SSC CPO Notification: SSC CPO 2026 notification will be released on May 31, 2026 by the Staff Selection Commission at ssc.gov.in for recruitment to Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police and Sub-Inspector (General Duty) in Central Armed Police Forces including CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. Online application opens May 31 to June 30, 2026. Paper 1 Computer Based Exam is scheduled for October to November 2026. SSC CPO is a graduation level exam for candidates aged 20 to 25 years offering a prestigious police and paramilitary career with salary up to Rs 1,12,400 per month.
What is SSC CPO?
SSC CPO stands for Staff Selection Commission Central Police Organisations. It is a national level competitive examination conducted every year by the Staff Selection Commission to recruit Sub-Inspectors in the Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The full form of CPO is Central Police Organisations. SSC CPO is also called SSC SI CPO exam because the primary post being filled is Sub Inspector (SI).
SSC CPO is one of the most prestigious SSC exams because it offers a uniformed police job — either in Delhi Police (civil police) or in one of the five CAPFs that guard India’s borders and maintain internal security. The selection process is among the most rigorous of all SSC exams involving four stages: Paper 1 written exam, Physical Standard Test and Physical Efficiency Test, Paper 2 English exam, and Detailed Medical Examination. Only candidates who clear all four stages get the final appointment.
| SSC CPO Physical Test | SSC CPO Preparation Tips |
| SSC CPO Physical Test | SSC CPO Eligibility |
| SSC CPO Cut Off | SSC CPO Result |
| SSC CPO Answer Key | SSC CPO Admit Card |
SSC CPO Full Form
SSC CPO full form is Staff Selection Commission Central Police Organisations. SSC is the Staff Selection Commission — the central government body that conducts recruitment exams for various government posts. CPO stands for Central Police Organisations which refers to the Delhi Police and the five Central Armed Police Forces — CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force), BSF (Border Security Force), CISF (Central Industrial Security Force), ITBP (Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force), and SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal).
Also Read: SSC CPO Syllabus
SSC CPO Notification 2026
The Staff Selection Commission will officially release the SSC CPO notification on May 31, 2026 at ssc.gov.in. This date is confirmed in the official SSC Examination Calendar 2026-27. The notification PDF will contain all official details including force-wise and category-wise vacancy, eligibility criteria, physical standards, exam dates, application process, exam pattern, and selection procedure. Candidates must download and read the notification PDF carefully before applying.
SSC CPO Notification 2026 Exam Summary
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Notification Date | May 31, 2026 |
| Application Start | May 31, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | June 30, 2026 |
| Paper 1 Exam Date | October to November 2026 |
| Posts | SI (Executive) in Delhi Police, SI (GD) in CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB |
| Minimum Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree from Recognised University |
| Age Limit | 20 to 25 years |
| Application Fee | Rs 100 (Free for Female, SC, ST, Ex-Servicemen) |
| Selection Process | Paper 1 (CBT) → PET/PST → Paper 2 (CBT) → DME |
| Pay Level | Level 6 (Rs 35,400 to Rs 1,12,400) |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC CPO 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | May 31, 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | May 31, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | June 30, 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | To be notified |
| Paper 1 Admit Card | 7 to 10 days before exam |
| Paper 1 CBT Exam | October to November 2026 |
| Paper 1 Answer Key | After Paper 1 |
| Paper 1 Result | After Paper 1 |
| PET and PST | After Paper 1 result |
| Paper 2 Exam | After PET/PST |
| Paper 2 Result | After Paper 2 |
| Detailed Medical Examination | Final stage |
| Final Result | 2027 |
SSC CPO 2026 Posts
SSC CPO 2026 recruits for six different posts across Delhi Police and five CAPFs.
Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police
SI (Executive) in Delhi Police is a civil police post. Delhi Police is under the Ministry of Home Affairs and functions in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. After selection, you work in Delhi only. Your work involves law enforcement, crime prevention, investigation support, traffic management, maintaining law and order, and community policing in Delhi. Male candidates must possess a valid driving licence for LMV (motorcycle and car) to appear in the PET/PST. Delhi Police SI is the most sought after post in SSC CPO because of Delhi posting and slightly higher Grade Pay structure compared to CAPF posts.
