SSC CPO SI Syllabus & Exam Pattern Full Details 2026.

Candidates preparing for the examination must thoroughly analyze the updated SSC CPO SI Syllabus 2026 to understand the sectional weightage and marking criteria.

• The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the nationwide Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces Examination (SSC CPO SI Exam) 2026. This examination serves as the premier recruitment pathway for Sub-Inspectors (Executive) in the Delhi Police and Sub-Inspectors (GD) across Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), including the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

• Candidates must clear a multi-tier selection process combining computer-based objective assessments (Paper-1 and Paper-2) with physical endurance testing (PET/PST) and rigorous medical standards. Below is the complete operational blueprint covering the 2026 syllabus, scoring rules, physical parameters, and preparation benchmarks.
• You can also explore the RK Job Alert 24 Home Page for immediate alerts on defense recruitment rallies, answer keys, cutoff trends, and central government examinations.

The official SSC CPO SI Syllabus 2026 contains all details regarding the exam pattern.

SSC CPO SI Examination 2026: Fast Overview

Four-Stage Selection Process Architecture

[Stage-I: Paper-1 Computer-Based Test (200 Marks / 2 Hours)]
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[Stage-II: Physical Standard Test (PST) & Physical Endurance Test (PET) - Qualifying]
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[Stage-III: Paper-2 English Language & Comprehension CBT (200 Marks / 2 Hours)]
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[Stage-IV: Detailed Medical Examination (DME) & Document Scrutiny]
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[Final Merit List & Force Allocation (Out of 400 Marks + NCC Bonus)]

• Stage-I (Paper-1 CBT): A 200-mark screening test evaluating Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and Basic English. Marks scored here count toward both Stage-II qualification and the final appointment roster.
• Stage-II (PST / PET): Candidates meeting the Paper-1 category-wise cut-offs appear for biometric verification, height/chest measurements, and physical endurance drills. This stage is qualifying in nature, but failure in any single drill results in immediate elimination.
• Stage-III (Paper-2 CBT): Candidates cleared through physical endurance testing are admitted to Paper-2, a dedicated 200-mark examination assessing English language proficiency.
• Stage-IV (DME & Document Verification): A composite merit list based on Paper-1 and Paper-2 scores (out of 400 marks) determines candidate shortlists for the Detailed Medical Examination conducted by CAPF Medical Boards. Document verification is completed at this final stage.

Paper-1 Detailed Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

The revised SSC CPO SI Syllabus 2026 includes Paper 1, Physical Standard Test, and Paper 2 stages. Following the official SSC CPO SI Syllabus 2026 ensures targeted preparation for both Paper 1 and Paper 2.

Regular practice using mock tests strictly based on the SSC CPO SI Syllabus 2026 helps reduce negative marking errors and improves overall speed.

Paper-1 consists of 200 objective multiple-choice questions administered across four sections in a single two-hour composite sitting:

Paper-1 Marking Regulations:

• Correct Attempt: +1.00 Mark.
• Negative Marking Penalty: Deduction of 0.25 marks (1/4th penalty) for every incorrect answer. Unattempted questions incur no deduction.
• Bilingual Display: Questions in Parts A, B, and C are available bilingually in English and Hindi. Part D is administered exclusively in English.
• Score Normalization: Marks scored across different shifts are normalized using SSC’s standard statistical formula to balance difficulty variations.

Comprehensive Paper-1 Topic-Wise Micro-Syllabus

1. General Intelligence & Reasoning (50 Questions / 50 Marks)

• Analogy: Semantic, Symbolic/Number, and Figural Analogies.
• Classification: Odd-one-out sorting across semantic terms, number pairs, and letter groupings.
• Series: Continuous alphanumeric patterns, prime sequences, geometric progressions, and mixed-logic chains.
• Coding-Decoding: Matrix transformations, positional letter shifting, and symbol-substitution systems.
• Blood Relations: Coded family relations, genealogical diagrams, and direct-statement puzzles.
• Direction & Distance: Complex angular displacements, shadow directions, and shortest distance calculations using the Pythagorean Theorem.
• Order & Ranking: Positional switching, queue arrangements, and multi-variable hierarchy mapping.
• Seating Arrangement: Linear (North/South facing) and circular/polygonal seating formations.
• Deductive Logic & Syllogism: Statements and Conclusions, Venn Diagram verification, and possibility theorems.
• Critical Reasoning: Assumptions, Assertions & Reasons, and Cause & Effect dynamics.
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Mirror and Water Images, Paper Folding/Punching, Embedded Figures, Pattern Completion, and Cube/Dice unfolds.

