SSC CPO recruitment 2026 is officially open — the Staff Selection Commission has announced 1,871 Sub-Inspector vacancies in Delhi Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, SSB), and CISF Fire Wing under Notice No. E/37/2026-C-2. This guide is for graduates aged 20–25 years (18–30 for SI Fire) who want a Group B central government job with Rs.35,400–Rs.1,12,400 pay scale. Below you will find every detail — vacancies, salary, eligibility, selection process, exam pattern, physical tests, important dates, and how to apply online before the 30 September 2026 deadline.
SSC CPO recruitment 2026 offers 1,871 Sub-Inspector vacancies in Delhi Police and CAPFs. The pay scale is Rs.35,400–Rs.1,12,400 (Level 6). Graduates aged 20–25 can apply online at ssc.gov.in from 10 September to 30 September 2026.
- Conducting Body: Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
- Exam Name: Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police & CAPF Examination 2026
- Notice Number: E/37/2026-C-2
- Total Vacancies: 1,871 (Tentative)
- Pay Scale: Rs.35,400 – Rs.1,12,400 (Pay Matrix Level 6)
- Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree from a recognised university
- Age Limit: 20–25 years (SI GD/Executive); 18–30 years (SI Fire CISF)
- Application Start Date: 10 September 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 30 September 2026 (23:00 hrs)
- Fee Payment Deadline: 01 October 2026 (23:00 hrs)
- Correction Window: 08–10 October 2026
- Application Fee: Rs.100 (Women / SC / ST / Ex-SM: Nil)
- Official Website: ssc.gov.in
- Notification Download: Download Official Notification PDF
- What Is SSC CPO 2026?
- Who Should Apply for SSC CPO 2026?
- SSC CPO 2026 Vacancy Details
- SSC CPO Salary 2026 – Pay Scale and In-Hand
- Eligibility Criteria for SSC CPO 2026
- How to Apply for SSC CPO 2026 – Step-by-Step
- SSC CPO 2026 Exam Pattern – Paper I and II
- Physical Standard and Endurance Tests (PST/PET)
- SSC CPO vs Other SSC Exams – Comparison
- Advantages and Disadvantages of SSC CPO 2026
- Important Terms Related to SSC CPO 2026
- Important Dates – SSC CPO 2026
- Important Links – SSC CPO 2026
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is SSC CPO 2026?

SSC CPO 2026 stands for Staff Selection Commission Central Police Organisation Examination 2026. It is an open competitive exam conducted by SSC to recruit Sub-Inspectors for Delhi Police (Executive Male/Female), Central Armed Police Forces — CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, SSB — and the newly included Sub-Inspector (Fire) post in CISF. The selection carries All India Service Liability for CAPF posts, meaning selected candidates serve anywhere in the country.
The 2026 examination introduces two notable changes: a sectional timer of 15 minutes per section in Paper-I and a brand-new SI (Fire) post in CISF with 234 vacancies and a different age limit. All posts carry the same pay scale of Level 6 (Rs.35,400–Rs.1,12,400) in the 7th Pay Commission matrix.
Who Should Apply for SSC CPO 2026?
