The Staff Selection Commission has started the SSC CPO Recruitment 2026 process for Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces. The recruitment covers 1,871 tentative vacancies across Delhi Police, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF and SSB, including SI Fire posts in CISF. Eligible candidates can submit their applications online from 10 September to 30 September 2026. The selection process combines two computer-based examinations with a physical test and medical examination, making this recruitment suitable for graduates who are prepared for both academic and physical competition.
SSC CPO Recruitment 2026: At a Glance
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Staff Selection Commission |
| Examination | Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs Examination, 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 1,871 Tentative |
| Posts | SI Executive, SI GD and SI Fire |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start | 10 September 2026 |
| Last Date | 30 September 2026, 11:00 PM |
| Fee Payment Deadline | 1 October 2026, 11:00 PM |
| Age | Post-wise, generally 20–25 years |
| Qualification | Graduation / prescribed CISF Fire qualification |
| Selection | Paper-I, PET/PST, Paper-II, Medical |
| Job Location | Delhi Police / Anywhere in India for CAPFs |
Where Are the 1,871 SSC CPO Vacancies?
The total vacancy figure is divided into three main recruitment categories. This distinction is important because the eligibility requirements are not identical for every post.
| Post | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| SI Executive, Delhi Police Male | 205 |
| SI Executive, Delhi Police Female | 112 |
| SI GD in CAPFs | 1,320 |
| SI Fire in CISF Male | 234 |
| Total | 1,871 |
The vacancies are tentative and may be revised by SSC according to the requirements communicated by the concerned organizations.
CAPF SI GD Vacancy Distribution
The 1,320 CAPF vacancies are distributed among five forces:
| Force | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRPF | 225 | 29 | 254 |
| BSF | 435 | 22 | 457 |
| ITBP | 159 | 28 | 187 |
| CISF | 200 | 50 | 250 |
| SSB | 154 | 18 | 172 |
| Total | 1,173 | 147 | 1,320 |
Candidates should remember that the force-wise vacancy position is tentative. The final allocation depends on the vacancy position and the recruitment rules applicable at the relevant stage.
SSC CPO Eligibility: Check Your Post Before Applying
A major point candidates should understand is that SSC CPO does not have one identical qualification requirement for every post.
SI in Delhi Police and SI GD in CAPFs
Candidates applying for the regular SI posts generally need a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized university.
Candidates whose qualifying examination result is awaited may be considered only if they obtain the required qualification by the date specified in the recruitment notice.
SI Fire in CISF
The educational requirement is different for SI Fire.
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed Science or technical qualification route, including a Bachelor’s degree in Science with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, or the specified three-year engineering diploma route in the relevant disciplines.
Therefore, a candidate should not assume that every graduate automatically qualifies for CISF SI Fire.
Delhi Police Male SI: Driving Licence Requirement
There is another post-specific condition that is easy to overlook.
A male candidate applying for SI Executive in Delhi Police must possess a valid LMV driving licence for motorcycle and car on the prescribed date for the Physical Endurance and Measurement Test.
This requirement does not prevent an eligible candidate from considering the relevant CAPF SI posts if he otherwise meets their conditions.
SSC CPO Age Limit 2026
The age is generally calculated with reference to 1 August 2026.
- SI in Delhi Police and SI GD in CAPFs: 20 to 25 years
- SI Fire in CISF: 18 to 30 years
Applicable age relaxation is available for eligible categories.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per applicable SSC rules |
| Eligible Delhi Police departmental candidates | As prescribed |
| Eligible widows/divorced women in Delhi Police | As prescribed |
Candidates should check the notification for the exact relaxation applicable to their circumstances because the rules differ for specific categories and posts.
SSC CPO Salary and Pay Level
All three major SI categories covered by this recruitment carry Pay Level 6.
| Post | Pay Level | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| SI in Delhi Police | Level 6 | ₹35,400–₹1,12,400 |
| SI GD in CAPFs | Level 6 | ₹35,400–₹1,12,400 |
| SI Fire in CISF | Level 6 | ₹35,400–₹1,12,400 |
Selected candidates also receive applicable allowances and benefits under the relevant government rules.
For candidates comparing police and CAPF careers, the job profile, posting conditions, physical requirements and transfer liability should be considered alongside the salary.
SSC CPO Selection Process: Written Exam Is Only the First Step
SSC CPO requires candidates to clear several stages.
Paper-I → PST/PET → Paper-II → Medical Examination → Document Verification
The written examinations determine the competitive ranking, while the physical and medical stages are essential qualifying stages.
