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SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026, Check Marking Scheme & Physical Test

Anshika

Apr 9, 2026

SSC CPO 2026 exam is conducted in multiple stages to assess candidates’ knowledge, physical fitness, and medical suitability for the posts of Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The exam includes two written papers (Paper 1 and Paper 2), followed by Physical Standard Test (PST), Physical Endurance Test (PET), and a detailed medical examination. Only those who qualify in each stage can move forward in the recruitment process.

SSC CPO Exam Stages 2026

The recruitment process for SSC CPO 2026 consists of the following stages:

  1. Paper 1 (Computer-Based Test) – Objective-type test to assess general awareness, reasoning ability, quantitative aptitude, and English comprehension.
  2. Physical Standard Test (PST) – To ensure candidates meet the required height, chest, and weight standards.
  3. Physical Endurance Test (PET) – To evaluate physical fitness through running, long jump, and high jump activities.
  4. Paper 2 (Computer-Based Test) – Objective-type English language and comprehension test.
  5. Medical Examination – To verify candidates’ medical fitness for service in the armed forces.

SSC CPO Paper 1 Exam Pattern 2026

SSC CPO 2026 paper 1 is the first stage of the written test and is conducted in online (computer-based) mode. It is designed to test a candidate’s reasoning skills, general awareness, quantitative aptitude, and English comprehension. The time duration for this paper is 2 hours.

Subject Number of Questions Maximum Marks
General Intelligence & Reasoning 50 50
General Knowledge & General Awareness 50 50
Quantitative Aptitude 50 50
English Comprehension 50 50
Total 200 200

Important Notes:

  • Each question carries 1 mark.
  • Negative marking of 0.25 marks is applicable for every wrong answer.
  • The exam is conducted in English 
  • Candidates must qualify Paper 1 to proceed to the Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET).

SSC CPO Paper 2 Exam Pattern 2026

SSC CPO Paper 2 is conducted after candidates clear the Physical Standard Test (PST) and Physical Endurance Test (PET). It is designed to assess a candidate’s proficiency in the English language, including grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. This stage is also conducted in online (computer-based) mode.

Subject Number of Questions Maximum Marks Duration
English Language & Comprehension 200 200 2 hours (120 minutes)

Important Notes:

  • Each question carries 1 mark.
  • Negative marking of 0.25 marks is applicable for every wrong answer.
  • The paper focuses on error detection, grammar usage, vocabulary, sentence structure, synonyms/antonyms, and reading comprehension.
  • Marks from Paper 1 and Paper 2 are combined to prepare the final merit list (after medical tests).

SSC CPO Physical Standard Test (PST) 2026

SSC CPO Physical Standard Test is conducted after Paper 1 and is a qualifying stage. It ensures that candidates meet the required height, chest, and weight measurements prescribed by Staff Selection Commission for different posts under SSC CPO. Failure to meet these standards leads to immediate disqualification from the recruitment process.

PST Requirements for Male Candidates

Measurement Category Minimum Requirement
Height General, OBC, SC 170 cm
Height ST 162.5 cm
Chest (Unexpanded) General, OBC, SC 80 cm
Chest (Expanded) General, OBC, SC 85 cm
Chest (Unexpanded) ST 77 cm
Chest (Expanded) ST 82 cm

Note: Minimum expansion of the chest should be 5 cm.

PST Requirements for Female Candidates

Measurement Category Minimum Requirement
Height General, OBC, SC 157 cm
Height ST 154 cm

Weight: For both male and female candidates, weight should be proportionate to height and age as per medical standards.

SSC CPO Physical Endurance Test (PET) 2026

SSC CPO Physical Endurance Test is conducted for candidates who qualify in both Paper 1 and the Physical Standard Test (PST). It is different for male and female candidates and aims to assess stamina, speed, and physical fitness. The PET is qualifying in nature, and no marks are awarded. However, failing in any one of the events leads to disqualification.

PET Requirements for Male Candidates

Event Requirement
100 Metres Race 16 seconds
1.6 Km Race 6 minutes 30 seconds
Long Jump 3.65 metres in 3 chances
High Jump 1.2 metres in 3 chances
Shot Put (16 lbs) 4.5 metres in 3 chances

PET Requirements for Female Candidates

Event Requirement
100 Metres Race 18 seconds
800 Metres Race 4 minutes
Long Jump 2.7 metres in 3 chances
High Jump 0.9 metres in 3 chances

Notes: PET is not required for Ex-Servicemen..

SSC CPO Medical Standards 2026

Candidates who clear the Physical Endurance Test (PET) must undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the prescribed health and vision standards for service in the Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). The medical test is conducted by medical officers from CAPFs or other government medical institutions.

Key Medical Requirements

  • Eye Standards (with or without glasses):
    • Better Eye: 6/6 vision
  • Worse Eye: 6/9 vision
  • No Colour Blindness: Candidates must have high-grade colour vision.
  • Squint: Not acceptable.
  • Lasik Surgery: Allowed, provided vision standards are met.
  • Hearing: Candidate should be able to hear a whisper from a distance of 15 feet in each ear.
  • General Health: Candidate must be in good mental and physical health, free from any defect likely to interfere with duties.
  • Physical Deformities: Flat foot, knock-kneed, varicose veins, or other deformities are not allowed.

Appeal Against Medical Findings

If a candidate is declared unfit, they can file an appeal within the prescribed period and undergo a review medical examination. The decision of the Review Medical Board is final.

SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs

Ques: How many papers are there in the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026?

Ans: The SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 includes two written papers – Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 tests general knowledge, reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and English comprehension. Paper 2 focuses entirely on English language and comprehension. Both papers are followed by Physical Tests and a Medical Examination.

Ques: What is the marking scheme in SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026?

Ans: In the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026, each question carries 1 mark, and there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer in both Paper 1 and Paper 2.

Ques: What is the duration of each paper in the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026?

Ans: Both Paper 1 and Paper 2 in SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 are of 2 hours duration each. Candidates must attempt 200 questions in each paper within this time limit.

Ques: Is the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 conducted online or offline?

Ans: The SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 is conducted in online mode (Computer-Based Test) for both Paper 1 and Paper 2. The Physical Tests and Medical Examination are conducted offline.

Ques: What is the syllabus for Paper 1 in the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026?

Ans: Paper 1 in SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 covers General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Knowledge & General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension. Each section has 50 questions.

Ques: What is the syllabus for Paper 2 in SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026?

Ans: Paper 2 in SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 focuses entirely on English Language & Comprehension, including grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and error spotting.

Ques: Can I use a calculator in SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026?

Ans: No, calculators or any electronic devices are not allowed during the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026. All calculations must be done manually.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.
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