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SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026: Paper 1 & Paper 2 Pattern, Marking Scheme, Negative Marking, PET/PST & Selection Process
Get the latest SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 with complete details of Paper 1 and Paper 2, subject-wise marks, questions, sectional timing, negative marking, PET/PST standards, medical examination, selection process, qualifying criteria, and preparation strategy. Check the updated exam structure to prepare effectively for Delhi Police SI and CAPF SI recruitment.
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SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 is the starting point for every aspirant who wants to plan a subject-wise strategy for Sub-Inspector posts in Delhi Police and CAPFs. The Commission has already released the notification for this cycle, Paper-I has been conducted, and the Physical Test is running through the last week of July 2026. Understanding the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 in detail questions, marks, timing, and negative marking helps candidates avoid confusion and prepare with a clear plan for both papers.
The SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 is spread across two computer-based papers with a physical test in between, followed by a medical examination. Paper-I checks Reasoning, General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English, while Paper-II tests only English Language and Comprehension in greater depth. This article explains the complete SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026, section-wise marking, PET/PST standards, medical criteria, and preparation tips so aspirants can plan every stage without missing a detail.
SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
Before going through the detailed SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026, here is a quick snapshot of the exam structure, stages, and mode for both papers.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Staff Selection Commission (SSC) |
| Exam Name | SSC CPO (Central Police Organisation) |
| Total Stages | Paper-I, PET/PST, Paper-II, Medical Exam |
| Paper-I Mode | Online, Bilingual |
| Paper-II Mode | Online, English only |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 mark per wrong answer |
| Official Website | ssc.gov.in |
SSC CPO Important Exam Dates 2026
Along with the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026, keeping track of exam dates helps candidates plan mock tests and revision without last-minute rush.
| Event | Date/Status |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | May 2026 |
| Paper-I Exam | Conducted (2026 cycle) |
| Paper-I Result | Declared |
| Physical Test (Female) | 21 July 2026 |
| Physical Test (Male) | 22–25 July 2026 |
| Paper-II Exam | To be announced after PET/PST |
| Medical Examination | After Paper-II qualification |
SSC CPO Tier 1 Exam Pattern 2026
Tier 1 is the first computer-based test under the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026, and clearing it is mandatory before a candidate can appear for the physical test.
SSC CPO Paper 1 Exam Pattern 2026
Paper 1 under the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 is divided into four sections of equal weightage, with a fixed sectional timer for each part.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 50 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| General Knowledge & General Awareness | 50 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| English Comprehension | 50 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 2 hours |
SSC CPO Tier 1 Marking Scheme 2026
The marking scheme is a core part of the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026, and knowing it helps candidates decide which questions are worth attempting during the exam.
- Each correct answer carries 1 mark
- Each wrong answer deducts 0.25 mark
- No marks are deducted for unattempted questions
- All four sections carry equal weightage in Tier 1
SSC CPO Tier 2 Exam Pattern 2026
Tier 2 under the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 is conducted only for candidates who clear Paper-I and the physical test, and it focuses entirely on English proficiency.
SSC CPO Paper 2 Exam Pattern 2026
Paper 2 in the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 tests English Language and Comprehension in greater depth compared to Paper-I.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language & Comprehension | 200 | 200 | 2 hours |
SSC CPO Tier 2 Marking Scheme 2026
The Tier 2 marking scheme follows the same structure as Tier 1 under the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026, so accuracy remains just as important in Paper 2.
- Each correct answer carries 1 mark
- Each wrong answer deducts 0.25 mark
- Paper-II marks are added to Paper-I marks for the final merit list
Key Features of SSC CPO Tier 2 Exam 2026
A few features make Tier 2 different from Tier 1 within the overall SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026.
- Conducted only in English, unlike the bilingual Paper-I
- Focuses solely on grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension
- Held after PET/PST, so only physically qualified candidates appear
- Equal weightage to Paper-I in deciding final merit
SSC CPO Negative Marking 2026
Negative marking is a fixed part of the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 in both papers, and candidates should attempt questions carefully to avoid unnecessary deductions.
| Tier | Negative Marking |
|---|---|
| SSC CPO Tier 1 Negative Marking | 0.25 mark deducted for every wrong answer, applied uniformly across all four sections of Paper-I |
| SSC CPO Tier 2 Negative Marking | Same 0.25 mark deduction applies for each wrong answer in the English Language and Comprehension paper |
SSC CPO Selection Process 2026
The SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 is only one part of a five-stage selection process that decides the final merit list for Sub-Inspector posts.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage 1: Paper 1 (CBT) | Computer-based test covering Reasoning, GK, Quantitative Aptitude, and English, as detailed in the Tier 1 section above |
| Stage 2: PET/PST | Candidates who qualify Paper 1 appear for the Physical Endurance Test and Physical Standard Test to check fitness and body measurements |
| Stage 3: Paper 2 (CBT) | Physically qualified candidates then appear for Paper 2, which tests English Language and Comprehension in detail |
| Stage 4: Medical Examination | Candidates who clear Paper 2 undergo a Detailed Medical Examination to confirm overall fitness for active police duty |
| Stage 5: Final Merit List | Prepared based on combined marks of Paper-I and Paper-II, subject to qualifying PET/PST and medical standards |
SSC CPO PET & PST 2026
Physical fitness rounds sit right in the middle of the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026, between the two written papers, and are equally important for final selection.
