SSC CPO Syllabus 2026, Paper 1 & Paper 2 Detailed Syllabus and Exam Pattern

SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 is important for candidates preparing for the Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces Examination 2026. The examination includes two Computer-Based Tests (CBT) along with the Physical Standard Test, Physical Endurance Test, and medical examination.

As per the revised exam structure, SSC CPO Paper 1 carries 100 questions for 100 marks, while Paper 2 carries 160 questions for 320 marks. Both papers now have sectional timing. Paper 1 has four sections with 15 minutes for each section, while Paper 2 has 20 minutes for each of the first three sections and 60 minutes for English Language and Comprehension.

Interested candidates should understand the complete subject-wise syllabus before starting preparation. This page covers the SSC CPO Paper 1 & 2 syllabus along with the complete exam pattern, negative marking, minimum qualifying marks, and PET/PST details below.

SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 Overview

Particulars Details
Exam Conducting Body Staff Selection Commission
Exam Name SSC CPO 2026
Posts Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs
Exam Mode Computer-Based Test
Paper 1 100 Questions, 100 Marks
Paper 1 Duration 60 Minutes
Paper 2 160 Questions, 320 Marks
Paper 2 Duration 2 Hours
Negative Marking Paper 1 0.25 mark
Negative Marking Paper 2 0.50 mark
Selection Process Paper 1 → PET/PST → Paper 2 → Medical Examination
Official Website ssc.gov.in

SSC CPO Syllabus 2026


SSC CPO Paper 1 Exam Pattern 2026

Staff Selection Commission CPO Paper 1 consists of four sections:

  1. General Intelligence and Reasoning
  2. General Knowledge and General Awareness
  3. Quantitative Aptitude
  4. English Comprehension

Each section contains 25 questions for 25 marks. Candidates get 15 minutes for each section.

Subject Questions Marks Time
General Intelligence & Reasoning 25 25 15 Minutes
General Knowledge & General Awareness 25 25 15 Minutes
Quantitative Aptitude 25 25 15 Minutes
English Comprehension 25 25 15 Minutes
Total 100 100 60 Minutes

There is a negative marking of 0.25 mark for every incorrect answer in Paper 1.

Important Point: The sectional timer means candidates cannot carry unused time from one section to another. Therefore, preparation should include separate 15-minute sectional tests for each subject.


SSC CPO Paper 1 Syllabus 2026

1. SSC CPO Reasoning Syllabus 2026

The General Intelligence and Reasoning section tests logical thinking, analytical ability, problem-solving, and both verbal and non-verbal reasoning.

Important Reasoning Topics

Topic Area Topics
Analogy Semantic, Symbolic, Number and Figural Analogy
Classification Semantic, Number, Symbolic and Figural Classification
Series Number, Semantic, Figural and Non-Verbal Series
Coding-Decoding Letter Coding, Number Coding and Decoding
Problem Solving Analysis, Judgment and Decision Making
Spatial Ability Space Visualization and Spatial Orientation
Logical Reasoning Statement-Conclusion, Syllogism and Inference
Numerical Reasoning Arithmetical Reasoning and Numerical Operations
Word-Based Reasoning Word Building and Alphabet-Based Questions
Venn Diagram Venn Diagram Problems
Figure-Based Questions Embedded Figures and Figural Classification
Paper Folding Pattern Folding and Unfolding
Figure Completion Figural Pattern Completion
Matching Address, Date and City Matching
Coding Classification Centre Codes, Roll Numbers, Letters and Numbers
Memory Visual Memory and Observation
Relationships Relationship Concepts
Advanced Reasoning Critical Thinking
Behavioural Reasoning Emotional Intelligence and Social Intelligence
Other Topics Symbolic Operations and Trends

The SSC syllabus includes verbal and non-verbal reasoning areas such as analogy, classification, series, coding-decoding, spatial orientation, Venn diagrams, embedded figures, and critical thinking.

How to Prepare for Reasoning?

Focus on concepts first and then move to previous-year questions. Since only 15 minutes are available for this section, regular timed practice is important.


2. SSC CPO General Knowledge and General Awareness Syllabus 2026

The General Knowledge and General Awareness section covers current events and important areas related to India and neighbouring countries.

