The SSC CPO Notification 2026 has been released by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), bringing a fresh opportunity for graduates who want to become Sub-Inspectors in Delhi Police and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). A total of 1,871 tentative vacancies have been announced for the recruitment drive.
The online application process has started on 10 September 2026, and eligible candidates can submit their applications until 30 September 2026. The Paper-I examination is scheduled for December 2026, while the exact examination date will be announced by the Commission later.
Candidates should carefully understand the latest eligibility requirements, vacancy distribution, application process, revised exam pattern, physical standards and selection procedure before applying.
Download the [SSC CPO Notification 2026 PDF] before filling out the application form to check all official instructions, eligibility conditions and recruitment details.
SSC CPO Notification 2026: Important Highlights
The SSC CPO 2026 recruitment covers Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police, BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB and the newly introduced Sub-Inspector (Fire) post in CISF.
| Particular | Details |
| Exam Name | SSC CPO 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission |
| Total Vacancies | 1,871 |
| Notification Date | 10 September 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 10 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 September 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 1 October 2026 |
| Correction Window | 8–10 October 2026 |
| Paper-I Examination | December 2026 |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s Degree for regular SI posts |
| Age Limit | 20–25 years for most posts |
| CISF SI Fire Age Limit | 18–30 years |
| Pay Scale | ₹35,400–₹1,12,400 |
Candidates should complete the application before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day, particularly because payment or technical issues can create last-minute difficulties.
SSC CPO Vacancy 2026: Post-Wise Details
The SSC CPO Vacancy 2026 includes posts in Delhi Police and five CAPFs, along with the new CISF SI Fire position. The total number of tentative vacancies is 1,871, consisting of 1,612 male and 259 female vacancies.
| Post/Force | Total | Male | Female |
| SI in Delhi Police | 317 | 205 | 112 |
| SI in BSF | 457 | 435 | 22 |
| SI in CISF | 250 | 200 | 50 |
| SI in CRPF | 254 | 225 | 29 |
| SI in ITBP | 187 | 159 | 28 |
| SI in SSB | 172 | 154 | 18 |
| SI Fire in CISF | 234 | 234 | — |
| Total | 1,871 | 1,612 | 259 |
The vacancy figures are tentative and may be revised according to the requirements reported by the concerned departments and CAPFs.
SSC CPO Male Vacancy 2026
The SSC CPO Male Vacancy 2026 includes 1,612 posts. BSF has the highest number of regular CAPF male SI vacancies, while the newly introduced CISF SI Fire post has 234 vacancies reserved for male candidates.
| Post/Force | Male Vacancies |
| Delhi Police | 205 |
| CRPF | 225 |
| BSF | 435 |
| ITBP | 159 |
| CISF | 200 |
| SSB | 154 |
| CISF SI Fire | 234 |
| Total | 1,612 |
SSC CPO Female Vacancy 2026
The SSC CPO Female Vacancy 2026 stands at 259 posts. Delhi Police has 112 female vacancies, while CISF has 50. Female candidates can also apply for applicable SI (GD) positions in the CAPFs if they satisfy the prescribed eligibility and physical requirements.
| Post/Force | Female Vacancies |
| Delhi Police | 112 |
| CRPF | 29 |
| BSF | 22 |
| ITBP | 28 |
| CISF | 50 |
| SSB | 18 |
| Total | 259 |
SSC CPO 2026 Apply Online: Important Dates
The SSC CPO 2026 Apply Online process started on 10 September 2026. Candidates can submit their forms until 30 September 2026, while the online fee payment facility remains available until 1 October 2026.
| Event | Date |
| Notification Released | 10 September 2026 |
| Application Begins | 10 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 September 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 1 October 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | 8–10 October 2026 |
| Paper-I Examination | December 2026 |
| Exact CBT Date | To be notified |
How to Apply for SSC CPO 2026?
Candidates can follow these steps to complete the application:
- Visit the official SSC website.
- Complete One-Time Registration (OTR) on the new SSC website if required.
- Log in using the registered credentials.
- Select the SSC CPO 2026 application form.
- Enter your personal and educational details.
- Select the applicable post and force preferences.
- Complete Aadhaar-based authentication if applicable.
- Follow the instructions for the real-time photograph.
- Pay the applicable application fee.
- Review every detail carefully.
- Submit the application before 30 September 2026.
- Save the submitted application and payment confirmation.
Candidates should particularly verify their name, date of birth, category, educational qualification and post preferences before final submission.
SSC CPO Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before applying, candidates should check whether they fulfil the prescribed nationality, age, educational qualification and physical requirements.
