The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the SSC CPO examination annually to recruit dynamic individuals for the positions of Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police and various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). If you’re looking to serve the nation and be part of an esteemed police force, the SSC CPO 2025 offers a significant opportunity. This comprehensive guide details everything you need to know about the upcoming examination, from application procedures to selection stages and career prospects.
Key Dates and Important Information #
The Staff Selection Commission has officially announced the revised dates for the SSC CPO 2025 examination. Mark your calendars with these crucial timelines:
- Official Notification Release: June 16, 2025
- Online Application Window: June 16, 2025, to July 7, 2025
- Paper 1 Examination Dates: September 1 to September 6, 2025
It is imperative for all aspiring candidates to adhere to these dates to avoid missing out on this opportunity. The detailed notification, once released, will provide further clarity on all aspects of the examination.
Overview #
The SSC CPO examination is a highly competitive national-level test. It serves as a gateway for recruitment to various Sub-Inspector (SI) roles within the Delhi Police and several Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) such as the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border1 Police Force (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
Examination Highlights at a Glance:
| Exam Particulars | Exam Details |
| Exam Name | SSC CPO |
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Exam Frequency | Once Annually |
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Posts Offered | Sub-Inspector (SI) in Delhi Police, CAPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB, CISF (Assistant Sub-Inspector – ASI also for CISF) |
| Application Fees | INR 100 (Women, SC/ST, and Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempted from fee payment) |
| Total Questions | Paper 1: 200, Paper 2: 200 |
| Marking Scheme | 1 mark for each correct answer; 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer in both Paper 1 and Paper 2 |
| Language/Medium of Exam | English and Hindi |
| Exam Stages | Paper 1 (CBT), Physical Standard Test (PST)/Physical Endurance Test (PET), Paper 2 (CBT), and Detailed Medical Examination (DME) |
Roles and Responsibilities: Posts under SSC CPO Recruitment #
The SSC CPO recruitment drive aims to fill positions across several critical law enforcement agencies. The specific posts include:
- Sub-Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police
- Sub-Inspector (GD) in Border Security Force (BSF)
- Sub-Inspector (GD) in Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
- Sub-Inspector (GD) in Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
- Sub-Inspector (GD) in Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP)
- Sub-Inspector (GD) in Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
Eligibility Criteria: #
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the prescribed eligibility criteria set by the Staff Selection Commission. This includes age limits, educational qualifications, and nationality requirements.
Age Restrictions:
Candidates must fall within the following age bracket as of the crucial date specified in the official notification:
- Minimum Age: 20 years
- Maximum Age: 25 years
Age Relaxation for Reserved Categories:
The SSC provides age relaxation for candidates belonging to specific categories as per government regulations:
| Category | Age-Relaxation Permissible (beyond the upper age limit) |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| Ex-servicemen (ESM) | 3 years (after deduction of military service from actual age) |
| Candidates domiciled in Jammu & Kashmir (01/01/1980 to 31/12/1989) (for SI and ASI in CAPFs only) | 5 years |
| Central Government Civilian Employees with 3+ years of regular service (for Group B posts: ASI in CISF only) | General/OBC – Up to 40 Years of Age |
| Central Government Civilian Employees with 3+ years of regular service (for Group B posts: ASI in CISF only) (SC/ST) | Up to 45 Years of Age |
| Widows, divorced women, and women judicially separated (for SI in Delhi Police only) | Up to 35 years of age |
| Widows, divorced women, and women judicially separated (SC/ST) (for SI in Delhi Police only) | Up to 40 years of age |
| Departmental candidates of Delhi Police (Unreserved) with 3+ years of regular service | Up to 30 years of age |
| Departmental candidates of Delhi Police (OBC) with 3+ years of regular service | Up to 33 years of age |
| Departmental candidates of Delhi Police (SC/ST) with 3+ years of regular service | Up to 35 years of age |
Educational Qualifications:
To be eligible for all posts under SSC CPO, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification.
