SSC CPO Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 1,871 Sub-Inspector Posts, Eligibility, Dates, Vacancy, Exam Pattern and More

The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) has released the notification for the Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces Examination, 2026, commonly known as SSC CPO 2026. The examination is being conducted for recruitment to Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police, various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF.

According to the notification, a total of 1,871 tentative vacancies have been announced. The online application process will remain open from 10 September 2026 to 30 September 2026, while the last date for online fee payment is 1 October 2026. The Computer Based Examination schedule will be notified later by SSC.

Candidates interested in SSC CPO 2026 should carefully check the post-wise eligibility requirements because the educational qualification, age limit, driving licence requirement and physical standards can vary depending on the post.

SSC CPO Recruitment 2026 – Overview

The following table provides the key details of the recruitment:

The notification specifies the application period, fee-payment deadline, correction window and examination schedule as above.

SSC CPO 2026 Important Dates

Candidates should keep the following dates in mind:

SSC CPO 2026 Vacancy Details

SSC has announced 1,871 tentative vacancies across Delhi Police, CAPFs and CISF Fire.

Post-wise Vacancy

Delhi Police SI Male – 205 Vacancies

Delhi Police SI Female – 112 Vacancies

CAPF SI GD – 1,320 Vacancies

The CAPF vacancies are distributed among CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF and SSB.

The notification states that these vacancies are tentative and may change. SSC does not determine the number of vacancies; vacancies are reported by the concerned departments/forces.

CISF SI Fire Male – 234 Vacancies

SSC CPO 2026 Salary

The posts carry Pay Level-6 with a pay scale of ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400.

The notification classifies CAPF SI GD and CISF SI Fire as Group B Non-Gazetted, Non-Ministerial posts, while Delhi Police SI is classified as Group C by Delhi Police.

SSC CPO 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Nationality

A candidate must be:

• A citizen of India; or
• A subject of Nepal; or
• A subject of Bhutan.

Candidates who are subjects of Nepal or Bhutan require an eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India as applicable.

Age Limit

The age is calculated as on 1 August 2026.

Age Relaxation

The notification also specifies that Delhi Police departmental candidates must have at least three years of regular and continuous service as on the closing date.

Educational Qualification

For Delhi Police SI and CAPF SI GD

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent.

Candidates appearing in their Bachelor’s degree/equivalent examination may also apply, but they must possess the essential qualification on or before the closing date of applications.

For CISF SI Fire

Candidates must possess either:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Science with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics from a recognized university/equivalent; OR
• Matriculation/equivalent plus a three-year diploma in specified engineering disciplines such as Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Automobiles, Chemical, Mining, Aeronautical or Telecommunication Engineering.

The notification also mentions that higher qualifications such as B.Tech/M.Tech in relevant fields may be treated as value addition, subject to the required basic qualification.

Important Note for Distance/Online Degree Holders

Degrees, diplomas or certificates obtained through Open and Distance Learning must satisfy the applicable recognition requirements. Candidates may be required to produce relevant recognition/approval documents during verification.

Driving Licence Requirement for Delhi Police SI Male

This is an important requirement that candidates should not overlook.

Male candidates applying for Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police must possess a valid LMV driving licence for Motorcycle and Car on the date fixed for the Physical Endurance and Measurement Tests.

A male candidate without the required driving licence can still be eligible for SI posts in CAPFs, but not for Delhi Police SI Male.

Who Should Apply for SSC CPO Recruitment 2026?

SSC CPO 2026 can be considered by candidates who meet the prescribed eligibility conditions in the notification, particularly:

• Candidates who have the required Bachelor’s degree for Delhi Police SI/CAPF SI GD.
• Candidates who meet the prescribed age limit as on 1 August 2026.
• Candidates who can satisfy the required physical standards and PET requirements.
• Male candidates interested in Delhi Police SI who have the required valid Motorcycle and Car LMV driving licence.
• Candidates interested in CISF SI Fire who meet its specific educational qualification requirements.
• Candidates who are prepared to complete the written examination, physical tests, medical examination and document verification stages.
• Eligible candidates who can meet the prescribed post/force requirements before submitting their preferences.

The notification specifically requires candidates to satisfy themselves that they fulfil the prescribed eligibility conditions before applying.

Who Should Not Apply for SSC CPO Recruitment 2026?