- 🎓 Graduates aged 20–25 years seeking a Group B central government police job
- 👩 Female graduates — 112 dedicated vacancies exist for SI (Executive) Female in Delhi Police
- 🪖 Ex-Servicemen — eligible for age relaxation and fee waiver; 10% ESM quota in CAPF vacancies
- 🏃 Physically fit candidates who can meet height, chest, and endurance benchmarks (100m in 16 sec for men)
- 📚 B.Sc. (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) graduates — additionally eligible for the new SI (Fire) CISF post
- 🚗 Male graduates with LMV Driving License — required exclusively for Delhi Police SI (Executive) Male
- 🏫 Final-year degree students — can apply if qualification is completed by 30 September 2026
- 📛 NCC Certificate holders — get bonus marks (NCC C: 5%, NCC B: 3%, NCC A: 2% of max marks per paper)
SSC CPO 2026 Vacancy Details — Post-Wise Breakdown
A total of 1,871 tentative vacancies have been announced under SSC CPO recruitment 2026. The breakdown across posts and forces is as follows:
| Post | Gender | UR | OBC | SC | ST | EWS | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SI (Exe.) Delhi Police | Male | 87 | 54 | 30 | 14 | 20 | 205 |
| SI (Exe.) Delhi Police | Female | 47 | 30 | 16 | 08 | 11 | 112 |
| SI (GD) CAPFs — All Forces | Male+Female | – | – | – | – | – | 1,320 |
| SI (Fire) CISF | Male | 74 | 75 | 52 | 16 | 17 | 234 |
| Grand Total | – | – | – | – | – | – | 1,871 |
CAPF SI (GD) Force-wise: CRPF — 254 vacancies (225 Male + 29 Female), BSF — 457 (435M + 22F), ITBP — 187 (159M + 28F), CISF — 250 (200M + 50F), SSB — 172 (154M + 18F). Total CAPF: 1,320 posts with ESM quota at 10% per force.
SSC CPO Salary 2026 – Pay Scale and In-Hand Details
All Sub-Inspector posts under SSC CPO 2026 carry the same basic pay structure under the 7th Pay Commission. The in-hand monthly salary is considerably higher than the basic pay once allowances are factored in.
| Salary Component | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (Entry Level) | Rs.35,400/month |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | Rs.14,514/month (approx. 41% of Basic) |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | Rs.5,310–Rs.8,496/month (city-based: X/Y/Z) |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | Rs.3,600–Rs.7,200/month |
| Gross In-Hand Salary | Rs.58,000–Rs.65,000/month (approx.) |
| Maximum Pay Scale | Rs.1,12,400/month (Pay Level 6 ceiling) |
| Pay Matrix Level | Level 6 (7th CPC) |
| Classification (CAPFs) | Group B, Non-Gazetted, Non-Ministerial |
| Classification (Delhi Police) | Group C |
In addition to salary, SSC CPO SI officers receive medical benefits, free housing in force accommodation (or HRA), uniform allowance, leave travel concession (LTC), pension under NPS, and career advancement opportunities within the force hierarchy.
Eligibility Criteria for SSC CPO 2026
Educational Qualification
- SI (GD) in CAPFs and SI (Executive) in Delhi Police: Bachelor’s Degree from any recognised university or equivalent
- SI (Fire) in CISF: B.Sc. with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics OR Matriculation + 3-year Diploma in Mechanical/Civil/Electrical/Chemical/Mining/Aeronautical/Telecommunication Engineering from a recognised institution
- Final-year students can apply, but must possess the qualification by the closing date (30 Sept 2026)
- Delhi Police SI (Male) additional requirement: Valid LMV Driving License (Motorcycle and Car) on the date of PST/PET
Age Limit (as on 01.08.2026)
| Post | Age Limit | Born Not Earlier Than | Born Not Later Than |
|---|---|---|---|
| SI (GD) CAPFs & SI (Exe.) Delhi Police | 20–25 years | 02.08.2001 | 01.08.2006 |
| SI (Fire) CISF | 18–30 years | 02.08.1996 | 01.08.2008 |
Age Relaxation
- SC/ST: 5 years relaxation in upper age limit
- OBC: 3 years relaxation in upper age limit
- Ex-Servicemen: 3 years after deduction of military service rendered
- Widows / Divorced Women (UR): Up to 35 years
- Widows / Divorced Women (SC/ST): Up to 40 years
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Rs.100/- |
| Women (All Categories) | Nil (Exempt) |
| SC / ST | Nil (Exempt) |
| Ex-Servicemen (eligible for reservation) | Nil (Exempt) |
| Correction Charge (1st time) | Rs.200/- |
| Correction Charge (2nd time) | Rs.500/- |
How to Apply for SSC CPO 2026 – Step-by-Step Process
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR): Visit ssc.gov.in and register on the new SSC portal. If already registered on the new website, your OTR remains valid — do not register again.
