SSC CPO Exam Guide (Delhi Police & CAPF SI)

What the SSC CPO exam is

The SSC CPO (Central Police Organisation) examination recruits Sub-Inspectors (SI) for Delhi Police and for the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). It is a graduate-level uniformed-forces exam with its own two-paper written route plus physical and medical tests.

It is distinct from the other SSC exams: unlike CGL, CHSL or MTS (which are largely clerical/ministerial), CPO leads to a Sub-Inspector role and therefore adds physical-standard and physical-efficiency testing to the written selection.

• Recruits Sub-Inspectors (SI) in Delhi Police and the CAPFs
• A graduate-level exam with two written papers plus physical and medical stages
• Distinct from SSC CGL/CHSL/MTS, which are clerical/ministerial exams

Who conducts it

The exam is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) through ssc.gov.in, where the notification, application window, admit cards, answer keys and results are published.

The physical tests (PET/PST) and the medical examination are conducted for the participating forces. Always treat the official SSC website and the specific CPO notification as the authoritative source for pattern, standards and dates.

Eligibility — the essentials (confirm the specifics officially)

The core educational requirement is a bachelor's degree from a recognised university. Nationality eligibility is stated as being open to Indian citizens as per the official notification.

The age band, physical standards (height, chest where applicable), PET events and timings, medical standards and any relaxations differ by category and are set in each notification. Verify all of these on ssc.gov.in — never assume them from an unofficial page.

• Bachelor's degree from a recognised university
• Open to Indian citizens as per the official notification
• Age limit, physical standards, PET events and medical criteria: verify on ssc.gov.in

Stages and exam pattern

The written selection is in two computer-based papers. Paper-I is an objective test covering areas such as general intelligence and reasoning, general knowledge and general awareness, quantitative aptitude and English comprehension. Candidates who qualify Paper-I go on to the Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET).

Paper-II is a separate objective paper focused on English language and comprehension, taken by candidates who clear the earlier stages. A medical examination follows. Both papers have carried negative marking. The exact number of questions, marks, sectional timing and every physical standard are defined in the notification — do not rely on unofficial figures.

• Paper-I — objective (reasoning, GK/GA, quantitative aptitude, English comprehension)
• PET/PST — physical efficiency and standard tests (qualifying)
• Paper-II — objective English language & comprehension
• Medical examination
• Exact question counts, marks, timing and standards: confirm in the notification

How to prepare (a neutral approach)

Cover all four Paper-I areas — reasoning, general awareness, quantitative aptitude and English — and practise full-length objective papers under time pressure so you handle the pace and the negative marking. For Paper-II, build strong English grammar, vocabulary and comprehension.

Since the PET/PST is qualifying, prepare physically for the running and physical-standard requirements in the notification, safely and gradually. No course, book or app can promise selection — sustained written practice and physical readiness are what count.

• Practise all four Paper-I sections plus dedicated English for Paper-II
• Do timed mock papers to manage speed and negative marking
• Prepare safely for the PET/PST standards described officially
• Ignore any 'guaranteed selection' promise

What to verify on the official website

Before applying, confirm on ssc.gov.in: the age band and relaxations, the exact physical standards and PET events/timings, the vacancies for Delhi Police and each CAPF, the Paper-I and Paper-II patterns, the application fee, and the important dates.

These are revised each cycle. Treat the official SSC website and the specific CPO notification as the single source of truth and re-check them before applying.