Important Note: Programs offered under Open and Distance Learning mode such as Engineering, Medicine, Dental, Nursing, Pharmacy, Architecture, and Physiotherapy are generally not permitted for these posts. Candidates who have not acquired the required educational qualification by the closing date of application will not be considered eligible.
Additional Requirement for Sub Inspector in Delhi Police (Male Candidates Only):
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 Standard Tests. Without this, they will not be allowed to proceed with the PST/PET.
Application Process: How to Apply Online #
The application window for SSC CPO 2025 will be open from June 16, 2025, to July 7, 2025. Applications will only be accepted online through the official website of the Staff Selection Commission.
Steps to Fill the Online Application Form:
- Visit the Official SSC Website: https://ssc.gov.in/home
- New Registration (One-Time Registration): If you are a new user, you will need to complete the One-Time Registration process. This involves providing basic details such as your name, father’s name, date of birth, educational board, roll number, year of passing, gender, mobile number, and email ID.
- Generate Registration ID: Upon successful registration, a unique Registration ID and password will be generated. It is crucial to keep these credentials safe for future logins.
- Log In and Fill Detailed Application: Log in using your newly generated Registration ID and password. This will take you to the detailed application form.
- Complete Application Sections: Fill in all required details accurately, including personal information, educational qualifications, preferred examination centers, and post preferences.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your recent photograph and signature as per the specifications (dimensions and file size) mentioned in the official notification. Ensure the images are clear and recent.
- Payment of Application Fee: Pay the application fee of INR 100 through the available online payment modes (e.g., Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI). As mentioned earlier, Women, SC/ST, and Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempt from fee payment.
- Review and Submit: Carefully review all the information entered in the application form before final submission. Any discrepancies could lead to rejection.
- Print Application Form: After successful submission, take a printout of your completed application form for your records. This serves as proof of your application.
Vacancy Details: SSC CPO 2025 #
The Staff Selection Commission releases the precise number of vacancies along with the official notification. These vacancies are typically categorized by post and by reservation categories. While the exact figures for 2025 are awaited, referring to previous year’s trends can provide an indication.
Previous Year’s Vacancy Breakdown (Reference):
| Posts | Number of Vacancies (Approximate) |
| Sub Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police – Male | 125 |
| Sub Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police – Female | 61 |
| Sub Inspector in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) | 4001 |
Note: These are illustrative figures based on past recruitment drives and are subject to change for SSC CPO 2025.
The Selection Process: Stages of SSC CPO Examination #
The SSC CPO selection process is rigorous and comprises four distinct stages:
- Paper 1 (Computer Based Examination – CBT): This is the initial screening stage.
- Physical Standard Test (PST) / Physical Endurance Test (PET): Candidates who qualify Paper 1 proceed to this stage, which assesses physical fitness. This stage is qualifying in nature, meaning no marks are awarded, but candidates must clear it to move forward.
- Paper 2 (Computer Based Examination – CBT): Candidates who clear PST/PET appear for Paper 2.
- Detailed Medical Examination (DME): The final stage involves a thorough medical check-up to ensure candidates meet the prescribed medical standards.
Examination Pattern: SSC CPO 2025 #
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation.
SSC CPO Paper 1 Examination Pattern:
Paper 1 is a computer-based test consisting of 200 objective-type multiple-choice questions.
| Part | Subject | Number of Questions | Marks |
| I | General Intelligence and Reasoning | 50 | 50 |
| II | General Knowledge and General Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| III | Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 |
| IV | English Comprehension | 50 | 50 |
| Total | 200 | 200 |
- Duration: 2 hours
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.
SSC CPO Paper 2 Examination Pattern:
Paper 2 is also a computer-based test focused on English Language and Comprehension.
- Subject: English Language and Comprehension
- Number of Questions: 200
- Marks: 200
- Duration: 2 hours
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.
Physical Endurance Test (PET) / Physical Standard Test (PST) Details:
The PET/PST is a crucial qualifying stage. Candidates must meet the following criteria:
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
Physical Standards (Height, Chest for Males, etc.) will be detailed in the official notification. Candidates are advised to refer to it for precise measurements.