Candidates should not apply for a particular SSC CPO post if they do not meet that post’s mandatory eligibility requirements. For example:

• A candidate who does not have the required educational qualification by the closing date should not apply for the concerned post.
• A candidate outside the prescribed age limit, after applicable relaxation, should not apply.
• A male candidate who wants Delhi Police SI but does not possess the required Motorcycle and Car LMV driving licence should not apply for that Delhi Police SI Male post.
• A candidate who cannot satisfy the prescribed physical standards/PET requirements should carefully reconsider applying for posts where those requirements are mandatory.
• A candidate who does not meet the specific educational qualification for CISF SI Fire should not select that post.
• Candidates who cannot provide the required documents to support their eligibility/category claims should not make unsupported claims in the application.

Important: This does not mean a candidate who is ineligible for one post is necessarily ineligible for every SSC CPO post. Eligibility can differ by post. For example, the driving-licence requirement specifically affects Delhi Police SI Male, while the CISF SI Fire post has its own educational qualification.

SSC CPO 2026 Application Fee

The application fee is ₹100.

Women candidates and candidates belonging to SC, ST and eligible Ex-Servicemen categories are exempted from payment of the application fee.

The fee can be paid online through BHIM UPI, Net Banking, Visa, MasterCard, Maestro or RuPay Debit Card.

SSC CPO 2026 Application Correction Charges

SSC will provide a correction window from 8 October to 10 October 2026 up to 11:00 PM.

Candidates can correct and resubmit the application up to two times.

• First correction: ₹200
• Second correction: ₹500
• Correction charges apply to all candidates irrespective of gender/category.

If the applicable correction charge is not received, the corrected application will not be accepted and the previously submitted application will remain valid.

SSC CPO 2026 Physical Standards

Physical standards are different for Delhi Police, CAPFs and CISF SI Fire.

Delhi Police Physical Standards

Male Candidates

• General category: 170 cm height, chest 80–85 cm
• Specified hill/regional categories: 165 cm, chest 80–85 cm
• ST candidates: 162.5 cm, chest 77–82 cm

Female Candidates

• General: 157 cm
• Specified hill/regional categories: 155 cm
• ST candidates: 154 cm
• No chest measurement requirement.

CAPF Physical Standards

Male Candidates

• General: 170 cm, chest 80–85 cm
• Specified hill/regional categories: 165 cm, chest 80–85 cm
• Gorkha candidates: 157 cm, chest 80–85 cm
• ST candidates: 162.5 cm, chest 77–82 cm
• ST candidates from North-Eastern States: 157 cm, chest 77–82 cm

Female Candidates

• General: 157 cm
• Specified hill/regional categories: 155 cm
• ST candidates: 154 cm
• No chest measurement requirement.

CISF SI Fire Physical Standards

Weight must correspond to height for all posts.

SSC CPO 2026 PET Details

The Physical Endurance Test is qualifying in nature and does not carry marks.

Male Candidates

Female Candidates

Ex-Servicemen are exempted from PET, but they must satisfy the prescribed physical standards and medical requirements.

SSC CPO 2026 Medical Examination

Candidates who qualify Paper-II are required to undergo the Detailed Medical Examination (DME). Candidates found unfit during DME may undergo Review Medical Examination (RME) as prescribed.

Important medical requirements include:

• Near vision: N6 in better eye and N9 in worse eye.
• Distant vision: 6/6 in better eye and 6/9 in worse eye.
• The prescribed visual standard is without correction such as spectacles or surgery.
• Candidates should not have knock knees, flat feet, varicose veins or squint.
• High colour vision is required.
• Candidates must satisfy the prescribed medical standards.

SSC CPO 2026 Exam Pattern

SSC CPO 2026 consists of Paper-I and Paper-II, along with the physical and medical stages.

Paper-I

Paper-I duration is 1 hour, with a 15-minute sectional timer for each part.

Paper-II

Paper-II is of 1 hour with sectional timing as specified in the notification.

Negative Marking

• Paper-I: 0.25 marks for every wrong answer.
• Paper-II: 0.50 marks for every wrong answer.

Questions in Parts I, II and III are set in Hindi and English.

SSC CPO 2026 Minimum Qualifying Marks

The minimum qualifying percentage, before adding NCC bonus marks, is:

These are minimum qualifying percentages; SSC may fix higher cut-offs for shortlisting.

NCC Bonus Marks

Candidates holding valid NCC certificates can receive bonus marks in both Paper-I and Paper-II.

SSC CPO 2026 Selection Process

The recruitment process broadly follows this sequence:

Paper-I → PST/PET → Paper-II → DME/RME → Document Verification → Final Selection & Post/Force Allocation

Paper-I performance is used for shortlisting candidates for PST/PET. PST/PET is qualifying in nature. Candidates who qualify PST/PET are allowed to appear in Paper-II.

