SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 – Complete Guide

SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 covers the complete Computer Based Examination structure, subject-wise syllabus, physical standards, Physical Endurance Test (PET), medical requirements and selection procedure for Sub-Inspector posts covered under the examination.

Overview SSC CPO Syllabus 2026

Examination Stages

1. Paper-I Computer Based Examination
2. Physical Standard Test (PST)
3. Physical Endurance Test (PET)
4. Paper-II Computer Based Examination
5. Detailed Medical Examination (DME)
6. Review Medical Examination (RME), wherever applicable
7. Document Verification and final selection/allocation

Paper-I Exam Pattern

Paper-II Exam Pattern

SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 – Subject-Wise Syllabus

The official syllabus is applicable to both Paper-I and Paper-II. The following topics are based on the indicative syllabus given in the SSC notification.

1. General Intelligence and Reasoning

The Reasoning section includes both verbal and non-verbal questions. Candidates should prepare the following areas:

• Analogies
• Similarities and Differences
• Space Visualization
• Spatial Orientation
• Problem Solving
• Analysis
• Judgement
• Decision Making
• Visual Memory
• Discrimination
• Observation
• Relationship Concepts
• Arithmetical Reasoning
• Figural Classification
• Arithmetic Number Series
• Non-Verbal Series
• Coding and Decoding
• Statement Conclusion
• Syllogistic Reasoning
• Semantic Analogy
• Symbolic/Number Analogy
• Figural Analogy
• Semantic Classification
• Symbolic/Number Classification
• Figural Classification
• Semantic Series
• Number Series
• Figural Series
• Problem Solving
• Word Building
• Coding and De-coding
• Numerical Operations
• Symbolic Operations
• Trends
• Space Orientation
• Space Visualization
• Venn Diagrams
• Drawing Inferences
• Punched Hole / Pattern Folding and Unfolding
• Figural Pattern Folding and Completion
• Indexing
• Address Matching
• Date and City Matching
• Classification of Centre Codes / Roll Numbers
• Small and Capital Letters / Numbers Coding, Decoding and Classification
• Embedded Figures
• Critical Thinking
• Emotional Intelligence
• Social Intelligence

2. General Knowledge and General Awareness

This section tests general awareness of the environment and its application to society, along with current events and everyday scientific observations.

• Current Affairs
• History
• Culture
• Geography
• Economic Scene
• General Polity
• Indian Constitution
• Scientific Research
• India and its neighbouring countries
• Important events and everyday scientific developments

3. Quantitative Aptitude

• Whole Numbers
• Decimals and Fractions
• Relationships Between Numbers
• Percentage
• Ratio and Proportion
• Square Roots
• Averages
• Interest
• Profit and Loss
• Discount
• Partnership Business
• Mixture and Alligation
• Time and Distance
• Time and Work
• Basic Algebraic Identities of School Algebra
• Elementary Surds
• Graphs of Linear Equations
• Triangles and Various Kinds of Centres
• Congruence and Similarity of Triangles
• Circles and Chords
• Tangents
• Angles Subtended by Chords of a Circle
• Common Tangents to Two or More Circles
• Quadrilaterals
• Regular Polygons
• Right Prism
• Right Circular Cone
• Right Circular Cylinder
• Sphere and Hemispheres
• Rectangular Parallelepiped
• Regular Right Pyramid with Triangular or Square Base
• Trigonometric Ratios
• Degree and Radian Measures
• Standard Identities
• Complementary Angles
• Heights and Distances
• Histogram
• Frequency Polygon
• Bar Diagram
• Pie Chart

4. English Comprehension

• Error Recognition
• Fill in the Blanks
• Use of Verbs, Prepositions and Articles
• Vocabulary
• Spellings
• Grammar
• Sentence Structure
• Synonyms
• Antonyms
• Sentence Completion
• Phrases and Idiomatic Use of Words
• Reading Comprehension

Negative Marking

Normalization of Marks

If the Computer Based Examination is conducted in multiple shifts, the marks will be normalized according to the procedure published by the Commission. The normalized scores are used for determining merit and cut-off marks.

SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 – PST, PET and Physical Standards

After qualifying the required written stage, candidates may be shortlisted for the Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET). PST/PET does not carry marks and is qualifying/elimination in nature.

Delhi Police SI – Height and Chest Standards

SI in CAPFs – Height and Chest Standards

CISF SI (Fire) – Male Physical Standards

PET – Male Candidates

PET – Female Candidates

Female candidates: There is no minimum chest measurement requirement.

Physical Standard Relaxation and Appeal

• Height/chest relaxation is permissible only on production of the prescribed certificate from the competent authority of the district where the candidate ordinarily resides.
• Physical-standard relaxation granted at the time of initial appointment in Delhi Police continues while the individual remains in Delhi Police.
• A candidate declared not qualified in height/chest may appeal before the appellate authority available at the PST/PET ground.
• The decision of the appellate authority is final, and no further appeal or representation is entertained.

Ex-Servicemen

Ex-Servicemen applying for the posts are not required to undergo PET. However, they must qualify the written tests, fulfil the prescribed physical standards and pass the applicable medical standards.

Pregnancy-Related PST/PET Provision

Female candidates reporting for PST/PET have to submit a self-declaration regarding pregnancy status. If pregnancy is declared, a confirmatory pregnancy test may be conducted. A candidate found pregnant may be declared temporarily unfit and appointment may be held in abeyance until confinement.

The vacancy against which the candidate was selected is kept reserved. Re-examination for PST/PET is conducted six weeks after confinement, subject to production of a medical fitness certificate from a registered medical practitioner. If found fit in PST/PET and DME, the candidate may be appointed to the reserved post with applicable seniority benefits under Government instructions.

SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 – Medical Examination and Important Rules

Medical Examination

Candidates who qualify Paper-II are medically examined by the Medical Officer of the CAPFs or an eligible Medical Officer/Assistant Surgeon Grade-I from a Central or State Government hospital or dispensary.

Review Medical Examination (RME)

Candidates declared medically unfit during the Detailed Medical Examination (DME) undergo Review Medical Examination (RME), preferably in continuation of DME or on the next day. The decision of the Re-Medical Board/Review Medical Board is final and no appeal or representation is entertained against it.

Eye Sight Standards

The required distant and near vision standards are to be met without correction such as spectacles or surgery to improve visual acuity. For a right-handed person, the right eye is treated as the better eye and vice versa.

Other Medical Requirements

• No knock knees
• No flat foot
• No varicose veins
• No squint in eyes
• High colour vision
• Good mental and bodily health
• No physical defect likely to interfere with efficient performance of duties

Seven Obstacle Events During Training

Finally selected Sub-Inspectors have to pass seven obstacle events as part of the training curriculum. Failure to pass these requirements may affect retention in the Force.

1. Jumping over the Vertical Board
2. Holding the Rope on Jumping from the Board
3. Tarzan Swing
4. Jumping on the Horizontal Board
5. Parallel Rope
6. Monkey Crawl
7. Vertical Rope

NCC Bonus Marks

NCC certificate holders, as on the closing date for receipt of applications, are eligible for bonus marks in both Paper-I and Paper-II. These bonus marks are added to the normalized scores.

Answer Key and Objection

• Tentative Answer Keys are published on the SSC website after the examination.
• Candidates can submit representations online within the prescribed time.
• The objection fee is Rs. 50 per question and is non-refundable.
• Representations through letter, application, email or other offline modes are not entertained.
• Answer-key representations are scrutinized by experts before finalization.
• The Commission’s decision regarding the answer key is final.
• The Final Answer Key is used for processing the CBT result and is uploaded after declaration of the result.

Important Examination Rules

• Examination dates mentioned in the notification are tentative.
• Any change in the examination schedule will be communicated through the SSC website.
• There is no provision for re-evaluation or re-checking of scores.
• No correspondence regarding re-evaluation/re-checking will be entertained.
• The examination is objective multiple-choice type.

SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 – Selection Process, Books and Job Profile

Minimum Qualifying Marks

The above minimum qualifying marks for Paper-I and Paper-II are considered without adding NCC bonus marks.

Complete Selection Process

1. Paper-I: Candidates whose applications are provisionally accepted are assigned roll numbers and issued an Admission Certificate for the Computer Based Examination.
2. Paper-I Shortlisting: Candidates are shortlisted for PST/PET based on Paper-I performance, including applicable NCC bonus marks. SSC may fix different cut-offs for different parts of Paper-I depending on various factors including category-wise considerations.
3. PST/PET: PST/PET is mandatory but qualifying in nature. Ex-Servicemen are exempt from PET, but their PST is conducted.
4. Paper-II: Only candidates who qualify PST/PET are permitted to appear in Paper-II.
5. Medical Examination: Based on Paper-II performance, including applicable NCC bonus, candidates are shortlisted for medical examination.
6. DME/RME and Document Verification: Medical examination is mandatory but qualifying in nature. Candidates qualifying the applicable medical stage and Document Verification are considered for final selection.
7. Final Selection: Final selection and allocation of post/force are based on Paper-II performance, including applicable NCC bonus, and the preferences exercised by the candidate.

Special Selection Provisions

• Departmental candidates of Delhi Police applying for SI (Executive) Male are considered against open vacancies with age relaxation as applicable under Rule 27A of the Delhi Police (Appointment & Recruitment) Rules, 2018.
• SC, ST, OBC, EWS and ESM candidates selected on their own merit without relaxed standards are not adjusted against the reserved share and may be accommodated against unreserved vacancies according to merit or category-wise availability, whichever is advantageous.
• Candidates qualifying through relaxed standards such as age limit, experience/qualification, permitted chances or extended zone of consideration are counted against reserved vacancies.
• For Ex-Servicemen, permissible deduction of military service from age is not treated as a relaxed standard.

Best Books for Preparation

How to Prepare Effectively SSC CPO Syllabus 2026

• Complete the official syllabus before starting intensive mock-test practice.
• Give special attention to the 15-minute sectional timer in Paper-I.
• Practice English regularly because Paper-II has a much larger English section.
• Maintain a separate notebook for current affairs and static GK.
• Practise arithmetic and geometry questions with a timer.
• Solve previous-year papers to understand question patterns.
• Start running, jumping and other physical preparation well before PST/PET.
• Take mock tests regularly and analyse incorrect answers.
• Avoid blind guessing because both papers carry negative marking.

Post-Wise Job Profile SSC CPO Syllabus 2026

1. Delhi Police SI

Delhi Police Sub-Inspectors generally work in law and order, crime prevention, investigation-related duties, patrolling, complaint handling, public safety and police station operations.

2. BSF SI

BSF Sub-Inspectors may perform border security, surveillance, patrolling, prevention of infiltration and illegal cross-border activities, and operational duties.

3. CISF SI

CISF Sub-Inspectors are involved in security duties at airports, industrial units, government installations and other protected establishments, including access control and security supervision.

4. CRPF SI

CRPF Sub-Inspectors may perform internal security, law-and-order duties, crowd-control and anti-riot deployments, election security and other operational responsibilities.

5. ITBP SI

ITBP Sub-Inspectors may be assigned border guarding, surveillance and patrolling duties, including deployments in high-altitude and difficult-terrain areas.

6. SSB SI

SSB Sub-Inspectors perform border guarding, surveillance, patrolling and duties related to prevention of illegal cross-border activities.

7. CISF SI (Fire)

CISF Fire Sub-Inspectors are involved in fire prevention, firefighting, rescue operations, fire-safety inspections and emergency-response responsibilities at protected installations.

Final Preparation Checklist

Conclusion SSC CPO Syllabus 2026

SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 preparation should not be limited to the written examination. Candidates should simultaneously prepare for Reasoning, GK, Quantitative Aptitude and English while building the physical fitness required for PST/PET and keeping the prescribed medical standards in mind. A combination of the official syllabus, previous-year papers, quality books, mock tests and regular physical training can help candidates prepare systematically.

Visit Official SSC Website