For graduates who dream of a life of action, authority, and national service, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Central Police Organisations (CPO) Examination is the ultimate opportunity. This prestigious national exam recruits candidates for the coveted post of Sub-Inspector (SI) in the elite Delhi Police and various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
As the 2025 recruitment cycle concludes, all eyes are now on the upcoming SSC CPO 2026 notification. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of this examination, providing you with a clear roadmap to kickstart your journey towards becoming a Sub-Inspector.
Introduction to SSC CPO Examination
The Staff Selection Commission conducts the CPO exam annually to select candidates for Group ‘B’ (Non-Gazetted) and Group ‘C’ posts of Sub-Inspector. It is one of the most popular government job examinations among graduates in India. A successful career through SSC CPO not only offers job security and an excellent salary but also provides immense pride, a challenging work environment, and the honour of wearing the uniform.
SSC CPO Vacancy Details 2026 (Expected)
The official notification will specify the exact number of vacancies. However, based on previous years’ trends, a significant number of posts are anticipated across various forces.
| Post Name | Force/Organisation | Total Vacancies (Expected) | Educational Qualification |
| Sub-Inspector (Executive) | Delhi Police (Male/Female) | 2000+ (Combined for all posts) | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University. |
| Sub-Inspector (General Duty) | Border Security Force (BSF) | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University. | |
| Sub-Inspector (General Duty) | Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University. | |
| Sub-Inspector (General Duty) | Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University. | |
| Sub-Inspector (General Duty) | Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBPF) | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University. | |
| Sub-Inspector (General Duty) | Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University. |
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Note: The vacancy numbers are tentative. They are subject to change as per the final notification released by SSC.
Job Role and Responsibilities
The role of a Sub-Inspector is dynamic and demanding, forming the bedrock of leadership at the ground level. The responsibilities vary depending on the force:
- Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police: As an SI in the national capital’s police force, your primary duties will involve maintaining law and order, investigating criminal cases, ensuring VIP security, and managing the functioning of a police station. It is a high-pressure urban policing role.
- Sub-Inspector in CAPFs: The role here is more diverse.
- BSF & SSB: Guarding India’s international borders, preventing trans-border crimes, and combating smuggling.
- CISF: Providing security to critical infrastructure like airports, seaports, metro stations, and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
- CRPF: Handling internal security, counter-insurgency, anti-naxal operations, and riot control.
- ITBP: Patrolling the rugged Indo-Tibetan border at high altitudes.
Eligibility Criteria for SSC CPO 2026
Candidates must strictly adhere to the eligibility criteria set by the SSC.
Educational Qualification
A candidate must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university or equivalent. Students in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply, provided they can produce proof of passing before the specified cut-off date.
Age Limit
The age of the candidate should be between 20 to 25 years as of the prescribed date (likely August 1, 2026). Age Relaxation: Permissible beyond the upper age limit for reserved categories:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- Ex-Servicemen (ESM): As per government rules.
Essential Requirement for SI in Delhi Police
Male candidates applying for the post of Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police must possess a valid Driving License for LMV (Motorcycle and Car) on the date fixed for the Physical Endurance and Measurement Test (PE&MT). Candidates who do not have a valid license are not eligible for this post. This is not required for any CAPF posts.
Physical Standards
Candidates must meet stringent physical and medical standards for height, chest (for males), and vision, as detailed in the official notification.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
The application must be submitted online through the SSC’s official portal.
- Visit the SSC Website: Go to the official website:
ssc.gov.in. - One-Time Registration (OTR): If not already done, complete the OTR process. This is a one-time activity that registers you on the SSC portal.
- Find the CPO Notification: Log in with your credentials and navigate to the ‘Apply’ section. Find the link for “Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces Examination, 2026”.
- Fill the Application Form: Your basic details will be fetched from your OTR profile. Fill in the remaining sections, including examination centre preferences.
- Upload Documents: Upload a scanned copy of your recent photograph and signature as per the required specifications.
- Pay Application Fee: The application fee is ₹100. Women candidates and candidates from SC, ST, and Ex-Servicemen categories are exempted. Payment can be made online.
- Final Submission: Preview your application form carefully before final submission. Download and take a printout of the submitted form for your records.
Salary & Benefits
The post of Sub-Inspector comes with a highly rewarding salary package and a host of benefits.
- Pay Level: The post is classified under Pay Level-6.
- Pay Scale: ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400.
- Job Classification: Group ‘B’ (Non-Gazetted) for SI in CAPFs and Group ‘C’ for SI in Delhi Police.
- Approximate Gross Salary: The initial gross monthly salary in a major city, including allowances like DA, HRA, TA, etc., can be around ₹55,000 to ₹60,000.
- Other Allowances & Benefits:
- Risk/Hardship Allowance (depending on the posting in CAPFs).
- Uniform Allowance and Ration Money.
- Comprehensive medical facilities.
- Pension under the National Pension System (NPS).
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC) and paid leaves.
Career Growth & Opportunities
A Sub-Inspector has a clear and structured career progression path. Based on performance, seniority, and departmental examinations, you can rise through the ranks. The typical promotional hierarchy is:
- Sub-Inspector (SI)
- Inspector
- Assistant Commandant / Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)
- Deputy Commandant / Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP)
Important Dates (Tentative for SSC CPO 2026)
| Event | Date |
| Official Notification Release Date | February 2026 (Expected) |
| Online Application Start Date | February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | March 2026 |
| Paper-I Exam Date | May – June 2026 |
| Paper-II Exam Date | To be Notified Later |
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Disclaimer: These dates are tentative and based on SSC’s previous examination cycles. For confirmed dates, refer to the official notification once released.
Why Apply for SSC CPO?
- Direct Officer-Level Entry for Graduates: It’s a direct entry into a leadership position in the police forces.
- Authority and Respect: The post of Sub-Inspector commands significant respect and authority.
- A Life of Adventure: The job promises a dynamic and challenging work environment, far from a mundane desk job.
- High Salary and Perks: Offers one of the best salary packages for graduate-level government jobs.
- Serve the Nation: Provides a direct opportunity to contribute to the nation’s security and maintain law and order.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can final-year graduation students apply for SSC CPO? Yes, students in their final year can apply, but they must be able to produce the final degree certificate by the eligibility cut-off date mentioned in the notification.
2. Is there an interview for the SSC CPO examination? No, there is no interview in the SSC CPO selection process. The final merit list is prepared based on the marks scored in Paper-I and Paper-II.
3. What is the selection process for SSC CPO? The selection process involves four stages: Paper-I (CBE), Physical Standard Test (PST) & Physical Endurance Test (PET), Paper-II (English Language CBE), and a final Detailed Medical Examination (DME).
4. Is a driving license compulsory for all posts? No. A valid LMV driving license is mandatory only for male candidates applying for the Sub-Inspector post in Delhi Police. It is not required for female candidates or for any posts in the CAPFs.
5. What subjects are included in Paper-I? Paper-I is a 200-mark objective test with four sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Knowledge and General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension.
6. Is there a negative marking in the exams? Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in both Paper-I and Paper-II.
Conclusion
The SSC CPO examination is more than just a job application; it is a step towards a life of discipline, honour, and service. It offers a path to a stable and fulfilling career for graduates who are physically fit and mentally robust. If you possess the courage and the passion to serve the nation, start your preparation now. Focus on both your academic subjects and your physical fitness to be ready when the SSC CPO 2026 notification is released.