Do you dream of wearing the police uniform, holding a position of authority, and leading a team to maintain law and order? If you are a graduate with a passion for a challenging and respected career, the SSC CPO exam is your direct gateway to becoming a Sub-Inspector in the Delhi Police and various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
But what exactly is SSC CPO? What is the eligibility to become a Sub-Inspector? How tough are the physical and medical standards? What is the in-hand salary, and what is the ultimate strategy to crack this prestigious exam?
Welcome to the definitive master guide by Rojgar Point. This article will provide you with a complete, A-to-Z understanding of the SSC Central Police Organization (CPO) exam. This is your roadmap to a career filled with power, responsibility, and pride. Let’s begin! ⭐
What is the Full Form of SSC CPO?
First things first, let’s decode the name. The full form of SSC CPO is Staff Selection Commission – Central Police Organization.
- SSC (Staff Selection Commission): The government body that conducts a wide range of recruitment exams in India.
- CPO (Central Police Organization): This refers to the collective group of police forces for which the SSC conducts this recruitment.
In simple terms, SSC CPO is a national-level examination conducted to recruit candidates for the post of Sub-Inspector (SI) in the Delhi Police and various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). It is one of the most sought-after exams for graduates who wish to enter the police services.
Forces You Can Join Through SSC CPO
This single exam offers you the opportunity to join some of India’s most important police and paramilitary forces as a Sub-Inspector (Group B & C Non-Gazetted posts).
- Delhi Police (DP): The law enforcement agency for the National Capital Territory of Delhi. A job as an SI in the Delhi Police is highly coveted due to its urban posting and challenging work profile.
- Border Security Force (BSF): Guards India’s land borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF): Protects the country’s critical infrastructure like airports, seaports, metro networks, and industrial units.
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF): A vital force for maintaining internal security, countering insurgency, and controlling riots.
- Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP): Specializes in high-altitude operations, guarding the Indo-China border in the Himalayas.
- Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB): Responsible for guarding the peaceful and open borders with Nepal and Bhutan.
Why a Career as a Sub-Inspector is a Top Choice
Becoming a Sub-Inspector through SSC CPO is a dream for many graduates. Here’s what makes this career so appealing:
- Leadership Role from Day One: As a Sub-Inspector, you are not just a constable; you are an officer responsible for leading a team.
- Power and Authority: The post comes with significant authority to enforce the law and make a real impact on society.
- Excellent Salary and Prestige: It is a well-paid job with a Group ‘B’ or ‘C’ classification, which carries immense social respect.
- Job Security: Being a permanent central government job, it offers unmatched career stability.
- Adventure and Challenges: The job is anything but a boring desk job. It is dynamic, challenging, and keeps you on your feet.
SSC CPO Eligibility Criteria (Updated 2025)
To wear the uniform, you must first meet the strict eligibility criteria set by the SSC.
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Nationality | Must be a citizen of India. |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university in any discipline. |
| Age Limit | 20 to 25 years. (The specific cut-off dates are mentioned in the official notification). |
| Driving License (For SI in Delhi Police only) | Male candidates must possess a valid Driving License for LMV (Motorcycle and Car) on the date fixed for Physical Endurance and Measurement Tests (PE&MT). |
Age Relaxation
The upper age limit is relaxed for candidates from reserved categories.
| Category | Age Relaxation Above Upper Limit |
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years after deduction of military service |
SSC CPO Physical Standards (PST & PET)
This is a critical stage where many candidates are filtered out. You must meet these demanding physical requirements.
Physical Standard Test (PST)
This test measures your physical dimensions like height and chest.
| Category | Height (Male) | Height (Female) | Chest (Male Only – Unexpanded/Expanded) |
| General | 170 cm | 157 cm | 80 / 85 cm |
| Candidates from Hilly Areas (Garhwal, Kumaon, etc.) | 165 cm | 155 cm | 80 / 85 cm |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 162.5 cm | 154 cm | 77 / 82 cm |
Physical Endurance Test (PET)
This test measures your physical fitness, strength, and endurance. It is qualifying in nature.
