SSC CPO 2026 Notification has been officially published by the Staff Selection Commission on September 10, 2026, on the new examination portal at ssc.gov.in for the recruitment of Sub-Inspectors (Executive) in Delhi Police and Sub-Inspectors (GD) in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The online application window is active from September 10 to September 30, 2026 (up to 11:00 PM), with an estimated pool of 1,871 to 2,018 tentative vacancies across BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, and Delhi Police. Candidates possessing a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university aged between 20 and 25 years can apply online. The selection framework comprises Paper 1 Computer Based Examination, Physical Standard Test (PST), Physical Endurance Test (PET), Paper 2 English Language Test, and Detailed Medical Examination (DME).
Latest status — verified on September 10, 2026: Staff Selection Commission has released the official SSC CPO 2026 Notification PDF on ssc.gov.in. Online applications commenced today and close on September 30, 2026. The application correction window will open from October 8 to October 10, 2026.
SSC CPO 2026 Notification: Quick Facts Overview
The Staff Selection Commission conducts the Central Police Organization (CPO) examination annually to recruit Group ‘B’ Non-Gazetted and Group ‘C’ executive personnel into federal law enforcement and paramilitary forces. The table below outlines the essential recruitment parameters.
| Recruitment Parameter | Official Specification |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs Examination, 2026 |
| Recruiting Commission | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Designated Posts | Sub-Inspector (Exe.) in Delhi Police, Sub-Inspector (GD) in CAPFs |
| Participating Forces | Delhi Police, BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB |
| Tentative Vacancies | 1,871 – 2,018 Vacancies (Tentative) |
| Pay Scale | Pay Level 6 (₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400) |
| Application Window | September 10, 2026 to September 30, 2026 (11:00 PM) |
| Fee Payment Deadline | October 1, 2026 (11:00 PM) |
| Application Correction Window | October 8 to October 10, 2026 |
| Official Portal | ssc.gov.in |
| Last Verified Date | September 10, 2026 |
Source: Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Official Employment Notice 2026
SSC CPO 2026 Official Important Dates and Timeline Matrix
Candidates must track all official registration and examination milestones to ensure timely application submission, fee remittance, and physical test preparation.
| Recruitment Event | Start Date | End Date / Deadline | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Application Submission Window | September 10, 2026 | September 30, 2026 (23:00 Hrs) | Active (Apply Online) |
| Online Fee Payment Deadline | September 10, 2026 | October 1, 2026 (23:00 Hrs) | Active |
| Application Form Correction Window | October 8, 2026 | October 10, 2026 (23:00 Hrs) | Scheduled |
| Paper 1 Computer Based Examination | November / December 2026 | November / December 2026 | Tentative Schedule |
| PST and PET Physical Tests | January / February 2027 | January / February 2027 | Post Paper 1 Results |
| Paper 2 English Examination | March 2027 | March 2027 | Post PST/PET Qualifying |
Source: SSC Official Calendar and CPO Examination Schedule 2026
SSC CPO 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit and Educational Qualifications
To register under the SSC CPO 2026 Notification, applicants must meet the age limit, educational qualification, and driving license norms as on the prescribed crucial date.
1. Age Limit Criteria (As on Crucial Date)
The candidate must be aged between **20 and 25 years**. Permissible upper age relaxations apply for reserved categories:
- SC / ST Candidates: 5 Years relaxation (Up to 30 years)
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Candidates: 3 Years relaxation (Up to 28 years)
- Ex-Servicemen (ESM): 3 Years after deduction of the military service rendered from actual age
- Widows, Divorced Women and Women Judicially Separated: Up to 35 years (Up to 40 years for SC/ST)
2. Educational Qualifications
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized University or equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government. Candidates appearing in their final year of graduation can apply, provided they acquire the essential qualification on or before the crucial cut-off date.