- Login to Your Account: Use your OTR credentials to access the online application portal.
- Fill the Application Form: Enter personal details, educational qualifications, category, and examination centre preferences (up to 3 centres in the same region, in priority order).
- Upload Real-Time Photograph: The system captures a live photo — no pre-existing photograph required. Ensure good lighting, plain background, no cap or spectacles, and full frontal face coverage.
- Upload Signature: Scan and upload signature in JPEG format (10–20 KB), dimensions approximately 6.0 cm × 2.0 cm.
- Aadhaar-Based Authentication (Recommended): Opt for Aadhaar authentication to avoid photo/signature rejection and skip the requirement for physical ID at the exam centre.
- Pay Application Fee: Pay Rs.100 via BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or Visa/MasterCard/RuPay Debit Card by 01 October 2026 (23:00 hrs). Exempt categories need not pay.
- Preview and Submit: Use the Preview/Print option to verify all details before final submission. Once submitted, keep a copy for at least 3 years.
Do NOT wait until 30 September 2026 to apply — SSC portals experience heavy traffic near deadlines. Apply within the first 5 days to avoid login failures. If you make an error, use the correction window (8–10 October 2026) to fix it at a cost of Rs.200 for the first correction.
SSC CPO 2026 Exam Pattern – Paper I and Paper II
The selection process comprises four mandatory stages: Paper-I (Computer Based Exam), Physical Standard Test (PST) / Physical Endurance Test (PET), Paper-II (Computer Based Exam), and Detailed Medical Examination (DME). All stages are compulsory.
Paper-I Pattern (Computer Based Examination)
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time Per Section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 | 15 Minutes |
| II | General Knowledge & Awareness | 25 | 25 | 15 Minutes |
| III | Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 25 | 15 Minutes |
| IV | English Comprehension | 25 | 25 | 15 Minutes |
| Total | – | 100 | 100 | 1 Hour (Sectional Timer) |
Paper-II Pattern (Higher Difficulty)
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks | Time Per Section |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | General Intelligence & Reasoning | 20 | 40 | 20 Minutes |
| II | General Knowledge & Awareness | 20 | 40 | 20 Minutes |
| III | Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 40 | 20 Minutes |
| IV | English Comprehension | 100 | 200 | 1 Hour |
| Total | – | 160 | 320 | 2 Hours (Sectional Timer) |
Key Exam Rules: Negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer in Paper-I and 0.50 marks per wrong answer in Paper-II. Minimum qualifying marks: 30% for UR, 25% for OBC/EWS, 20% for SC/ST/ESM (without NCC bonus). NCC C certificate gives 5% bonus marks in each paper. Answer Key challenges: Rs.50 per question (non-refundable), online only.
Physical Standard and Endurance Tests (PST/PET)
PST/PET is mandatory and qualifying (no marks) for all posts except Ex-Servicemen who are exempt from PET. Candidates must meet both height/chest standards and endurance benchmarks.
Height and Chest Standards
| Category | Height (Male) | Chest Unexpanded | Chest Expanded | Height (Female) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General (All Posts) | 170 cm | 80 cm | 85 cm | 157 cm |
| Hill Areas / Gorkhas / Marathas / NE / Leh | 165 cm | 80 cm | 85 cm | 155 cm |
| Scheduled Tribes (CAPFs) | 162.5 cm | 77 cm | 82 cm | 154 cm |
| SI (Fire) CISF – General | 170 cm | 81 cm | 86 cm | N/A (Male only) |
Physical Endurance Test (PET) Benchmarks
| Event | Male Standard | Female Standard |
|---|---|---|
| 100m Race | 16 seconds | 18 seconds |
| Long Distance Run | 1.6 km in 6.5 minutes | 800m in 4 minutes |
| Long Jump | 3.65 metres (3 chances) | 2.7 metres (3 chances) |
| High Jump | 1.2 metres (3 chances) | 0.9 metres (3 chances) |
| Shot Put (16 lbs) | 4.5 metres (3 chances) | Not required |
Additional Medical Standards: Minimum eyesight N6 (better eye) and N9 (worse eye) for near vision; 6/6 (better eye) and 6/9 (worse eye) for distant vision — without glasses or corrective surgery. No knock knee, flat foot, varicose vein, or squint. High colour vision required.