Nationality
A candidate must be a citizen of India or a subject of Nepal or Bhutan. Candidates from Nepal or Bhutan must fulfil the certificate requirements specified by the Government of India.
SSC CPO Age Limit 2026
For SI posts in Delhi Police and CAPFs, the age limit is 20 to 25 years as on 1 August 2026.
For the CISF SI Fire post, the age limit is 18 to 30 years.
| Post | Age Limit |
| SI in Delhi Police | 20–25 years |
| SI in CAPFs | 20–25 years |
| SI Fire in CISF | 18–30 years |
Applicable age relaxations should be checked in the official notification.
SSC CPO Educational Qualification
For SI posts in Delhi Police and CAPFs, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification.
The CISF SI Fire position has separate educational requirements, so candidates should check the notification for the specified Science or diploma qualification before applying.
Driving Licence Requirement for Delhi Police SI
Male candidates applying for SI Executive in Delhi Police must have a valid Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) driving licence for motorcycle and car by the date prescribed for the Physical Endurance and Measurement Test.
Candidates applying for CAPF SI posts should check the applicable requirements separately.
SSC CPO Application Fee 2026
The application fee for SSC CPO 2026 is ₹100 for candidates who are required to pay it.
Women candidates, SC, ST and eligible Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempted from the application fee.
| Category | Application Fee |
| General/UR | ₹100 |
| OBC/EWS | ₹100 |
| Women | No Fee |
| SC | No Fee |
| ST | No Fee |
| Eligible Ex-Servicemen | No Fee |
The last date for fee payment is 1 October 2026.
SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026
The SSC CPO 2026 examination pattern includes important changes that candidates should consider while preparing.
Paper-I consists of four sections. Each section contains 25 questions for 25 marks, and candidates get 15 minutes for each section. This sectional timing makes speed and time management particularly important.
| Paper-I Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
| Reasoning | 25 | 25 | 15 minutes |
| General Awareness | 25 | 25 | 15 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 25 | 15 minutes |
| English Comprehension | 25 | 25 | 15 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
Paper-I carries 0.25 marks negative marking for every incorrect answer.
SSC CPO Paper-II Exam Pattern 2026
Paper-II carries 320 marks and consists of 160 questions. English Comprehension has the largest share, with 100 questions carrying 200 marks.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
| Reasoning | 20 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| General Awareness | 20 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| English Comprehension | 100 | 200 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 160 | 320 | 80 minutes |
Paper-II carries 0.50 marks negative marking for each incorrect answer.
Because of the revised structure, candidates should include timed sectional practice and full-length mock tests in their preparation strategy.
SSC CPO Selection Process 2026
The SSC CPO selection process consists of multiple stages:
- Paper-I
- Physical Standard Test (PST)
- Physical Endurance Test (PET)
- Paper-II
- Detailed Medical Examination/Review Medical Examination
- Document Verification
- Final Selection and Allocation
PST/PET and medical stages are qualifying in nature. Paper-II performance, applicable NCC bonus marks and submitted post or force preferences are considered under the final selection and allocation process.
SSC CPO Physical Standards and PET
Candidates who qualify Paper-I are required to appear for the Physical Standard Test and Physical Endurance Test.
The general height requirement mentioned for the recruitment is 170 cm for male candidates and 157 cm for female candidates, subject to applicable relaxations.
PET Requirements for Male Candidates
| Event | Requirement |
| 100 metres race | 16 seconds |
| 1.6 km race | 6.5 minutes |
| Long Jump | 3.65 metres |
| High Jump | 1.2 metres |
| Shot Put | 4.5 metres with 16-lb shot |
PET Requirements for Female Candidates
| Event | Requirement |
| 100 metres race | 18 seconds |
| 800 metres race | 4 minutes |
| Long Jump | 2.7 metres |
| High Jump | 0.9 metres |
PST/PET is mandatory but qualifying in nature. Ex-Servicemen are exempt from PET but are required to undergo PST.
New CISF SI Fire Post in SSC CPO 2026
One of the major updates in the SSC CPO Recruitment 2026 is the introduction of the Sub-Inspector (Fire) post in CISF.
SSC has announced 234 tentative vacancies for this male-only position. The age limit for this post is 18 to 30 years, along with separate educational and physical requirements.
Candidates interested in this position should carefully review the specific eligibility conditions before selecting it in their application.
SSC CPO NCC Bonus Marks 2026
Candidates with valid NCC certificates can receive bonus marks according to the prescribed SSC criteria.
| NCC Certificate | Bonus |
| NCC ‘C’ Certificate | 5% of maximum marks |
| NCC ‘B’ Certificate | 3% of maximum marks |
| NCC ‘A’ Certificate | 2% of maximum marks |
Candidates should ensure that their NCC certificates meet the requirements mentioned in the recruitment notification.