3. Driving License Requirement (Delhi Police SI Male Only)
Male candidates applying for Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police must possess a valid Driving License for Light Motor Vehicles (LMV: Motorcycle and Car) as on the date fixed for Physical Endurance and Measurement Tests (PE&MT). Candidates without a driving license will be considered only for CAPFs posts.
SSC CPO Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The selection architecture consists of Paper 1 (CBT), Physical Standard Test (PST) / Physical Endurance Test (PET), Paper 2 (English CBT), and Detailed Medical Examination (DME).
| Paper / Section | Subject Areas | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 — Part A | General Intelligence and Reasoning | 50 Questions | 50 Marks | 2 Hours (120 Mins) |
| Paper 1 — Part B | General Knowledge and General Awareness | 50 Questions | 50 Marks | |
| Paper 1 — Part C | Quantitative Aptitude | 50 Questions | 50 Marks | |
| Paper 1 — Part D | English Comprehension | 50 Questions | 50 Marks | |
| Paper 2 | English Language and Comprehension | 200 Questions | 200 Marks | 2 Hours (120 Mins) |
Source: SSC CPO Examination Scheme and Marking Structure 2026
Negative Marking and NCC Certificate Bonus Marks
- Negative Marking: There is a negative marking of **0.25 marks** for each wrong response in both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
- NCC Bonus Marks: NCC Certificate holders receive bonus marks added to both Paper 1 and Paper 2 scores (NCC ‘C’ Certificate: 10 marks / 5%, NCC ‘B’ Certificate: 6 marks / 3%, NCC ‘A’ Certificate: 4 marks / 2%).
Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET) Matrix
PST and PET are strictly qualifying in nature. Clearing the physical efficiency test is mandatory to appear for Paper 2.
| Physical Standard / Event | Male Candidates (General/OBC/SC) | Male Candidates (ST) | Female Candidates (General/OBC/SC) | Female Candidates (ST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Height | 170 cm | 162.5 cm | 157 cm | 154 cm |
| Chest (Unexpanded / Expanded) | 80 cm / 85 cm | 77 cm / 82 cm | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| 100 Metres Sprint | In 16 Seconds | In 16 Seconds | In 18 Seconds | In 18 Seconds |
| 1.6 Km / 800m Race | 1.6 Km in 6.5 Minutes | 1.6 Km in 6.5 Minutes | 800 Metres in 4 Minutes | 800 Metres in 4 Minutes |
| Long Jump (3 Chances) | 3.65 Metres | 3.65 Metres | 2.7 Metres (9 Feet) | 2.7 Metres (9 Feet) |
| High Jump (3 Chances) | 1.2 Metres | 1.2 Metres | 0.9 Metres (3 Feet) | 0.9 Metres (3 Feet) |
| Shot Put (16 Lbs) | 4.5 Metres (3 Chances) | 4.5 Metres | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
Source: SSC Physical Endurance Standards Guidelines 2026
Step-by-Step Online Application Process on ssc.gov.in
Candidates must apply exclusively through the new official portal at ssc.gov.in. Follow this application procedure:
- One-Time Registration (OTR): Visit ssc.gov.in and complete One-Time Registration by entering your Aadhaar number, personal details, contact number, and educational background.
- Live Photograph Capture: Under the new SSC application module, live photograph capture through webcam/mobile camera is mandatory. Ensure a plain white background and adequate lighting with no caps, spectacles, or masks.
- Signature Upload: Upload a scanned signature (10 KB to 20 KB in JPEG format).
- Select Force Preferences: Choose preference ranking across Delhi Police, CISF, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, and SSB.
- Payment of Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable application fee of ₹100 online via Net Banking, UPI, or Debit/Credit card. Women candidates and candidates belonging to SC, ST, and Ex-Servicemen categories are completely exempted from fee payment.
- Submit and Print Application: Submit the completed application form and download the PDF for future reference during document verification.