SSC CPO 2026 vs Other SSC Exams – Which Is Better for You?
| Feature | SSC CPO 2026 | SSC CGL 2026 | SSC CHSL 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post Type | Sub-Inspector (Group B/C) | Group B & C (Desk Jobs) | Group C (LDC/DEO) |
| Minimum Qualification | Graduation | Graduation | 12th Pass |
| Salary Range | Rs.35,400–Rs.1,12,400 | Rs.25,500–Rs.81,100 | Rs.19,900–Rs.63,200 |
| Age Limit | 20–25 years | 18–32 years | 18–27 years |
| Physical Test Required | Yes (PET/PST/DME mandatory) | No | No |
| Uniform Service | Yes (Police / Paramilitary) | No | No |
| All India Service Liability | Yes (CAPFs) | Yes | Yes |
| Vacancies 2026 | 1,871 | 17,000+ (expected) | 3,000+ (expected) |
| Negative Marking (Paper I) | 0.25 per wrong answer | 0.50 per wrong answer | 0.50 per wrong answer |
| Best For | Physically fit, service-oriented | Office career seekers | 12th pass, office clerks |
SSC CPO 2026 is the best choice for graduates who want a uniformed service career with a higher starting salary (Rs.35,400 vs Rs.25,500 for CHSL) and the prestige of serving in Delhi Police or CAPFs. However, if you are above 25 years old or cannot meet the strict physical standards, SSC CGL is the better alternative.
Advantages and Disadvantages of SSC CPO 2026
Advantages
- ✅ Higher starting salary — Rs.35,400 basic + DA + HRA = approximately Rs.58,000–65,000 in-hand monthly
- ✅ Job security and pension — permanent central government employment with NPS benefits
- ✅ Prestigious uniformed service — serve CRPF, BSF, CISF, Delhi Police, ITBP, or SSB
- ✅ New SI (Fire) post in 2026 — broader scope with extended age limit (up to 30 years) for engineering diploma holders
- ✅ NCC bonus marks advantage — NCC C holders get 5% extra marks, significantly improving merit chances
Disadvantages
- ❌ Strict age limit — general category candidates must be 20–25 years; latecomers lose eligibility
- ❌ Mandatory physical tests — PST/PET and medical examination eliminate many otherwise-qualified candidates
- ❌ All India Service Liability — you may be posted anywhere in India, not necessarily near your home state
- ❌ Two-year probation period — mandatory training and exams before confirmation
Important Terms Related to SSC CPO 2026
Understanding the following terms will help you navigate the SSC CPO 2026 process confidently.
- SSC CPO: Staff Selection Commission Central Police Organisation — the umbrella exam name for SI recruitment in police and paramilitary forces.
- CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces): The five forces under Ministry of Home Affairs — CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB — for which SSC recruits SI (GD).
- Pay Level 6: The 7th Pay Commission matrix level corresponding to Rs.35,400–Rs.1,12,400, replacing the old Grade Pay of Rs.4,200.
- One-Time Registration (OTR): A single permanent registration on ssc.gov.in that qualifies you to apply for all future SSC exams without re-registering.
- PST/PET (Physical Standard Test / Physical Endurance Test): The physical fitness screening stage — mandatory and qualifying (no marks awarded).
- DME (Detailed Medical Examination): Medical fitness check conducted by CAPF medical officers after Paper-II; candidates found unfit can appeal in RME (Review Medical Examination).
- ESM (Ex-Servicemen): Former Armed Forces personnel who get age relaxation (3 years + military service deduction) and 10% reservation in CAPF vacancies.
- NCC Bonus Marks: Additional marks added to Paper-I and Paper-II scores for NCC A, B, and C certificate holders — 2%, 3%, and 5% of maximum marks respectively.
