SSC CPO Syllabus, Criteria, Eligibility, Salary, Posts

This guide provides a detailed review of the SSC CPO Exam syllabus, equipping you with essential resources and knowledge for thorough preparation. Our aim is to make sure you are fully prepared, giving you the confidence to tackle the exam and achieve a positive result.

What is SSC CPO Exam?

The SSC CPO exam, also known as the SSC Sub Inspector (SI) exam, is organized to select candidates for the positions of Sub Inspectors in Delhi Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and Assistant Sub Inspectors (ASI) in the Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. This recruitment process plays a crucial role in bolstering the law enforcement and security framework within various central government agencies.

Particulars of SSC CPODetails
SSC Exam NameSSC CPO (Staff Selection Commission Central Police Organization)
Exam Conducting AuthorityStaff Selection Commission (SSC)
www.ssc.nic.in
SSC Eligibility CriteriaAge limit: 20 to 25 years. (SSC has given age relaxation for reserved categories. (Given below in SSC CPO Age Limit)

Citizenship: Applicant must be a citizen of India, Nepal or Bhutan. For Nepal and Bhutan, a certificate of eligibility a must.

Educational Qualification: Graduation or any equivalent course such as BA, BSC, B.Com from a recognized university.
Application ModeApply Online through SSC Website
Application fee for SSC CHSL ExamRs 100 (UR/ OBC)
SC/ ST/ Female/ Ex- Servicemen Candidates are exempted from the fees.
Stages of Exam1. Computer-Based Test (CBT),
2. Physical Endurance Test (PET),
3. Physical Standard Test (PST), and
4. Medical Examination round
5. Written test (Paper II/ MCQ/ type/ 200 marks)
Exam DurationComputer Based Test: 120 minutes.
Number of Questions: 200
Maximum Marks: 200
LanguageEnglish and Hindi

What are SSC GD Posts?

SSC CPO SI in Delhi Police – Maintaining law and order
SSC CPO SI in CISF- Providing security to various PSUs and other important infrastructures
SSC CPO SI in BSF – Protection of the border between India & Pakistan
SSC CPO SI in ITBPF – Protection of the border bet. India & China (Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh)
SSC CPO SI in CRPF – Anti-riot & Anti-naxal force
SSC CPO SI in SSB – Protection of Indo–Nepal & Indo–Bhutan borders

SSC GD Selection Process

The SSC GD 2024 selection process involves a comprehensive four-stage assessment: the Computer-Based Test (CBT), the Physical Standard Test (PST), the Physical Efficiency Test (PET), and the Medical Examination. Candidates who pass the CBT will advance to the PST and PET, focusing on physical eligibility and fitness, and then to the Medical Examination. Successful candidates from the medical test proceed to document verification.

  • Computer-Based Examination (CBE): This initial stage evaluates candidates’ knowledge in areas pertinent to the SSC GD role through a computer-based format.
  • Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Candidates meeting the PST criteria then face the PET, which assesses the physical stamina of both male and female candidates, typically through a timed race.
  • Physical Standards Test (PST): This test checks if candidates meet specific physical standards required for the role, including measurements of weight, height, and chest size (for male candidates).
  • Medical Examination or Detailed Medical Examination (DME): The DME ensures candidates are physically and medically fit for duty, including vision tests, to finalize the selection process.

SSC CPO Exam Syllabus/ Pattern

The SSC CPO selection process unfolds in three distinct stages:

  • Stage I: This stage involves a written examination (Paper I), which is MCQ-based and carries a total of 200 marks.
  • Stage II: Candidates who pass Stage I move on to the Physical Endurance Test (PET), Physical Standard Test (PST), and Medical Test.
  • Stage III: This final stage consists of another written test (Paper II), also MCQ-based, with a total of 200 marks.

In instances where two candidates achieve the same score, tie-breakers will be applied in the following order:

  1. Aggregate marks obtained in the written examination.
  2. Marks scored in Paper II.
  3. Marks scored in Paper I.
  4. Seniority based on the date of birth, with the older candidate given preference.
  5. Alphabetical order of the first names of the candidates.

Both Paper I and II are designed with multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

SSC CPO Paper I Exam Pattern Details:

  • The exam is conducted in an online mode, specifically computer-based.
  • Paper I is divided into four sections, comprising a total of 200 questions for 200 marks.
  • The allotted time for completing Paper I is 2 hours.
  • The question paper will be available in Hindi for Parts A, B, and C of Paper I, offering linguistic flexibility to the candidates.

SSC CPO SubjectsNo. of questionsMarks
General Intelligence and Reasoning
5050
General Knowledge and General Awareness5050
Quantitative Aptitude5050
English/Hindi5050
Total200200

SSC CPO Physical Endurance Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST)

The SSC CPO Physical Endurance Test (PET) and Physical Standard Test (PST) are critical components of the selection process, aimed at assessing the physical capabilities and fitness levels of candidates. The PET is conducted following the PST, with distinct criteria for male and female candidates:

Physical Endurance Test for Male Candidates:

  • 100 meters Race: Must be completed in 16 seconds.
  • 1.6 KM Race: Must be completed in 6.5 minutes.
  • Long Jump: 3.65 meters must be achieved in 3 attempts.
  • High Jump: 1.2 meters must be achieved in 3 attempts.

