SSC CPO Syllabus 2026, Check Exam Pattern

The SSC CPO syllabus 2026 is designed to assess candidates’ knowledge, reasoning ability, and physical fitness for recruitment as Sub-Inspectors in Delhi Police, CAPFs, and Assistant Sub-Inspectors in CISF. The exam is conducted in four stages: Paper 1, PET/PST, Paper 2, and Medical Examination. Paper 1 includes General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Knowledge & General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension, while Paper 2 focuses on English Language & Comprehension. A clear understanding of the syllabus helps aspirants prepare strategically, manage time effectively, and maximize scores. This article provides the complete subject-wise SSC CPO syllabus and exam pattern.

SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 for Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police & CAPFs / Central Police Organisation

Detailed syllabus and exam pattern for SSC CPO (Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police & CAPFs / Central Police Organisation), covering all phases (Paper-I, Physical tests, Paper-II, Medical).

Overview of Selection Phases / Stages

The SSC CPO exam is generally conducted in the following phases:

Only those who clear all phases are eligible for final merit and selection.

SSC CPO Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2026– Phase by Phase

Below is the detailed syllabus (topics/subtopics) and pattern (marks, duration, negative marking) for Paper-I and Paper-II, as well as the physical/medical standards.

1. Paper-I (Tier I / CBT)

Pattern (typical / as per latest notification)

• Mode: Computer-Based Test (online)

• Total Questions: 200

• Marks: 200

• Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)

• Marking Scheme: +1 mark for correct, –0.25 (¼) marks for wrong answer (negative marking)

• Language: English & Hindi (for non-English parts)

Sections & Topic-wise Syllabus

The Paper-I is divided into four sections. Below are the main topics:

Important Notes / Remarks

• There is no sectional cut-off in many years, but total marks matter.

• The difficulty level is moderate.

• Questions are bilingual (Hindi + English) in non-English parts.

• Topics in Reasoning & Quant are similar to those in many govt exams (SSC, banking, etc.).

2. PST / PET (Physical Tests & Physical Standards)

These are qualifying / eliminative tests. Marks are not added to merit, but you must pass them to go to Paper-II.

Physical Standards / Body Measurements
These include minimum requirements for height, chest (for male), etc. (varies by category).
For example (typical):

• Male: Height ~ 170 cm (varies for hill/tribal areas)

• Female: Height ~ 157 cm (varies)

• Chest (for males): Unexpanded / Expanded (e.g., 80 / 85 cm) for some categories.

• Vision requirements (with/without glasses)

Physical / Endurance Events
Typical events include:

If a candidate fails any part (height, run, jumps, etc.), they are disqualified. There may be a chance to appeal / recheck at ground level.

3. Paper-II (Tier II / CBT)

Only those who clear PST/PET are eligible. This phase primarily tests English language & comprehension at a higher level.

Pattern

• Mode: Computer Based Test (online)

• Total Questions: 200

• Marks: 200

• Duration: 2 hours

• Marking Scheme: +1 for correct, –0.25 for wrong (same negative scheme)

Syllabus / Topics

Since this paper is fully focused on English, relevant topics include:

Some sources break down the approximate number of questions per type (for planning) (for example, error detection, synonyms etc).

4. Medical Examination (Detailed Medical Examination, DME)

This is the final stage. Here, the candidate’s medical fitness is checked in detail by authorized medical officers (CAPF / Govt hospital). The parameters include:

• Vision/eyesight (distance, near vision)

• Physical deformities (knock knees, flat feet, etc.)

• General health, fitness, diseases, etc.

• Sometimes, hearing, dental, etc.

If a candidate fails medical fitness, they are rejected.

Tips for Preparation (Based on Syllabus)

• Make a topic-wise schedule (e.g. divide Reasoning, Quant, English, GK) and allocate more time to weaker areas.

• Practice mock tests & previous years’ papers under timed conditions.

• For English, read widely (newspapers, magazines) to improve vocabulary & comprehension.

• For GK / Current Affairs, maintain monthly / weekly updates.

• Physical training from early on (running, jumps) to clear PST / PET.

• Keep updated with the official notification each year, as syllabus or pattern may slightly change.

SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 in Details

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has officially released the notification for the 2026 Central Police Organisation (CPO) examination, opening the door for aspiring candidates to join the esteemed ranks of Sub-Inspectors in the Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). To navigate this competitive examination successfully, a thorough understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern is paramount. This user-centric guide provides a detailed breakdown of the SSC CPO syllabus 2026 for each stage, empowering you to tailor your preparation for optimal results.

The selection process for the SSC CPO examination is a multi-stage journey designed to assess a candidate’s mental and physical prowess. It comprises the following key phases:

• Paper I: A computer-based test to evaluate your foundational knowledge.

• Physical Standard Test (PST) & Physical Endurance Test (PET): A measure of your physical fitness and endurance.

• Paper II: A computer-based test focused on your command of the English language.

• Detailed Medical Examination (DME): A comprehensive medical assessment to ensure you meet the required health standards.

SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 for Paper 1

Paper I is an objective-type examination with 200 multiple-choice questions, carrying a total of 200 marks. The duration of the exam is two hours. Aspiring candidates should be mindful of the negative marking scheme, where 0.25 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer. The paper is divided into four sections, each carrying equal weightage of 50 marks.

General Intelligence and Reasoning: Sharpen Your Logical Acumen

This section is designed to test your verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills. Key topics include:

• Analogies, Similarities, and Differences

• Space Visualization and Problem Solving

• Judgment and Decision Making

• Visual Memory and Discrimination

• Arithmetical Reasoning and Number Series

• Verbal and Figure Classification

General Knowledge and General Awareness: Stay Abreast of the World Around You

This section gauges your awareness of current events and general knowledge. Focus your preparation on:

• Current Affairs of National and International Importance

• Indian History, Culture, Geography, and Economic Scene

• General Polity and the Indian Constitution

• Scientific Research and Developments

Quantitative Aptitude: Master the Numbers Game

This section assesses your numerical ability and mathematical skills. Important topics to cover are:

• Whole Numbers, Decimals, and Fractions

• Percentages, Ratio and Proportion

• Square Roots, Averages, and Interest

• Profit & Loss, Discount, and Partnership Business

• Time and Distance, Time and Work

• Basic Algebraic Identities and Elementary Surds

• Graphs of Linear Equations

• Triangles, Circles, and their Chords

• Quadrilaterals, Regular Polygons, and Circles

• Right Prism, Right Circular Cone, and Right Circular Cylinder

• Hemispheres, Rectangular Parallelepiped, and Regular Right Pyramid

• Trigonometric Ratios, Degree and Radian Measures

• Standard Identities and Complementary Angles

• Heights and Distances

• Histogram, Frequency Polygon, Bar Diagram & Pie Chart

English Comprehension: Command the Language

This section evaluates your understanding and command of the English language. Key areas of focus should be:

• Reading Comprehension

• Error Recognition

• Fill in the Blanks (using verbs, prepositions, articles, etc.)

• Vocabulary and Spellings

• Grammar and Sentence Structure

• Synonyms and Antonyms

• Sentence Completion

• Phrases and Idiomatic Use of Words

SSC CPO Syllabus for Stage 2: Proving Your Physical Mettle – PST & PET

Candidates who clear Paper I will be summoned for the Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET). These tests are qualifying in nature and are designed to assess your physical fitness for a demanding career in the police forces.

Physical Standard Test (PST)

The PST lays down the minimum physical standards required for candidates. The requirements vary based on gender and category.

Physical Endurance Test (PET)

The PET is a test of your physical endurance and includes the following events:

For Male Candidates:

• 100-meter race in 16 seconds

• 1.6-kilometer race in 6.5 minutes

• Long Jump: 3.65 meters in 3 chances

• High Jump: 1.2 meters in 3 chances

• Shot Put (16 Lbs): 4.5 meters in 3 chances

For Female Candidates:

• 100-meter race in 18 seconds

• 800-meter race in 4 minutes

• Long Jump: 2.7 meters in 3 chances

• High Jump: 0.9 meters in 3 chances

SSC CPO Syllabus for Stage 3: Mastering the Nuances of English in Paper II

Candidates who qualify in the PST and PET will proceed to Paper II, which is a test of English Language and Comprehension. This computer-based test consists of 200 questions carrying 200 marks, with a duration of two hours. A negative marking of 0.25 marks will be applicable for each incorrect answer.

