SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern (Changed), Paper 1 and 2 New Pattern

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Central Police Organisations (CPO) examination to recruit Sub-Inspectors in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), including BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB for which the exam pattern has been revised for both papers. Understanding the complete SSC CPO syllabus and exam pattern is the single most important step before you begin preparation. This page covers the full topic-wise syllabus for Paper 1 and Paper 2, the revised exam pattern with the new sectional timing in Paper 1 and Paper 2, and the complete PET/PST and medical test criteria.

SSC CPO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026

Going through the SSC CPO syllabus and exam pattern is the first step towards understanding the complete Syllabus and Exam Pattern and preparing for the examination. Have a look at the important details regarding the SSC CPO 2026 exam in the table below. 

Latest Update- SSC has complete changed SSC CPO Exam Structure for both Paper 1 and 2 including sectional timing, marks distribution and negative marking.

SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 covers two computer-based papers. Paper 1 (100 marks, 1 hrs) has four sections with 15-minute sectional timing each: General Intelligence & Reasoning (25 Qs), General Knowledge & General Awareness (25 Qs), Quantitative Aptitude (25 Qs), and English Comprehension (25 Qs). Paper 2 (320 marks, 2 hrs) including General Intelligence & Reasoning (20 Qs), General Knowledge & General Awareness (20 Qs), Quantitative Aptitude (20 Qs), and English Comprehension (100 Qs). The full selection process includes: Tier 1 → PET/PST → Tier 2 → Medical Examination.

SSC CPO 2026 Exam Structure

The SSC CPO exam has four different phases that candidates need to clear in order to get selected for various posts in Delhi Police, CAPFs, CISFs etc. Paper 1 is an Objective multiple-choice question paper. The Paper-II exam will also be conducted online, while the PET/PST Test is conducted to check the endurance (medical and physical strength) of the candidate.

SSC CPO Notification 2026 Out for 1871 SI Vacancies- Click to Check

SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026

The SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 for Paper 1, Paper 2, and parameters for PST & PET have been discussed here. Let's start with understanding the exam pattern of SSC CPO 2026. 

SSC CPO Paper-1 Exam Pattern

1. There will be 100 Multiple-Choice Questions in the SSC CPO Paper 1.
2. Each correct answer will score you 1 mark, and for each incorrect answer, there will be a negative marking of 0.25 mark.
3. The duration of the SSC CPO 2026 Paper 1 will be 1 hour (60 minutes).
4. This time, SSC has introduced sectional timing in Paper 1, i.e. 15 minutes for each part. 

SSC CPO Paper 2 Exam Pattern 2026

SSC CPO Paper-2 will be conducted after the PET/PST Test for SSC CPO 2026 is conducted.

1. The total time duration of the exam is 120 minutes, i.e., 2 hours.
2. The total number of questions asked will be 160 MCQs, and the maximum marks for Paper-2 will be 320.
3. The test will now include questions from General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Knowledge & General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension sections and will be conducted online.
4. There will be negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer.
5. This time, SSC has introduced sectional timing in Paper 2, i.e., 20 minutes for each part and 1 hour for the English Language and Comprehension part. 

SSC CPO Syllabus 2026

SSC CPO is conducted in two different Computer-based stages, and the syllabus for each level is different. Candidates should stay updated about any changes in the SSC CPO syllabus and exam pattern for 2026 to prepare effectively. 

SSC CPO Paper 1 Syllabus

In Tier I of the SSC CPO exam, there are four sections: Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and General Awareness. The Reasoning Ability section tests your logical thinking. Quantitative Aptitude focuses on mathematical ability and numerical calculations. The English Language section checks your understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension solving. General Awareness tests your knowledge of current events, general knowledge, and basic facts about all subjects.

SSC CPO Paper 2 Syllabus

In SSC CPO Tier 2, the English Language section focuses on testing your English comprehension and reading skills. You will be required to understand and analyze passages like close tests and answer questions based on them. This section also includes grammar and vocabulary-based questions. Let's have a look at the table below.

SSC CPO Physical Standard Test (PST)

The candidates, after qualifying in the SSC CPO Paper 1, have to appear for the Physical Standard Test and Physical Efficiency Test. The details for SSC CPO PST and PET have been tabulated below. 

SSC CPO Physical Efficiency Test (PET)

For Male Candidates

1. 100-metre race in 16 seconds
2. 1.6 Km Race in 6.5 minutes
3. Long Jump: 3.65 metres in 5 chances
4. High Jump: 1.2 metres in 3 chances
5. Short put 16 LBS: 4.5 metres in 3 chances

For Female Candidates

1. 100-metre race in 18 seconds
2. 800-metre race in 4 minutes
3. Long Jump: 2.7 metres or 9 feet in 3 chances
4. High Jump: 0.9 metres or 3 feet in 3 chances

SSC CPO Apply Online 2026- Click to Apply

SSC CPO Medical Test

The required criteria for the Medical Test are given below:

1. Minimum Near Vision: N6 (better eye) and N9 (worse eye)
2. Minimum Distant Vision: 6/6 (better eye) and 6/9 (worse eye)
3. Must not have knock knee, flat foot, varicose vein or squint in eyes
4. Eye standards should be without visual correction of any kind even by glasses.