Physical Endurance Test for Female Candidates:

  • 100 meters Race: Must be completed in 18 seconds.
  • 800 meters Race: Must be completed in 4 minutes.
  • Long Jump: 2.7 meters must be achieved in 3 attempts.
  • High Jump: 0.9 meters must be achieved in 3 attempts.

These tests are designed to ensure candidates have the physical strength and agility required for the demanding roles within the police and armed forces.

SSC CPO Paper II Syllabus

The SSC CPO Paper II is specifically focused on assessing the English Language & Comprehension skills of the candidates. Here are the details regarding the exam pattern:

  • Subject Focus: English Language & Comprehension
  • Number of Questions: 200
  • Total Marks: 200
  • Exam Duration: 2 hours
  • Negative Marking: Yes, 0.25 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
  • Question Type: Objective Type (MCQs)

This structure is designed to evaluate the comprehensive understanding of English, including grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension abilities, essential for the roles within the SSC CPO’s ambit. Both Paper I and Paper II are crafted to be objective, ensuring a fair and comprehensive assessment of candidates’ aptitudes in their respective fields.

How to Apply for SSC CPO Exam

Part I Registration

  1. Navigate to SSC Official Website: Go to ssc.nic.in, the official website of the Staff Selection Commission.
  2. Access the Application Link: Click on the ‘Apply’ link. On the new window, locate and select the link for SSC CPO.
  3. Initiate Part I Registration: Choose the ‘Examination’ link and then opt for ‘Part I Registration’.
  4. Enter Required Information: Fill in all necessary details including contact information, examination center preference, educational qualifications, and post preferences.
  5. Complete Registration: Click on ‘Register’ to obtain your login credentials (Registration Number and Password), which will also be sent to your registered email ID.
  6. Form Filling with Credentials: Utilize these credentials to access and fill out the detailed application form.

Part II Registration

  1. Log In for Part II: Sign in and select ‘Part II Registration’.
  2. Document Upload and Fee Payment: Upload the requisite documents and proceed to pay the application fee, choosing between online or offline payment methods.
  3. Image Specifications: Ensure you upload clear scanned images of your Photograph and Signature.
  4. Preview and Confirm: Check the uploaded images by clicking on ‘Preview’. If satisfied with their quality, confirm your submission.
  5. Finalize Application: A confirmation page will indicate successful submission. Print this page for future reference.

Documents Specification

  • Photograph: Should be clear, with a professional appearance and a light-colored background.
  • Signature: Must be done on plain white paper, in a running handwriting style, avoiding block letters or varying styles. Both signature and photo must be clearly visible against a white or light-colored background.

Following these steps and specifications ensures a smooth application process for the SSC CPO 2024 exam.

SSC GD Previous Year Question Papers with Answers

Engaging with SSC CPO Previous Years’ Question Papers is an essential part of preparation, offering insights into the exam’s mark distribution and difficulty level. By reviewing past papers and concentrating on the most expected questions, candidates can develop a customized strategy for their exam preparation. Utilizing mock test series available on platforms like myentrance.in can be incredibly beneficial.

This online resource provides a wide array of preparation materials, enabling candidates to get acquainted with the exam’s structure and the variety of questions they might face. Leveraging these resources effectively can greatly improve a candidate’s readiness for the SSC CPO exam. For access to these valuable practice materials, consider visiting the suggested platform.

SSC CPO Pay Scale

The SSC CPO offers a competitive salary structure for successful candidates, with the following financial benefits:

  • Starting Salary: Upon qualifying for the SSC CPO Exam, candidates can expect a starting salary of Rs. 35,400.
  • Gross Salary: Including a range of allowances, the gross salary comes to approximately Rs. 47,496.
  • In-Hand Salary: After necessary deductions, the take-home salary amounts to Rs. 41,231, with the potential to reach up to Rs. 1,12,000 depending on the role and additional allowances.

This salary package reflects the lucrative and rewarding nature of positions within the SSC CPO, encompassing roles in various central security forces.

SSC CPO cut-off Score

The SSC CPO cut-off can be influenced by several key factors, including the total number of vacancies available, the total number of candidates who appear for the exam, and the overall difficulty level of the exam. These elements collectively determine the threshold score that candidates must achieve to move forward in the selection process.


In the SSC CPO examination, there is a penalty for incorrect answers. For every wrong answer given in both papers of the SSC CPO exam, 0.25 marks will be deducted. This negative marking system is designed to encourage accuracy and careful consideration of answers among candidates.


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