Paper-II performance, including applicable NCC bonus, is used for subsequent medical shortlisting and final merit. DME/RME and Document Verification are mandatory qualifying stages.

SSC CPO 2026 Post/Force Preferences

Candidates will be required to submit their post/force preferences through the prescribed online option process.

The codes are:

• A – Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police
• B – Sub-Inspector in BSF
• C – Sub-Inspector in CISF
• D – Sub-Inspector in CRPF
• E – Sub-Inspector in ITBP
• F – Sub-Inspector in SSB
• G – Sub-Inspector (Fire) in CISF

The preference once submitted is treated as final and irreversible. If a candidate does not select a particular post/force, they will not be considered for that option.

Candidates should therefore check the post-specific physical, medical and educational requirements before submitting preferences.

Important Point About Final Allocation

Final selection and allocation of post/force are based on the candidate’s Paper-II performance, applicable NCC bonus and post/force preferences.

Once a candidate is allotted an available preference, they are not considered for another option. The notification also states that if a candidate fails to meet the specific physical, medical or educational requirements of an allotted higher preference, the candidature may be rejected rather than automatically shifted to another preference.

SSC CPO 2026 Application Process

Candidates must first complete One-Time Registration (OTR) on the new SSC website.

The OTR generated on the old SSC website will not work on the new website.

After completing OTR, candidates can submit the SSC CPO application online through:

• SSC official website
• mySSC mobile application

Aadhaar-Based Authentication

SSC has implemented Aadhaar-Based Authentication for this examination. Candidates are advised to use it while completing OTR/application.

Candidates who do not use Aadhaar authentication may be required to provide prescribed identity/supporting documents.

Live Photograph Requirements

Candidates should capture a clear live photograph:

• In good lighting
• Against a plain background
• Camera at eye level
• Face directly towards camera
• Full face within the prescribed area
• Without cap
• Without mask
• Without spectacles

Signature

The scanned signature should be:

• JPEG/JPG format
• 10–20 KB
• Approximately 6.0 cm × 2.0 cm

Blurred signatures may lead to rejection.

Documents Required for Document Verification

Candidates should keep the relevant original documents and copies ready.

Important documents include:

• Matriculation/Secondary Certificate
• Educational Qualification Certificate
• Equivalence certificate/order, if claiming equivalent qualification
• Caste/Category Certificate, where applicable
• Two recent passport-size colour photographs
• Original valid Photo ID
• Valid Motorcycle and Car Driving Licence for male candidates who have opted for Delhi Police
• Ex-Servicemen documents, where applicable
• Age relaxation certificate, where applicable
• Delhi Police departmental certificate, where applicable
• No Objection Certificate, if employed in Government
• Name-change documents, where applicable
• Any additional document specified in the Admission Certificate

Examination Centre and Admission Certificate

SSC will issue Admission Certificates online. They will not be sent by post.

Candidates should regularly check the SSC website and concerned Regional Office website for examination-related information.

The notification states that candidates who have not undergone Aadhaar-Based Authentication must report to the examination centre two hours before the scheduled start and carry the required photographs and valid original photo ID.

SSC CPO 2026 Exam Syllabus

The indicative syllabus covers the following major areas:

General Intelligence & Reasoning

Topics include:

• Analogies
• Similarities and differences
• Space visualization
• Spatial orientation
• Problem solving
• Analysis
• Judgment
• Decision making
• Visual memory
• Observation
• Relationship concepts
• Arithmetical reasoning
• Number series
• Coding and decoding
• Classification
• Syllogism
• Venn diagrams
• Figural series
• Embedded figures
• Critical thinking
• Emotional intelligence
• Social intelligence

General Knowledge & General Awareness

Questions can cover:

• Current events
• History
• Culture
• Geography
• Economic scene
• General Polity
• Indian Constitution
• Scientific Research
• India and neighbouring countries
• General awareness of the surrounding environment and society

Quantitative Aptitude

The section is designed to test numerical ability and the appropriate use of numbers and number sense.

English Comprehension

English Comprehension forms a major component of both papers, particularly Paper-II, where it carries 200 marks according to the examination scheme.

Service Liability

Candidates selected for SI posts in CAPFs are liable to serve anywhere in India.

SSC does not allocate CAPF vacancies state-wise, region-wise, zone-wise or city-wise.