Candidates should therefore prepare for fitness from the beginning rather than waiting until Paper-I results are announced.
Paper-I Exam Pattern
Paper-I tests four major areas.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 |
| General Knowledge & General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 |
| English Comprehension | 50 | 50 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
The examination is conducted for one hour, with the applicable sectional timing arrangement.
A 0.25-mark penalty is applied for each incorrect answer.
What This Means for Preparation
Paper-I requires balance rather than relying on a single strong subject. A candidate who is excellent in reasoning but weak in English or quantitative aptitude can still lose valuable marks.
Regular sectional practice followed by full-length timed tests is therefore more useful than studying each subject independently until the last few weeks.
Physical Standard and Endurance Test
The physical stage is one of the biggest differences between SSC CPO and ordinary graduate-level SSC examinations.
The PET includes running, jumping and, for male candidates, shot put.
| Event | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Metre Race | 16 seconds | 18 seconds |
| 1.6 Km / 800 Metre Race | 6.5 minutes | 4 minutes |
| Long Jump | 3.65 metres | 2.7 metres |
| High Jump | 1.2 metres | 0.9 metres |
| Shot Put | 4.5 metres | Not applicable |
Physical standards such as height and chest requirements vary according to the post, gender and applicable category.
Female candidates do not have a minimum chest measurement requirement.
CareerAlert24 advice: candidates should not wait for Paper-I results before starting physical preparation. Running and endurance take time to develop, and sudden intensive training shortly before the PET can be counterproductive.
Paper-II: English Becomes the Main Focus
Paper-II has a substantially larger English component.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 20 | 40 |
| General Knowledge & General Awareness | 20 | 40 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | 40 |
| English Comprehension | 100 | 200 |
| Total | 160 | 320 |
The paper carries 320 marks, with English Comprehension accounting for 200 marks.
A 0.50-mark deduction applies for every incorrect answer.
This makes English preparation particularly important for candidates who may otherwise focus almost entirely on the four subjects in Paper-I.
Medical Examination
Candidates who progress through the written and physical stages must satisfy the prescribed medical standards.
The medical examination assesses whether the candidate meets the applicable standards for the relevant police or CAPF post.
Candidates should not assume that clearing the written examination and PET automatically guarantees appointment. Medical fitness remains an essential part of the recruitment process.
SSC CPO Important Dates 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification/Application Begins | 10 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 30 September 2026, 11:00 PM |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 1 October 2026, 11:00 PM |
| Application Correction Window | 8–10 October 2026 |
| Paper-I | To be announced |
Candidates should complete the application before the deadline rather than relying on the final few hours.
SSC CPO Application Fee
The standard application fee is ₹100.
Women candidates and candidates belonging to SC, ST and eligible Ex-Servicemen categories are exempt from payment of the application fee.
The fee can be paid through the online payment options provided by SSC.
The fee is non-refundable.
Candidates should also note that separate charges apply if they use the correction facility, as specified by SSC.
What Should You Keep Ready Before Applying?
Candidates can make the application process easier by keeping their information and supporting documents ready.
Important items include:
- Matriculation certificate
- Graduation details
- Valid photo identity document
- Category certificate, where applicable
- Recent photograph as required by the SSC application system
- Signature in the prescribed format
- Driving licence for eligible Delhi Police male candidates
- Ex-Servicemen documents, where applicable
- NCC certificate details, if claiming the relevant benefit
The exact upload and photograph requirements should be followed according to the current SSC portal instructions.
How to Apply for SSC CPO Recruitment 2026
The application is submitted online through the SSC recruitment system.
- Visit the official SSC website.
- Complete One-Time Registration if you do not already have the required registration on the new SSC portal.
- Log in using your registration credentials.
- Select the Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and CAPFs Examination 2026.
- Enter personal and educational information carefully.
- Complete the photograph and signature requirements displayed by the portal.
- Select the relevant post preferences and provide the required details.
- Preview the complete form before submission.
- Pay the application fee if applicable.
- Submit the application before 30 September 2026, 11:00 PM.
- Save the submitted application and payment record.
Important SSC Portal Point
Candidates should not assume that an old registration automatically works on the current SSC system. Those who previously used the old SSC website should follow the current portal’s registration instructions.
Common SSC CPO Application Mistakes
Before submitting the form, candidates should specifically check:
- Whether their graduation qualification is valid for the selected post.
- Whether a CISF SI Fire applicant satisfies the specialized qualification requirement.
- Whether a Delhi Police male applicant has the required driving licence.
- Whether the date of birth matches the matriculation record.
- Whether the photograph and signature meet the portal requirements.