- LMV Driving License: Light Motor Vehicle license for motorcycle and car, mandatory for SI (Executive) Male in Delhi Police on the date of PST/PET.
- EWS (Economically Weaker Section): Candidates with income below Rs.8 lakh per annum who are not covered under SC/ST/OBC — require Income & Asset Certificate valid for FY 2026-27.
Important Dates – SSC CPO 2026 Timeline
| Event | Date / Deadline |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | 10 September 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 10 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 30 September 2026 (23:00 hrs) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 01 October 2026 (23:00 hrs) |
| Application Correction Window | 08–10 October 2026 (23:00 hrs) |
| Computer Based Examination (Paper-I) | To be notified separately |
| PST / PET | To be notified after Paper-I result |
| Computer Based Examination (Paper-II) | To be notified after PST/PET |
| Detailed Medical Examination (DME) | To be notified after Paper-II result |
| Document Verification | Concurrent with DME |
Important Links – SSC CPO 2026
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official SSC Website | ssc.gov.in |
| Official Notification PDF Download | Download via Agrijob Telegram |
| Apply Online – SSC Portal | Apply at ssc.gov.in |
| Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) | mha.gov.in |
| DoP&T (Age Relaxation Rules) | dopt.gov.in |
| National Career Service Portal | ncs.gov.in |
| More Government Jobs on Agrijob.in | Government Jobs – Agrijob.in |
| NABARD Recruitment 2026 Guide | Read on Agrijob.in |
| SSC Official Toll-Free Helpline | 1800 309 3063 (Mon–Fri) |
Conclusion – Is SSC CPO 2026 Worth Applying For?
SSC CPO recruitment 2026 is one of the most significant central government recruitment drives this year — offering 1,871 vacancies across Delhi Police and five CAPF forces at a starting salary of Rs.35,400 per month with comprehensive benefits. If you are a graduate aged 20–25 with good physical fitness, this is a top opportunity that combines job security, a competitive salary, and the respect of a uniformed service career. Apply online at ssc.gov.in before 30 September 2026 to secure your application — do not wait for the last day.
- SSC CPO 2026 has 1,871 total vacancies — 317 in Delhi Police, 1,320 in CAPFs, and 234 SI (Fire) in CISF.
- Pay scale is Rs.35,400–Rs.1,12,400 (Level 6, 7th CPC); in-hand salary approximately Rs.58,000–65,000/month.
- Minimum qualification is graduation in any discipline; B.Sc. PCM or Engineering Diploma for SI (Fire) CISF.
- Age limit is 20–25 years for SI GD/Executive; 18–30 years for SI (Fire) CISF as on 01.08.2026.
- Apply online at ssc.gov.in by 30 September 2026 — download the official notification from the link in this post.
- Physical fitness is non-negotiable — practice 100m in 16 sec and 1.6 km in 6.5 min well before the PET stage.
Frequently Asked Questions About SSC CPO Recruitment 2026
What is the total number of vacancies in SSC CPO 2026?
SSC CPO 2026 has a total of 1,871 tentative vacancies. These include 205 for SI (Executive) Male in Delhi Police, 112 for SI (Executive) Female in Delhi Police, 1,320 for SI (GD) in CAPFs (CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, SSB), and 234 for SI (Fire) in CISF (Male). All vacancies are tentative and may change before the final result.
What is the salary of Sub-Inspector in CAPF after SSC CPO 2026?
The basic pay for Sub-Inspector (GD) in CAPFs under SSC CPO 2026 is Rs.35,400 per month at the entry level, under Pay Matrix Level 6 of the 7th Pay Commission. With Dearness Allowance, HRA, and transport allowance, the in-hand monthly salary works out to approximately Rs.58,000–Rs.65,000. The maximum pay scale is Rs.1,12,400 per month.
What is the age limit for SSC CPO 2026 and is there any relaxation?