Important Candidate Checklist

Before submitting the SSC CPO 2026 application, candidates should verify:

1. Age as on 1 August 2026.
2. Required Bachelor’s degree or specific qualification for CISF SI Fire.
3. Valid LMV Motorcycle and Car licence if applying for Delhi Police SI Male.
4. Correct category details.
5. Correct date of birth as recorded in the Matriculation/Secondary certificate.
6. Correct educational qualification details.
7. Photograph and signature requirements.
8. Applicable application fee.
9. Post/force preferences.
10. All required documents.
11. Final application status after payment.
12. Application printout for future reference.

The notification makes clear that candidature remains provisional until eligibility and document claims are verified.

Frequently Asked Questions – SSC CPO 2026

Q1. What is SSC CPO Recruitment 2026?

Ans: SSC CPO 2026 is the Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces Examination conducted by the Staff Selection Commission for recruitment to SI posts in Delhi Police, CAPFs and CISF SI Fire.

Q2. How many vacancies are announced in SSC CPO 2026?

Ans: A total of 1,871 tentative vacancies have been announced.

Q3. When does the SSC CPO 2026 application process start?

Ans: The online application process starts on 10 September 2026.

Q4. What is the last date to apply for SSC CPO 2026?

Ans: The last date to submit the online application is 30 September 2026 up to 11:00 PM.

Q5. What is the last date for SSC CPO 2026 fee payment?

Ans: The last date for online fee payment is 1 October 2026 up to 11:00 PM.

Q6. What is the SSC CPO 2026 application fee?

Ans: The application fee is ₹100. Women, SC, ST and eligible Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempted from payment of the fee.

Q7. What is the age limit for SSC CPO 2026?

Ans: For all posts except CISF SI Fire, the age limit is 20 to 25 years as on 1 August 2026. For CISF SI Fire, the age limit is 18 to 30 years.

Q8. What is the educational qualification for SSC CPO 2026?

Ans: For Delhi Police SI and CAPF SI GD, candidates need a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent. CISF SI Fire has specific Science/engineering diploma qualification requirements.

Q9. Is a driving licence required for SSC CPO Delhi Police SI Male?

Ans: Yes. Male candidates applying for Delhi Police SI must possess a valid LMV licence for Motorcycle and Car on the date fixed for the Physical Endurance and Measurement Tests.

Q10. What is the SSC CPO 2026 selection process?

Ans: The selection process includes Paper-I, PST/PET, Paper-II, DME/RME, Document Verification and final selection/post-force allocation.

Q11. Is PET qualifying or does it carry marks?

Ans: PST/PET is qualifying in nature and does not carry marks.

Q12. What is the negative marking in SSC CPO 2026?

Ans: There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in Paper-I and 0.50 marks for each wrong answer in Paper-II.

Q13. What are the minimum qualifying marks in SSC CPO?

Ans: The minimum qualifying marks are 30% for UR, 25% for OBC/EWS and 20% for other categories, before adding NCC bonus marks.

Q14. Is the SSC CPO 2026 examination date announced?

Ans: The Computer Based Examination schedule is to be notified later according to the notification.

Q15. Can candidates correct their SSC CPO 2026 application?

Ans: Yes. The correction window is scheduled from 8 October to 10 October 2026 up to 11:00 PM. The first correction costs ₹200 and the second correction costs ₹500.

Q16. Is the SSC CPO 2026 vacancy final?

Ans: No. The vacancies are tentative and may change.

Q17. Can candidates change their post/force preference later?

Ans: The post/force preference submitted through the prescribed option process is treated as final and irreversible.

Q18. Do Ex-Servicemen have to appear in PET?

Ans: Ex-Servicemen are not required to undergo PET, but they must meet the prescribed physical standards and medical requirements.

Q19. What is the pay scale for SSC CPO 2026 posts?

Ans: The posts carry Pay Level-6 with a pay scale of ₹35,400–₹1,12,400.

Q20. Where should candidates apply for SSC CPO 2026?

Ans: Candidates should apply online through the official Staff Selection Commission website at ssc.gov.in or through the mySSC mobile application.

Final Words

SSC CPO 2026 is a recruitment examination for Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police, CAPFs and CISF SI Fire, with 1,871 tentative vacancies notified in the current recruitment notice.

Candidates should not rely only on the vacancy count or basic eligibility while applying. The post-specific physical standards, CISF SI Fire educational qualification, Delhi Police Male driving licence requirement, examination stages and post/force preference rules are particularly important.

Applicants should complete their forms carefully, verify all personal and educational information, pay the applicable fee within the prescribed deadline and keep their application details safely for future stages.

The Computer Based Examination date is currently to be notified later, so candidates should continue checking the official SSC website for subsequent updates.

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