the Physical Test page.
Q6. How many attempts are allowed in SSC CPO?
No limit. Attempt every year within age limit.