2. General Knowledge & General Awareness (50 Questions / 50 Marks)

• Indian History:
  • Ancient: Harappan Civilization, Vedic developments, Buddhist and Jain tenets, Maurya administrative systems, and Gupta governance.
  • Medieval: Delhi Sultanate revenue and military structures, Mughal administration, Bhakti/Sufi movements, and Maratha expansion.
  • Modern: British land-settlement acts, the 1857 Uprising, socioeconomic reform movements, Indian National Congress sessions, revolutionary movements, and Gandhian campaigns.
• Geography:
  • Physical & Indian: Himalayan topography, Peninsular and extra-Peninsular river systems, major drainage basins, agro-climatic zones, soils, and mineral belts.
  • World: Planetary mechanics, atmospheric layering, ocean currents, and global navigation straits.
• Polity & Indian Constitution: Framing processes, Preamble, Fundamental Rights (Articles 12–35), Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36–51), Fundamental Duties (Article 51A), Union Executive (President, PM, Council of Ministers), Parliament structures, Supreme Court and High Court jurisdictions, and Constitutional bodies (CAG, Election Commission, UPSC).
• Indian Economy: Macroeconomic fundamentals (Inflation indices, Monetary Policy tools like Repo/Reverse Repo, CRR, SLR), GDP/GNP computations, the direct and indirect tax code (GST), and Five-Year Plan histories.
• General Science (Secondary Standard):
  • Physics: Newton’s laws of motion, gravitation, optics (lenses, reflection, refraction), thermodynamics, sound waves, and electrical resistance.
  • Chemistry: Chemical reactions, periodic classifications, acids, bases, salts, metals, alloys, and common industrial chemical compounds.
  • Biology: Cell structures, organ systems (circulatory, nervous, digestive, endocrine), dietary nutrients, vitamin deficiencies, and communicable/non-communicable diseases.
• Static GK & Culture: Classical and folk dance forms, traditional musical instruments, UNESCO World Heritage monuments, national parks, tiger reserves, Ramsar sites, international agencies (UN, IMF, WTO, BRICS), and sports terminology.
• Current Affairs: National awards, global summits, major athletic tournaments, defense joint exercises, and legislative updates over the preceding 8 to 12 months.

3. Quantitative Aptitude (50 Questions / 50 Marks)

• Arithmetic Foundations:
  • Number Systems & Fractions: Divisibility rules, unit digit calculation, remainder theorems, and BODMAS operations.
  • Percentage & Profit/Loss: Marked price dynamics, successive discounts, and dishonest merchant transactions.
  • Interest Calculations: Simple and Compound interest calculations, multi-year differentials, and compounding intervals.
  • Ratio, Proportion & Mixture: Mean/third proportionals, coin-denomination distributions, and alligation methods.
  • Time, Work & Movement: Work efficiency balances, pipe flow dynamics, relative speed, train crossings, and river currents.
• Advanced Mathematics:
  • Algebra: Polynomial factorizations, linear/quadratic solutions, and variable identities ($x + \frac{1}{x} = k$).
  • Geometry: Triangle congruency/similarity theorems, circle chords, tangent properties, and cyclic quadrilaterals.
  • Mensuration (2D & 3D): Surface areas and volumes of prisms, cylinders, right circular cones, spheres, hemispheres, and frustums.
  • Trigonometry: Standard ratios ($\sin, \cos, \tan, \cot, \sec, \csc$), specific angles ($0^\circ, 30^\circ, 45^\circ, 60^\circ, 90^\circ$), basic identities, and practical heights and distances.
  • Data Interpretation: Tabular representations, histograms, bar charts, and pie charts.

4. English Comprehension (Paper-1: 50 Questions / 50 Marks)

• Vocabulary fundamentals, synonyms, antonyms, and correct spelling detection.
• Grammar, parts of speech, tense harmony, and subject-verb agreement.
• Error identification in sentences, phrase replacements, and contextual fill-in-the-blanks.
• Cloze tests and reading comprehension passages evaluating passage recall and deduction.

Stage-II: Physical Standard Test (PST) & Physical Endurance Test (PET)

Passing the physical stage is mandatory to qualify for Paper-2.

1. Physical Standard Test (PST – Height & Chest Measurements)

(Note: Candidate body weight must correspond proportionally to height and age based on medical standards).

2. Physical Endurance Test (PET – Functional Fitness Drills)

• For Male Candidates:
  • 100-Meter Sprint: Maximum 16 Seconds (Single attempt).
  • 1.6 km (1600-Meter) Run: Maximum 6.5 Minutes (6 mins 30 secs, single attempt).
  • Long Jump: Minimum 3.65 Meters (~12 feet) (Up to 3 attempts).
  • High Jump: Minimum 1.20 Meters (~3.9 feet) (Up to 3 attempts).
  • Shot Put (16 Lbs / 7.26 kg): Minimum 4.50 Meters (~14.76 feet) (Up to 3 attempts).
• For Female Candidates:
  • 100-Meter Sprint: Maximum 18 Seconds (Single attempt).
  • 800-Meter Run: Maximum 4.0 Minutes (Single attempt).
  • Long Jump: Minimum 2.70 Meters (~9 feet) (Up to 3 attempts).
  • High Jump: Minimum 0.90 Meters (~3 feet) (Up to 3 attempts).
  • (Female candidates are exempt from the Shot Put event).

Mandatory Driving License Provision for Delhi Police SI:

Male candidates opting for Sub-Inspector posts in the Delhi Police must hold a valid Light Motor Vehicle (LMV – Motorcycle and Car) Driving License on the scheduled date of the Physical Endurance and Standard Test. Male applicants lacking an LMV license remain eligible for Sub-Inspector positions in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Female candidates are not required to hold an LMV driving license.