For Male Candidates:
- 100-meter race in 16 seconds
- 1.6 km race in 6.5 minutes
- Long Jump: 3.65 meters (in 3 chances)
- High Jump: 1.2 meters (in 3 chances)
- Shot Put (16 Lbs): 4.5 meters (in 3 chances)
For Female Candidates:
- 100-meter race in 18 seconds
- 800-meter race in 4 minutes
- Long Jump: 2.7 meters (in 3 chances)
- High Jump: 0.9 meters (in 3 chances)
SSC CPO Exam Pattern (Latest Tier-wise Structure)
The selection process for SSC CPO is a multi-stage journey.
- Paper-I (Computer-Based Exam)
- Physical Standard Test (PST) & Physical Endurance Test (PET)
- Paper-II (English Language & Comprehension)
- Detailed Medical Examination (DME)
Paper-I Exam Pattern
| Part | Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| I | General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 2 Hours (Total) |
| II | General Knowledge & General Awareness | 50 | 50 | |
| III | Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | |
| IV | English Comprehension | 50 | 50 | |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
- Negative Marking: There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
Paper-II Exam Pattern
Candidates who qualify in the PET/PST are called for Paper-II.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| English Language & Comprehension | 200 | 200 | 2 Hours |
- Negative Marking: There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
The final merit list is prepared based on the combined marks scored in Paper-I and Paper-II.
SSC CPO Salary Structure (In-Hand)
The post of Sub-Inspector is a well-paid and respected position. The salary structure varies slightly between Delhi Police and CAPFs.
- Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police (Male/Female): Group ‘C’, Pay Level-6 (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400)
- Sub-Inspector in CAPFs: Group ‘B’ Non-Gazetted, Pay Level-6 (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400)
Here is the detailed breakdown of the approximate monthly in-hand salary.
| Salary Component | SI in Delhi Police (City X) | SI in CAPF (City X) | SI in CAPF (City Z/Remote Area) |
| Basic Pay | ₹35,400 | ₹35,400 | ₹35,400 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | ~ ₹17,700 (50% of Basic) | ~ ₹17,700 | ~ ₹17,700 |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | ₹10,620 (27% for City X) | ₹10,620 | ₹3,186 (9% for City Z) |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | ₹3,600 | ₹3,600 | ₹1,800 |
| Ration Money (CAPF) | Not Applicable | ~ ₹3,000 | ~ ₹3,000 |
| Hardship Allowance (CAPF) | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | ₹7,000 – ₹17,300 |
| Gross Salary (Approx.) | ~ ₹67,320 | ~ ₹70,320 | ~ ₹68,000 – ₹78,000+ |
| Deductions (NPS, etc.) | ~ ₹5,300 | ~ ₹5,300 | ~ ₹5,300 |
| In-Hand Salary (Approx.) | ~ ₹62,000 per month | ~ ₹65,000 per month | ~ ₹63,000 – ₹73,000+ per month |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is a Driving License compulsory for all posts?
Ans: No. The driving license for LMV is mandatory only for male candidates applying for the Sub-Inspector post in Delhi Police. It is not required for SI posts in CAPFs or for female candidates.
Q2: Is the medical examination very strict?
Ans: Yes, the medical standards for uniformed services are very strict. Your eyesight (without glasses), hearing, and physical fitness must be as per the prescribed norms. Candidates with issues like knock-knees, flat feet, or varicose veins are generally declared unfit.
Q3: Which is better, SI in Delhi Police or SI in CAPF?
Ans: Both are excellent career choices. Delhi Police offers a city-based posting for life with a focus on civil policing. CAPFs offer a more adventurous life with postings across India, focusing on border guarding and internal security. The choice depends on your personal preference.
Q4: Can a final-year graduation student apply for SSC CPO?
Ans: Yes, final-year students can apply, but they must be able to produce their degree certificate by the cut-off date mentioned in the official SSC CPO notification.
Q5: What is the promotion path of a Sub-Inspector?
Ans: A Sub-Inspector gets promoted to Inspector, then Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)/Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), and so on. The promotions are timely and offer great career growth.
We hope this master guide from Rojgar Point has given you a complete and clear picture of the SSC CPO exam. It’s a challenging but highly rewarding career path that offers a unique blend of authority, service, and adventure. Start your preparation today and take the first step towards wearing that prestigious uniform.