The syllabus for Paper II is designed to assess a candidate’s understanding and knowledge of the English language. Key areas to focus on include:

• Error Recognition

• Fill in the Blanks (using verbs, prepositions, articles, etc.)

• Vocabulary and Spellings

• Grammar and Sentence Structure

• Synonyms and Antonyms

• Sentence Completion

• Phrases and Idiomatic Use of Words

• Comprehension

Stage 4: The Final Hurdle – Detailed Medical Examination (DME)

The final stage of the selection process is the Detailed Medical Examination (DME). Candidates who clear Paper II will be called for the DME. This examination is conducted to ascertain the medical fitness of the candidates. The medical standards are stringent, and candidates must be in good mental and physical health and free from any physical defect likely to interfere with the efficient performance of their duties.

By familiarizing yourself with the detailed syllabus and exam pattern of the SSC CPO 2026 examination, you can create a structured and effective preparation strategy. Consistent effort and a clear understanding of the requirements at each stage will significantly enhance your chances of success in this prestigious examination.

SSC CPO Syllabus Analysis

SSC CPO Syllabus Analysis 2026 in a table format (Tier-1 + Tier-2 + trend-based insights) based on latest exam pattern and previous year analysis.

Tier 1 (Paper 1) – Subject-wise Analysis

Total: 200 Questions | 200 Marks | 120 Minutes (30 min sectional timing)

Tier 1 Topic-Level Deep Analysis

Trend insight: Same core topics repeat every year—especially arithmetic, reasoning basics, and grammar rules.

Tier 2 (Paper 2) – English Analysis

Tier-2 focuses only on English, so it becomes a game-changer stage

Overall Exam Structure Analysis

 Negative marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer

Section-wise Difficulty & Scoring Analysis

Most Scoring Topics (80/20 Rule)

FAQs

Q1. What is the exam pattern of SSC CPO?
The SSC CPO exam is conducted in four stages:

1. Paper-I (Objective, Computer-Based Test)

2. Physical Endurance Test (PET) / Physical Standard Test (PST)

3. Paper-II (Objective, English Language & Comprehension)

4. Medical Examination

Q2. What subjects are included in SSC CPO Paper-I?
Paper-I consists of:

• General Intelligence & Reasoning

• General Knowledge & General Awareness

• Quantitative Aptitude

• English Comprehension

Q3. How many questions are asked in SSC CPO Paper-I?
Paper-I has 200 questions (50 from each section) carrying 200 marks with a time limit of 2 hours.

Q4. Is there negative marking in SSC CPO?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in both Paper-I and Paper-II.

Q5. What is the syllabus of SSC CPO General Intelligence & Reasoning?
It includes topics like Analogies, Classification, Coding-Decoding, Puzzles, Series, Syllogism, Blood Relations, Directions, and Non-verbal reasoning (figures, patterns, etc.).

Q6. What is the syllabus of SSC CPO General Knowledge & Awareness?
This section covers Current Affairs, History, Polity, Geography, Economy, General Science, Static GK, and National & International Events.

Q7. What is the syllabus of SSC CPO Quantitative Aptitude?
It includes topics such as Number System, Simplification, Ratio & Proportion, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Data Interpretation.

Q8. What is the syllabus of SSC CPO English Comprehension (Paper-I)?
The syllabus covers Vocabulary, Grammar, Sentence Structure, Error Spotting, Fill in the Blanks, Cloze Test, Synonyms, Antonyms, and Reading Comprehension.

Q9. What is SSC CPO Paper-II about?
Paper-II is entirely based on English Language & Comprehension with 200 questions carrying 200 marks, testing candidates’ understanding of grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills.

Q10. What are the Physical Tests (PET/PST) in SSC CPO?

• Height & Chest Measurement (PST) – Different for male and female candidates.

• Physical Endurance Test (PET): Includes running, long jump, high jump, and shot put for males; running, long jump, and high jump for females.

Q11. What is the medium of SSC CPO exam?
The exam is conducted in both Hindi and English, except the English section.

Q12. How should I prepare for SSC CPO current affairs section?
Focus on the last 6–12 months of current events, government schemes, defense exercises, awards, appointments, sports, and international affairs.