SSC CPO GK and GA Topics

Area Topics to Prepare
Current Affairs National and International Events
History Ancient, Medieval and Modern Indian History
Freedom Movement Important Movements, Leaders and Events
Culture Indian Art, Literature, Music, Dance and Heritage
Geography India and World Geography
Physical Geography Rivers, Mountains, Climate, Soil and Natural Resources
Indian Polity Political System and Governance
Constitution Fundamental Rights, Duties, Articles and Amendments
Economy Indian Economy and Basic Economic Concepts
Scientific Research Major Scientific Developments and Research
General Science Basic Physics, Chemistry and Biology
Neighbouring Countries Important History, Geography and Developments
Government Developments Important Schemes and Policy Developments
Miscellaneous Important National and International Events

SSC does not prescribe a fixed number of questions for each General Awareness topic. Candidates should therefore avoid relying on claims of a guaranteed chapter-wise question distribution.


3. SSC CPO Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026

Quantitative Aptitude covers basic mathematics, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, trigonometry, and data interpretation.

SSC CPO Maths Syllabus

Topic Important Areas
Number System Whole Numbers, Decimals and Fractions
Percentage Percentage
Ratio Ratio and Proportion
Square Root Square Roots
Average Averages
Interest Simple and Compound Interest
Profit & Loss Profit, Loss and Related Problems
Discount Discount
Partnership Partnership Business
Mixture Mixture and Alligation
Time & Distance Time, Speed and Distance
Time & Work Time and Work
Algebra Basic Algebraic Identities
Surds Elementary Surds
Graphs Graphs of Linear Equations
Geometry Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Polygons and Circles
Triangle Congruence, Similarity and Properties
Circle Chords, Angles and Tangents
Mensuration Prism, Cone, Cylinder, Sphere and Hemisphere
Mensuration Rectangular Parallelepiped and Pyramid
Trigonometry Trigonometric Ratios and Identities
Angle Measurement Degree and Radian
Heights & Distances Heights and Distances
Data Interpretation Histogram, Frequency Polygon, Bar Diagram and Pie Chart

These topics follow the detailed quantitative syllabus provided in the reference material.

Maths Preparation Tip: Candidates should give particular attention to arithmetic, geometry, mensuration and trigonometry. Regular calculation practice can help improve speed during the 15-minute sectional window.


4. SSC CPO English Comprehension Syllabus 2026

The English Comprehension section of Paper 1 tests grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and correct usage of English.

Important English Topics

Area Topics
Grammar Basic Grammar and Sentence Usage
Error Detection Spotting Errors
Vocabulary Synonyms, Antonyms and Word Usage
Sentence Improvement Grammar and Context-Based Correction
Fill in the Blanks Grammar and Vocabulary
Sentence Completion Appropriate Word or Phrase
Idioms Idioms and Phrases
Spelling Correct and Incorrect Spellings
Comprehension Reading Comprehension
Sentence Structure Correct Sentence Formation

Paper 1 English has 25 questions for 25 marks with 15 minutes.


SSC CPO Paper 2 Exam Pattern 2026

The SSC CPO Paper 2 structure has been revised. It now includes four sections.

Subject Questions Marks Time
General Intelligence & Reasoning 20 40 20 Minutes
General Knowledge & General Awareness 20 40 20 Minutes
Quantitative Aptitude 20 40 20 Minutes
English Language & Comprehension 100 200 60 Minutes
Total 160 320 2 Hours

Paper 2 carries 0.50 marks of negative marking for every incorrect answer.

Paper 2 Sectional Timing

  • Reasoning: 20 minutes
  • General Awareness: 20 minutes
  • Quantitative Aptitude: 20 minutes
  • English Language and Comprehension: 60 minutes

The first three sections carry 40 marks each, while English carries 200 marks.