Syllabus: #
A thorough understanding of the syllabus is paramount for effective preparation.
Paper 1 Syllabus:
- General Intelligence and Reasoning: This section covers topics such as analogies, similarities and differences, spatial visualization, spatial orientation, problem-solving, analysis, judgment, decision-making, visual memory, discrimination, observation, relationship concepts, arithmetical reasoning and figural classification, arithmetic number series, non-verbal series, coding, and decoding.
- General Knowledge and General Awareness: Questions will assess general knowledge and current events relating to India and its neighboring countries. Specific areas include History, Culture, Geography, Economic Scene, General Polity, Indian Constitution, and Scientific Research.
- Quantitative Aptitude: This section tests numerical ability and includes topics like whole numbers, decimals, fractions and relationships between numbers, Percentage, Ratio and Proportion, Square roots, Averages, Interest (Simple and Compound), Profit & Loss, Discount, Partnership Business, Mixture and Allegation, Time and Distance, Time & Work, Basic algebraic identities of School Algebra and Elementary surds.
- English Comprehension: This part evaluates the candidate’s understanding of basic English language, comprehension, and writing ability.
Paper 2 Syllabus:
- English Language and Comprehension: This section aims to assess the candidates’ understanding and knowledge of the English Language. It will cover aspects like vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, synonyms, antonyms, sentence completion, error recognition, and comprehension.
Effective Preparation Strategies for SSC CPO 2025
Success in the SSC CPO examination requires a structured and disciplined approach. Here are some key preparation tips:
- Master the Syllabus: Begin by thoroughly understanding the entire syllabus for both Paper 1 and Paper 2. Identify your strong and weak areas.
- Familiarize with Exam Pattern: Gain complete knowledge of the exam pattern, including the number of questions, marking scheme, time duration, and sectional weightage.
- Regular Mock Tests: Consistently attempt full-length mock tests to simulate the actual exam environment. This helps in time management, identifying areas for improvement, and building confidence.
- Previous Year Question Papers: Solve previous years’ question papers to understand the type of questions asked, their difficulty level, and important topics.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Dedicate extra time and effort to improve your weak subjects or topics. Seek guidance if necessary.
- Quality Study Material: Refer to good quality SSC CPO books and study materials that cover the entire syllabus comprehensively.
- Physical Fitness: Start preparing for the Physical Endurance Test (PET) well in advance. Incorporate regular exercise, running, and jumps into your routine to meet the physical standards.
- Current Affairs: Stay updated with current national and international affairs for the General Knowledge section.
- Revision: Regular revision of all subjects is critical to retain information and solidify your understanding.
Salary Structure for SSC CPO Posts #
The SSC CPO offers attractive salary packages along with various allowances, making it a desirable career option. The salary structure varies slightly depending on the specific post and classification.
| Posts | SSC CPO Salary (INR) | Classification |
| Sub-Inspector (GD) in CAPFs | INR 35,400 to INR 1,12,400 | Level 6, Group B (Non-Gazetted), Non-Ministerial |
| Sub Inspector (Executive) in Delhi Police | INR 35,400 to INR 1,12,400 | Level 6, Group C (Non-Gazetted) by Delhi Police |
| Assistant Sub-Inspector (Executive) in CISF | INR 29,200 to INR 92,300 | Level 5, Group C (Non-Gazetted) |
In addition to the basic pay, selected candidates are also entitled to various allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), and other benefits as per government rules.2
Joining Process and Final Selection #
After successfully clearing all stages of the examination – Paper 1, PST/PET, Paper 2, and Detailed Medical Examination (DME) – candidates will undergo Document Verification (DV). Following successful verification of documents, a final merit list will be prepared based on the marks obtained in Paper 1 and Paper 2, and candidates will be allotted their respective posts and forces based on their merit and preference. The joining process will then be initiated by the respective police organizations.
