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 Paper 1 Exam Pattern 2026
Staff Selection Commission CPO Paper 1 consists of four sections:
- General Intelligence and Reasoning
- General Knowledge and General Awareness
- Quantitative Aptitude
- 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.
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}
- Official SSC Website: ssc.gov.in
- CAPFs and Delhi Police Syllabus PDF: Download SSC CPO Syllabus PDF
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)
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.