SSC CPO Paper 2 Syllabus 2026

General Intelligence and Reasoning

Paper 2 Reasoning covers the same broad reasoning areas required for the examination, including:

  • Analogy
  • Classification
  • Number and Figural Series
  • Coding-Decoding
  • Problem Solving
  • Spatial Orientation
  • Venn Diagrams
  • Logical Reasoning
  • Syllogism
  • Statement and Conclusion
  • Figure Classification
  • Embedded Figures
  • Paper Folding
  • Visual Memory
  • Critical Thinking
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Social Intelligence

General Knowledge and General Awareness

Important areas include:

  • Current Affairs
  • Indian History
  • Freedom Movement
  • Indian Culture
  • Geography
  • Indian Polity
  • Constitution
  • Indian Economy
  • General Science
  • Scientific Research
  • Government Schemes
  • National and International Events
  • Important developments in India and neighbouring countries

Candidates should follow current affairs regularly and revise static GK alongside it.


Quantitative Aptitude

Paper 2 Quantitative Aptitude includes the major mathematical areas covered in the SSC CPO syllabus:

  • Number System
  • Percentage
  • Ratio and Proportion
  • Average
  • Interest
  • Profit and Loss
  • Discount
  • Partnership
  • Mixture and Alligation
  • Time and Work
  • Time, Speed and Distance
  • Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Mensuration
  • Trigonometry
  • Heights and Distances
  • Data Interpretation

SSC CPO Paper 2 English Syllabus 2026

English is the most important section in Paper 2 because it carries 200 out of 320 marks.

Detailed English Topics

Topic Preparation Areas
Error Recognition Identification of Grammatical Errors
Fill in the Blanks Verbs, Prepositions, Articles and Contextual Words
Vocabulary Word Meaning and Usage
Spelling Correct and Incorrect Spellings
Grammar Fundamental and Applied Grammar
Sentence Structure Correct Sentence Formation
Synonyms Similar Meaning Words
Antonyms Opposite Meaning Words
Sentence Completion Context-Based Completion
Phrases Meaning and Usage
Idioms Idiomatic Expressions
Comprehension Reading and Understanding Passages
Verb Usage Tenses and Verb Forms
Articles A, An and The
Prepositions Correct Preposition Usage
Contextual English Appropriate Usage According to Meaning

The reference material specifically lists error recognition, fill in the blanks, vocabulary, spelling, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms, sentence completion, idioms and phrases, and comprehension for Paper 2 English.


SSC CPO Paper 1 vs Paper 2

Parameter Paper 1 Paper 2
Questions 100 160
Marks 100 320
Duration 60 Minutes 120 Minutes
Reasoning 25 Q 20 Q
General Awareness 25 Q 20 Q
Quantitative Aptitude 25 Q 20 Q
English 25 Q 100 Q
Negative Marking 0.25 0.50
Mode CBT CBT

The revised pattern makes English especially important in Paper 2, while candidates must also maintain preparation across all four subjects.


SSC CPO Negative Marking 2026

There is negative marking in both papers.

Paper 1: 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer.

Paper 2: 0.50 marks are deducted for every wrong answer.

Wrong Answers Paper 1 Deduction Paper 2 Deduction
1 0.25 0.50
4 1 2
10 2.50 5
20 5 10
40 10 20

Candidates should avoid blind guessing and focus on accuracy.


SSC CPO Minimum Qualifying Marks 2026

The minimum qualifying percentages mentioned in the reference material are:

Category Minimum Qualifying Percentage
UR 30%
OBC/EWS 25%
Other Categories 20%

These are minimum qualifying marks and not the final SSC CPO cut-off. The actual cut-off can be higher depending on candidates’ performance, vacancies, and category.


SSC CPO Selection Process 2026

The SSC CPO selection process includes:

Paper 1 → PET/PST → Paper 2 → Medical Examination

Applicants first appear for Paper 1. Those who qualify according to the applicable criteria are called for the physical stages. Paper 2 is conducted after PET/PST.

The physical and medical stages are important because clearing the written examination alone does not complete the recruitment process.


SSC CPO Physical Standard Test 2026

The reference material provides the following physical standards:

Category Height Chest Unexpanded Chest Expanded
Male General 170 cm 80 cm 85 cm
Hilly Regions, J&K, North East & Sikkim 165 cm 80 cm 85 cm
Scheduled Tribes 162.5 cm 77 cm 82 cm
Female General 157 cm Not Applicable Not Applicable
Hilly Regions, J&K, North East & Sikkim 155 cm Not Applicable Not Applicable
Scheduled Tribes 154 cm Not Applicable Not Applicable

Students should always check the latest SSC notification for category-specific physical standards and applicable relaxations.