Paper-2 Detailed Exam Pattern: English Language & Comprehension

Candidates qualifying through PET/PST appear for Paper-2, which focuses on advanced English communication, syntax, and analytical comprehension:

Paper-2 Detailed Topic Breakdown:

• Core Grammar & Error Recognition (20–25 Marks): Spotting syntax errors across nouns, pronouns, modifiers, and prepositions.
• Contextual Fill in the Blanks (10–15 Marks): Phrasal verbs, prepositions, and vocabulary fits.
• Vocabulary, Synonyms & Antonyms (30–40 Marks): Contextual meaning, antonyms, and spelling accuracy.
• Idioms & Phrasal Expressions (15–20 Marks): Conventional and modern English idioms.
• One-Word Substitutions (15–20 Marks): Lexical terms across technical, literary, and social definitions.
• Sentence Improvement (20–25 Marks): Phrasal adjustments and grammatical upgrades.
• Active and Passive Voice Transformation (20–25 Marks): Structural voice transformations across tenses.
• Direct and Indirect Speech Conversion (20–25 Marks): Reported speech conversions across reporting tenses.
• Sentence Jumbles / Para Jumbles (15–20 Marks): Paragraph structuring and sentence sequencing.
• Cloze Test Passages (20–25 Marks): Infilling missing words based on contextual tone and grammar.
• Comprehension Passages (25–30 Marks): Multi-paragraph factual, discursive, and analytical reading passages.

NCC Bonus Marks Structure

National Cadet Corps (NCC) certificate holders receive bonus marks added to their composite Paper-1 + Paper-2 total (out of 400 marks), provided certificates are valid on the application cut-off date:

Detailed Medical Examination (DME) Guidelines

Selected candidates undergo medical fitness examinations conducted by specialized CAPF Medical Boards:

• Visual Acuity Standards:
  • Minimum distant vision without corrective lenses: 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the worse eye.
  • Near vision: N6 in the better eye and N9 in the worse eye.
  • Color Vision: Full color discrimination is mandatory. Candidates with any degree of color blindness are disqualified.
  • Refractive Surgery: Corrective surgical procedures (including LASIK, PRK, or radial keratotomy) are generally unacceptable under central armed paramilitary guidelines.
• Physical Anatomy Screening:
  • Candidates must be free from knock knees, flat feet, varicose veins, squint (strabismus), and carrying angles in excess of 15 degrees.
• Auditory Function:
  • Unimpaired hearing across speech frequencies without signs of tympanic perforation, chronic discharge, or surgical grafts.
• General Health Status:
  • Free from active cardiovascular conditions, chronic dermatological disorders, and congenital abnormalities.

💡 RK Advice: 5 Proven Preparation Strategies for SSC CPO Aspirants

• Maintain Physical Training Alongside Paper-1 Prep: Many candidates who clear Paper-1 fail the 1600-meter run (6.5 minutes) or the high jump due to a lack of conditioning. Dedicate 45 minutes daily to endurance running and core mobility from day one.
• Master Voice and Narration Rules for Paper-2: Active/Passive Voice and Direct/Indirect Speech account for 40 to 50 marks in Paper-2. Mastering these rules provides high scoring accuracy with minimal risk of negative deductions.
• Secure Your LMV Driving License Early: For male aspirants targeting the Delhi Police SI cadre, obtain an authentic Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) license well before the physical testing schedule. Missing the license excludes you from the Delhi Police roster, leaving only CAPF options.
• Focus on Arithmetic Speed in Paper-1: Complete your arithmetic foundation (Percentages, Ratios, Profit & Loss, Speed/Time/Distance) early. Memorize multiplication tables up to 30, square roots up to 50, and cube roots up to 30 to solve the 50 math questions within 30 to 35 minutes.
• Build Daily Static GK and Vocabulary Foundations: Consistent daily study—learning 20 vocabulary words and reviewing specific Static GK topics (Art & Culture, Polity articles, National Parks)—builds the recall required for both stages of the exam.

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Are Paper-1 marks added to the final merit list in the SSC CPO examination?

Ans: Yes. Unlike the SSC CGL and CHSL formats, Paper-1 marks in the SSC CPO exam are added directly to Paper-2 marks (Total 400 Marks) to determine final merit and force allocation.

Q2: What is the negative marking rate across SSC CPO exams?

Ans: Both Paper-1 and Paper-2 have a negative marking penalty of 0.25 marks for every incorrect response.

Q3: Is a driving license mandatory for all SSC CPO vacancies?

Ans: No. An LMV (Motorcycle and Car) driving license is required solely for male candidates opting for Sub-Inspector posts in the Delhi Police during the PET/PST stage. It is not required for CAPF appointments or female candidates.

Q4: What are the minimum qualifying heights for male and female general candidates?

Ans: The minimum height is 170 cm for male general category candidates and 157 cm for female general category candidates. Applicable height relaxations are provided for candidates from notified hill areas and tribal communities.