- Whether the application fee has been successfully paid.
- Whether the correct category has been selected.
- Whether the submitted application has been saved for future reference.
A common strategic mistake is also waiting until Paper-I results to begin physical training.
Who Should Target SSC CPO 2026?
SSC CPO is best suited to graduates who want a uniformed government career and are prepared for both academic testing and physical standards.
Candidates interested in Delhi Police should separately check the driving licence requirement. Those targeting CAPFs should be comfortable with the possibility of service and posting across different parts of India.
CISF Fire applicants need to pay particular attention to the specialized educational qualification rather than applying solely because they hold a general graduation degree.
CareerAlert24 Insight
The 1,871 tentative vacancies make SSC CPO 2026 an important opportunity, but the vacancy count should not be viewed in isolation.
The real challenge is that SSC CPO combines competitive written examinations with physical and medical standards. A candidate can score well in Paper-I and still fail to progress if the physical stage is not adequately prepared for.
The most effective approach is therefore a parallel preparation strategy.
For the written portion, candidates should build speed in reasoning and mathematics, maintain regular English practice and revise General Awareness continuously. For the physical portion, running and endurance training should begin immediately.
Paper-II deserves special attention because English Comprehension carries 200 out of 320 marks. Candidates who postpone English preparation until after Paper-I may find it difficult to recover the gap.
Candidates should also avoid treating all SSC CPO posts as identical. The Delhi Police driving licence condition and CISF Fire qualification are examples of post-specific requirements that can affect eligibility.
SSC CPO Preparation Strategy
A practical preparation plan can be divided into four parts:
1. Build Paper-I fundamentals
Revise reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English and General Awareness consistently.
2. Practise under time pressure
Use sectional tests first and then move to full-length mocks. Focus on accuracy because Paper-I carries negative marking.
3. Start physical training early
Build running capacity gradually and practise the required jumps and other events.
4. Give Paper-II separate attention
English should not be treated as just another Paper-I subject. Its weight in Paper-II makes vocabulary, grammar, comprehension and speed important.
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | SSC CPO Notification 2026 |
| Apply Online | SSC Application Portal |
| Official Website | SSC Official Website |
| WhatsApp Updates | CareerAlert24 WhatsApp Channel |
| Telegram Updates | CareerAlert24 Telegram Channel |
FAQs
How many vacancies are available in SSC CPO Recruitment 2026?
SSC has announced 1,871 tentative vacancies covering SI posts in Delhi Police, CAPFs and CISF Fire.
What is the last date to apply for SSC CPO 2026?
Candidates can submit the online application up to 30 September 2026 at 11:00 PM. The fee payment deadline is 1 October 2026 at 11:00 PM.
What qualification is required for SSC CPO?
Candidates generally need a Bachelor’s degree for SI in Delhi Police and SI GD in CAPFs. CISF SI Fire has additional Science or specified technical qualification requirements.
What is the SSC CPO age limit?
The general age range for SI Delhi Police and SI GD in CAPFs is 20 to 25 years as on 1 August 2026. CISF SI Fire has an age range of 18 to 30 years, subject to applicable relaxation.
Is a physical test compulsory for SSC CPO?
Yes. Candidates who qualify the relevant written stage must clear the prescribed Physical Standard Test and Physical Endurance Test.
What is the SSC CPO salary?
The Sub-Inspector posts carry Pay Level 6, with a pay scale of ₹35,400 to ₹1,12,400, along with applicable allowances.
Do male candidates applying for Delhi Police SI need a driving licence?
Yes. Male candidates applying for SI Executive in Delhi Police must possess the prescribed valid LMV driving licence for motorcycle and car on the relevant date.
Is there negative marking in SSC CPO?
Yes. Paper-I has a 0.25-mark deduction for each wrong answer, while Paper-II has a 0.50-mark deduction for each incorrect answer.
Conclusion
SSC CPO Recruitment 2026 offers 1,871 tentative Sub-Inspector vacancies across Delhi Police, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF and SSB, along with SI Fire opportunities in CISF. The recruitment is particularly suitable for graduates who are comfortable combining academic preparation with physical training.
Applications are open from 10 September to 30 September 2026. Candidates should check the eligibility conditions for their specific post before applying, particularly the driving licence requirement for Delhi Police male candidates and the specialized qualification for CISF SI Fire.
The best preparation strategy is to work on the written examination and physical fitness together. Candidates should also give additional attention to Paper-II English because it carries a major share of the total marks. Before submitting the application, always verify the latest SSC notification for any changes in vacancies, eligibility, examination dates or other recruitment conditions.
