SSC CPO Selection Process 2026: Complete Stages, Exam Pattern & Physical Tests

SSC CPO Selection Process 2026 includes Paper-I, Physical Standard Test (PST)/Physical Endurance Test (PET), Paper-II and Detailed Medical Examination (DME). All these stages are mandatory, while PST/PET and DME/RME are qualifying in nature. Candidates who qualify the required stages and Document Verification are considered for final selection based on Paper-II performance and post/force preference.

Also Read:

• SSC CPO Eligibility Criteria
• SSC CPO Salary

SSC CPO Selection Process 2026

The SSC CPO 2026 examination consists of Paper-I, PST/PET, Paper-II and Detailed Medical Examination. Candidates must qualify the respective stages to proceed to the next stage.

Stages in SSC CPO 2026 Selection Process

The SSC CPO Selection Process 2026 has the following stages:

• Paper-I
• Physical Standard Test (PST)/Physical Endurance Test (PET)
• Paper-II
• Detailed Medical Examination (DME)/Review Medical Examination (RME)

PST/PET is mandatory and qualifying in nature. Candidates who qualify PST/PET are allowed to appear in Paper-II. Candidates qualifying Paper-II are shortlisted for medical examination. Candidates who qualify DME/RME and Document Verification are considered for final selection.

SSC CPO Paper-I Exam Pattern 2026

SSC CPO Paper-I consists of four sections with 25 questions and 25 marks each, making a total of 100 questions and 100 marks. Each section has a 15-minute sectional timer.

There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in Paper-I.

SSC CPO PST/PET 2026

Candidates are shortlisted for PST/PET based on their performance in Paper-I, including applicable NCC bonus marks. PST/PET is qualifying in nature and carries no marks.

SSC CPO PET Requirements 2026

Ex-Servicemen are not required to undergo PET, but they must qualify the prescribed PST and medical standards.

SSC CPO Physical Standard Test 2026

The physical standards vary depending on the post and category. The 2026 notification prescribes separate standards for SI in Delhi Police, SI in CAPFs and SI (Fire) in CISF.

Height Standards for SI in Delhi Police

Height Standards for SI in CAPFs

Height Standards for SI (Fire) in CISF

Weight should correspond to height for all posts. Female candidates are not required to meet chest measurement standards.

Candidates seeking relaxation in height/chest must produce the prescribed certificate from the competent authority. Candidates who are declared not qualified in physical standards may appeal to the appellate authority present at the PST/PET ground.

SSC CPO Paper-II Exam Pattern 2026

SSC CPO Paper-II consists of four sections and carries 400 marks. English Comprehension has 100 questions for 200 marks, while the remaining sections have 20 questions and 40 marks each.

Paper-II has a 20-minute sectional timer for each part. There is negative marking of 0.50 marks for each wrong answer.

SSC CPO Medical Examination 2026

Candidates who qualify Paper-II are shortlisted for the Detailed Medical Examination (DME). Candidates found unfit during DME may undergo a Review Medical Examination (RME).

The prescribed medical standards include:

• Minimum near vision: N6 in the better eye and N9 in the worse eye
• Minimum distant vision: 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the worse eye
• Visual correction through glasses or surgery is not permitted
• Candidates must not have knock knees, flat feet, varicose veins or squint in the eyes
• Candidates should possess high colour vision
• Candidates must be in good mental and bodily health and free from physical defects likely to interfere with efficient performance of duties

The decision of the Re-Medical Board/Review Medical Board is final.

SSC CPO Final Selection 2026

Candidates who qualify the required stages and Document Verification are considered for final selection. Final selection and allocation of post/force are based on Paper-II performance, including applicable NCC bonus marks, and the preferences of Posts/Forces submitted by candidates.

Once a candidate is allotted the first available preference according to merit and preference, the candidate will not be considered for another option. Therefore, candidates should exercise their post/force preferences carefully.

SSC CPO NCC Bonus Marks 2026

NCC certificate holders can receive bonus marks in both Paper-I and Paper-II:

The bonus marks are added to the normalized scores of eligible candidates.

SSC CPO Qualifying Marks 2026

The minimum qualifying marks in Paper-I and Paper-II, excluding NCC bonus marks, are:

The Commission may also fix different cut-offs for shortlisting candidates for PST/PET based on factors including vacancies and the number of candidates.