SSC CPO Salary 2026
SSC CPO posts carry Level-6 pay, with a basic pay scale of ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400.
The recruitment offers graduates an opportunity to build a career in Delhi Police, CAPFs and the CISF Fire wing. Along with academic preparation, candidates should be ready for the physical fitness and discipline requirements associated with these roles.
SSC CPO Vacancy Trends: 2018 to 2026
Vacancies in SSC CPO recruitment have changed considerably over the years.
| Year | Vacancies |
| 2018 | 1,223 |
| 2019 | 2,745 |
| 2020 | 1,564 |
| 2022 | 4,300 |
| 2023 | 1,876 |
| 2024 | 4,187 |
| 2025 | 5,308 |
| 2026 | 1,871 |
The 1,871 vacancies for 2026 are tentative, so candidates should monitor official SSC updates for any future changes.
How to Prepare for SSC CPO 2026?
With Paper-I scheduled for December 2026, candidates should begin preparation according to the revised pattern.
1. Understand the Revised Exam Pattern
The 15-minute sectional timing in Paper-I requires candidates to practise solving questions within strict time limits.
2. Build Strong Fundamentals
Give consistent attention to Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude and English Comprehension.
3. Practise Previous-Year Questions
Previous-year questions can help candidates understand recurring concepts, question formats and difficulty levels.
4. Take Regular Mock Tests
Mock tests are useful for improving speed and accuracy. Candidates should analyse incorrect answers after every test.
For additional preparation support, aspirants can also explore the free study material for competitive exams available from Chanakya’s Coaching Centre.
5. Start Physical Preparation Early
Do not wait until Paper-I results to begin physical preparation. Candidates should gradually work on running, jumping and other required activities.
6. Focus on Accuracy
Since both papers include negative marking, candidates should avoid unnecessary guessing and develop a balanced attempt strategy.
SSC CPO Preparation with Chanakya’s Coaching Centre
Preparing for SSC CPO requires a combination of conceptual clarity, regular practice, mock-test analysis and time management.
Aspirants looking for structured SSC preparation can explore SSC Coaching in Chandigarh at Chanakya’s Coaching Centre. A focused preparation approach can help candidates organise their study schedule around the latest syllabus, sectional timing and examination requirements.
Candidates who are also preparing for other competitive examinations can explore the institute’s courses to understand the available exam-preparation programmes.
SSC CPO Notification 2026 FAQs
When was the SSC CPO Notification 2026 released?
The SSC CPO Notification 2026 was released on 10 September 2026.
How many vacancies are announced for SSC CPO 2026?
SSC has announced 1,871 tentative vacancies across Delhi Police, BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB and CISF SI Fire.
What is the last date to apply for SSC CPO 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 30 September 2026, while the last date for fee payment is 1 October 2026.
When will the SSC CPO Paper-I exam be conducted?
The Paper-I examination is scheduled for December 2026. The exact examination date has not yet been announced.
What is the age limit for SSC CPO 2026?
For SI posts in Delhi Police and CAPFs, the age limit is 20 to 25 years as on 1 August 2026. The CISF SI Fire post has an age limit of 18 to 30 years.
What is the SSC CPO application fee?
The application fee is ₹100 for candidates required to pay it. Women, SC, ST and eligible Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempted.
Is there negative marking in SSC CPO 2026?
Yes. Paper-I has 0.25 marks negative marking for each incorrect answer, while Paper-II has 0.50 marks negative marking for each incorrect answer.
What is the selection process for SSC CPO 2026?
The selection process includes Paper-I, PST/PET, Paper-II, DME/RME and Document Verification, followed by final selection and allocation according to the applicable criteria.
Final Words
The SSC CPO Notification 2026 has opened an important opportunity for graduates interested in Sub-Inspector positions in Delhi Police and the CAPFs. With 1,871 tentative vacancies, candidates should complete their applications within the prescribed timeline and begin preparation according to the revised examination pattern.
The introduction of the CISF SI Fire post, sectional timing in Paper-I and the revised Paper-II structure make it important to follow the latest notification rather than depending only on previous SSC CPO patterns.
For candidates seeking structured preparation, Chanakya’s Coaching Centre provides exam-focused learning support for SSC and other competitive examinations. Aspirants should combine regular classes or self-study with previous-year questions, mock tests, revision and physical preparation.
Candidates should continue checking the official SSC website for the latest notification updates, examination schedule and recruitment-related announcements.