Pay Scale and Salary Structure for Sub-Inspector Posts
Both Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police and Sub-Inspector (GD) in CAPFs carry Pay Level 6 under the 7th Central Pay Commission:
- Pay Band: Level 6 (₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400)
- Basic Pay: ₹35,400 per month
- Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), Ration Money Allowance, and Risk/Hardship Allowance (for CAPF personnel in field locations).
- Approximate In-Hand Monthly Salary: ₹52,000 to ₹65,000 depending on location posting (X, Y, Z cities).
What This Means for Government Exam Aspirants
The release of the SSC CPO 2026 Notification is one of the premier uniform services opportunities for graduate candidates across India. Here is your strategic plan:
- Complete Registration Early: Do not wait until September 30 to apply, as high server traffic frequently slows down the portal in the final 48 hours.
- Start Physical Training Simultaneously: Because PET/PST requires clearing a 1.6 km run in 6.5 minutes and high/long jumps, begin daily cardiovascular conditioning alongside written exam preparation.
- Utilize Preparation Resources: Check exam patterns and college predictors on our Explore Colleges Directory and review related admission resources on our All India College Predictor Hub. For personalized career guidance, Book a Free Admission Counselling Session with our education and career mentors.
Official Helpdesk and Contact Information
For technical issues during OTR registration or online fee payment, connect with official SSC support:
- Official Commission Website: ssc.gov.in
- SSC Candidate Helpdesk Email:
helpdesk-ssc@gov.in - Toll-Free Helpline: 1800 309 3063 (Available 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM on working days)
- SSC Headquarters: Block No. 12, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the application deadline for SSC CPO 2026?
Answer: The online application process under the SSC CPO 2026 Notification closes on September 30, 2026, at 11:00 PM. Fee payment can be completed until October 1, 2026.
Q2: What is the age limit for SSC CPO recruitment 2026?
Answer: Candidates must be between 20 and 25 years of age on the crucial cut-off date. Standard upper age relaxations apply for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), and Ex-Servicemen candidates.
Q3: Is a driving license mandatory for all SSC CPO posts?
Answer: No. A valid driving license for Light Motor Vehicles (LMV) is required only for male candidates applying for Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police during the PET/PST stage. It is not required for CAPFs posts or female candidates.
Q4: What is the salary of a Sub-Inspector recruited through SSC CPO?
Answer: Sub-Inspectors in Delhi Police and CAPFs are placed in Pay Level 6 with a basic pay scale of ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400, resulting in an in-hand monthly salary of approximately ₹52,000 to ₹65,000.
Q5: What is the exam pattern for SSC CPO Paper 1?
Answer: Paper 1 is an objective CBT comprising 200 questions worth 200 marks across Reasoning (50), GK (50), Quantitative Aptitude (50), and English (50), with a total duration of 2 hours and negative marking of 0.25 marks.
Q6: Are physical endurance tests (PET) qualifying or merit-based?
Answer: Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET) are strictly qualifying in nature. Marks obtained in PET are not added to the final merit list, but clearing them is mandatory to appear for Paper 2.
Q7: What is the application fee for SSC CPO 2026?
Answer: The application fee is ₹100 for General and OBC male candidates. Women candidates, SC, ST, and Ex-Servicemen applicants are completely exempted from fee payment.
Q8: Where can I apply online for SSC CPO 2026?
Answer: Applications must be submitted exclusively on the official Staff Selection Commission website at ssc.gov.in using the One-Time Registration (OTR) module.
Q9: How many vacancies are announced in SSC CPO 2026?
Answer: The official notification announces an estimated pool of 1,871 to 2,018 tentative vacancies across Delhi Police and CAPFs (BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB).
Q10: When is the SSC CPO Paper 1 exam scheduled?
Answer: Paper 1 Computer Based Examination is tentatively scheduled to be conducted across India in November / December 2026.
Sources Checked and Editorial Verification
- Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Official Web Portal
- Delhi Police Official Recruitment Directorate
- Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Government of India
Update Policy: This page will be updated immediately when SSC publishes finalized vacancy matrices, admit card download links, or exam shift schedules.