Physical Endurance Test (PET)
PET checks running speed, jumping ability, and strength through timed events, held separately for male and female candidates.
Physical Standard Test (PST)
PST checks height, chest (male candidates only), and weight against the minimum standards fixed for each category.
PET Standards for Male Candidates
| Event | Standard |
|---|---|
| 100 m Race | 16 seconds |
| 1.6 km Race | 6.5 minutes |
| Long Jump | 3.65 m (3 chances) |
| High Jump | 1.2 m (3 chances) |
| Shot Put (16 lbs) | 4.5 m (3 chances) |
PET Standards for Female Candidates
| Event | Standard |
|---|---|
| 100 m Race | 18 seconds |
| 800 m Race | 4 minutes |
| Long Jump | 2.7 m (3 chances) |
| High Jump | 0.9 m (3 chances) |
SSC CPO Medical Examination 2026
The final physical stage in the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 journey is the Detailed Medical Examination, which confirms fitness for field duty.
Who Needs to Undergo the Medical Examination?
Only candidates who clear Paper-II and meet PST/PET standards are called for the medical examination.
SSC CPO Medical Standards 2026
- No colour blindness
- Free from any disease affecting active duty
- Tattoo policy: allowed only on inner forearm, within permissible size
- Normal hearing and general body fitness
Vision Standards
Candidates need 6/6 or 6/9 vision in both eyes without correction, with no squint or major refractive error.
Medical Disqualifications
- Uncorrected vision below the prescribed standard
- Colour blindness of any degree
- Flat feet or knock knees
- Any chronic illness affecting duty performance
Important Points About the Medical Examination
- Conducted by an authorised medical board
- Review medical examination available for candidates who disagree with the initial result
- Final selection depends on medical fitness along with merit
SSC CPO Qualifying Marks 2026
Qualifying marks under the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 vary slightly by category and are decided by SSC based on the overall difficulty and vacancy count each year. General category candidates typically need a higher percentage compared to reserved categories, and candidates should check the official notification for the exact category-wise cut-off applicable to this cycle.
SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026: Important Rules
A few rules under the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 directly affect how candidates should approach both papers.
- Sectional timing of 30 minutes applies to every section in Paper-I
- Paper-I is bilingual; Paper-II is in English only
- Marks of Paper-I and Paper-II are both counted for final merit
- Ex-servicemen are exempt from PET but must clear PST and medical exam
SSC CPO Exam Pattern Changes 2026
Compared to earlier cycles, the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 introduces a stricter sectional time limit, so candidates can no longer shift extra time from one section to another within Paper-I. This change makes subject-wise speed just as important as accuracy, and candidates should practise full-length mocks under the same 30-minute sectional restriction to build the right exam temperament.
SSC CPO Preparation Strategy Based on Exam Pattern
Building a preparation strategy around the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 helps candidates allocate time correctly across all sections and stages.
| Stage | Preparation Focus |
|---|---|
| Paper-I Reasoning | Practice daily with a 30-minute timer to match sectional limit |
| Paper-I GK | Revise current affairs and static GK on a weekly cycle |
| Paper-I Quant | Strengthen basics, then solve timed sectional mocks |
| Paper-I English | Build vocabulary and revise grammar rules regularly |
| PET/PST | Start running and strength training months in advance |
| Paper-II English | Focus on comprehension speed and error-spotting practice |
Conclusion
The SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 lays out a clear, five-stage path from Paper-I to the final medical examination. With sectional timing now strictly enforced and negative marking applicable throughout, candidates need both accuracy and speed to clear each stage. Following the SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026 closely, along with regular mock practice and physical training, remains the most reliable way to move through Paper-I, PET/PST, Paper-II, and the medical exam successfully.
FAQs on SSC CPO Exam Pattern 2026
Paper-I covers General Intelligence & Reasoning, General Knowledge & General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Comprehension, with 50 questions from each section carrying 50 marks each, making a total of 200 questions for 200 marks.
Paper-II consists of English Language and Comprehension only. It contains 200 questions carrying 200 marks and is conducted over a duration of 2 hours.
Yes. Each section in Paper-I has a fixed 30-minute time limit, and candidates cannot carry forward or transfer unused time from one section to another.
Both Paper-I and Paper-II have a negative marking of 0.25 mark for every incorrect answer.
The SSC CPO selection process consists of five stages: Paper-I, PET/PST, Paper-II, Medical Examination, and the Final Merit List.
Male candidates must complete the 100-metre race in 16 seconds, while female candidates must complete it in 18 seconds.
Yes. Paper-I is conducted in both Hindi and English, whereas Paper-II is conducted only in English.
No. Ex-servicemen are exempted from the Physical Endurance Test (PET), but they must still qualify the Physical Standard Test (PST) and the Medical Examination.
Candidates should have 6/6 or 6/9 vision in both eyes without correction and must not have colour blindness or other disqualifying visual defects as per SSC norms.
Yes. Marks obtained in Paper-I and Paper-II are considered together. Candidates must also qualify the PET/PST and Medical Examination to be included in the final merit list.
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