For SI (GD) in CAPFs and SI (Executive) in Delhi Police, the age limit is 20–25 years as on 01.08.2026. For SI (Fire) in CISF, the age limit is 18–30 years. Relaxation is available: SC/ST get 5 years, OBC get 3 years, and Ex-Servicemen get 3 years plus deduction of military service from actual age. Widows and divorced women (UR) can apply up to age 35.
What is the educational qualification required for SSC CPO 2026?
For SI (GD) in CAPFs and SI (Executive) in Delhi Police, candidates need a Bachelor’s Degree from any recognised university. For SI (Fire) in CISF, the requirement is a B.Sc. degree with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics — or Matriculation plus a 3-year Engineering Diploma in relevant fields (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Chemical, Mining, Aeronautical, or Telecommunication). Final-year students can apply if they complete the degree by 30 September 2026.
What are the physical standards required for SSC CPO 2026?
Male candidates (general category) must be at least 170 cm tall with 80 cm unexpanded and 85 cm expanded chest. Female candidates must be at least 157 cm tall (no chest measurement required). In the Physical Endurance Test, men must complete 100m in 16 seconds, 1.6 km in 6.5 minutes, and clear long jump (3.65m), high jump (1.2m), and shot put (4.5m). Women must complete 100m in 18 seconds and 800m in 4 minutes.
How do I apply online for SSC CPO 2026?
To apply for SSC CPO 2026, visit ssc.gov.in and complete or use your existing One-Time Registration (OTR) on the new SSC website. Log in and fill the online application form, upload a real-time photograph and signature, select up to 3 exam centres, and pay the fee of Rs.100 via BHIM UPI, Net Banking, or Debit Card by 01 October 2026. Women, SC, ST, and eligible Ex-Servicemen are exempt from fee. You can also apply via the mySSC mobile app on Google Play Store.
What is the exam pattern for SSC CPO 2026?
SSC CPO 2026 Paper-I has 100 questions for 100 marks, divided into four sections of 25 questions each (General Intelligence, GK, Quantitative Aptitude, English) with a 15-minute sectional timer per section. Paper-II has 160 questions for 320 marks — sections I, II, and III have 20 questions for 40 marks each, and English Comprehension has 100 questions for 200 marks. Negative marking is 0.25 per wrong answer in Paper-I and 0.50 in Paper-II.
What is the SSC CPO 2026 last date to apply?
The last date to submit the online application for SSC CPO 2026 is 30 September 2026 at 23:00 hours (11:00 PM). The fee payment deadline is 01 October 2026 at 23:00 hours. A correction window is available from 08 to 10 October 2026 for candidates who need to fix errors in their submitted application.
What is the selection process for SSC CPO 2026?
The SSC CPO 2026 selection process has four mandatory stages: (1) Paper-I — Computer Based Examination with 100 marks and sectional timer; (2) PST/PET — Physical Standard and Endurance Tests, qualifying in nature; (3) Paper-II — Computer Based Examination with 320 marks and higher difficulty than Paper-I; and (4) Detailed Medical Examination (DME) plus Document Verification. Final merit is based solely on Paper-II marks and candidate preferences for post/force.
Can female candidates apply for all posts in SSC CPO 2026?
Female candidates can apply for SI (Executive) Female posts in Delhi Police (112 vacancies) and SI (GD) Female posts in CAPFs (147 vacancies across CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, SSB). The SI (Fire) in CISF post is only for male candidates. Female candidates must also clear the PST/PET at the prescribed female standards and submit a pregnancy status declaration before participating in physical tests.
Last Updated: September 2026 | This guide is reviewed and updated regularly. Bookmark this page for the latest SSC CPO 2026 information.
Disclaimer: All vacancy figures, salary data, eligibility criteria, and dates mentioned in this article are sourced from the official SSC notification (E/37/2026-C-2) published on ssc.gov.in on 10 September 2026. Vacancies are tentative and may change. This is an informational guide — candidates must verify all details from the official notification before applying. Agrijob.in is not affiliated with SSC or any government body.