Sub-Inspector (GD) in CRPF
CRPF is the largest CAPF in India deployed across the country for internal security, counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir and North-East, anti-Naxal operations in Central India, VIP security, and election duties. CRPF SI posting can be anywhere in India. Includes both combat and administrative roles.
Sub-Inspector (GD) in BSF
BSF guards India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. BSF SI posting is at border outposts, headquarter offices, and battalion locations along the western and eastern borders. Includes field duties in challenging terrain and administrative roles at headquarters.
Sub-Inspector (GD) in CISF
CISF provides security to critical infrastructure including airports, nuclear plants, space stations, government buildings, metro rails, and major public sector undertakings. CISF SI can be posted at any of these locations across India. Airport security is a major component of CISF work.
Sub-Inspector (GD) in ITBP
ITBP guards India’s borders with China along the Himalayas. ITBP SI postings are at high-altitude border posts, battalions, and headquarter offices. Involves physically demanding work in extreme mountain terrain. Specialised training in mountaineering and skiing is provided.
Sub-Inspector (GD) in SSB
SSB guards India’s borders with Nepal and Bhutan. SSB SI postings are at border outposts and battalion locations along the northern and north-eastern borders. Also involved in anti-smuggling and anti-criminal operations in border areas.
SSC CPO 2026 Vacancy
The exact force-wise and category-wise vacancy for SSC CPO 2026 will be declared in the notification on May 31, 2026. In the previous cycle (SSC CPO 2025), approximately 3,000 to 3,500 vacancies were announced. Based on historical trends, SSC CPO 2026 is expected to have a similar number.
SSC CPO Previous Year Force-wise Vacancy (Reference)
| Force | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi Police (SI Exe) | 142 | 70 | 212 |
| CRPF | 1,006 | 23 | 1,029 |
| BSF | 212 | 11 | 223 |
| CISF | 1,164 | 130 | 1,294 |
| ITBP | 198 | 35 | 233 |
| SSB | 71 | 11 | 82 |
| Total | 2,793 | 280 | 3,073 |
SSC CPO 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Must be a citizen of India. Subjects of Nepal and Bhutan, Tibetan refugees who came to India before January 1, 1962, and persons of Indian origin who migrated from specified countries with intent to permanently settle are also eligible with relevant certificates.
Age Limit
Minimum age is 20 years and maximum age is 25 years for General category as on the closing date of application (June 30, 2026). 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 for SSC CPO (20 years) is higher than most other SSC exams. This reflects the physical and professional maturity required for police and paramilitary service.
Age Relaxation
| Category | Age Relaxation | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| General | None | 25 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years | 28 years |
| SC / ST | 5 years | 30 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years after military service deduction | As applicable |
| Widows / Divorced Women (not remarried) | Up to 35 years | 35 years |
| Widows / Divorced Women (SC/ST) | Up to 40 years | 40 years |
| Departmental Candidates (UR, 3+ years service) | Up to 30 years | 30 years |
| Departmental Candidates (OBC, 3+ years service) | Up to 33 years | 33 years |
| Departmental Candidates (SC/ST, 3+ years service) | Up to 35 years | 35 years |
Educational Qualification
For both Delhi Police SI and CAPF SI posts, candidates must have a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized University. Candidates appearing in their final year graduation exam are also eligible to apply, but they must have passed by the time of the document verification stage.
Important Additional Requirement for Delhi Police SI (Male): Male candidates applying for SI (Executive) in Delhi Police must possess a valid Driving Licence for LMV (motorcycle and car) on the date of Physical Endurance and Standard Tests. Candidates without a valid driving licence will NOT be allowed to appear in PET/PST for Delhi Police SI. This is a unique requirement specific to Delhi Police and does not apply to CAPF posts.
SSC CPO 2026 Selection Process
SSC CPO 2026 has a four-stage selection process. All four stages must be cleared to get the final appointment.
Stage 1: Paper 1 (Computer Based Test)
Paper 1 is an objective type computer based test with 200 questions for 200 marks in 120 minutes. Four sections with 30-minute sectional timing each. Negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer. Paper 1 is qualifying in nature for the purpose of PET/PST. Marks from Paper 1 are counted in the final merit list calculation.