SSC CPO Physical Efficiency Test 2026

Male Candidates

Event Requirement
100 Metre Race 16 Seconds
1.6 Km Race 6.5 Minutes
Long Jump 3.65 Metres in 5 Chances
High Jump 1.2 Metres in 3 Chances
Shot Put 16 lbs 4.5 Metres in 3 Chances

Female Candidates

Event Requirement
100 Metre Race 18 Seconds
800 Metre Race 4 Minutes
Long Jump 2.7 Metres in 3 Chances
High Jump 0.9 Metres in 3 Chances

The physical test is qualifying in nature. Candidates should begin physical preparation well before the PET/PST stage.


SSC CPO Medical Examination

Candidates who qualify the required stages are required to undergo the prescribed medical examination.

The reference material mentions the following vision standards:

  • Near vision: N6 in the better eye and N9 in the worse eye
  • Distant vision: 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the worse eye
  • Vision standards without visual correction
  • Candidates should not have knock knees
  • Candidates should not have flat feet
  • Candidates should not have varicose veins
  • Candidates should not have squint in the eyes

Candidates should refer to the latest official SSC notification for the complete medical standards applicable to their post.


How to Prepare for SSC CPO 2026

A good SSC CPO preparation strategy should cover both written papers and the physical test.

1. Start With the Syllabus

Make a checklist of every topic in Reasoning, Maths, GK and English. This helps you track completed and pending topics.

2. Practice Previous Year Questions

SSC previous-year questions are useful for understanding the type and difficulty of questions asked in the examination.

3. Practice With Sectional Timers

The revised pattern makes time management more important.

For Paper 1, practice:

  • 15 minutes Reasoning
  • 15 minutes General Awareness
  • 15 minutes Maths
  • 15 minutes English

For Paper 2, practice the respective sectional time limits.

4. Give Extra Attention to English

English carries 200 marks out of 320 marks in Paper 2. Therefore, candidates should not wait until after Paper 1 to begin Paper 2 English preparation.

5. Prepare General Awareness Daily

Read current affairs regularly and revise static GK topics such as History, Polity, Geography, Economy and Science.

6. Improve Maths Calculation Speed

Practice arithmetic and calculation-based questions regularly. This becomes particularly important when working within a fixed sectional time.

7. Start Physical Preparation Early

Running, jumping and other PET activities should be included in the preparation plan rather than being started after Paper 1 results.

SSC JE Syllabus 2026, Paper 1 & 2 Subject-wise Syllabus


Important Points

  • Paper 1 has 100 questions and 100 marks.
  • Paper 1 has 15-minute sectional timing.
  • Paper 2 has 160 questions and 320 marks.
  • Paper 2 has 20-minute timing for Reasoning, GK and Maths.
  • Paper 2 English has 100 questions, 200 marks and 60 minutes.
  • Paper 1 negative marking is 0.25 mark.
  • Paper 2 negative marking is 0.50 mark.
  • PET/PST is an important qualifying stage.
  • English carries the highest weight in Paper 2.
  • Minimum qualifying marks should not be confused with the actual cut-off.

SSC CPO Syllabus 2026 {Direct Links}

The detailed source material also highlights the revised Paper 1 and Paper 2 structure and subject-wise syllabus.

Important Schedule & Dates

  • Notification Release Date: September 10, 2026
  • Online Application Start Date: September 10, 2026
  • Last Date to Apply: September 30, 2026 (up to 11:00 PM)
  • Last Date for Fee Payment: October 1, 2026 (up to 11:00 PM)
  • Application Correction Window: October 8 to October 10, 2026
  • Paper-I Exam Date: To be notified later (tentatively expected in late 2026)
You can apply and check future updates directly through the SSC Registration and Login Page.

Disclaimer: Our website JobAlertFree.in is an informational website that regularly cover Job Updates, Sarkari Result, Answer Key, and Syllabus to aspiring aspirants. Candidates should verify the latest syllabus, exam pattern, physical standards and selection rules from the official SSC notification and website before beginning their preparation.

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