Stage 2: Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
Candidates who qualify Paper 1 cutoff are called for PST and PET. PST checks height, chest, and weight. PET tests running speed, high jump, long jump, and shot put ability. Both are qualifying in nature. Candidates who fail either PST or PET are not selected.
Stage 3: Paper 2 (Computer Based Test)
Paper 2 tests English Language and Comprehension only. It has 200 questions for 200 marks. Paper 2 is only in English (not bilingual). Negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer. Paper 2 marks along with Paper 1 marks determine the final merit list.
Stage 4: Detailed Medical Examination (DME)
Candidates shortlisted based on Paper 1 + Paper 2 combined merit are called for DME. Medical standards are checked in detail including eyesight, hearing, and overall health. Candidates with certain medical conditions may be rejected at DME stage.
SSC CPO 2026 Exam Pattern
Paper 1 Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence and Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| General Knowledge and General Awareness | 50 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| English Comprehension | 50 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 120 minutes |
Negative marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer. Paper 1 is bilingual (Hindi and English) except for English section. Sectional timing of 30 minutes per section is strictly enforced.
Paper 2 Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Comprehension | 200 | 200 | 120 minutes |
Negative marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer. Paper 2 is ONLY in English. No bilingual option.
SSC CPO 2026 Salary
| Post | Pay Level | Basic Pay | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| SI (Executive) in Delhi Police | Level 6 | Rs 35,400 | Rs 35,400 to Rs 1,12,400 |
| SI (GD) in CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB | Level 6 | Rs 35,400 | Rs 35,400 to Rs 1,12,400 |
In-hand salary in Delhi posting is approximately Rs 65,000 to Rs 75,000 per month after adding Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, and other allowances. CAPF personnel posted in field areas get additional allowances like Hard Area Allowance, Risk Allowance, and High Altitude Allowance which can significantly increase take-home pay.
SSC CPO Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General | Rs 100 |
| OBC | Rs 100 |
| EWS | Rs 100 |
| SC | No Fee |
| ST | No Fee |
| Female (All Categories) | No Fee |
| Ex-Servicemen | No Fee |
Frequently Asked Questions on SSC CPO 2026 Notification
Q1. When will SSC CPO 2026 notification be released? May 31, 2026 at ssc.gov.in.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for SSC CPO 2026? June 30, 2026.
Q3. What is SSC CPO full form? Staff Selection Commission Central Police Organisations.
Q4. What is SSC CPO? SSC CPO (Central Police Organisations) exam recruits Sub-Inspectors in Delhi Police and CAPFs including CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB.
Q5. What is SSC CPO kya hota hai? SSC CPO ek national level exam hai jiske through Sub Inspector posts ke liye graduation pass candidates ko select kiya jata hai. Delhi Police aur CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB me SI banne ka ye sabse popular tarika hai.
Q6. What is the eligibility for SSC CPO 2026? Graduation degree from any recognized university. Age 20 to 25 years. Male Delhi Police SI candidates additionally need a valid driving licence for LMV.
Q7. How many stages are there in SSC CPO? Four stages: Paper 1 (CBT), PET/PST (Physical Test), Paper 2 (CBT, English only), and Detailed Medical Examination.
Q8. What is the SSC CPO exam date 2026? Paper 1 is scheduled for October to November 2026.
Q9. What is the salary of SSC CPO SI? Pay Level 6 with basic pay Rs 35,400. In-hand salary approximately Rs 65,000 to Rs 75,000 per month in Delhi posting.
Q10. What is SSC CPO SI kya hai? SSC CPO SI matlab Sub Inspector post hai jo central police aur paramilitary forces me bharti ke liye hoti hai. Ye ek gazetted post hai jisme uniform pahni jati hai aur police/security ka kaam hota hai.
Q11. Is SSC CPO only for males? No. Female candidates can also apply for SSC CPO 2026 for both Delhi Police and CAPF posts. There are separate vacancies for female candidates.
Q12. What is the difference between SSC CPO Delhi Police and CAPF? Delhi Police SI posting is only in Delhi doing civil police work. CAPF SI posting can be anywhere in India and involves border guarding, internal security, and critical infrastructure protection work.